Spooky season is well underway in Denver, and as you make your way through the state’s most haunted attractions, be sure to save room on your calendar this month for all things Halloween. We’re talking about the best dance parties, the biggest costume contests, and all the curious and bizarre experiences you could hope for from now through the 31st. Enjoy family-friendly activities by day (such as transformed amusement parks and pet parades) and get the socks scared off you by night via haunted houses, creepy (but impressive) graveyard installations, and dance parties that are killer—you know, figuratively speaking. Here’s a list of the coolest, spookiest, and scariest Halloween events happening in Denver this year.

LoDo, Oct. 27 - 31
Thompson Denver’s cozy, apres-ski cocktail lounge, Reynard Social, is hosting its first-ever Halloween event throughout a long weekend, offering five nights of fun, frights, and immersive experiences. Enjoy three rooms of adult trick-or-treating, a haunted forest, cursed graveyard, room of phobias, live DJs, and a multitude of other curiosities while you sip craft cocktails with your spooky, costumed friends.

Cole, Oct. 17 - 31
Sip themed (and like, really, really good) cocktails while immersed in the “goth-metal” environment of the Black Lagoon, which plays on cult horror, dungeon vibes, and all that is bizarre, creepy, and dark. Certain drinks will be available in custom, purchasable glassware and the playlist will feature everything from headbangers’ delights to pop enthusiasts’ top tracks. The most important rule of the night, though? Keep the space safe and fun for everyone in attendance, so all creatures of the night can have a good time.

Union Station, Oct. 12 - 31
The historic Oxford hotel, which is a fabulous stay any time of year, is upping the ante for paranormal chasers with its new Haunted History package available through October. Book a stay and enjoy an included ghost tour of downtown Denver, then test your limits by sleeping in Room 320, the scene of a tragic murder-suicide in the late 1800s. But don’t fear too much: two drinks in The Cruise Room before tucking in for the night may just give you the liquid courage you need.

Union Station, Oct. 16 - 28
There’s something spooky for everyone at Union Station this Halloween, from pumpkin carving and cocktails at Terminal Bar to a pet parade featuring your furry friend’s best Halloween costume. Also on the schedule is a free trick-or-treat parade on October 26 with balloon artists, face painting, mini train rides, and a costume contest, as well as a Hocus Pocus Halloween Opus, aka a 1990s Salem-themed night full of dancing, live performances, and a complimentary cocktail.

Various locations, Oct. 21 - 31
Use your investigative skills at The Fort’s Murder Mystery Dinner (Oct. 28), sip on trick-or-treat cocktails at various Dairy Block participants (Oct. 21 - 31), make your own witch’s brew at Postino (Oct. 22), or score a free, pre-trick-or-treat meal for your little ghouls and goblins at Slater’s 50/50 on Halloween night.

Ballpark, Oct. 29
Realize your zombie ball dreams at the Mile High Spirits Haunted Mansion Zombie Ball for one night only this Halloween weekend. Creep around a haunted graveyard while listening to live DJ sets, and don your best costume for a chance to win $2,000. And obviously, all the best drinks (spooky or otherwise) will be available for your ghoulish drinking pleasure.

Ballpark, Oct. 28
Event hotspot McGregor Square will be hosting its second-annual silent disco this year, featuring three DJs, jack-o-lantern bucket cocktails, a boomerang booth, and a massive plaza graveyard installation for all the spooky vibes (and costume pics). And speaking of costumes, this is another shot at winning big for your getup—a night at The Rally Hotel is up for grabs!

Dance ‘til you’re dead at Coloween

Elyria-Swansea, Oct. 29
When it comes to Halloween parties, this one doesn’t play around. The ever-colossal Coloween event remains the top-rated Halloween bash across the state, especially given the new theme each year. This year’s theme is Fantasy And Fashion, meaning imagination and flourish count extra for the $2,000 costume contests. Let your spooky fantasies run wild through a plethora of interactive experiences, live performers, and all the dancing your ghoulish little heart can manage.

Various locations
Part of the beauty of Halloween is the total transformation that’s possible: From impressive costumes and makeup to bars, restaurants, and otherwise ordinary locations bringing out the seriously spirited decor, it’s the best time of year to experience things as they typically aren’t. Denver’s Downtown Aquarium, for example, pulls out all the stops to make its Halloween Fest the best around. An especially kid- and family-friendly event, the Fest fills your day with games, animal appearances, trick-or-treating, and a costume contest, and kids in costume get discounted admission. Also family-friendly (during the day) is Elitch Gardens’ Fright Fest, which has plenty to keep the little ghouls and goblins busy while the sun’s out. But after dark is when the scares and shrieks start—big kids only.

North Cap Hill, Oct. 28 - 31
X Bar always comes through with its Halloween events, and this year is no exception. Our only recommendation is that maybe you wear a raincoat or something you don’t mind getting…stained. The 2022 Halloween party at X Bar will be a “Blood Rave,” meaning things are about to get soaked and everyone will be seeing red. Dance the night away in your best vampire looks at this four-day party and worry about the hangover once November rolls around.

Elyria-Swansea, through October 31
We know you knew this one was coming. If you’re looking for a good scare, you’ll want to head over to the 13th Floor Haunted House this October for a fright to remember. This year includes some new attractions for the ultimate heart-racing, blood-pumping experience, including the legend of Sasquatch, the undead of All Hallows Eve, and potentially the return of Blackthorn Slasher. Plus, if you’re still craving that adrenaline rush post-Halloween, the 13th Floor has themed scares planned for November, too.

Littleton, through October 31
Spanning across the greater metro area is the chance to see some truly unique light installations all in the spirit of Halloween. Littleton’s Hudson Gardens is back to hosting its annual Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns, which features more than 7,000 hand-carved, glowing pumpkins. There are also huge pumpkin displays, a light show, and some pretty artistic creations using the ultimate symbol for Halloween.