Who says Halloween is just for kids? In the Denver metro area there are plenty of adult-only chills, thrills and screams to be had. Think costume parties, spirited drinks, spooky movies, festive art classes, a fashion show and more.
So get decked out as Ken and Barbie, Wednesday Addams, M3GAN, Mario and Luigi, Taylor Swift, a vampire, astronaut, cat or some obscure character from an old science fiction series, and have a frighteningly good grownup Halloween with these 20+ cheap or free events.
And, if you want to add on some Halloween fun for the whole family, check out our list.
Red Rum Wednesdays
Spooky drinks on special at Adrift Tiki Bar. Photo by Harrison Warters Photography
So maybe Adrift Tiki Bar hosts Red Rum Wednesdays every week, not just during Halloween, but the season is a the right time to indulge. Especially since on Wednesdays there’s happy hour from 5-7 p.m., discounted Halloween cocktails, and spooky movies playing on the big screen.
When: Wednesdays, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Adrift Tiki Bar, 218 S. Broadway, Denver
Cost: FREE to enter, happy hour drinks start at $8 for a mystery shot
Slayers Vampire Academy
Halloween is the perfect time for an immersive, spooky experience. Then, add a touch of mystery and vampires and you have the latest in live-action theater. Ticket includes Anti-Venom shot (or mocktail), two hours of fun in picturesque spot, and an exclusive menu of cocktails (for purchase).
When: Various dates and times throughout October, check the event page here
Where: The Mezzanine at Zeppelin Station, 3501 Wazee St., Denver
Cost: $19.95, tickets can be found here
Cocktail Trick or Treat Trail
One of the many cocktails to be had at the Dairy Block’s cocktail treat trail. Photo by Dairy Block
Head downtown to the Dairy Block for some 21+ Halloween fun. The event features seven venues in the complex, each pouring something special inspired by the season’s favorite villains.
Highlights including the Wicked Stepmother wine cocktail from Blanchard Family Wines; Sip of Death, a la Snow White, from Denver Milk Market’s bar; and a bourbon-based drink dubbed Beetlejuice Beetlejuice at Seven Grand. Have one, two, or go as a group and try them all.
When: Drinks available throughout October.
Where: Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee St., Denver
Cost: Drinks range from $13 to $16
Haunted Taproom
Head to a haunted tap room this Halloween. Photo by Call To Arms Brewing
Have a side of boos with your brews at Call to Arms Brewing, where the whole space gets a spooky makeover.
Aside from the haunted house setting, expect Halloween movie marathons throughout each week, spooky scavenger hunts for gift cards, daily giveaways for the first patrons to arrive each day, special beer releases and a candy corn guessing game to raise money for a local non-profit.
When: Through October 31
Where: Call to Arms Brewing, 4526 Tennyson St., Denver
Cost: FREE to enter, beers start at $3 for a four-ounce pour
Halloween Extravaganza and Market
Shop for all your spooky things while taking in the Halloween art show, listening to live bands and grabbing some delicious eats. Costumes encouraged.
When: Friday, October 6, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Creature Arcade: Tattoo and Illustration, 1601 Reed St., Lakewood
Cost: FREE
Fang Bang Immersive Vampire Bar Experience
Party all night at Fang Bang. Photo by NPU
Get down with vampires at this fully-immersive pop-up vampire night club hosted by Non Plus Ultra. Think 80’s goth music meets creatures of the night, with spooky-themed drag and burlesque performers. Sip on horror-themed cocktails and dance the night away.
When: Thursday to Saturday, October 5 to 28, with shows at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Where: Sports Castle, 1000 Broadway, Denver
Cost: $25 each, purchase tickets here
Ways to save: Follow the host Peaches Christ on Instagram at @thepeacheschrist for special discount offers
BOOzy Pumpkin Painting
Catch Hocus Pocus on the television while painting a pumpkin. The ticket includes admission to the party plus the pumpkin and supplies. Food and drinks can be purchased separately. It’s the perfect crafty Halloween event.
