October 2016 Events in Denver, CO

Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens, weekends | Sept. 30-Oct. 30

Elitch Gardens transforms from family by day and fright by night, including all your favorite theme park rides. During the day, the little goblins enjoy free candy on the trick or treat trail and participate in themed interactive challenges. At night, fright night emerges with haunted creatures lurking behind every corner.

Asylum Haunted House | Sept. 30-Oct. 31

Are you ready to face your fears at the most insane haunted house? This is sure to produce your scariest haunted adventure featuring new up close and in-your-face frights.6100 E. 39th Ave. Hours and price vary so check the calendar.

Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Corn Maze, Dead Zone Haunted Attraction | Sept. 30-Oct. 30

Wind your way through the corn and help Farmer Green find his lost animals. Life size animal cutouts are hidden throughout the maze. The maze is also open at night (but not lighted!).

Denver Oktoberfest | Sept. 30-Oct. 2

Located between 20th and 22nd Streets on Larimer Street in Ballpark Neighborhood, hoist your stein and enjoy the 47th annual event. This attracts over 350,000 people and is considered one of the best Oktoberfests in the country. In addition to great beer, enjoy brats, turkey legs, sauerkraut and more.

Maize in the City + Pumpkin Field, Thornton | Sept. 30-Nov. 1

Wander through 20 acres of corn and play trivia game on your smartphone. It takes a minimum of 40 minutes to navigate. Plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied including a petting zoo, pony rides, jumping castle, obstacle course and more.

Ringling Bros. Circus | Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Oct. 6-9

Enjoy The Greatest Show On Earth with live animals, death defying feats, and amazing performers in a spectacular live event. You enjoyed it as a child, now it’s time to see it again. Celebrating 145 years. Shows at the Denver Coliseum.

 The 13th Floor Haunted House | Oct. 1-31, Nov. 4, 5, 11 & 12

Prepare for nightmares, twisted characters and worst of all, local experiments gone wrong in the RiNo corridor. This is Denver’s favorite for those who believe that getting scared together, stay together! The haunted house is located at 4120 Brighton Blvd,, just north of LoDo at I-70 and Brighton Blvd. Tickets range in price from $19.99 to $32.99. 1

Fresh Hop Festival | Oct. 1

Enjoy the 11th annual tasting at 2403 Champa St., the future home of the Brewery Liberati.   Hops growers have about 24 hours to get the hops from the farm to the brewery’s drying kiln before they start showing signs of spoilage. But if these hops are utilized within that 24-hour window, then eureka, you get one heck of a beer! These beers are exciting and are super exclusive due to the fresh hop process. Savor bottomless freshly hopped beers for only $40.

Green Ranch Hike @ Golden Gate Canyon S.P. | Oct. 1

Enjoy an exclusive tour of Green Ranch with naturalist John Moyer. This is a rare opportunity to see a property which is usually closed to the public.

Oktobergrass | Oct. 1

Be part of the Big Wonderful and party with Jeff Austin & Friends at this harvest celebration. Enjoy live music, a flea market, food vendors and much more. Free admission prior to 4 pm. 2060 W. Colfax Ave.

Denver Art Museum Free Day | Oct. 1

The Hamilton Building is an architectural work of art designed by Daniel Libeskind. Walking through this masterpiece, you’ll be enthralled by exceptional traditional and contemporary art from around the world.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival, Four Mile Historic Park | Oct. 1-2

Here’s an old-time festival where you can building your own scarecrow, select the perfect pumpkin, dance to live music, play pioneer games and so much more. Tour the Four Mile House Museum and ride on a horse-drawn wagon. Lots of food and drink too!

Denver Free to Breath 5K Run/Walk | Oct. 2

You can help double lung cancer survival! By participating and choosing to raise money, you’re helping raise awareness and fund vital research programs dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022. Help build the movement!

Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Pumpkin Festiva| l Oct. 7-9

En;joy a day of fall activities at Chatfield Farms. Pick out your pumpkin from the 10 acre patch and enjoy a variety of family activities, live music, craft booths, and food and beverage vendors.

Festival of Scarecrows in Olde Town Arvada | Oct. 8

Town Square will become a pumpkin patch and scarecrows of all shapes and sizes will stand guard throughout Olde Town. Parade for the kids, corn maze, pumpkins and more.

