Whether you’ve got a Halloween costume that you’re eager to enter into a contest or you want to cheer on one of Denver’s many pro sports teams, your weekend is looking spectacular! Keep reading to see what’s happening around the Mile High City this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Activities, Events, Shows, and More in Denver This Weekend
This weekend is huge in Denver sports, with the Avalanche, Rapids, Summit and Nuggets all playing home games. If sports aren’t your thing, no need to fret. Enjoy a 5K with a chili cook-off to follow, Halloween bar crawls, or a Grown Up Book Fair!
Colorado Avalanche vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? October 23rd
Hockey fans won’t want to skip Friday’s Avalanche game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Cheer on the home team and catch all the fast-paced action on the ice. Whether you’re a longtime NHL fan or you’re just someone who enjoys lively crowds and an energetic night out, Colorado Avalanche games never disappoint! With big saves, fast skating and all of the fan-favorite moments on the jumbotron, grab your tickets now so you can see what an Avalanche game is all about! Make an evening of your trip to Ball Arena and check out one of the many restaurants nearby before puck drop or grab a bite at the arena.
PRO Tip: Ball Arena is accessible by public transportation for those who want to skip the parking!
Adult Flashlight Tours: Escape the Pavilion
Where? 6252 West 104th Avenue
When? October 24th
If you’re all about those unusual after-hours adventures and hidden gems in Denver, then you won’t want to miss the Escape the Pavilion tour at the Butterfly Pavilion in nearby Westminster. Guests are invited to discover the invertebrate zoo in the dark, using flashlights to uncover clues and solve puzzles throughout the exhibits. Guided by Pavilion experts, guests can expect to encounter live animals and follow themed mysteries interwoven to build suspense and to tell a story. Whether you’re looking to plan a unique date night this weekend with a mystery-loving someone special or you want to enjoy a Halloween outing with friends, this is a great way to try something new! Each tour lasts approximately 45-60 minutes and one flashlight will be provided per group.
PRO Tip: Tickets are priced at $18 for nonmembers and $15 for members. This experience is designated as 18 and over.
Colorado Rapids vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Where? 6000 Victory Way
When? October 24th
The Colorado Rapids are playing at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park this Saturday, so come on out and cheer on the home team as they face off against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in this late-season matchup. The Rapids will be looking to make the most of their home-field advantage as the regular season approaches its close. The match gives fans the opportunity to soak in the energy of a live pro soccer game as supporters cheer from the stands and the action unfolds on the pitch. Whether you’ve been following the Rapids all season or you’re looking to catch your first soccer game, all are welcome!
PRO Tip: Saturday’s kick off is scheduled for 7:30 PM, with tickets available for purchase here.
Denver Summit FC vs. Racing Louisville
Where? 13740 East Fremont Avenue
When? October 24th
Denver’s professional women’s soccer team is excited to host Racing Louisville for Saturday’s NWSL match. The game will double as Fan Appreciation Day, giving fans an opportunity to come together and cheer on the team at Centennial Stadium. Whether you consider yourself a dedicated soccer fan or you just want to see what it’s like to experience a game in person, expect an afternoon of competitive play on the pitch and a lively home crowd. If you haven’t had a chance yet to catch the women in action, don’t miss this weekend’s opportunity!
PRO Tip: Saturday’s match is scheduled for 4:30 PM, with tickets available through the club’s website here.
Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? October 24th
Basketball is back! The Denver Nuggets welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to Ball Arena for this early-season NBA match. Fans of all ages will be excited to watch as the Nuggets begin their campaign on home court. Cheer extra loud to help the team build momentum against a competitive Western Conference opponent. Wherever you sit, you won’t miss out on the energy of the home crowd and the fast-paced action on the court. Make an evening of it by grabbing dinner and drinks downtown and consider taking public transportation if possible to avoid event-day congestion around the arena!
PRO Tip: Saturday’s game is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Brush up on Ball Arena’s current bag policy and entry guidelines at the start of the season so you don’t have to race back to the car!
Día de los Muertos
Where? 101 West 14th Avenue
When? October 24th
Celebrate Día de los Muertos this year at a free community gathering in Denver’s Civic Center Park. The celebration is presented by Denver Botanic Gardens and has been organized in partnership with local cultural groups. Family-friendly activities have been planned throughout the afternoon, with the event culminating in a sunset procession around the central community ofrenda. If you’re new to Día de los Muertos and are excited to learn more, the event honors ancestors and loved ones who have passed away via art, music, dance and shared remembrance. Visitors at Saturday’s event can explore community altars, admire art installations and browse the marketplace and sample food from Mexican and Latin American food trucks.
PRO Tip: Admission is free and the event will run from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Spirits & Spirits
Where? 715 South Forest Street
When? October 24th
Take a step into all things spooky at Spirits & Spirits at Denver’s Four Mile Historic Park. This adults-only Halloween celebration combines the popular Bright Nights experience at the park with live DJ sets, drag performances, spirit tastings and demonstrations. Guests are encouraged to gather around the campfire for ghost stories and of course, s’mores! After all, you’re never too old for marshmallows and chocolate. Catch a screening of The Unknown (1927) and explore the metaphysical marketplace. Other activities include tarot readings, face painting and tasty bites from local food trucks for an additional purchase. Tickets include Bright Nights admission, spirit tastings and one alcoholic or N/A drink.
