Halloween week is chock-full of parties to celebrate the season’s spirit. Start your week off by going to the Ruckus Halloween Party. Then, celebrate Halloween by experiencing ITCHY-O’s Hallowmass at Summit Music Hall. Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a colorful festival at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Whatever you choose, this is what’s going down Denver this week.
Monday, October 30
Ruckus Halloween Party
When: October 30, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Bellwether, 5126 E Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Make a ruckus at the Ruckus Halloween Party. The event premieres a new short film, Bobby, by Blurred Pictures. The film starts rolling at 8 p.m. with the party to follow. Show up in costume for a free drink.
Forbidden Bingo Mondays
When: October 30, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Marion Street Tavern, 1223 E 13th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Get down to Marion Street Tavern for a chance to win prizes at Forbidden Bingo Mondays. Prizes include toys from Romantix & Si Novelties, tickets to Comedy Works, $100 Microderm from SkinAssist, free drinks and more. The grand prize is a $50 bar tab and a two-hour party bus from Elite Rides LLC.
Tuesday, October 31
Tim Burton Movie Night
When: October 31, 5-9:45 p.m.
Where: The Studio Loft at Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1400 Curtis St., Denver
Cost: Free, register here
The Lowdown: Experience the creepy, twisted world of Tim Burton at Tim Burton Movie Night. Denver Arts & Venues and The Next Stage NOW are hosting this amazing movie night. Enjoy Tim Burton trivia provided by Geeks Who Drink Pub Quizzes, followed by a showing of Beetlejuice and Sleepy Hollow, presented by the Denver Film Society. There’s also candy and popcorn for you to enjoy during the movies.
ITCHY-O’s Hallowmass 2017
When: October 31, 8-11:59 p.m.
Where: Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St., Denver
Cost: $20, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Meow Wolf is sponsoring ITCHY-O’s Hallowmass this year. This third annual event celebrates Day of the Dead and rings in All Souls Week. Attendees are encouraged to don a great Halloween costume and bring a memento of someone to respectfully burn at the show’s altar on November 2. Be prepared for ITCHY-O to wake the dead and give you the time of your life.
Escape the Portal
When: October 31, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Tracks Denver, 3500 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: $20, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Travel through a lost girl’s dreams at Escape the Portal. Tracks Denver presents the event as an ongoing Halloween series. Participate in the costume contest for a chance to win a $500 cash prize.Three DJs provide music for you to jam out to as you go through the portal and dance the night away.
Wednesday, November 1
Denver Film Festival
When: November 1-12
Where: Locations vary based on film and event
Cost: $15-$75
The Lowdown: The Denver Film Festival returns for its 40th year. Over 200 films will screen at this annual fest alongside red carpet events, Q&As with directors and actors and much more. Grab a ticket to one film or try to see them all and get ready to celebrate at this iconic Denver event.
READ: 30 Films to See at Denver Film Festival Based on Movies You Like
Heartfelt Photo Exhibit
When: November 1, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Artwork Network, 878 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: Free and open to public
The Lowdown: Help children experiencing childhood cancer by attending the Heartfelt Photo Exhibit. The Pablove Foundation’s Shutterbug program is hosting the gallery that features photography from 30 different children who are experiencing childhood cancer. The event is free and open to the public, however, donations are suggested and benefit the Pablove Foundation. The prints are also for sale to help fund the foundation.
Logan Lecture: Chido Johnson
When: November 1, 6-7 p.m.
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy., Denver
Cost: $20, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Denver Art Museum is celebrating its 10th anniversary of Logan Lectures. This talk with Chido Johnson is one of four. Johnson will speak about negotiating a new sense of self, belonging and place in accordance to cultural spaces and “othering” as Johnson has lived in both Zimbabwe and the United States. Johnson’s work ranges from installation, to performance and video.
Thursday, November 2
Murals of the Americas
When: November 2-4, 5:30-9 p.m.
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy., Denver
Cost: $20, get tickets here
The Lowdown: The Denver Art Museum presents Murals of the Americas. Artist Judy Baca will open this symposium of art with a lecture and reception. Baca will speak about her inspiration and process of creating her painted murals. Other artists will also speak later on in the week, talking about their experiences of creating their murals and the interactions between them and their communities.
Senior Dogs, Exoplanets and The Drums
When: November 2, 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, 1485 Delgany St., Denver
Cost: $10-$40, get tickets here
The Lowdown: There are three elements presented at this MCA event: Senior Dogs, Exoplanets and The Drums. The three combine for an experimental performance, lecture and music experience — but there’s not necessarily a connection between any of them. Pick and choose which experience out of the three you would like to see or go to all three for the full experience.
Pollinator Summit
When: November 2, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
Cost: $35, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Help protect our pollinators by joining the Pollinator Summit. This event brings together national and regional pollinator experts who will educate and discuss ways to help protect and manage land that is needed for pollinators in Colorado.
