Things to Do in Denver in October: Fun Events & Activities

Fall in Denver is one of the best seasons, with incredible weather and festive activities. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Denver in October for children and adults.

From relaxing experiences and outdoor adventures to dressing up for Halloween and attending local events, there’s something for everyone. We’ll share everything you need to know, including specific details and helpful tips for enjoying Denver this October.

Oakwell Beer Spa

When: Daily from 8 AM to 10:30 PM
Where: Oakwell Beer Spa, Denver’s Five Points neighborhood

Cost: A spa experience for two starts at $199

Kid-friendly: No

Relax at Oakwell Beer Spa this October, where you can enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments, delicious craft beer from Great Divide Brewing Company, and other tasty beverages.
Oakwell Beer Spa is an award-winning day spa, perfect for solo self-care, a date night, or a celebration with friends. Unwind in a cozy taproom and treat yourself to spa services, including Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, Infrared Sauna, and a Zero Gravity Massage experience.

Painting with a Twist

When: October 2nd-4th, 6th, 7th, 9th-13th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd-27th, 29th, & 30th; times vary
Where: Lower Downtown

Cost: Starting at $38

Kid-friendly: No

Throughout October, Painting with a Twist is hosting fall-themed painting classes. Join a class for a guided painting lesson. This is the perfect solo activity, date night, or outing with friends.  

Boo at the Zoo

When: October 4th, 5th, 11th-13th, 18th-20th, 25th-27th, & 31st from 5 to 9 PM
Where: Denver Zoo

Cost: Starts at $18.90 (children two and under are free)

Kid-friendly: Yes

Boo at the Zoo is one of the most fun things to do in Denver in October for families. Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, candy stations, seasonal snacks, and festive photo ops.

Go to Boo at the Zoo on October 31st for a sensory-friendly night.

Highlands Farmers Market

When: October 6th & 13th from 9 AM to 1 PM
Where: Highland Square

Cost: Free entry

Kid-friendly: Yes

Enjoy Denver’s fall weather and produce at Highlands Farmers Market. Shop for local goods, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and snacks. You can also enjoy breakfast, brunch, or lunch at Highlands Farmers Market.

Denver Art Museum’s Free Day

When: October 8th from 10 AM to 8 PM
Where: Civic Center Park

Cost: Free entry

Kid-friendly: Yes

The Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States, with over 70,000 diverse works from around the world. It’s also one of the best rainy day activities in Denver.

Once a month, you can explore the Denver Art Museum at no cost. Appreciate unique pieces of art, special exhibitions, and unique programs.

Fall BAZAAR

When & Where: 12 to 6 PM on October 5th at Belleview Station and October 12th at Platte Street Plaza

Cost: Free entry

Kid-friendly: Yes

The Fall BAZAAR is one of our favorite local festive things to do in Denver in October, with two events this October. Enjoy fall activities, live DJs, craft vendors, and delicious food.

Great American Beer Festival

When: October 10th and 11th from 5:30 to 9:30 PM and October 12th from 12:30 to 4:30 PM
Where: Colorado Convention Center

Cost: Tickets start at $85

Kid-friendly: No
Denver’s Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is a three-day event and the largest beer festival in the nation. It’s one of Denver’s best annual events for beer lovers, where you can get unlimited craft beer samples and choose from thousands of options.
Enjoy beers of all styles, cocktails, hard lemonades, teas, and seltzers. There are also fun events at GABF, like costume contests, karaoke, and silent disco.

Pumpkin Festival

When: October 11th - 12th from 9 AM to 4 PM
Where: Chatfield Farms

Cost: Tickets start at $10 (children two and under are free)

Kid-friendly: Yes

Spend the day celebrating fall at Chatfield Farms’ Pumpkin Festival in Littleton, just outside of Denver. Enjoy family-friendly festive activities, local vendors, live music, and food trucks. There’s also a pumpkin patch and corn maze.

Glow at the Gardens

When: October 22nd - 27th from 6 to 9 PM
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens

Cost: Tickets start at $26 (children two and under are free)

Kid-friendly: Yes

Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens differently this fall. At Glow at the Gardens, stroll through an immersive, illuminated path and enjoy diverse landscapes, live performers, and pumpkin displays.

Monster Masquerade Adult Night

When: October 24th from 5 to 9 PM
Where: Denver Zoo

Cost: $30

Kid-friendly: No

The Monster Masquerade is Denver Zoo’s most popular Adult Night of the year! Celebrate Halloween with the animals, festive photo ops, a costume contest, and a live DJ. Tickets also include a complimentary drink.

Halloween Bar Crawl

When: October 26th from 4 PM to midnight
Where: Downtown Denver

Cost: Tickets start at $12.78

Kid-friendly: No

Dress up and join the 7th annual Halloween Bar Crawl. This is the perfect Halloween activity with friends in Denver. You’ll stop at some of Denver’s best bars, including One Shot Back and Refinery.
Tickets include two or three drinks or shots, drink and food specials, and an after-party.

Ghosts & Goblins 5K/10K 2024

When: October 27th at 9 AM

Where: Denver City Park

Cost: Registration starts at $30

Kid-friendly: Yes

If you’re looking for active things to do in Denver in October, the Ghosts & Goblins 5K/10K is perfect! The race is at City Park, a tranquil area with paved lakeside trails. After the race, you can enjoy the vendor’s village, food, and drinks.

Registration for Ghosts & Goblins 5K/10K includes a race logo shirt, a finisher’s medal, and finish-line food.

Halloween Spooktacular!

When: October 27th at 2:30 PM
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall

Cost: Tickets start at $10

Kid-friendly: Yes

The Performing Arts Complex of Denver is hosting Halloween Spooktacular, a family-friendly concert with music from films and TV. Dress up in costumes and enjoy the performances and festivities!

Coloween

When: October 26th from 8 PM to 2 AM
Where: Stockyards Event Center

Cost: Tickets start at $59.95

Kid-friendly: No

Coloween is Colorado’s massive annual Halloween party. Dress in a jungle-inspired costume because this year’s theme is Welcome to the Jungle. The event includes jungle-themed entertainment, $10,000 costume contest, and live DJs.

Rocky Mountain National Park

When: Open 24/7
Where: 1.5 hour north of Denver

Cost: $20 per vehicle

Kid-friendly: Yes

If you’re looking for day trips from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places for outdoor activities in the area. Fall offers a unique experience, with crisp, cool weather, colorful scenery, hiking, and camping.

Things to Do in Denver in October: Conclusion

Denver is filled with fun things to see and do, especially during the fall. From family-friendly festivities and adult-only parties to outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone this October.

Don’t forget to relax while enjoying fall fun! Book a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa for yourself, a date night, or an activity with friends.