The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
Monster to Midnight | September 17–October 31
This eerie event takes “meet and greets” to a whole new level. Don’t be shy! Introduce yourself to the vampires, werewolves, and other monsters in attendance. You might even recognize these ghoulish faces from favorite on-screen flicks like Game of Thrones, Jurassic Park, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. While these characters may be creepy, Monster to Midnight is a family-friendly experience where monster-enthusiasts can interact with spooky guests and entertainment. Denver Pavilions, 500 16th Street Mall, Suite 180, Denver. Ticket prices vary from $27 to $35, times vary.
Maize in the City | September 25–October 31
Get lost in acres of corn at Maize in the City, where you can explore twists and turns, and even enjoy some friendly competition with family or fellow maze-goers by timing each other using the QR code checkpoint hunt throughout the fields. If you’re not too sick of seeing corn by the end of the maze, walk down to the corn launcher to catapult those cobs and watch as they catch some air—or explore a variety of fall festivities like the barrel train, petting zoo, pony ride, and more. But don’t go home empty-handed: the pumpkin field has a great assortment of potential Jack O’ Lanterns for you to carve out. 10451 McKay Rd, Thornton. Site admission is free. Fall attractions range from free to $20. Tickets for pumpkin patches range from $5 to $12 and can be purchased in advance online, times vary.
Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns | October 1–31
Who says pumpkins can’t be versatile? At the inaugural Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns event, you’ll feel transported to dozens of scenes with over 7,000 glowing, hand-carved pumpkins arranged throughout Hudson Yards in elaborate displays such as a pirate ship, a spaceship, dragons, and more. You may even find yourself among pumpkin art reminiscent of real-life works, like the LOVE sculpture in New York City. Whether you bring the whole family to explore the magic and creativity invested in each carving, or save this for a romantic evening where you can enjoy the soft illumination of the Jack O’ Lanterns, this picture-perfect event will prove to be memorable. Hudson Yards, 6115 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton. Ticket prices range from $10.99 to $19.99 based on day and age, times vary.
Sinisterhood | October 13
Talk about dark humor! From podcast to live stage, hosts of popular true-crime show Sinisterhood, Christie Wallace and Heather McKinney, are now on tour to bring you a night of terror sprinkled with laughs. This dynamic duo tells mysterious local legends from the Denver area, featuring improvised comedy throughout the tale. Get the best of both worlds as you go from inching to the edge of your seat listening to some seriously spooky storytelling to cackling from your core at the comedic talent. Comedy Works Downtown in Larimer Square, 1226 15th St, Denver. Ticket prices vary from $25.00 to $55.00. Performance will be held on Wednesday, October, 13 at 8:00 p.m. and is 21+.
Ghosts in the Gardens | October 14–30
You might want to keep the little ones home for this event because the ghosts haunting these gardens are no joke. Storytellers throughout this self-guided tour offer true, spine-chilling tales from the Denver Botanic Gardens’ past century. Explore what was previously known as “The Boneyard” and listen to the encounters former staff and security guards have witnessed during their time here. Beyond the dark paths, you can creep your way to the Waring House to learn more about the haunted history of the Gardens. But beware: By the end of the night, you might even have your own spiritual rendezvous. Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver. Tickets are $34 for non-members and $29 for members, times vary.
Creepy Crawlers and Spooky Critters | October 23
If you need a breather from Denver Botanical Gardens’ hair-raising ghost walk, this crawlers and critters workshop encourages children ages four through 10 to dress up in their Halloween costumes and have some fun at Plains Conservation Center. Participants will learn about snakes, spiders, and other interesting facts about life on a prairie, all while munching on candy. Work on a project with your little one and see their eyes light up in excitement (and maybe from the sugar rush, too) when they get the opportunity to meet a live snake. Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E. Hampden Ave, Aurora. Tickets are $12 per person, and pre-registration is required for all participants three and up. Event will be held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Addams Family Youth Theatre Performance | November 11–12
Dive into a little family drama inside the haunting Addams household we all know and love with this kiddo-friendly Broadway adaption, perfect for the whole family. Watch as Wednesday Addams, now grown up, invites her “normal” boyfriend and his family over to meet hers—and between the secrets, shenanigans, and iconic Addams family charm, you’ll have the theme song stuck in your head for the rest of the night (you know the one). Performing Arts Academy, 5690 County Line Pl, Highlands Ranch. Performances will be held on Thursday, November 11 at 6:30 p.m. and Friday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets not yet available.