PRO Tip: This is a 21 and up event. Tickets are priced at $85 for general admission and $65 for Four Mile members. Prices will increase to $100 as the event draws closer.
Broadway Halloween Bar Crawl
Where? South Broadway
When? October 24th
Ring in the Halloween season on South Broadway with the Broadway Halloween Bar Crawl! This costumed night on the town spans the neighborhood’s lively bar and restaurant corridor, with 40+ participating bars, restaurants, dispensaries, tattoo parlors, venues, shops and more this year! Bar crawl participants can enjoy Halloween themed specials and discounts. Spend your evening exploring the area with fellow revelers dressed in their seasonal best. The crawl also supports a local tradition, so you can feel good about your weekend activity! Proceeds help the South Broadway Halloween Parade, which brings together area artists, businesses and community members each year. Whether you’re in charge of planning a group outing this weekend or you’re hoping to discover a few new neighborhood hangouts, this Broadway Halloween Bar Crawl can’t wait to show you around!
PRO Tip: This is a 21 and up event, with nonalcoholic tickets available.
Five Alarm 5K & Chili Cook-Off
Where? 2875 Blake Street
When? October 25th
What beats a morning run followed by craft beer and comfort food? The Five Alarm 5K + Chili Cook-Off is hosted by the Colorado Brewery Running Series at Bierstadt Lagerhaus. The event begins with a 5K course that starts and finishes at the brewery. Once across the finish line, participants can sample chili from as many as 20 cook-off entries. Whether you run or walk, you won’t want to miss the inviting social atmosphere with fellow runners and chili fanatics. Start waves are scheduled for 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Registration includes your first beer and chili samples.
PRO Tip: Never heard of the Colorado Brewery Running Series? The race series pairs active outings with local breweries, offering a relaxed alternative to a traditional competitive race.
Grown Up Book Fair
Where? 7101 East Colfax Avenue
When? October 25th
If you’re someone who remembers the excitement of browsing the school book fair fondly, then this Grown Up Book Fair is for you! Embrace the nostalgic vibes and experience Fiction Beer Company during an afternoon of books, beer and browsing. The event has been organized with Second Star to the Right Bookstore and invites visitors to explore books and find their next favorite read in a laidback brewery setting. The Book Fair is scheduled from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, so swing by and enjoy a book and a brew!
PRO Tip: There is no registration required or ticket price for admission. Bring a friend or two and come say hello!
Family-Friendly Activities in Denver This Weekend
Embrace autumn with the family this weekend and head on over to the pumpkin patch at Little Man Ice Cream or face your fears at Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens!
Little Man Ice Cream Pumpkin Patch
Where? 2620 16th Street
When? Through October 31st
Nothing beats a visit to Little Man Ice Cream, except maybe if you involve pumpkins! Swing by the pumpkin patch for an easy way to add some autumnal vibes to your weekend. This popular ice cream shop has transformed its outdoor space into a seasonal display filled with orange gourds, hay bales and Halloween decor. This is the perfect stop for families, combining everybody’s favorite sweet treat with festive photo opportunities abounding. Pumpkins are available in several sizes, with prices ranging accordingly. While you’re browsing, make sure to enjoy a scoop or two of your favorite flavor or go ahead and sample the seasonal Pumpkin Chip! The pumpkin patch is free to visit, with pumpkins and ice cream available for purchase.
PRO Tip: You’ll have the rest of the month to swing by the patch but remember, the sooner you visit the greater the abundance of pumpkins!
Fright Fest
Where? 2000 Elitch Circle
When? Through November 1st
Don’t miss your chance to face your fears this spooky season at Elitch Gardens! The annual Fright Fest is back this Halloween season, with activities, thrills, and amusement for all. During the daytime hours, the setting is more family-friendly. Children can enjoy Halloween games and challenges, collect free candy and ride their favorite attractions. As evening arrives, the event shifts to “Fright by Night” with rides in the dark, haunted houses and spooky creatures that have come out to play. The daytime hours run from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. For older kiddos, stick around as the sun descends and see if you have what it takes to ride in the dark!
PRO Tip: Fright Fest will be taking place on select dates through November 1st, so check the park’s official calendar here before planning your visit.
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns
Where? 6115 South Santa Fe Drive
When? Through November 1st
Add a touch of magic to your family’s Halloween season this weekend with a visit to Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns. This illuminated outdoor experience features thousands of hand-carved pumpkins and larger-than-life displays. The walk-through trail transforms Hudson Gardens into a glowing autumnal wonderland. Children of all ages will be in awe at the imaginative scenes and colorful pumpkin creations. Not only is this fun for the whole family, it also doubles as the perfect opportunity to take some precious family photos for the holiday cards! Breath in the crisp fall air and take in the grand Halloween decorations.
PRO Tip: Tickets are required, with timed-entry options and anytime admission available for purchase.
Have Fun This Weekend in Denver
We hope you have a safe, fun and memorable weekend. Enjoy all that Denver has to offer and as always, we hope you’ll swing back around next week to stay tuned on what’s new.