The Halloween season is set to take off on its broom with ghoulishly good times this October. Festivities run the gamut from family-friendly, sweet trick or treat events where candy and costumes collide, pooches go on parade, flicks fright, and pumpkin carving is taken to a new art form, to adult bar crawls & masquerade balls filled with zombified, howlingly spooky creature features.

Event organizers are being cautious and promoting COVID protocols including social distancing, masks, and gloves for volunteers, sanitizing stations, and cleaning games between uses. The Highland HUNIWeen Parade suggests, “Masks are encouraged (not required), participants will clean their hands before they start, and stay within their family/friend “cluster” while parading. Spectators can safely take photos from the sidewalk.” Other events like Trunk or Treats require that families stay in their vehicles and wear masks at all times. Luckily, this is one holiday where masks make up a big part of the fun, so make it a mask-erade party and have a boo-tiful time!

Classic annual events like Elitch Gardens Fright Fest, The Aquarium’s Fall Fest, Denver Zoo’s “Boo-at-the Zoo,” and the Botanical Gardens “Glow at the Gardens” and “Corn Maze” are aplenty, but here are Denver North Star’s top picks from Berkeley to the Highlands, LoHi and LoDo.

LITTLE MAN ICE CREAM FRIGHT NIGHT FLICKS IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH, October 22-23, 6-11 PM

2620 16th Street, Denver CO 80211

Bring your blankie for outdoor films and come get spooked! G-rated: 6-8PM; PG+ 8-11PM

DENVER BOOKBINDING CO. TRUNK-OR-TREAT & STORYTELLING, October 23-31, 5:30-7 PM

1401 W 47th Ave, Denver CO 80211

3-D Storytelling Nightly, October 23-31, 5:30-7 PM
Trunk-or-Treat, October 30, 5:30-7 PM;

Denver Bookbinding Company is hosting their delightful Trunk-or-Treat on October 30. This fun tradition is changing the way kids go hunting for candy at Halloween. And in the week leading up to Trunk-or-Treat, the bindery will play host to storytelling for the kids (or kids at heart). To reserve a trunk space on October 30 email dbbc@denverbook.com

MCGREGOR SCARE: FAMILY FUN & DANCE ‘TIL YOU’RE DEAD, October 22–24 and 29–31, 5-11 PM (Hours vary)

McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee St., Denver, CO 80202

Prepare for the ultimate Halloween at McGregor Scare with two weekends full of Halloween happenings including DJs, Silent Disco, photo booths, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and spooky movies on the lawn each night at 7 PM. The littles will especially love Trick-or-Treat Street on Saturday, October 30 at 5 PM.

HIGHLAND HOUSE HAUNT DECORATING CONTEST, October 27, 5 PM

All Highland neighborhood homes welcome to compete

Amy Berglund of RE/MAX Professionals, City Properties, is partnering with HUNI to bring back the Highland House Haunt, a “spirited” Halloween house decorating competition open to any home within the boundaries of the Highland Neighborhood. Registration is required. Entries must be received and the house completely decorated by Wednesday, October 27th @ 5:00 p.m. Winners will be announced at the Recess Beer Garden location during HUNIween Parade October 31. Register at bit.ly/HighlandHouseHaunt2021.

BOONION STATION TRICK-OR-TREAT PARADE, October 28, 5-8 PM

Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver, CO 80202

All of Denver’s costumed characters, both little and adult-sized, are invited to take part in the 7th annual BOOnion Station Trick-or-Treat Parade. This free, family-friendly celebration will feature trick-or-treating, mini-train rides, balloon artists, face painting, and more. The parade begins at 5 p.m., with prizes awarded for first, second, and third place overall best costumes.

HIGHLAND MERCHANT ASSOCIATION PUMPKIN CARVING HALLOWEEKEND, October 29, 4-6PM

The Garage, 32nd & Osceola

Drop off your pre-carved pumpkins at “The Garage” (across the street from Highland United Methodist Church) on Friday, October 29 between 4-6PM. Pumpkins will be on display through October 31. Prizes will be awarded in multiple age-based categories, including a crowd favorite. Vote any time before midnight on Halloween. Check out Highland Merchant Association FB page for more details.

Aztlan Rec Center Open House and Annual Halloween Party, October 29, 4 – 7 PM

Aztlan Recreation Center, 4435 Navajo St, Denver CO 80211

Lots of Candy, Carnival Games, and Prizes! Special appearances by District 1 police and more! All ages welcome

Trunk Or Treat Street, hosted by CEC Early College, October 29, 4:30 – 6:30 PM

CEC Early College, 2650 Eliot St

CEC Early College presents Trunk or Treat, a safe and free community event for children of all ages. Come see all the decorated trunks, costumes and other fun stuff!