When: Thursday, October 19, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: ViewHouse Littleton, 2680 Main St., Littleton
Cost: $10, reserve a spot here
Drink With the Devil
Head to the Spooky Speakeasy this October. Photo by Denver Union Station
Who knows what sinister spirits will pop up at the Denver Union Station Spooky Speakeasy. The vibe is New Orleans voodoo, and the drinks play into the theme with names such as Snake Charmer, Blood Magic and Conjuring Spirits.
Find the fun in the gallery space, which is in the basement, access the stairs right across from the Amtrak ticket window.
When: Thursday, October 19 to Tuesday, October 31, from 4 p.m. – midnight
Where: Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop, Denver
Cost: Entry is FREE, no reservations required; Drinks range from $8 to $13
Halloween Masquerade Ball
With Talia Tucker L’Whor hosting, expect a live DJ, dancing, mask-making station, and a costume contest with five categories (black tie, greatest of Gatsby’s, jokers wild, DIY, and glitz glam goddam). Also expect devilishly good drag performances by Valentino Flora and Juiccy Misdemeanor.
When: Friday, October 20, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: The Source Hotel, 3330 Brighton Blvd., Denver
Cost: $25 per person, advance purchase is required here
Stoney’s Uptown 6th Annual Pumpkin Carve
Head to the famed bar and grab a seat, a pumpkin, a carving kit and a pumpkin beer and get ready to create while spooky movies play.
The cost covers one kit, and can include however many people you want in your party. To reserve a table, email dana@stoneysbarandgrill.com to reserve the group’s table.
When: Friday, October 20, 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Stoney’s Uptown Joint, 1035 E. 17th Ave., Denver
Cost: $10, make a reservation here
Spirits & Spirits
Victorian-style scares at Four Mile Historic Park. Photo by FMHP
Sip a dram from a local distiller while contacting the undead for a little drama during this yearly fete. The theme is Victorian Spiritualism, and guests can expect aura photography, flash tattoos, tarot reading, drag bingo and tours of the Four Mile House for a Victorian mourning ceremony.
When: Saturday, October 21, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St., Denver
Cost: Starting at $40, purchase tickets here
Ways to save: Park members save $2 on GA admission, and $5 on VIP admission
Anything But Clothes Comedy Show: Halloween Edition
It’s a comedy of clothes, or more, not clothes in the case of this Savage Entertainment production. The idea is that six stand-up comedians dress in something other than clothes, and, if it’s not funny enough they have to strip. There will also be a horror-themed burlesque performance by Shania McCain, and audience costume contest centered around Anything But Clothes. Sheet ghost or toilet paper mummy anyone?
When: Saturday, October 21, 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Enigma Bazaar, 4923 W. 38th Ave., Denver
Cost: $15 online here, and $17 at the door
Halloween Silent Disco
Dance the night away to spooky music while also wearing a killer costume at this annual event in Louisville. Headphones can be checked out when you get there.
When: Saturday, October 21, 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Where: The Louisville Underground, 640 Main Street, Louisville
Cost: $18, purchase tickets here
Ways to save: Purchase a ticket bundle, 8 for $100
Source: DepositPhotos
Halloween Scream
Indulge in an afternoon of locally-made wines with your best ghoul friends and enter to win the costume contest. Strut your stuff on the catwalk, and the top three looks will win cash prizes and bragging rights. Papalote’s Latin Kitchen will also be dishing out food.
When: Sunday, October 22, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The Infinite Monkey Theorem, 3200 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: $12 online here, or $20 at the door
DenverFright: Tales of the Strange and Unusual with Denverite
Camp fire tales got lot spookier with this line up seasoned storytellers. Hosted by Obed Manuel and Desiree Mathurin of Denverite and Ryan Warner of Colorado Matters, expect to hear from writers Manuel Aragon, Josh Schlossberg, Lindsay King-Miller and D.L. Cordero.
When: Wednesday, October 25, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: The Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St., Denver
Cost: $10, find tickets here
Monster Mash Party
You know the song but can you sing it during this Halloween jazz concert featuring trombonist Stafford Hunter at Spangalang Brewery? The fete also doubles as a costume contest, which takes place after the show.
