This week Denver has completely Halloween-ified. Although Halloween doesn’t even arrive until next week, the city will be costume parties and ghost stories galore for the next seven days. Read below to see what events we recommend checking out for the week. And if you’re already over this holiday, don’t worry we’ve slipped in a few non-Halloween happenings too.
Monday, October 24
Haunted Denver
When: October 24, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Where: History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver
Cost: $4 members, $5 nonmembers
The Lowdown: In the spirit of the upcoming holiday, History Colorado invites you to explore some of Denver’s own haunted history under the guidance of Denver historian and “reluctant ghost hunter” Kevin Pharris. Pharris is the author of The Haunted Heart of Denver and Historic Haunts Around Denver. You’ll have chills that have nothing to do with the weather.
Thursday, October 27
Rock the Presidents
When: October 27, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave, Parker
Cost: $12
The Lowdown: In the midst of election season brush up on your American history by revisiting all 44 of our nation’s presidents through the art of song and dance at the Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center. “Rock the Presidents” is a musical extravaganza that recounts 223 years of United States history in a “fun and non-partisan” way.
Zombies R Us
When: October 27, 8–10 p.m.
Where: Voodoo Comedy Playhouse, 1260 22nd St, Denver
Cost: $15
Tickets: Available here
The Lowdown: Stories on Stage is proud to present its 16th season of story-time for grownups. Each year Stories on Stage produces a full season of shows featuring short fiction performed live on stage. With Halloween just around the corner Stories on Stage is making its way to Voodoo Comedy Playhouse where audience members will enjoy the horrifying and hilarious ZOMBIES ‘R’ US which will feature zombie poetry, zombie drama and zombie cocktails.
Halloween Makeover Bar at L Style Bar
When: October 27, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: L Style Bar, 1423 Larimer St, #30, Denver
Cost: $30–$75
The Lowdown: From zombie to mermaid, or werewolf to kitten – whatever look you’re planning for Halloween, check out L Style Bar in Denver. The studio’s team of hair and makeup artists will help you win “best costume”. From October 27 until November 2 you can bring in a photo of your intended costume and have the entire look re-created. Hair styles and makeup sessions vary in price from $30 to $75.
Friday, October 28
Halloween Bar Crawl
When: October 28, 8 p.m.–2 a.m.
Where: Begins at The Tilted Kilt, 1201 16th St, #120, Denver
Cost: $10–$15
Tickets: Available here
The Lowdown: My Drink On, which is celebrating its 6th year, welcomes you to Downtown Denver’s 2016 Halloween Bar Crawl. The crawl will take participants to nine difference bars throughout the downtown area beginning at The Tilted Kilt. Tickets will include a variety of drink specials at each bar and no cover charge. Costumes are encouraged so you can participate in costume contests at certain bars and the My Drink On costume contest with a grand prize of $500.
Speakeasy Halloween
When: October 28, 8 p.m.–2 a.m.
Where: Cluster Studios, 3881 Steele St, Denver
Cost: $47
Tickets: Available here
The Lowdown: Adult trick-or-treating, costume contests, live performances, dancers, a cannabis bus, an open bar and food trucks are just some of what you will experience at Denver’s speakeasy-themed Halloween party. Courtesy of Sync It, is Denver’s largest lip sync competition, there will be an hour-long lip sync battle starting at 10:30 p.m. The party will be hosted in RiNo’s art warehouse district.
Howlin’ Halloween Pet Costume Party
When: October 28, 7–9:30 p.m.
Where: Woof in Boots, 719 W 8th Ave, Denver
Cost: $10 suggested donations
The Lowdown: Do you feel bad leaving the pups at home while you are out enjoying the Halloween festivities? Well this year you can take Spot out to a Halloween party of his own, costume and all. Join Woof in Boots, Denver’s doggy daycare, for its 5th Annual Howlin’ Halloween Pet Costume Party. Puppy-approved activities include bobbing for hotdogs, a prize raffle, a costume contest and more. Dogs and their humans are encouraged to wear their best costumes and proceeds benefit the Maxfund Animal Shelter.
It’s About Time – TEDxMileHighWomen
When: October 28, 12:30 p.m.–12 a.m.
Where: Temple Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St, Denver
Cost: $80–$500
Tickets: Available here
The Lowdown: Get ready to get inspired with TEDxMileHighWomen. This TED event highlights the triumphs and achievements of our region’s most exemplary women. Alongside two live sessions of speakers, attendees will be able to view a streamed session from the TEDWomen 2016 event in San Francisco. You will have access to exhibitors and interactive experiences located throughout the event. To find out more about who is speaking and the agenda for the event check out TedxMileHigh.com.
Saturday, October 29
Denver Halloween Costume Ball
When: October 29, 9 p.m.
Where: Mile High Station, 2027 W Colfax Ave, Denver
Cost: $65+
Tickets: Available here
The Lowdown: Considered one of Denver’s best holiday events, the Halloween Costume Ball has sold out two years in a row. This event features live entertainers, a costume contest, a photo booth and did we mention it’s all-you-can-drink? The ball takes place at the historic Mile High Station and one of Denver’s cannot-miss events.
Colorado Jazz Workshop Festival
When: October 29
Where: Dazzle Jazz Restaurant and Lounge, 930 Lincoln St, Denver
Cost: $10–$20
Tickets: Available here
Calendar: Available here
The Lowdown: Colorado Jazz Workshop is a chance for jazz instrumentalists of all ages to come together and exercise their love for playing jazz music and on October 29 CJW is celebrating their annual CJW Festival. The guest performer this year is Dennis DiBlasio, a renowned baritone saxophonist, flautist, educator, composer and arranger. During the festival there will be a clinic with DiBlasio, performances from all eight CJW groups and two evening shows by DiBlasio.
Mark Your Calendar
Ghosts of Boulder: Halloween Haunts
When: October 31, 1–3 p.m.
Where: Historic Boulder, 1123 Spruce St, Boulder
Cost: $19–$25
Gameplay Opening Reception
When: November 3, 6–10 p.m.
Where: Helikon Gallery, 3675 Wynkoop St, Denver
Cost: Free
Political BS
When: November 3, 5–8 p.m.
Where: The Art Gym, 1460 Leyden St, Denver
Cost: Free
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
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
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
Calavera Ball
When: November 4, 7–11 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver
Cost: $14–$22
Tickets: Available here
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
Hush, Shut Up, Please Be Quiet with Margot Livesey
When: November 4, 4 p.m.
Where: Lighthouse Writers Inc, 1515 Race St, Denver
Cost: $65 members, $75 nonmembers
JAAMM Fest: William Novak Presents “Die Laughing”
When: November 4, 1–2:30 p.m.
Where: Mizel Arts and Culture, 350 South Dahlia St, Denver
Cost: $10
Tickets: Available here
Amy Schumer
When: November 5, 7 p.m., 10 p.m.
Where: Bellco Theater, 700 14th St, Denver
Cost: $43–$113
Tickets: Available here
Dia De Los Muertos
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
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