Denver Parks and Recreation Trunk or Treat, October 29, 5-7 PM

Scheitler Recreation Center, 5031 W 46th Ave. Ages 2+. $5/person

Navajo Trick or Treat Street, October 29, 6-8 PM

Navajo Street businesses are proud to present Trick or Treat on Navajo Street, for the third annual event. At this event, Embark Education will be presenting their long-term projects to the community, along with complimentary treats from the contributing businesses. Come join us on October 29th to learn about the history of North Denver, to see some amazing DIY candy machines, for free hot chocolate, and lots of candy!

Students from Embark Education will be showcasing their most recent projects throughout the evening.
Free hot chocolate for the kids, and coffee for the adults at Pinwheel Coffee
Businesses will be handing out candy throughout the evening.
Costumes are encouraged for EVERYONE!

This event is hosted by the businesses on Navajo Street, including: Second Nature Salon, Pinwheel Coffee, Framework Cycles, Embark Education, Acova, Denver Pilates Movement, Lifetime Hotel

LITTLE MAN FACTORY MONSTER MASH FAMILY COSTUME BOO-GIE, October 29, 6-9 PM

4411 W. Colfax, Denver, CO 80204

Come boogie down with DJ Buddy Bravo for a monster mash dance bash. Free candy for the kids and ice cream prizes await the best costumes in West Denver.

Full Day of Halloween Fun, Hosted by Sunnyside United Neighbors, October 30

Another full-day of Halloween Fun for the Family! Sunnyside United Neighbors, Inc and local businesses are providing activities in the neighborhood. No need to leave the neighborhood. All are welcomed!10am-Pumpkin Decorating
12pm-Pet Adoption
2pm-Pet Costume Parade and Contest
4pm-Kids and Adults Costume Contest
5:30-Trunk or TreatPLUS ADULT EXTRAS:
4-6pm-Happy Hour and Face Painting
6pm – Loki-Themed Costume Party

TENNYSON FALL FEST & PET PARADE, October 30, 1-5 PM

Tennyson Street (just north of 41st Street), Berkeley, 80211

The 6th Annual Tennyson Street Fall Fest celebrates community in the NW Denver Berkeley neighborhood. Festivities are outside at Cesar Chavez Park and along Tennyson Street between 41st and 43rd Streets for a variety of activities including local vendors and artisans, the 4th Annual Pet Parade Costume Contest, street-wide trick or treat, and socially-distant mingling for friends and family. General Admission ticket ($10 adults, kids under 10 years old FREE) includes two (2) complimentary beverages (ages 21+ only) from local breweries. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-tennyson-fall-fest-tickets-170427914480?aff=erellivmlt

Trick or Trunk, October 30, 3 – 5 PM

Denver Elks Lodge parking lot 2475 W 26th Ave

Open to public, free to attend, family friendly, outdoor trick or treat event. Costumes encouraged all ages welcome!

Celebracion De Dia De Los Muertos and Trunk-or-Treat Street

North High School is proud to invite you to our Dia de Los Muertos Altars exhibit on Saturday, October 30 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
Bring all the little ones in costume and learn more about our students’ work!
Also, the Peer Mentor of the Community Support group for the MSU Denver Peer Mentoring Program will be hosting a Trunk-or-Treat Street at North High School at the same time. We encourage everyone to wear face masks at this event. https://fb.me/e/keUvZIKBF

La Escuela Preparatoria North se enorgullece de invitarle a nuestra exposición de Altares de Día de Los Muertos el día Sábado 30 de Octubre de 4:00 a 6:00 pm.
¡Traiga a todos los pequeñines disfrazados y conozcan más acerca del trabajo de nuestros estudiantes!
Además, el grupo Mentor de pares del grupo de apoyo comunitario para el Programa de mentores de pares de MSU Denver organizará una calle Trunk-or-Treat en North High School al mismo tiempo.
Recomendamos el uso de cubrebocas. https://fb.me/e/keUvZIKBF

7th Annual Pumpkin Eve, October 30, 5:30pm

4896 Osceola St.

The 7th annual Pumpkin Eve carved pumpkin contest will raise money for the PTA of Centennial Elementary School. Donate $5 for each pre-carved pumpkin you enter. Winners in each category get a cash prize. Vote with your dollars. Hot cider for sale. All for a good cause!

