The fall equinox is here and it’s time to welcome the cooler weather, crisp autumn air and get out to have some fun! I like to plan something for each weekend leading up to Halloween to make sure we are getting outside as a family to enjoy the weather before the winter arrives. A hike through golden aspens, pumpkin patch, and Glow at the Gardens are staples in our household each year. We also like to try something new, and I think the Colorado Symphony’s Halloween Spectacular will be our addition this year! No matter your preference, the endless options are sure to delight. Check out a list of fun ideas below!
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Morrison Ciderfest
Where: Morrison Colorado
When: September 24
Free admission! Cider presses, silent auction, arts and crafts, bounce castle, hay and pony rides, cider tasting and more.
Elk Fest
Where: Estes Park
When: October 1-2
Enjoy vendors, live music, food, bugling contests, and performances in Bond Park. Free admission!
Wild Fall and Trick-or-Treat Trail at the Denver Zoo
Where: Denver Zoo
When: October 1-31
Festive, not frightening! Family-focused daytime “falloween” spectacular, pumpkin carving, animal demos, spooky cocktails and autumnal eats, Bigfoot sightings.
*Trick-or-Treat Trail Select Dates in October, $20.00/pp. Includes 8 candy stations, reusable bag, monster mash dance party, festive photo-ops, spooky cocktails and autumnal eats as well as animal demos with creepy crawly critters!
Chatfield Farm’s Pumpkin Festival
Where: Chatfield Farms
When: October 7-9
Family activities, local artisan and craft booths, live entertainment and music, food truck and vendors, pumpkin patch, hayrides, photo booths, face painting and a corn maze!
Northfield’s Candy Crawl
Where: The Shops at Northfield
When: October 9 (3-5pm)
FREE annual family-friendly, Halloween event. Enjoy trick or treating participating retailers, hay rides, crafts, thriller dancers, giveaways, contests, and more! Learn about the farm animals from The Urban Farm and meet and greet with the DPD and Fire Department! At participating retailers, while supplies last. Wear your costumes but if it’s too early, no worries – visit Spirit Halloween for some ideas!
Glow at the Gardens
Where: Denver Botanical Gardens
When: October 18-23
Using all real pumpkins harvested from local farms, check out pumpkin artists pushing the boundaries of traditional pumpkin carving!
Final Central Park Farmer’s Market of 2022 & Pumpkin Patch
Where: Founders Green
When: October 9
Final farmers market of 2022 and pumpkin patch for family fun at Founders Green! Shoppers will receive a coupon for every $5 spend at the vendors’ booths. Coupons can be redeemed for a free pumpkin.
Pro Tip: This is a great time to start planning your holiday gifts from the local vendors!
The bRUNch Run 5K /10K
Where: Central Park
When: October 9
The bRUNch Run ™ 5k / 10k is back on Sunday, October 9 in Denver, Colorado benefitting Metro Caring. Strollers and dogs welcome! Treat yourself to a fun swag bag and delicious breakfast afterwards.
Anderson Farms Fall Festival
Where: Anderson Farms Fall Festival
When: September 21- October 31
Pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, farm animals, barrel train, corn maze, food and drink vendors, paintball and more! * Terror in the Corn after dark!
Fritzler Farm Park Fall Festival
Where: Fritzler Farm Park
When: September 18- October 30
Iconic corn maze, pumpkin patch, pedal go-carts, barrel train, and pumpkin cannons, only to name a few! * Scream Acres after dark!
Broadway Halloween parade
Where: Broadway
When: October 22
This community-friendly event will be held annually in the eclectic and funky Heart of Broadway. Your favorite Halloween attire is encouraged!
Stanley Marketplace Fall Festival
Where: Stanley Marketplace
When: October 16
A family fun day with pumpkins, food, entertainment, face painting, costume contests, and shopping!
Denver Symphony’s Halloween Spooktacular!
Where: Boettcher Hall
When: October 30
This ghastly good time is a family-favorite concert featuring music from films, television, and more! Costumes are encouraged and even the musicians get in on the festivities!
Noteworthy additions:
Disney’s Hocus Pocus in Concert (Oct 21-22)
Disney’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in concert (Oct 28-29)
CALL THE BABYSITTER!
Denver Oktoberfest
Where: Downtown Denver
When: September 23-25
Don your lederhosen and enjoy beer, brats, live entertainment, and long dog derby! Stein hoisting anyone?
Denver Walls
Where: Globeville and RiNo Arts District
When: September 22-26
Denver Walls is part of an international mural festival whose origin was to beautify cities and build a bridge between local artists and their communities. Locally, Denver Walls aims to “celebrate diversity and individuality both in the arts and in our communities.” The festival will have guided art tours, restaurant and brewery pop-ups, art show, charity auction, workshops, block party and more!
The 13th Floor Haunted House
Where: Denver
When: September 23-November 12
Not for the faint of heart, this haunted house is sure to be a shrieking good time! Be on the lookout for our team’s upcoming encounter at the 13th Floor!
Elitch Gardens: Fright Fest, Fright by Night
Where: Elitch Gardens
When: Oct 1-30
Family by day and fright by night! Trick or treat trail for the little monsters, plus all your favorite Theme Park rides!
Denver Botanical Gardens: Ghosts in the Gardens Tour- Open Air Scare
Where: Denver Botanical Gardens
When: Oct 13-15, 28-30
Adventure on a self-guided tour after dark that entwines unique ghost stories from staff, ghost encounters and intriguing history.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show- Factory Five Five
Where: Factory Five Five
When: Oct 21-22
Adults only Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Cast and Immersive Party. Come in costume and get ready to do the Time Warp!
Coloween
Where: National Western, Stockyard Event Center
When: Oct 29
This year’s theme is fantasy and fashion! Multiple stages, immersive installations, live performers, silent disco and a $1,000 prize for best costume!
