Actually Fun Things You Can Do in Denver This Weekend

Things are getting spooky.

It’s the week before Halloween, which means it's time to get into the spirit of the season. Kick things off with a pumpkin painting session and a pair of haunted tours. Not into the ghoulish stuff? The Denver Film Festival kicks off, virtual-style, so cozy up for some at home screenings, be the first to check out a new immersive virtual reality art exhibit, or treat yourself to a paella feast at home with pre-made kits from Lola. Fall fun awaits, so make the most of your weekend. 

See a drive-in screening of Nomadland for the opening night of the Denver Film Festival

Thursday, October 22
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
The Denver Film Festival kicks off this weekend and for the first time, its schedule includes drive-in screenings at Red Rocks. It all kicks off on Friday with an opening night screening of Nomadland starring Frances McDormand. While the Sie Film Center remains closed, the rest of the festival line up for 2020 has gone virtual so check out the line up and plan yourself 18 days of at home screenings.
Cost: $85/car

See an immersive art exhibit from director Alejandro G. Iñárritu

Friday, October 23-Saturday, January 30
Stanley Marketplace
The Hanger at Stanley is the first stop on a world tour for CARNE y ARENA, an immersive virtual reality experience from the Academy Award winning director of films like Birdman and The Revenant. The experience is 20 minutes and is meant to be experienced solo (so it’s the ideal socially distant activity).
Cost: $35-$55/person (varies by date & time)

Taking a walking ghost tour downtown (with whiskey)

Friday, October 23
Seven Grand
Get into the spirit of the season with a Haunted Whiskey Society event. It’ll kick off with a welcome cocktail followed by an hour long walking tour of LoDo where you’ll learn more about the haunted history of the Mile High. Afterwards, settle in for a whiskey tasting hosted by Sazerac.
Cost: $40/person

Take a virtual beer road trip

Friday, October 23
Cerebral Brewing
With GABF on hold, many breweries are getting creative to bring you a taste of Denver’s annual celebration of all things beer. Cerebral is releasing new cans each week from breweries across the country. You can order online for pickup, then follow the journey on their social media. This week’s stop: Louisiana and Tennessee.
Cost: Depends how many beers you try

Get spooked on a haunted hanger tour

Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Bring a flashlight for this paranormal experience. Venture into the dark as you hear stories of strange happenings and search for ghosts at this airplane hanger turned museum. The event will also include a magic show from award-winning magician Christopher Manos.
Cost: $45-$65

Paint a pumpkin while sipping beer

Saturday, October 24 & Sunday, October, 25
Denver Beer Co. Arvada
Whether you’re up for in person fall fun or you’d rather stick closer to home, Denver Beer Co.’s got you covered with their 2020 Pumpkin Patch and Socially Distant Pumpkin Painting Party. Get your carving on at the brewery (paired with a pint of course), or take home some brews and a pumpkin and get into the Halloween spirit.
Cost: Get a take-home pumpkin and six pack of your choice for $22 pumpkin plus the cost of the 6 pack or reserve a table and get a pumpkin and a beer for $20

Pickup a feast from Lola’s paella pop-up

Sunday, October 25
Treat yourself to a Sunday night seafood feast. Lola’s putting together paella kits that you can cook up at home. Kits include saffron saffron bomba rice, mussels, shrimp, chicken, Alaskan crab, and Spanish chorizo. You can also opt for add-ons like family-style salad, garlic bread, ceviche, andl wine pairings. If you want to skip the dishes, Lola will also be offering a few paella specials for dine-in guests -- reservations recommended.
Cost: Paella for two is $55