Spook-Tacular Happenings This Month in North Denver
By Basha Cohen
From Halloween costume balls to boozy chills and thrills to haunted houses for the creep-seekers among us to family-and-pet-friendly trick-or-treat festivities, Halloween 2022 is a witchy cauldron of activities.
For the best trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, check out the heart of the Highlands “Ghost District” from Irving Street to Lowell Boulevard between 29th to 31st Avenues, where adults revel in creating spooky theater in their homes and gardens with a bubbling cauldron of shrieks for your little ghosts and goblins.
Oct. 15, 11-6 p.m. Growl-o-ween, Three Dog Bakery, 1503 Boulder St.
Bring your furry family members dressed in their best costumes for trick-or-treating for your dog around the LoHi neighborhood. Costume contest categories for dogs include small, medium, large, and best group costumes. Special treats and goodies will be available at the bakery.
Oct. 21-22, 6-11 p.m. Witch Fest 2022, Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle
Calling all spiritual beings and the curious for Colorado’s largest pagan festival. The celebration will include a Mystical Market, tarot readings, performances by Nordic Daughter and DJ Howl, and a live ritual to honor the dead. Plus, some pretty wicked witch networking! Purchase tickets online at moontempleschool.com/witchfest.
Oct. 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Colorado Ladies of Lowriding Trunk or Treat, Joshua Station, 2330 W. Mulberry Place For an offbeat trick-or-treat experience, don your costumes, decorate cars, and go lowrider-to-lowrider for goodies galore. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Santa Cruz.
Oct. 27, 7:30-9 p.m. Halloween Improv Comedy Duel, The Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St.
The Parker Players’ Annual Halloween Costume Show will feature improvisers performing in costume and in character for the entire show. Tickets are $10.
Oct. 28, 7-10 p.m. Monster Mash BOOOONGO & Boogie, Little Man Ice Cream Factory, 4411 W. Colfax
Get all gussied up for a raucous night of costumery, bingo, and a Monster Mash boogie. Enter the costume contest to win great prizes. Categories include spookiest, most creative, cutest, and best family or group.
Oct. 29, 10 a.m.-noon. Sloan’s Lake Clean Up in Costume with Odell Brewing Co, 1646 Perry St.
Protect our Rivers and Odell Brewing Co. are wrapping up the Lake Love Cleanup Series this season. Come in costume, clean the lake, and enjoy a free beer at Odell’s Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse for your good deed. Free. Sign up at protectourrivers.org/events.
Oct. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tennyson Fall Fest & Pet Parade, Tennyson Street
From 41st to 43rd Avenue Trick-or-treat with local businesses from the Tennyson Berkeley Business Association (TBBA). Dress up with your pet for the pet costume parade. Live music with The Copper Children, beer, artisans, and more. $12 admission includes two complimentary beverages (21 and older), Kids under 10 are free; $5 per pet to enter the parade. All proceeds benefit TBBA.
Oct. 29, 2-3 p.m. DIY Trick-or-Treat Bag + Costume Party, Denver Public Library, Smiley Branch, 4501 W. 46th Ave.
Stop by Smiley before trick-or-treating on Tennyson this year for a Halloween costume party and to decorate your own candy bag! Materials and refreshments will be provided.
Oct. 29, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. The Denver Witches Ball, Highlands Masonic Lodge, 3550 Federal Blvd.
Get on your broom for the 30th Annual Denver Witches’ Ball, Denver’s premier pagan Halloween Masquerade Ball. Magic, music, shopping, the occult, and more. Bring the kids in the early hours. $30 online/$38 at door. More information at: denverwitchesball.com/ event/denver-witches-ball-2022
Oct. 29, 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Elks Club Halloween Costume Party, 2475 W. 26th Ave.
Denver #17, the “Northside Adult Playground,” presents the 6 Million Dollar Band, the Ultimate 80s experience. DJ Nes spins in the club room, which includes a complimentary late-night nacho bar. $40 advance/$45 at the door. 21 and older only.
Oct. 30, 9-11 a.m. Highland HUNIween Parade, 2835 32nd Ave.
Meet at the Gardens of St. Elizabeth for this family-friendly parade. Kids will walk down 32nd Avenue to Erie Street for a trick-or-treat street and a party at Recess Gardens including face painting, food, crafts, and more. Free.
Oct. 30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 14th Annual Pumpkin Carving & Costume Competition, Little Man Ice Cream, 2620 16th St.
Join an after-party from the HUNIween Parade. Buy a pumpkin in the patch or bring your own. Little Man has the carving tools, but bring your own carving knife if you choose. Winners for pumpkins, people, and pets (spookiest, most creative, cutest and best family or group) will be announced at 2 p.m. Free.
Oct. 30, 2-5 p.m. Highlands Harvest Festival, 32nd Avenue from Lowell Boulevard to Perry Street
Make it a full-on day of Northside Boo-tiful happenings. Trick-or-treating, a parade, bouncy castles, pumpkin carving, and a costume contest for peeps and pets. Free.
Oct. 30-Nov. 1, Noon-9 p.m. Dia de Los Muertos, Little Man Ice Cream, 2620 16th St.
Bring offerings, photos, and favorite memories or belongings of your deceased relatives as we create a community altar in honor of their spirits. Day of the Dead is a time of joy to remember our ancestors and celebrate with their spirit.
Oct. 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Trunk or Treat at St. Dominic Parish
There will be music, games and candy, and people can light a candle in memory of those they have lost.