Friday, November 3
14er Film Fest
When: November 3, 7-10 p.m.
Where: 14er Brewing Company, 2801 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: $20, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Watch some films and drink some great beer at 14er Film Fest. There are more than five different films for you to choose from and artwork from three artists, including 14er Brewing Company, Belong Designs and Meier Skis. The ticket price includes a 14er Brewing pint glass and three beer for you to enjoy.
Breakin’ Convention
When: November 3-5, 4-10 p.m.
Where: Denver Center of Performing Arts, 1101 13th St., Denver
Cost: $20-$45, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Celebrate hip hop at the world’s biggest hip hop dance theatre festival. Dancers and groups from around the world will gather to perform and celebrate through dance. UK Hip Hop pioneer, Jonzi D, has curated the event and will be hosting. There are also workshops, freestyle sessions and DJs providing music for you to dance to.
First Friday Art Walks
When: November 3, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Denver Art District on Santa Fe, Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Get in on Denver Art District on Santa Fe’s galleries and current artwork at First Friday Art Walks. Every First Friday of the month Denver Art District on Santa Fe welcomes you to experience the Denver Art Community and see what artwork and galleries are being showcased. There will be wine and bites at different locations that you will be able to enjoy as you peruse the art.
Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony
When: November 3-5, 7:30-9:10
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1345 Champa St., Denver
Cost: $20-$94, get tickets here
The Lowdown: If you love classical music, you need to experience the majesty of Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony. This was Mozart’s final symphony and it celebrates life. Colorado Symphony always presents the best performances, so this concert is sure to be stellar. The concert is the perfect one to see during the season of the Day of the Dead. Violinist Karen Gomyo will present a performance of Violin Concerto in D Minor. Colorado Symphony will enhance the event with preludes and and pre-concert activities.
Free Day at the Denver Zoo
When: November 3-15, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Where: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Love going to the zoo but hate the fees? Denver Zoo presents Free Day at the Denver Zoo. Admission to the Denver Zoo will be free for three days, Friday, November 3, Monday, November 6 and Thursday, November 16. All of the exhibits will be open to the public and give you a chance to look and learn about all of the animals that the Denver Zoo holds.
Saturday, November 4
Día De Los Muertos Festival
When: November 4, 12-8 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Celebrate the day of the dead at Día De Los Muertos Festival. Denver Botanic Gardens hosts this celebration of the lives of those who have passed. There will be Day of the Dead goodies, sugar skull decorating and more. Día de los Muertos costumes are encouraged. Come and pay tribute to loved ones who have passed.
Bless the Dead, Praise the Lowered
When: November 4, 2-8 p.m.
Where: FICE Gallery, 2654 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Theyshootn presents the gallery exhibit, Bless the Dead, Praise the Lowered. Artwork from photographers, Juan Fuentes, Armando Geneyro and Jose El Miguelito Domingo will be showcased at the FICE Gallery. There will also be a “Best Pair of Nike Cortez” competition, which is $5 to enter and gives you a possibility to win a gift certificate to FICE and a copy of Mateo’s zine.
READ: Two Photographers are Showcasing The Gritty Side of Denver
Puccini’s “La Boheme”
When: November 4-15, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St., Denver
Cost: $20-$210, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Take a night to appreciate the art of the opera at Puccini’s La Boheme. Puccini’s La Boheme is one of the greatest love stories ever told through opera. It is also one of the most popular operas known. The opera takes you to Bohemian Paris where six souls will find their way in life and love.
Sunday, November 5
A Rite of Remembrance
When: November 5, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Wash Park Center for Music and Arts, 400 S Williams St., Denver
Cost: $20, get tickets here
The Lowdown: Join the Orpheus Pagan Chamber Choir for A Rite of Remembrance. In the season of the Day of the Dead, Orpheus Pagan Chamber Choir invites you to celebrate the lives of those who have passed by singing songs, saying kind words and having moments of silence. After all is said and done, you can light a candle on the Dia de los Muertos alter that will be available.
Drake Yoga
When: November 5, 9-11 a.m.
Where: The Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: $15 at the door
The Lowdown: Get into downward dog at Drake Yoga. Big Booty Yoga will host this downward facing Drizzy yoga that will help you perfect your flow with Drake singing in the background. The fee will cover the class and provide you with one draft beer or one mimosa. So come for yoga, Drake and drinks.
Mark Your Calendar
Denver Fashion Weekend
When: November 9-12, 7-11 p.m.
Where: EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St., Denver
Cost: $15-$70, get tickets here
Winter Gift Market
When: November 9-11, 4-8 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
Cost: Free
Denver Pancakes and Booze Art Show
When: November 10, 8 p.m.- 2 a.m.
Where: Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, 2635 Welton St., Denver
Cost: $10, get tickets here