Fall has arrived and so has the fun!
October in Colorado is a great time to enjoy the beautiful fall colors while attending unique festivals. You can also visit one of many farms to find your perfect pumpkin. Need fall-inspired ideas on what to do this month? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorites:
October 1-31: Haunted hotels throughout Colorado
Some of Colorado’s supposedly haunted hotels include Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, which served as a makeshift Navy hospital and morgue during WWII; the Oxford Hotel in Denver, which was the site of a brutal murder-suicide in 1898; the Goldminer Hotel in Nederland, where the hotel is so nice some formerly living guests refuse to leave; and maybe most famously, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, which has been named one of America’s most haunted hotels. You can even explore Stanley Hotel’s spooky history during a 60-minute “spirited” night tour.
October 3: Tour de Corgi in Fort Collins, Colorado
What’s cuter than a corgi, you may ask? A corgi in a costume! You won’t want to miss this fun, corgi-filled event, featuring a corgi parade and costume contest. As a bonus, all proceeds from this event benefit local dog rescues.
October 3: Paws in the Park in Longmont, Colorado
Looking for another opportunity to connect with your four-legged friend? Paws in the Park combines a little exercise and a vendor village filled with local, pet-friendly businesses.
The dog-friendly 5K race starts at 9 a.m. along the St. Vrain Greenway, at 1270 Boston Ave., in Longmont. The pet expo is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event supports the Longmont Humane Society. Join in the fundraising efforts before the event by setting up a personal or team page via the event site to help raise money.
October 3: Annual Toy Bowl in Pueblo, Colorado
Pueblo law enforcement officials take on the Pueblo Bikers United on the football field. This annual event has delighted participants and fans for 47 years. A $5 entry fee helps pay for Christmas toys for needy children in the Pueblo community. Attendees can also bring a new, unwrapped toy.
The game starts at 11 a.m. at the Thunderbowl Stadium, Troy Avenue in Pueblo.
October 9-11: Celebrate fall at the Pumpkin Festival in Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms
Pick your favorite pumpkin at the 10-acre pumpkin patch, explore the corn maze and enjoy food trucks, live music, artisan booths, hayrides and face painting at this fall-themed festival. Once you’ve selected your pumpkins, use the free pumpkin daycare service. This way, you can fully enjoy the remainder of the festival without carrying your pumpkins around. (Here is a list of other pick-your-own pumpkin patches in Colorado.)
Now through November 14: 13th Floor Haunted House in Denver, Colorado
USA Today ranked the 13th Floor as one of the top five most terrifying haunted houses in the United States. This year, all-new chilling attractions include: “Jason Universe: Survive the Night,” “The Stichworks: House of Reanimation,” and “Cathedral of the Crimson Queen.” Tickets start at about $20.
You can extend your terrifying night with other activities like escape games or axe-throwing. The 13th Floor Denver is at 3400 E. 52nd Ave. It’s open most evenings in October, but check their website for all dates, times and ticket prices.
Throughout October: The Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns event in Denver, Colorado
Running now through Nov. 1, this family-friendly experience gives visitors a glowing outdoor show of thousands of magnificent hand-carved pumpkins, larger-than-life displays and immersive lighting. It’s a night full of fall magic, with S’mores stations, seasonal foods and lots of photo opportunities.
It takes place on select nights at The Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. Tickets are required.
October 16, 17, 23-25, 30, 31: Boo at the Zoo at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado
This unique Colorado Springs experience allows your kids to dress up and trick-or-treat while visiting zoo animals at night. Activities include a haunted house, a spooky graveyard, a pumpkin patch and a giraffe feeding experience. You must buy tickets in advance for Boo at the Zoo.
October 24: Dia de los Muertos celebrations and festivals – Longmont and Denver, Colorado
Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, celebrations have roots in both indigenous Aztec and Mayan cultures and Catholicism. Unique traditions have emerged in Mexico, Guatemala and among Mexican Americans throughout the U.S. and in Colorado.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 24, the streets of downtown Longmont, Colorado, come alive – with the dead. This celebration of culture, heritage, life and love features traditional live music and dance, face painting, sugar skull decorating, crafts and more.
From noon to 7 p.m. on Oct. 24, enjoy a unique community experience that unites all cultures, races and ethnicities. Held at the Denver Civic Center Park and presented by Denver Botanic Gardens.
Oct. 24: Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival in Manitou Springs, Colorado
Like many in the late 1800s who ventured west, Emma Crawford was looking for a cure for her tuberculosis. She hoped to find it in the cold-water mineral springs of Manitou Springs, but within two years, her illness overcame her. However, her love for the town was well known, and her wish was to be buried on top of Red Mountain, according to the Manitou Springs tourism website.
Her partner, an engineer on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, honored her wish. With help from 11 townspeople, Emma’s coffin was carried up the 7,200-foot slope and buried near Red Mountain’s summit. But then, almost 40 years later, nature’s elements unearthed the coffin, and it raced down the hillside. Young children found only a few of her remains along with her nameplate.
The townspeople started the event in 1995 in Emma’s memory.
Join in the parade, build a coffin to race or enjoy the festivities during this season of spooky festivity and soulful remembrance.