Of course, the ghoulish happenings aren't limited to the city: There are ghost towns in Colorado to explore, hikes where you may encounter spirits with gruesome pasts, and guaranteed scares at the annual Telluride Horror Show. Want to map out an adventure that hits all the spookiest spots? See our guide of haunted attractions in Denver and beyond.
The city itself has a bounty of haunted history, from the creepy beginnings of Cheesman Park to the house that inspired The Changeling. Denver was in the spotlight for the Netflix series 28 Days Haunted last year, with a segment on the Lumber Baron Inn, and the city will be seen on the small screen again: Wicker Manor, the two-car garage DIY haunted house in Central Park (formerly Stapleton), was recently selected by ABC to participate in a limited show called The Great Halloween Fright Fight, which will air October 22.
If you want to learn more specifics about the Mile High's paranormal history, try one of the spirited ghost tours in Denver. And because we're in Colorado, we've also highlighted several THC-friendly Halloween activities. There are multiple immersive art experiences themed to the season, as well, and movie theaters are joining the fun: The Esquire Theatre is offering screenings of horror classics every Tuesday of the month for $5, and Alamo Drafthouse has followed suit with a lineup of classics, including Hocus Pocus.
Yes, it's a monster mash all month long. Here are some of the best Halloween experiences in the city:
Ongoing
13th Floor
3400 East 52nd Avenue
Through November 11
Enter if you dare! Arguably Denver's most famous haunted house experience, 13th Floor runs at select times through November 11. There are three new themes to explore this season: Fairytale Nightmare, the Deadlands and Repossessed, all of which promise to provide the screams, thrills and chills the haunt is known for. Thirteenth Floor has also created add-on experiences, including a tiki bar called the Sacred Skull: A Tiki Tarot Experience, a spot to shoot zombies and an experience called No Name's Clown Chaos. Ticket prices begin at $19.99, and you can always reserve your timed spot online to skip the lines.
Magic of the Jack O' Lanterns is open through Halloween.
Courtesy of Samantha Bryant
Hudson Gardens, 6115 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton
Through October 31
Presented by the haunted powerhouse 13th Floor, this is the third iteration of Magic of the Jack O' Lanterns at Hudson Gardens. Perfect for a family evening or a date night, Magic of the Jack O' Lanterns adds the glow of carved pumpkin displays to the Gardens; from nautical themes to dragons and monsters, each installation is unique and provides the perfect photo op. Timed-entry tickets to Magic of the Jack O' Lanterns are available now at $14.99.
The Burton Bar
Through October 31
Denver Pavillions, 500 16th Street
An immersive experience filled with references to Tim Burton's beloved spooky films, the Burton Bar is returning to the Venue at Denver Pavillions after having sold out in 2022. A ticket to the 21+ speakeasy pop-up is $25 and includes one beverage; you'll have ninety minutes to take in all the activations and games, and can follow clues to go on quests. Just remember: Don't say "Beetlejuice" three times!
Cosmic Howl
Through October 31
Meow Wolf, 1338 First Street
Convergence Station is celebrating Halloween throughout the month of October with spooky activations throughout the immersive installations. From costume contests to dance workshops throughout the month, creature-feature screenings on October 27 and the second annual SpooKiKi Ball on October 27 and 28, Meow Wolf has a bounty of offerings that can be found, as well as tickets, on its website.
Fang Bang
Through October 28
Denver Sports Castle, 1000 Broadway
Non Plus Ultra is getting in on the Halloween pop-up game, with its immersive Fang Bang vampire bar taking over the Sports Castle. The club is promising gothic, ’80s new-wave vibes as well as performances from drag and burlesque artists and, of course, vampires galore. Fang Bang will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with performances at 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $25.
Spookadelia
Closing date TBD
Spectra Art Space, 1836 South Broadway
Spectra Art Space is a pioneer of Denver's growing immersive art scene, and each year it mounts a psychedelic, ghostly experience in Spookadelia, which won a 2023 Best of Denver award for Best Seasonal Immersive. Make your way through a labyrinth of immersive installations and rooms, and follow along the narrative storyline, which works like a puzzle, with augmented reality and clues throughout the show. Because of its popularity, Spookadelia's run is inevitably extended each year; last year's show was up through this past March. Tickets are $12 to $30.
Sensatia Cirque Cabaret
Through December
The Arch, 3001 Walnut Street
Kansas City performance collective Quixotic is finding a home in Denver with its Sensatia Cirque Cabaret, which it opened in June and extended through the end of the year, after having already extended its run once before. The show has become immensely popular, and once you go, you'll see why. Enter into an immersive, Art Deco-style bar that serves wickedly good cocktails before heading in to one of the best cabaret shows you'll see. From sensual burlesque acts to jaw-dropping aerial feats, fire dances and musical numbers, Sensatia is a show audiences will never forget — and want to see more than once.
There will be a Dark Desires Halloween Ball at 8:30 p.m. on October 28, as well, with costume contests and a late-night dance party in addition to more tantalizing festivities. Tickets to the ball are $49; tickets for all other Sensatia productions are $39-$104.
Upcoming:
Hallowmass
Friday, October 27; Saturday, October 28; Tuesday, October 31; Friday, November 3; Saturday, November 4; 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street
Hallowmass is an annual ritual for Denver's famed sixty-member drum troupe itchy-O, and this year marks the ninth iteration of the immersive, experiential concert in its most intimate venue yet. Billed as a "Celebration of Impermanence," Hallowmass is more of a ceremony than an ordinary concert, steeped in philosophical lore to produce what itchy-O calls a "vehicle of ultimate transcendence." The group will play two sets each night, with one beginning at 6 p.m. and the next at 9 p.m. Tickets ($37) to the all-ages show are selling fast, with October 28 sold out.
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