Categories Include Scariest, Funniest, Most Creative, and 12 & Under.

Winners announced 6:30pm

Questions? Email DannyKatzBC@gmail.com

HIGHLAND HUNIWeen PARADE, October 31, 9:30 AM

The Gardens at St. Elizabeth (32nd Avenue) to Erie Street (near Tejon/Hirschorn Park)

HUNI, the Lower Highland neighborhood organization, invites the community to gather safely, wear your favorite costume, and join the parade along 32nd Avenue to Erie Street. The parade begins at The Gardens at St. Elizabeth (32nd / Eliot) at 9:30 AM. Our costumed collective will turn south onto Erie Street, receive Halloween bags to fill with their safely received treats from local merchants. Kids will enjoy face painting, pumpkin painting, and more! Adults can imbibe & cheer on the Broncos at the Recess Beer Garden.

LITTLE MAN ICE CREAM PUMPKIN CARVING & COSTUME COMPETITION, October 31, 11 AM-2 PM

2620 16th Street, LoHi

Directly following HUNIween Parade Trick-or-Treating, the party continues at Little Man with its 13th annual Pumpkin Carving & Costume Competition. Carving utensils are available, but if you have a favorite knife, you are encouraged to bring your own. Award categories for pumpkins, people, & pets include Cutest, Spookiest, Most Original, and Best Family or Group.

SPOOKY HAPPENINGS FOR GROWN-UP GOBLINS

ELKS LODGE HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY & 6 MILLION DOLLAR BAND-21+, October 30, 6 PM-1 AM

2475 West 26th Avenue, Denver, CO 80211

The Denver Elks Lodge #17 continues to reinvent itself as the hipster haven in North Denver. Join the 21+ costume dance party live in the Lodge Room featuring the 6 Million Dollar Band – The Ultimate ’80s Experience https://www.6milliondollarband.com/ Get your tickets now for this sure-to-sell-out event. $35 in advance; $45 day of the event. Tickets include a taco bar. https://www.denverelks.org/events-1/halloween-costume-party-concert-dj

Local 46 is Staying Alive…70s Halloween Dance Party 21+, October 30, 7 PM-2 AM
4586 Tennyson Street, Berkeley, CO 80211

One of the most spooktacular things this Halloween is that Local 46 has extended their lease and is staying alive! Come in costume and join the boo-tiful celebration with a 70s dance party, The Reals perform live in the Biergarten from 7-10pm with a DJ dance party to follow. Get your tickets and support our favorite local watering hole. at local46bar.com

HALLOWEEN ZOMBIE CRAWL 21+, OCTOBER 30, 7 PM-2 AM

Gin Mill, 2041 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205

Zombies will take over the streets of Denver’s LoDo district! Come in costume and pick up your zombie survival kit at check-in. Your kit will include a map of all participating bars and nightclubs with listed entry and drink specials, along with a book of drink vouchers for discounts and free Halloween welcome shots at select venues. Roam the streets with your friends or join hundreds of other costumed pub crawlers. Your Zombie Crawl wristband will also provide free entry at several Zombie Crawl Halloween bar crawl after parties! Tickets are $35.

ZOMBIE PROM October 30, 8PM-12AM

Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop, Denver, CO 80202

Held in Union Station’s Great Hall, Terminal Bar, and Cooper Lounge , this ticketed event will feature spooky cocktails and bites, a costume contest, killer beats, and more! Open to ages 21 and older.

THE 13TH FLOOR HAUNTED HOUSE October 12–31; Nov. 1, 5–6 and 12–13, 2021

WHERE: 3400 E. 52nd Ave.

Hailed by Fangoria Magazine as “the #1 scariest haunted attraction in the U.S.,” the 13th Floor Haunted House takes guests through not one but THREE frightening tours of horror. This year’s attractions include Frost-Bite (a state-of-the-art cryogenics lab that has had a breakthrough in reanimating the dead), The Dollmaker (a creepy house at the end of the street filled with a collection of Victorian dolls inhabited by the spirit of their evil maker), and Bad Blood (a bloody battle between vampires and werewolves). The scares promise thrills with intricate sets, highly selective casting and incredible special effects makeup that is sure to make reality and fiction blur into terror. Tickets will sell out, so buy yours online in advance! https://www.13thfloorhauntedhouse.com/

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Basha Cohen

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Get Your BOO-Ya on this Halloween