Halloween is almost upon us, and there’s plenty to do for both families and adults around Denver this year. While many events will be repeats from last year or classic traditions, there are several new events sure to catch your eye. You’ll be able to take the kids to some events and then drop them off at the babysitter so you can attend more adult-themed events in the evening. Here’s your guide to spooky Denver Halloween destinations in 2017.
Attractions For The Kids
Sadly, the Denver Glow At The Gardens event at the Denver Botanical Gardens is over for the year, but there are still plenty of Denver Halloween events going on this weekend and early next week that will be great for all ages.
Trick Or Treat Street
It isn’t always easy to find a safe destination where your children can wear their costumes, but the Denver Children’s Museum at Marsico Campus (near Elitch Gardens and the Downtown Aquarium) has created the perfect event for children in costumes. Trick or Treat Street runs all weekend (Oct. 27-29) and features plenty of trick or treat destinations, Halloween craft stations, spooky science experiments, and even an instrument “petting” station sponsored by Swallow Hill Music. Adults are welcome to wear costumes right alongside their children.
Details: The event starts every morning at 9am and ends at 6pm. Entry is $15 per person (ages 2 and up) with discounts offered to 1 year olds and senior citizens. Children under 1 are welcome free of charge, and Children’s Museum Members get free admission.
Trick Or Treat Train
Not to be confused with Trick or Treat Street, the Trick or Treat Train is an event held at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Adults and children can ride the historic locomotive hosted by conductors and engineers in full costume, and there are plenty of treats to collect along the way. This is another great event to bring your children to in costume.
Details: The event begins at 8am October 28th and ends October 29th at 4pm, with train rides available periodically throughout normal operation hours. Admission is Adults $15, Seniors $10, Children $5 and under 2 free. Railroad members attend free as well.
Boo At The Zoo
The Zoo is always a popular holiday destination, and Denver Halloween 2017 is no different. This year’s Boo At The Zoo promises to be better than ever with over 20 trick or treat stations, plenty of creepy crawly animal demonstrations and all the sites of the Denver Zoo along the way. This is another great event for both adults and children who want to show off their costumes.
Details: Event runs 9am – 6pm October 27th, 28th and 29th. Entrance to the event is free with general zoo admission.
Attractions For Adults
Now that the children are sufficiently entertained and they’ve had their fill with trick or treating, it’s time to look at a few adult themed events.
Roast Of Halloween
If you’re looking to combine laughs and good times with the Halloween season, Comedy Works‘ Roast Of Halloween is perfect for you. This event is held on Monday the 30th and 31st, so if you’re busy with the kids this weekend you still may be able to make it. The host and all the comedians wear costumes and match wits for your entertainment on the stage.
Details: Oct 30th at Comedy Works Downtown and Oct 31st at Comedy Works Greenwood Village. General admission is $14 and buying tickets in advance is advised.
Coloween
The Coloween event is back for its 10th anniversary at the Curtis Hotel in Denver. This party is touted as one of the biggest Denver Halloween parties in town, and it features three separate themed ballrooms with plenty of effects and costumed entertainers that create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. As if you needed another reason to attend, the event is open bar, although note it is fairly pricey at $89. Still you’ll be hard pressed to find such an elaborate event in Denver.
Details: October 28, 2017 at 9pm. Get your tickets today at $89 (Starts at $79 for groups).
Paranormal Palace
If you’re more in the mood for a costume contest and you’re a fan of Rocky Horror Picture Show, then the Paranormal Palace is for you. This event is hosted by a full cast of the Rocky Horror Show in costume, and an impressive 25ft. skull entrance is your first sight as you enter the party. If you’ve been honing your costume for months, this is the event for you with a $2000 best costume grand prize. There are over 50 live performances including bands and DJs, and a great selection of bars and food trucks will provide all the comforts you need.
Details: Event is held on October 28th at the McNichols Civic Center Building at Civic Center Park. It begins at 8pm and lasts until 1am. Admission is $69.
Denver Oddities & Curiosities Expo
If late night Denver Halloween parties aren’t your thing but you still want to celebrate the season, the Denver Oddities & Curiosities Expo is for you! This flea market event features plenty of wares you won’t see elsewhere like weird taxidermy, odd jewelry and plenty of other strange and creepy items for sale. There will be sideshows and food trucks in addition to an interesting collection of vendors. Once the flea market ends, you can stay for the Zombie Prom at show off your best zombie costume. You can even bring a date and try for the Zombie Prom King and Queen.
Details: The event is held at the Fox Street Compound (725 W 39th Street, Denver) starting at 11am through 5pm on October 28th. Admission to the expo is $5, and if you want to stay for the Zombie Prom it is another $5 admission.
