October is here, and along with falling leaves and cooler days, Halloween is rapidly approaching. To help people get the most out of the spooky season, bars, restaurants, and venues across the Denver metro are going all-in.
Halloween enthusiasts can look forward to costume parties, outdoor movies, themed pop-ups, family events, holiday menus, and cocktails all month long. That’s why we created the ultimate guide to wicked good fun and food this month, plus Día de los Muertos celebrations.
Halloween Pop-Ups & Spooky Experiences
Now until October 31: Films, Lights & Frights at The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block
From now through Halloween, LoDo’s The Maven Hotel is offering a spooky getaway package (starting at $373 per night) featuring a stay at the hotel. On said night, you also get access to five classic Halloween movies including Corpse Bride, Scream, Hocus Pocus, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, & Practical Magic, all from the comfort of your guest room. The deal also comes with assorted candy and a hot pizza delivered from the downstairs Denver Milk Market too. 1850 Wazee St., Denver, themavenhotel.com
Now until November 1: Casa Boo-nita
As if Casa Bonita wasn’t already a fright of stimulation, this season it’s going all out for Halloween. Expect plenty of costumed diners, decorations, and a solid nod to Día de Los Muertos. While there’s no trick-or-treating, you can raise that sopapilla flag as much as you want. 6715 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood, casabonitadenver.com
Now through October 31: Nightmare in Paradise at Adrift Tiki Bar
Adrift Tiki Bar on South Broadway once again hosts Nightmare in Paradise, a haunted tiki transformation adventure and celebration throughout October. Visitors can expect ghoulish decorations, a themed cocktail menu, and a lineup of exciting Halloween events that combine holiday vibes with island magic.
On the drink menu find The Hollywood Demon with lime, falernum, grenadine, Angostura bitters, absinthe, Planteray OFTD, and Sihhenge Pineapple rum. The Last Nail in the Coffin is made from Drambuie, bitters, Compass Box Orchard House Scotch, and Appleton 12 Year Rum. Or, try the Purple People Eater, a charming frozen blend of pineapple, coconut, vodka, maraschino, and ube.
Along with the above cocktails and other eerie concoctions, groups might want to order a Premature Burial, which can be made for two, four, or eight guests; it’s a punch bowl full of lemon, absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, and Sazerac Rye Whiskey. Non-drinkers can celebrate at Adrift with the Dr. Jeckel, a booze-free combination of lime, grapefruit, apple, cinnamon, and falernum syrup.
Also in spirit, head here for Red Rum Wednesdays when classic Halloween films show on the big screen. You can also get discounted creepy cocktails and shots. Guests can enjoy Haunted Happy Hours all night long on Tuesdays, on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m.
On top of that, Adrift is an official sponsor and key stop along the South Broadway Halloween Parade on October 17, and an important stop on the South Broadway Halloween Bar Crawl on October 24. 218 S. Broadway, Denver, adriftbar.com
Now until October 31: Poka Luna at Poka Lola Social Club
Located in the Dairy Block, this upscale cocktail bar has a haunting Halloween pop-up you shouldn’t miss. All month, visitors can enjoy the Witching Hour, complete with drink specials every day from 4 to 6 p.m. On Tarot Tuesdays, Michelle Marion Moon will be doing tarot readings from 5 to 7 p.m., and on Voodoo Vinyl Saturdays, guests can enjoy a live DJ starting at 8 p.m.
One of the most exciting events at Poka Lola Social Club will happen on Friday, October 16. Howl at the Moon is a dog-friendly party from 5 to 7 p.m. in partnership with Tito’s Vodka. Bring your four-legged friend in costume to compete with other pups and enjoy other dog-focused activities, too.
No matter when you head to Poka Lola Social Club during the month of October, be sure to try some of the bar’s themed holiday cocktails such as Holy Water, made with cream cheese washed Reyka Vodka, everything bagel seasoning, Dolin Dry, and olive brine. Also try the Black Magic Woman, a frozen creation made with Don Julio Blanco, toasted black sesame, orgeat, ginger, and lime. Non-drinkers might try The Nightmare on Blake Street, a mocktail made with apple, chai, baking spices, and house-made maple whipped cream. 1850 Wazee St., Denver, pokaloladenver.com
Now until October 31: The Haunting at Steuben’s
For the first time ever, Steuben’s will become a haunted restaurant this Halloween with a decorated patio and an immersive Halloween atmosphere throughout. This pop-up experience will also include a themed, limited-edition cocktail menu featuring twelve Halloween cocktails and twelve different and exclusive collectible glassware vessels available for purchase.
