Best Halloween & Fall Events in Denver: October 2025

October in Denver is pure magic. The leaves are turning golden, there's that crisp autumn air, and the city transforms into a Halloween wonderland that rivals anywhere in the country. Whether you're new to the Mile High City or you've been calling Denver home for years, this month offers an incredible lineup of spooky, fun, and downright amazing events.

From world-class haunted houses that'll make you question your life choices to family-friendly pumpkin patches where kids can safely trick-or-treat, Denver's got something for every Halloween lover. Let's dive into the best events happening this October 2025.

Spine-Tingling Haunted Attractions

13th Floor Haunted House continues its reign as Denver's most notorious Halloween destination, running through November 9th at 3400 E. 52nd Ave. This isn't your average haunted house – Fangoria Magazine literally called it "the #1 scariest haunted attraction in the U.S."

What makes it special? You get three terrifying experiences in one location: "Legend of the 13th Floor," "Twilight of the Damned," and "The Blood Shed." But here's where it gets interesting – they've expanded way beyond just scaring people. The midway now features escape games, axe throwing, secret bars, and themed VIP cabanas. It's like a Halloween theme park for adults.

This year's new additions include "Trick 'r Treat," an immersive augmented reality experience that blends digital scares with real-world terror, and the return of "No Name's Clown Chaos" dark maze. Fair warning: if you're afraid of clowns, maybe skip that one.

Frightmare Compound in Westminster (10798 Yukon St.) is Colorado's oldest haunted house, and they're keeping the tradition alive through November 8th. What I love about this place is how they've evolved beyond just the main haunted house. They've got mini escape rooms, a monster museum, and – get this – a coffin simulator that lets you experience being buried alive. It's oddly therapeutic in the most disturbing way possible.

Family-Friendly Fall Fun

Not everyone wants to be terrified out of their minds, and Denver's got incredible family options too.

Glow at the Gardens at Denver Botanic Gardens is celebrating its 10th anniversary from October 21-26, and it's absolutely magical. Picture this: hand-carved pumpkin displays illuminating winding garden paths, live performers creating an enchanting atmosphere, and kids' faces lighting up (literally) around every corner. This event sells out weeks in advance every year, so if you haven't gotten tickets yet, you might want to check resale options.

Zoo Boo at the Denver Zoo runs through October 31st and is perfect for families with younger kids. They've designed it with timed tickets to avoid overwhelming crowds, which is brilliant if you've ever been to a popular Halloween event with cranky toddlers. The trick-or-treating experience includes mysterious cryptid creatures, plenty of candy stations, and seasonal snacks that actually taste good.

The Broadway Halloween Parade on October 25th (1st & Broadway) is entering its seventh year, and it keeps getting better. Spooky floats, funky bands, and a hearse procession make this a uniquely Denver experience. The best part? Anyone can join in – just show up in costume and become part of the parade.

Adult Halloween Nightlife

For those who want to celebrate Halloween with a drink in hand, Denver doesn't disappoint.

The Denver Zombie Crawl is the city's biggest Halloween bar event, running October 31st into November 1st. Here's how it works: you get a survival kit with drink discounts, free welcome shots at select venues, and all-access entry to over 10 bars, lounges, and nightclubs. The crawl starts at 7 PM on Halloween night at The Mill on 2041 Larimer Street and goes until 2 AM. It's basically Halloween bar hopping with a zombie apocalypse theme.

Monster Masquerade at the Denver Zoo offers something unique – an adults-only (21+) Halloween experience at the zoo after hours. Live entertainment, craft cocktails, and the chance to see the animals in a completely different setting make this worth the ticket price.

Paranormal Palace 2025 transforms an entire downtown hotel into a massive Halloween playground. Think multiple themed rooms, DJs, dancing, and enough Halloween atmosphere to make you forget what month it actually is.

Budget-Friendly and Free Options

Halloween fun doesn't have to break the bank. Several farmers' markets continue through October and offer free seasonal activities. The South Pearl Farmers' Market runs Sundays through November 9th, while the Highlands Farmers Market continues through October 12th. Both feature pumpkin vendors, fall produce, and often have free family activities.

Civic Center EATS continues on Wednesdays and Thursdays through mid-October in Civic Center Park. While the food trucks aren't free, the atmosphere and people-watching are, and many vendors offer seasonal treats perfect for the Halloween season.

Beyond Halloween: Fall in Denver

October in Denver isn't just about Halloween – it's about celebrating the entire fall season. The weather is typically perfect (those 70-degree days in October are pure Colorado gold), making it ideal for outdoor activities.

The Denver Performing Arts Complex is hosting a family-friendly Halloween concert on October 26th at Boettcher Concert Hall. They're featuring spooky classical favorites alongside music from films and television, and costumes are encouraged. It's a great way to introduce kids to live classical music with a fun Halloween twist.

Kids Wonder Halloween Hoopla takes place October 25th in Centennial, offering open play, Trick-or-Treat Street, and a family fair with costume contests every hour. Winners get free play passes, which is a nice touch for families watching their budgets.

Why This Matters for Denver Living

As a real estate agent, I see how community events like these shape neighborhoods and influence where people want to live. The areas hosting these events – from the Highland neighborhood's farmers market to the South Pearl Street district – see increased foot traffic and community engagement throughout the fall season.

Denver's commitment to diverse, high-quality seasonal events is one of the reasons families and young professionals continue choosing our city. When you're considering where to buy a home, think about proximity to these kinds of community celebrations. They're not just fun – they're indicators of vibrant, engaged neighborhoods.

Planning Your October

With so many options, here's my advice: pick one or two events that really speak to you rather than trying to do everything. The haunted attractions are genuinely scary (I'm speaking from experience), so know your limits. For families, the Denver Zoo events and Botanic Gardens are consistently well-organized and worth the investment.

Most importantly, don't wait to get tickets for popular events. Glow at the Gardens sells out every year, and the better haunted attractions often have long lines on weekend nights.

October 2025 in Denver is shaping up to be incredible. Whether you're looking to get scared out of your mind, enjoy family-friendly fall activities, or experience the city's vibrant nightlife scene, this month has something special waiting for you. The combination of perfect Colorado fall weather and world-class events makes Denver one of the best places in the country to celebrate Halloween and autumn.

So grab your costumes, check those event dates, and get ready to experience why October in Denver is absolutely magical.