This week Denver wraps up its Halloween festivities, but fully embraces fall before welcoming in the cold season. You can check out the last of the Halloween activities and then make room in your schedule for two fall parties, two art events and two trips to the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Monday, October 31
Ghosts of Boulder: Halloween Haunts
When: October 31, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Historic Boulder, 1123 Spruce St, Boulder
Cost: $19-$25
The Lowdown: History Colorado and Historic Boulder have partnered up to bring us something special this Halloween. Check out Boulder’s most “haunted” hangouts on a walking tour of the city. Learn about the history of iconic Boulder locations including Hotel Boulderado, Boulder Theater, the Arnett-Fullen House and others.
Kolorado Freaker’s Ball
When: October 31, 8 p.m.-6 a.m.
Where: The Scarlet, 131 Main St, Central City
Cost: $15
Tickets: Available here
The Lowdown: The freaks come out at night, especially when it’s time for the Kolorado Freaker’s Ball. Come in costume to an all-night party where you can win prizes, get down to live music and check out entertainment including jugglers, hoopers, artists and more. John Welton & The Awakening, Flash Mountain Flood and Ekat Family Band are some of the musicians lined up to perform throughout the night. This is a Halloween party you won’t want to miss.
Lakewood Fall Funfest – Halloween
When: October 31, 4-8 p.m.
Where: 260 S Kipling St, Lakewood
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Lakewood is celebrating Halloween with the city’s annual Fall Funfest. All ages are welcome to enjoy family-friendly games, trunk-or-treat, live music, cider, a variety of entertainers and more. The Lakewood Fall Funfest is held at the northeast corner of Alameda and Kipling.
Thursday, November 3
Political BS
When: November 3, 5-8 p.m.
Where: The Art Gym, 1460 Leyden St, Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: It’s election time, and what better way to brush up on your political knowledge than by exploring current topics and social issues through the Denver Art Gym’s exhibit “Political BS.” This exhibit broaches subjects such as homelessness, terrorism, private prisons, immigration and refugees. It was inspired by the nation’s current political situation as we prepare to elect our 45th president.
Friday, November 4
40 West Arts First Friday Art Walk
When: November 4, 5-8 p.m.
Where: 40 West Arts Districts, 1560 Teller St, Lakewood
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: This week you can discover new and unique forms of art at the 40 West Arts Districts. Artists of all kinds — painters, sculptors, woodworkers, glassblowers, musicians, actors and much more — gather at this state-certified creative district to connect, collaborate and celebrate art and culture. Check out the First Friday Art Walk which will feature a variety of works from the talented members of the 40 West Arts District.
Art-Focused Tour of the Byers-Evans House Museum
When: November 4, 12 p.m.
Where: Byers-Evans House Museum, 1310 Bannock St, Denver
Cost: $6
The Lowdown: The Byers-Evans House is one of Denver’s most historic landmarks. Built in 1883, this building has housed prominent Denver families and has since been restored to resemble the period between 1912 and 1924. The house now functions as a museum that teaches visitors about the families that lived there and about Denver’s development over the years.
BAM Percussion: The Blue Barrel Show
When: November 4, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Parker Arts, Culture & Events (PACE) Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave, Parker
Cost: $30-$35
Tickets: Available here
The Lowdown: Comedy meets drum music for an eccentric performance by BAM Percussion. Between a healthy dose of powerful drum beats and a few comedic sketches, BAM Percussion thrills its audience. Attendees of all ages will enjoy this unique form of entertainment. Colorado is excited to welcome BAM Percussion’s Blue Barrel Show, which has already drummed its way through Europe, Asia, Africa and New Zealand.
Calavera Ball
When: November 4, 7-11 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver
Cost: $14-$22
Tickets: Available here
The Lowdown: “Calavera” is the Spanish word for skull and the Denver Botanic Gardens‘ Calavera Ball is one way to celebrate Día de los Muertos this week. Creating decorative skulls, also commonly referred to as sugar skulls, are a longtime tradition for this holiday. Guests at the ball are encouraged to wear themed attire for prizes. You will also enjoy traditional Hispanic music, live dance performances from Fiesta Colorado Dance, Latin dance lessons and the making of tradition-inspired crafts including your own decorated calavera.
Happy Leaf Kombucha Fall Harvest Party
When: November 4, 4-9 p.m.
Where: Happy Leaf Kombucha Taproom, 5700 W 25th Ave, Edgewater
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Happy Leaf Kombucha started humbly at a Cherry Creek Famers Market. Kombucha is a lightly fermented, probiotic tea beverage that is rapidly gaining attention. Happy Leaf Kombucha now has its own taproom and is celebrating what is left of fall with a party that will include a pig roast, live music, dancing, crafts, henna and more.
Saturday, November 5
Amy Schumer
When: November 5, 7 p.m., 10 p.m.
Where: Bellco Theatre, 700 14th St, Denver
Cost: $43-$113
Tickets: Available here
The Lowdown: The weekend Denver welcomes the comedy world’s up and coming comedic queen, Amy Schumer. Schumer is a comedian, creator, writer and producer. Her humor has been described as honest and wickedly hilarious as she explores the topics of sex, relationships and life from a raw, new perspective. Schumer starred this summer in Universal’s Train Wreck and may be remembered from Comedy Central Roasts of Roseanne Barr and Charlie Sheen.
Dia De Los Muertos at The Botanic Gardens
When: November 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver
Cost: Included in general admission
Tickets: Available here
The Lowdown: The Denver Botanic Gardens will be kicking off the weekend with a belated Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. This holiday is a two-day celebration that recognizes and honors the memories of loved ones who have passed away with bright and decorative offerings. At this event there will be art, crafts and cultural entertainment for everyone. Holiday-themed costumes are encouraged.
Sunday, November 6
13th Annual Great Candy Run
When: November 6, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Washington Park, 1700 E Louisiana Ave, Denver
Cost: Varies
Tickets: Available here
The Lowdown: This Sunday is the 13th annual Great Candy Run. This run/walk benefits the Fetal Health Foundation and includes a competitive stroller division and a free Kids Fun Run. Get ready for on-course entertainment, creative costumes, prizes, medals and of course lots of sweet treats. Also, check out the new Jelly Belly Village with tasting booths. Healthy never looked so sweet.
Mark Your Calendar
Denver Arts Week: Magic of Theater
When: November 7, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Center for the Performing Arts Complex
Cost: Free
DU Lamont Jazz Orchestra with Frank Greene
When: November 7, 7:30 p.m.
Where: University of Denver, 2344 East Iliff Ave, Denver
Cost: Free
Tickets: Available here
“Prepare!” With David Korevaar
When: November 9, 2 p.m.
Where: Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder
Cost: $1-$15
Tickets: Available here
5th Annual Sleep Out
When: November 10, 8 p.m.
Where: Attention Homes Main Office, 1443 Spruce St, Boulder
Cost: Free
Registration: Available here
Playing It Forward – Ping Pong Tournament
When: November 10, 2-5 p.m.
Where: ACE Eat Serve, 501 E 17th Ave, Denver
Cost: $20-$40
Tickets: Available here
Winter Gift Market: Sneak Peek
When: November 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver
Cost: TBA
Cafe Cultura’s Open Mic Night
When: November 11, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Cafe Cultura, 910 Galapago St, Denver
Cost: $3-$5 donation
History Camp Colorado
When: November 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Tivoli Student Union, 900 Auraria Pkwy, Denver
Cost: $29-$41
Tickets: Available here
A Wake, A Mistake & A Wedding Cake – Murder Mystery Dinner
When: November 13, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Cherokee Ranch and Castle Foundation
Cost: $80
Tickets: Available here