Options include Liquid Lobotomy in a doll head mug, Poison Apple in a rocks glass, a Pumpkin Payback shot in a pumpkin-shaped shot glass, or Hex Appeal in a cauldron mug, among others, including zero-proof options. Stop in throughout the month and collect them all. 523 E. 17th Ave., Denver, thehauntingdenver.com
Now until October 23: BOO-NGO at Little Man Ice Cream Littleton
Play Halloween-themed bingo on the first four Friday nights of October, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Little Man Ice Cream in Littleton. Costumes are encouraged, and this event is very family-friendly. Games, ice cream, family time, and costumes make for a perfect autumn Friday night. 2449 Main St., Littleton, littlemanicecream.com
Now until October 30: Freaky Friday Night Flicks at Little Man Ice Cream LoHi
At Little Man Ice Cream’s LoHi location, families and friends can watch double features of Halloween films outdoors while eating ice cream and other treats. The event happens every Friday in October, and attendees can expect showings of Beetlejuice and Hocus Pocus, among others.
Movies start at 7 p.m. Little Man Ice Cream’s Pumpkin Patch also opens on October 2 and will be open throughout the month; patrons can enjoy seasonal decor, pumpkins for purchase, and photo opportunities before and after consuming tasty frozen desserts. 2620 16th St., Denver, littlemanicecream.com
October 15 to 31: The Last Dance at Sorry Gorgeous
RiNo’s Sorry Gorgeous will be hosting The Last Dance nightly leading up to Halloween from 3 to 9 p.m. This elevated, intimate, rooftop lounge will transform into a haunted ballroom with themed cocktails, seasonal bites, DJs, and dancing.
There’s even a backstory to go along with the event: long ago, a hostess planned a party, looking for love, but she died before the first guest arrived. The party went on anyway and continues to today. At The Last Dance, her presence is felt, but she is never seen. Prospective partygoers curious to learn more can request an invitation here. 1350 40th St., Denver, sorrygorgeousrooftop.com
Halloween Events, Parties & Activities
October 7, 14, 21, and 28: Witchy Wednesdays at the Grandview Tavern and Grill
Every Wednesday leading up to Halloween, Arvada’s Grandview Tavern and Grill will host Witchy Wednesdays on its back patio starting at 7 p.m. The patio will be transformed into a spooky outdoor cinema, and patrons can watch favorite Halloween films while sipping special movie-themed cocktails. 7427 Grandview Ave., Arvada, thegrandviewtavern.com
October 11: Spooky Sweets Stroll at Orchard Town Center
Anyone looking for a fun, free, family-friendly event will enjoy Orchard Town Center’s annual Spooky Sweets Stroll. Costumed children and families can spend the late morning and early afternoon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. trick-or-treating at over 50 participating businesses.
Afterward, stay for the Macabre Market, featuring local artists, that continues until 5 p.m. for more fun and shopping. Kids can choose a pumpkin to decorate for a $5 to $10 donation; proceeds benefit Food for Hope, a non-profit fighting childhood hunger across northern Denver.
Families can also enjoy a live DJ, costumed characters, roving performers, free face painting, and carnival games. Admission is free with no RSVP necessary. 14696 Delaware St., Westminster, theorchardtowncenter.com
October 18: The Fifth Annual Howl-O-Ween at The Golden Mill
Dogs love to celebrate Halloween, too! Golden’s The Golden Mill is hosting its fifth annual Howl-O-Ween event, and all dogs and humans are welcome. This casual, warehouse-style eatery serves American cuisine, tacos, and sushi, plus beer and wine from self-serve taps.
Howl-O-Ween runs from noon to 3 p.m. and includes a pet parade, live music, and dog treats. Prizes will be awarded for best dog costume, best group or family costume, and best kid costume. Bonus, if looking to add another pup to your family, adoptable animals will be on site to meet and greet. 1012 Ford St., Golden, thegoldenmill.com
October 24: South Broadway Halloween Bar Crawl
This neighborhood loves to celebrate Halloween. In addition to the South Broadway Halloween Parade on October 17, the neighborhood will host the second annual Broadway Halloween Bar Crawl. Over 500 revelers participated last year and this year, organizers hope that the event will be even bigger and better with over 40 businesses participating.
This bar crawl will include food and drink specials at bars and restaurants along South Broadway, plus pop-up events at tattoo parlors, dispensaries, and shops. Participants will receive a Broadway Halloween tote full of surprises. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m., and tickets are on sale now. This event is sure to be a fun-filled Halloween adventure. southbroadwaydenver.org
October 24: Spirits & Spirits at Four Mile
From 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, the 21-plus Spirits & Spirits at Four Mile offers the chance to explore the Park after dark with craft cocktails and spirit tastings, haunted history, and live drag performances.
Enjoy old-school ghost stories and demonstrations of Victorian mourning practices and a film screening. Your ticket also includes entry to Bright Nights. Add-ons and on-site purchases include tarot readings, face painting, food, and spooky goods available for purchase at the Metaphysical Marketplace. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased here.
