Colorado transforms into a playground of spooky delights this weekend, offering a blend of theatrical productions, historic races and community festivals that capture the state’s eclectic spirit. Whether you chase candy on city streets or soak in a hot spring after a night of ghost stories, the calendar from October 23 to 25 presents options for families, thrill-seekers and culture lovers alike.
Stage lights and historic thrills
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts kicks off its 2026-27 Broadway season with a touring version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Starring Fergie L. Philippe as the Beast, the show runs at the Buell Theatre through Saturday, Nov. 7, delivering a family-friendly spectacle that blends classic music with modern stagecraft. Tickets can be secured, and seats fill quickly during the holiday rush.
Meanwhile, the Emma Crawford Coffin Races return to Manitou Springs, reviving a local legend where the late Emma’s coffin supposedly triumphs down the mountain each spring. The event, now a 32-year tradition, features a parade at noon Saturday followed by the much-anticipated coffin dash, drawing both history buffs and thrill-seekers to the historic downtown.
Community celebrations and cultural feasts
Denver’s Día de los Muertos ceremony at Civic Center Park honors the Mexican tradition of remembering departed loved ones. From noon to 7 p.m., visitors can explore community altars, a participatory ofrenda, live music, dance, and over 50 food and artisan vendors. Admission is free, and the event encourages attendees to learn the meaning behind this vibrant, reflective holiday.
Just a short ride away, the Denver Wiesn brings Bavarian flair to the National Western Center. This free, family-friendly Oktoberfest showcases traditional foods, an artisan market, live entertainment and a 108-foot Ferris wheel. While entry costs nothing, parking carries a $15 fee, so plan accordingly.
Neighborhood tricks, treats and free fun
Across the Front Range, towns roll out a series of free or low-cost activities. Firestone’s Police Department hosts Halloween Safe Night at the regional sports complex, offering trunk-or-treat lanes, inflatables and safety handouts on Friday evening. Denver’s Children’s Museum presents Harvest Hoot a three-day fall festival featuring pumpkin crafts, a monster carnival and snack stations, running Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eerie excitement also lines Erie’s main street with Boo! on Briggs Street where costume contests and live music draw crowds from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. In Elizabeth, the historic Main Street transforms into a Boo Bash street festival, complete with vendors, trick-or-treat routes and family-focused games.
For those seeking a splash of novelty, Castle Rock’s Outlets host a Boo Bash featuring photo booths, a petting zoo and balloon twisters, while Lakewood’s annual BooMar invites kids to wander downtown stores for themed games and candy collections. Littleton’s Foothills Park & Recreation District adds an indoor twist with the BOO-rific Bash & Splash pairing costume-friendly trick-or-treating with a swim in the Ridge Pools.
Pueblo’s historic Arkansas Riverwalk lights up for Fright Night a looping route that showcases over 80 local businesses, candy giveaways and a prize-filled costume contest from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Colorado Springs’ Old Colorado City offers Pumpkins in the Park a daytime celebration with pumpkin painting, face art and live music, while Loveland’s Promenade Shops turn into a candy-laden promenade at noon.
If your weekend includes a love of cars, Aurora’s Cars + Coffee Halloween edition invites classic-car enthusiasts to dress up alongside their rides, offering free carousel rides and prizes in the morning. For those who prefer a quieter afternoon, the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool provides mineral-rich waters and mountain-view steam, ideal for warming up after a chilly October stroll.
All these events reflect Colorado’s knack for turning a crisp autumn day into a memorable adventure, whether you’re hunting for candy, dancing to mariachi, or diving into a historic race. Pack a jacket, grab a map, and let the state’s diverse offerings guide your Halloween weekend.
