October in Denver comes with a few extra chills, a ton of costumes, and more than enough reasons to stay out after dark. There are lots of ways to celebrate Halloween in 2026, whether you want to explore a haunted house, take the kids trick-or-treating, or spend an evening hearing ghost stories in a historic setting. Seasonal attractions begin in September and continue into November, giving visitors and locals several weeks to plan fall outings around the city.
If you are looking for Denver Halloween events, this year’s calendar includes family activities, theatrical performances, outdoor displays, and after-dark attractions for those who enjoy a scare. Here are several events to add to your schedule, along with tips for planning transportation between destinations.
13th Floor Haunted House
September 11–November 14, 2026
For visitors who enjoy intense scares, the 13th Floor Haunted House offers three horror experiences: “Legend of the 13th Floor,” “Twilight of the Damned,” and “The Blood Shed.” The attraction has been described as the scariest haunted attraction in the U.S.
Beyond the haunted tours, an expanded midway features escape games, axe throwing, secret bars, and themed VIP cabanas. New for 2026 is “Trick ‘r Treat,” an immersive augmented reality experience, while “No Name’s Clown Chaos” returns as a dark maze.
With dates running from September through mid-November, the attraction is a popular option for a Halloween outing outside the traditional October 31 window. Review ticket options and entry times before visiting.
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns at Hudson Gardens
September 18–November 1, 2026
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns transforms Hudson Gardens into an illuminated fall display featuring thousands of hand-carved pumpkins. Larger-than-life installations depict scenes ranging from a nautical seascape and pirate ship to dinosaurs and dragons.
The glowing displays make this a good choice for families, couples, and groups looking for an outdoor evening activity. Allow time to walk through the grounds and view the installations at your own pace. Since this is a seasonal attraction with a limited run, booking tickets ahead of your visit is worth considering.
Boo at the Zoo
October 2–30, 2026
Boo at the Zoo returns to Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance with 13 timed, ticketed evenings from 4:30 to 9 p.m. The event includes nine candy stations, cryptid creatures, animal ambassadors, and seasonal snacks.
Timed admission is designed to help manage crowds while giving children and families an opportunity to enjoy Halloween activities in a zoo setting. The October 31 date is designated as a sensory-friendly night, so families should confirm the specific event details and ticket availability before planning their visit.
For younger visitors, Boo at the Zoo offers an alternative to late-night haunted attractions, with trick-or-treating and themed entertainment in one location.
Ghosts in the Gardens
October 28–31, 2026
Denver Botanic Gardens offers a different kind of Halloween experience with Ghosts in the Gardens. Visitors follow dark garden paths while storytellers share accounts of reported staff encounters, security guard experiences, and the site’s history, including its former association with the name “The Boneyard.”
Guests can explore at their own pace and visit storytellers in any order. The tour takes approximately 90 minutes, with new stories beginning every 15 minutes. An additional highlight is the opportunity to enter the Waring House, a Beaux-Arts-style mansion with its own intriguing history.
This event is a good fit for visitors who prefer local history and eerie storytelling to elaborate haunted-house effects.
Victorian Horrors at the Molly Brown House Museum
October 22–24 and October 29–31, 2026
The Molly Brown House Museum presents Victorian Horrors, a theatrical program featuring deathly tales by well-known authors from the past, performed by acclaimed local actors. Each program lasts about one hour.
The historic setting adds to the atmosphere, making this a distinctive option for a Halloween date night or an evening with friends. Check the museum’s schedule and reservation requirements before attending.
BOO-lesque at The Clocktower Cabaret
October 23–31, 2026
For adult audiences seeking live entertainment, BOO-lesque returns to The Clocktower Cabaret beneath Denver’s historic D&F Clocktower. The Halloween burlesque and variety show features the resident Clockettes performing as dark fantasy characters in a gothic-themed production.
Costumes are encouraged, and the show’s mix of dance and variety acts offers an alternative to haunted houses and outdoor festivals. Confirm age restrictions, performance times, and ticket details before making plans.
Boos & Brews Halloween 5K
October 31, 2026
The Boos & Brews Halloween 5K starts and finishes at the Number Thirty Eight taproom. Participants can run, walk, or jog the course before celebrating at the finish line. Start times are 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., followed by live music from Wichita Run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The event encourages Halloween costumes and includes a costume contest and trick-or-treating for children and other young-at-heart participants. Runners can choose a Breckenridge Brewery beer or an Athletic Brewing nonalcoholic beer to celebrate the finish.
With Halloween activities taking place across Denver, transportation can be an important part of planning your day or evening. Popular attractions may draw large crowds, and parking near busy venues can take extra time. Booking a car service in Denver with Crown Limousine gives you a way to plan your transportation around event schedules and pickup locations.
Crown Limousine offers luxury sedans, SUVs, Sprinter vans, and minibuses for different group sizes and occasions. A sedan can suit a couple attending Victorian Horrors, while an SUV or Sprinter van may be a better fit for families or friends visiting several attractions together. Minibuses are useful for larger groups planning a shared Halloween outing.
Whether you are planning a family afternoon at Boo at the Zoo or an evening at the 13th Floor Haunted House, Crown Limousine can help coordinate transportation to fit your plans.