Wondergate | Oct. 9, 24 and 30

Denver’s newest premier tailgate party at Mile High.  Located along the Platte River, across the street from Mile High Station and less than 500 yards from the stadium box office on the south side of the stadium. Wondergate is 20,000 sq. ft. of tailgating heaven.  Featuring full service bars, live music, food trucks, yard games, TV’s and more.

Four Mile Historic Park Free Day | Oct. 14

Take a trip back in time to Denver’s pioneer past nestled on the bank of Cherry Creek. Stop by for a free afternoon of tours, historic demonstrations and more.

Denver Firefighters Museum Free Day | Oct. 15

This museum is one of Denver’s hidden gems, located in the heart of downtown Denver. Learn about real American heroes, try on some firefighters’ gear, get behind the wheel of an antique fire engine and even slide down the pole!

The Grand Coffee Bazaar | Oct. 15

Two Parts has rallied the best dozen roasters to concoct the most delicious coffee experience possible. From cuppings, interactive coffee demos, an espresso bar to brunch bites, coffee beers, bloody mary’s and mimosas, this is going to be an epic celebration of the magical bean (coffee that is).

Bump, Set, Cure Volleyball Tournament & Fundraiser | Oct. 15

Corey O’Flanagan of Usaj Realty is putting this event together to educate the general public, to help raise money for research, and get people together to have a good time.  All funds raised for this event will go to the National Brain Tumor Society to help with research for a cure. Come out and play some vball for a great cause.

World Food Day | Oct. 16

Enjoy live music, educational speakers, kids’ zone and vendors supporting sustainable living at Lincoln Park (Lincoln St. and 19th Ave.). There will be a march through the streets of Denver to raise public awareness about feeding the world. Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

REI’s Pray for Snow Bash | Oct. 20

It’s time once again for you to join REI for the Pray for Snow pre-season bash! Don’t miss this evening of free beer from Upslope Brewery, live music by The Goonies, and fantastic prizes from REI and our top wintersports brands.

Boo at the Zoo | Oct. 22, 23, 29 & 30

The 32nd annual event offers over 25 trick-or-treat stations alongside creepy crawly critters, animal demonstration and family friendly entertainment. The Boo After Dark is set for Oct. 28 & 29.

Denver Zombie Crawl | Oct. 22

This event holds the Guinness World Record for the largest zombie event. You’ll laugh, scream and appreciate all the creativity that exists in Denver.

Bloody Mary Festival, EXDO Event Center | Oct. 23

From LoDo to Boulder, the experts have researched the cratiest and most delicious Bloody Marys. Enjoy three hours of tasting 11 of Denver’s most delicious and innovative Bloody Marys from the finest restaurants and bars in the Denver area.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science Free Day (CO residents) | Oct. 24

Explore this maze of treasures from dinosaurs to dioramas, science experiments to touring shows.

Crawl-o-ween | Oct. 28

Put on your favorite costume for photo and costume contests at the Tilted Kilt, 1201 16th Street. Drink specials, promo cards and more.

 MileHiCon | Oct. 28-30

Colorado’s largest sci-fi/fantasy literary convention with over 90 authors and artists in attendance. Hyatt Regency DTC.

Coloween 2016 | Oct. 29

Your “best” nightmare is here!. Considered one of the top Denver Halloween costume parties, the 9th annual event summons Denver’s seasoned party goers to the downtown Curtis Hotel.Party. If  you dare, tip toe through two levels of haunted hallways and hair-raising entertainment as you make your way into three spectacular ballrooms. Be treated to Denver’s top-rated DJ’s, live musical acts, and festival-quality sound and lighting production.

Denver Halloween Costume Ball at Mile High Station | Oct. 29

Join 800 of your closest friends at this annual bash featuring an open bar, costume contest and entertainment. Situation in the historic Mile High Station, 2027 Old West Colfax, you’ll be treated to the elevated mezzanine, spacious patio and complimentary parking. Sure to sell out so get your tickets now!

Pumpkin Carving & Costume Contest at Little Man Ice Cream | Oct. 30

From 3-6 p.m., Little Man Ice Cream becomes spooky with pumpkins, costumes and Halloween fun. Maybe there will be pumpkin ice cream, too.