October 25: Halloween Drag Bingo Brunch at Osteria Marco
Costumes are highly encouraged at the Halloween Drag Bingo Brunch at Osteria Marco. Drag brunch enthusiasts won’t want to miss this event that includes bingo, bottomless mimosas, and tricks and treats, and is hosted by the restaurant’s resident drag queen, Shirley Delta Blow, and friends.
There are two shows: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and each runs for about an hour. Reservations are available at 10:30 and 10:45 a.m. for the early show and at 12:30 and 12:45 p.m. for the afternoon show. Cost per person is $25. 1453 Larimer St., Denver, osteriamarco.com
October 25: Scream Queens Brunch at Denver Milk Market
Another option for drag-brunch lovers is Scream Queens Brunch at Denver Milk Market on the Sunday before Halloween. This event is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It features a costume contest with $150 and $75 gift cards for first and second place, $20 bottomless mimosas, bingo with prizes, and Halloween-themed brunch food and cocktails. 1800 Wazee St., Ste 100, Denver, denvermilkmarket.com
October 25: Pumpkin Carving Party at District Pour & Provisions
District Pour & Provisions is hosting a family-friendly costume and pumpkin carving party on the Sunday prior to Halloween at 1:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume, and the hosts will distribute candy to youngsters. Also expect seasonal beverages, including pumpkin beers and pumpkin-spiced cocktails to the adults. This spot is famous for its 92 pour-your-own draft lines. 3053 W. 104th Ave., Westminster, districtpourandprovisions.com
October 27: Harry Potter Trivia at The Golden Mill
Harry Potter enthusiasts will love dressing up as wizards and witches to try to compete with others in the magical realm of Harry Potter trivia. This event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and all ages are welcome. Costumes encouraged. 1012 Ford St., Golden, thegoldenmill.com
October 29: BOOnion Station at Union Station
Union Station will host its 12th annual BOOnion Station two nights before Halloween from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All are invited. This free, family-friendly event will take place both inside the historic train station’s Great Hall and outdoors on the adjacent Wynkoop Plaza. Attendees can enjoy trick-or-treating, mini-train rides, balloon artists, face painting, and more. Costume contest judging will begin at 5 p.m., and winners will be announced at 6 p.m. 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver, denverunionstation.com
October 30 to November 2: Halloweekend at 54Thirty
Atop Le Méridien Denver Downtown, 54Thirty will celebrate Halloween all weekend. This rooftop, open-air lounge on the 20th floor offers panoramic views of the city and mountains and will thrill attendees with a Halloween-themed menu, tarot card readers, a caricature artist, music, and more.
Themed cocktails include options such as Witches Kiss made with Don Julio, pineapple, jalapeño, and agave; and the Graveyard Shift, which includes Ketel One, orange, lemon, and honey, among others. 1475 California St., Denver, 54thirty.com
October 31: Pumpkin Paint Party at FlyteCo Tower
At 1 p.m. on Halloween, FlyteCo Tower will host a Pumpkin Paint Party to kick off the day! This casual, afternoon, family-friendly event will include pumpkin painting with design stencils and supplies, plus food and drink specials for all ages. Paint n’ Play Denver will provide pumpkin decorating guidance and support at the 360 Bar on the second floor. 3120 Uinta St., Denver, flytecotower.com
October 31: Hard Bop Halloween at Nocturne
Celebrate All Hallows’ Eve in swinging style with the Matt Smiley Quartet as they perform two sets of hard bop jazz with a Halloween twist at Nocturne. In addition to the spooky sets, guests can enjoy the three-course Dinner and a Show alongside wine or non-alcoholic cocktail pairings. Or, make a night of it with the five-course Ellington Experience or keep things casual with bar reservations and an a la carte meal or the Jazz History Cocktail Flight. 1330 27th St., Denver, nocturnejazz.com
October 31: Halloween Party at Pindustry
Pindustry will host a costume celebration from 7 to 10 p.m. on Halloween night. Partygoers can enjoy live 90s cover band 90s Til Dawn along with bowling, billiards, ping pong, arcade and pinball games, electronic darts, and much more. All games are first-come, first-served. Attendees can order food and cocktails from the restaurant’s vast menu. 7939 E. Arapahoe Rd., Greenwood Village, thepindustry.com
October 31: Halloween Drag Show at Champagne Tiger
Champagne Tiger is the perfect place to spend Halloween night for anyone who loves drag shows. Enter the Drag Demons and Witches show. Tickets run $15 and reservations are required, with slots available at 8:30 p.m., 8:45 p.m., and 9 p.m. 601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, champagnetiger.com
October 31: Masquerade Ball at The Brown Palace
Dance Halloween night away at The Brown Palace at its haunted Victorian masquerade ball. This event takes place in the historic hotel’s lobby and includes dancing, a chef’s grazing table with artisan cheese, charcuterie, and crudités, and a welcome drink for all attendees. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase.
