DENVER – Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some fun events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in the Denver metro area and beyond this weekend.
1. Go see the trees; their color is changing (but please park in a designated parking area)!
We may not really feel it yet, but sweater weather is upon us – and that can only mean one thing: It’s time to go leaf peeping! We have a full guide on the best hikes, road trips, train rides and more to see Colorado’s fall colors. Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3rhwHfy
2. Couldn’t get enough after Oktoberfest? Head to the Cider Days Festival!
Enjoy an entertaining mix of live performances, activities, and tasty harvest treats at Cider Days in Lakewood. There will be apple pie eating contests, a baked apple baking challenge, hard cider tasting, train rides, historic demonstrations, and much more. New this year? A timed entry system! More info. and tickets here.
3. This one’s for lovers of the strange, unusual and bizarre
Fascinated by taxidermy? Odd jewelry? Creepy clothing? Antique medical devices? Funeral collectibles? Then the Oddities and Curiosities Expo is where you’ll want to be this weekend. For ticket and more information, click here.
4. Experience the majestic bugle of a bull elk in Estes Park
Head on out to Estes Park to get a front-row seat as the elk show off their best attributes at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. At the fest, you can learn about rutting season, as well as participate in a bugling contest and see traditional performances from Native Americans in the region. For safe & respectful elk viewing tips, click here.
5. Enjoy Wild Fall at Denver Zoo
Wild Fall transforms the Denver Zoo into pure “falloween” fun, featuring roaming costumed characters, creature-carved pumpkins, festive food + drink, and special animal demos that connect these supernatural beings to the real-life natural world. More information and tickets can be found here.
6. Down for a free concert? The Levitt Pavilion’s where you’ll want to be
Levitt Pavilion Denver’s 2022 free concert summer season begins this weekend and will run through early October. This Sunday, the Cool Vibes Raggae Fest ft. Third World, Black Uhuru & more takes the stage. More information here.
7. Denver Audubon HOOTenanny Owl & Music Festival
The 11th Annual HOOTenanny Owl & Music Festival allows you to discover the secret life of owls through live owl demos from Nature's Educators, crafts, activities, and interactive tables from nonprofit organizations like Colorado Parks & Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. For more information and tickets, click here.
Bonus activities!
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns
For some not-so-spooky fun for all ages, the Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns kicks off for the year this weekend at Hudson Gardens. More than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins and displays light up the night after the sun sets. Plus, this Sunday, October 2, 2022, Hudson Gardens is hosting a special “Sensory Night” with the STAR Institute for guests, which will have reduced lights and sounds for those with sensory-motor differences.
13th Floor Haunted House Denver
Ever wonder what is on the elusive 13th floor of the hotels you stay at? The 13thFloor Haunted House Denver has the answer, if you dare to seek it. Encounter the realm of Bigfoot, a slasher, some un-dead trick-or-treaters and more at this haunted experience in Denver. After, you can try your hand at axe throwing and escape games in-between spooky-themed cocktails.
Reinke Brothers
If you’re looking for a different style of haunted experience, the Colorado-famous Reinke Brothers in Littleton has 35 rooms of visual effects and illusions to amplify their creepy themes. If you come during daylight hours this weekend, though, you can bring the little ones through with the lights on as they learn the tricks and secrets behind the spectacles. While you’re there, you can also get a head start on your Halloween costume by browsing their 16,000+ options to rent or buy.
The Talking Dead pub crawl
If you want your weekend “boo’s” with a splash of booze along with it, you can check out The Talking Dead history tour and pub crawl in Golden. For $50, you can see true scary stories from Golden’s past come to life through local history buffs and actors. The tour starts at the Goosetown Station, where you get a drink included with ticket price. From there, a tour guide will take you through the town of Golden as you encounter ghosts telling stories—and, drink specials and custom cocktails, too. You can book tickets online (must be 21 years or older).