When: Friday, October 27, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Spangalang Brewery, 2736 Welton St., Denver
Cost: FREE, but reserve a spot here
BYOP (Pumpkin)
Carve some pumpkins while drinking beer. Photo by Linnea Covington
Dress up and bring a pumpkin to carve while sipping on a pint of Pumpkin Spice Latte beer or the Octoberfest Festbier at this Greenwood Village brewery. Best part, you bring a pumpkin and you get a FREE beer. Plus, the best costume wins a gift card to the Spice Trade Brewery & Kitchen.
When: October 27 to 30, Friday 12 to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Spice Trade Brewery & Kitchen, 8775 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village
Cost: FREE
Mile High Spirits Bash
Expect spirits and spirits at this 21+ event, going on its 12th year. It’s the ultimate Halloween party with cash prizes for the best costumes, live DJs and plenty of dance space.
When: Saturday, October 28, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Mile High Spirits Tasting Room, 2201 Lawrence St., Denver
Cost: $10 per person, purchase tickets here
Dress up in any costume you want and party the night away. Photo by Linnea Covington
Deep Space Halloween Party
TVC and Space Farm present a frightful night of music, dancing, and delicious treats. Wear a costume and have a blast.
When: Saturday, October 28, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: 11020 S. Pikes Peak Dr., Parker
Cost: $20, purchase tickets here
Howl-O-Ween Costume Party
Bring your furry friend all dressed up and have a howling good time at the Art, a Hotel. There will be dog treats for the pups, a Tito’s Vodka drink for the humans, a photo booth and a DJ spinning wild tunes. Make sure to match your doggies look, the best dressed pair can win the costume contest.
When: Saturday, October 28. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Fire Restaurant & Lounge, 1201 Broadway Denver,
Cost: $15, but $5 of every ticket goes to Harley’s Hope Foundation. Purchase tickets here.
Party On At the Block
RiNo’s popular distillery and cocktail bar will thrill with a DJ spinning spooky tunes, a tarot card reader putting you in touch with the mystical, creepy cocktail specials, and a frightful costume contest. The costume contest winner will take home a Block Distilling Co, gift card and epic boo-ing rights.
When: Saturday, October 28, 7 p.m. to midnight
Where: The Block Distilling Co., 2990 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: FREE entry
Halloween Costume & Dance Party
Halloween costume contest and dance party at Parkside Eatery, home to Gina’s Kitchen, Taco Choi, Lucky Bird, and Gera Ice Cream. This food hall will hold multiple costume contests for all attendees to have a shot at winning prizes and gift cards! 18+ for entry, 21+ to redeem drink tickets
When: Saturday, October 28, 9 p.m. to midnight
Where: Parkside Eatery, 14515 E. Alameda Pkwy., Aurora.
Cost: $25 per ticket, purchase here.
Boos and Brews Halloween 5K
Walk, run, jog, swagger-there’s no wrong answer when participating in this fun run. Each registered person who makes it to the finish lines gets a pint of craft beer, some brewery swag, a chance to win prizes and access to the party after.
When: Saturday, October 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Starts at Number Thirty Eight, 3560 Chestnut Place, Denver
Cost: $35, register and get a ticket here
The 2nd Annual SpooKiKi Ball
Presented by House of Flora, expect radical costumes, vogue dancing, drag queens, great music and more. Tickets are for the party only, the Meow Wolf exhibit is extra. The only rule, no full-face coverings.
When: Saturday, October 28 at 8 p.m.
Where: Meow Wolf, 1338 1st St., Denver
Cost: $25 per ticket, purchase HERE
Halloween at Punch Bowl Social
Spook up the night with a costume contest, DJ spinning monstrous music, ghoulish games and more. Make sure to visit the Halloween photo booth too, and take home a token of the night.
When: Saturday, October 28 at 9 p.m.
Where: Punch Bowl Social, 65 Broadway, Denver
Cost: FREE to enter, food and drink for purchase, reserve a ticket HERE
Halloween Coloring Night
Quiet more your speed? Head downtown for a special Halloween themed adult coloring night. A ticket gets you a beer, coloring book and colored pencils. Food can also be purchased from the various food stalls.
When: Monday, October 30, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Milepost Zero in McGregor Square, 1601 19th St., Denver
Cost: $10 per ticket, purchase here