And, in keeping with the theme, masks and Victorian attire are encouraged. This event runs from 7 to 11 p.m. adults only. Tickets run $90 per person. 321 17th St., Denver, brownpalace.com
Halloween Food & Drink Specials
Now until October 31: Zorba’s Pumpkin Treats
Zorba’s has been serving the Congress Park neighborhood and beyond since 1979, and this October you can expect several seasonal treats. First up, the Pumpkin Roll Pancakes with cream cheese cinnamon roll icing and pumpkin spice sprinkles for $10.95. Pair it with a cup of Pumpkin Spice Coffee, spiked ($9.50) or non-alcoholic ($4.95), or a Pumpkin Spice Chai, also available spiked ($9.95) or non-alcoholic ($5.25). 2626 E. 12th Ave., Denver, chefzorbas.com
Now until October 31: Halloween Treats at Little Man Ice Cream
All Little Man Ice Cream locations have a spooky and satisfying lineup of special treats for patrons this October. Stop by and try Pumpkin Chip, a pumpkin-spiced ice cream treat with chocolate flakes, available all month long. Or, come check out an A La Mode Sundae, a delectable combination of vanilla ice cream, lattice caramel drizzle, streusel crust, and a dehydrated apple slice through October 11.
My Oh My! Blueberry Pie with brown sugar ice cream with buttercake mix-ins appears on the roster on October 9 and sticks around while supplies last. Finally, there’s no better way to celebrate Halloween than with a Monster Sundae. This tasty treat is the patron’s choice of ice cream topped with hot fudge, green whipped cream, Halloween sprinkles, gummy worms, and gummy eyeballs, and is available from October 9 until they run out. Multiple locations, littlemanicecream.com
October 12 to 31: Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant & Rio on Wazee’s Spooky 5-Pack
The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant and the Rio on Wazee are offering a special margarita promo during the second half of October. Buy a Classic Margarita 5-Pack for $45 and receive a $10 Rio gift card for use on a future visit. Margaritas add to the fun anywhere they appear – and that includes at your Halloween party. Multiple locations, riograndemexican.com
October 31: Good Times Free Halloween Kids’ Meal Deal
Don’t waste time on Halloween night making dinner! Instead, stop by Good Times Burgers and Frozen Custard and grab a free kids’ meal when you purchase a combo. This offer is available in-store or drive-thru, so the whole family can get back to trick-or-treating pronto. Multiple locations, goodtimesburgers.com
October 31: $1 Halloween Monster Cookies at Leven Supply and Leven Deli Co.
Celebrate Halloween with Leven’s signature monster cookies, which will be $1 each on the holiday. Crammed with M&M’s and chocolate chips, these spooky treats are available at both Leven Supply and Leven Deli Co. while supplies last. 123 W. 12th Ave., Denver; and 300 E. Alameda Ave. Unit D, Denver, eatleven.com
Día de los Muertos
October 6 to November 3: Día de los Muertos at Tamayo
LoDo’s Tamayo will host its annual Día de los Muertos celebration this month at its modern and chic establishment in Larimer Square. This year’s theme is El Sol, and chef Richard Sandoval has created an inspiring menu centered around themes of warmth, life, and remembrance.
Patrons can enjoy seasonal highlights like Amanecer Pumpkin Brûlée, a pumpkin crème brûlée paired with coconut salted caramel ice cream and pepita brittle–and that’s only one of the chef’s delectable offerings for this event. Stop by and enjoy food, friends, family, and beverages to welcome in Día de los Muertos and the fall season. 1440 Larimer St., Denver, tamayodenver.com
October 10 and 30: Sips & Sugar Skulls at Kachina Cantina
Creatives will love Sips & Sugar Skulls at Kachina Cantina. This event celebrates Día de los Muertos with cocktails and crafts. Tickets are $25 per person and all participants get a handmade sugar skull to decorate and a house margarita. Brightly colored frosting for decorating is included. This event runs twice, first on October 10 from 4 to 6 p.m., on October 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. 1890 Wazee St., Denver, kachinadenver.com
October 29 to November 2: Día de los Muertos at Kachina Cantina
Honor loved ones who have passed into the great beyond at Kachina Cantina’s ofrenda during Día de los Muertos week. All restaurant patrons and visitors are invited to bring photographs to add to the ofrenda in remembrance during this time. The restaurant will also be offering a special Mole Negro Lamb Torta on its menu to celebrate the holiday. 1890 Wazee St., Denver, kachinadenver.com
October 30: Día de los Muertos at Cooper Lounge
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Cooper Lounge from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by Patrón Tequila and is open to guests 21 and over. Enjoy a tarot card reader, a live DJ, an ofrenda, photo opportunities, and more. 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver, cooperlounge.com
