10 Things to Do in Denver in October

Denver is a very popular city during the summer, which marks the city's high season, but also during the winter, when the snow turns the surroundings of this destination into an ideal place to practice winter sports. However, there is another very interesting time to visit the capital of Colorado and that is in October, when autumn begins and brings with it the festival season.

Some of the best things to do in Denver in October include enjoying fall events, discovering the colors of the forests and green spaces around the city, celebrating Halloween and experiencing the start of the NBA regular season.

Denver Walls is a vibrant festival that transforms the city into a giant canvas during the month of October. This event celebrates artistic expression through murals created by local and international artists and, for the duration, the city becomes an open-air museum housing urban masterpieces that highlight the diversity and creativity of street art.

During Denver Walls visitors can view a variety of artistic styles and techniques, from realism to abstract art, each telling its own story. Artists use the city's walls as a medium to express ideas, emotions and reflections on society and culture. In addition, the murals are created in real time, allowing viewers to witness the transformation of ordinary urban spaces into stunning works of art.

In addition to the murals, the festival offers an immersive experience with events and activities related to urban art. Visitors can participate in guided tours for additional information about the artworks and artists, as well as enjoy live performances and musical concerts during the fall evenings, making this event also one of Denver's best nighttime alternatives.

Since 1969, Oktoberfest has lit up the streets of Denver with a lively celebration full of beer tradition. This festival, which pays homage to the city's Germanic roots, has become an annual tradition that attracts locals and tourists alike. And Denver, with its rich brewing history, is the perfect place to host such an iconic event that celebrates beer, music and beer culture.

Denver Oktoberfest has Larimer Street as its epicenter, where the city comes alive with the vibrant energy of tents and pavilions decorated in Bavarian style. During the festival, the street fills with colorful food booths, live music stages and, of course, a wide selection of craft beers.

In addition to beer and music, Denver Oktoberfest offers games, contests and activities for the whole family, making it an inclusive event that celebrates community and fun.

If you want to participate in one of the most popular events in the United States that takes place in almost every city in the country in October, you can join the Pumpkin Festival, which in the case of Denver is held at Chatfield Farms in the Botanical Gardens. This event celebrates the arrival of fall with a variety of themed activities.

This annual event transforms the setting of Chatfield Farms, located just outside of Denver, into a world of pumpkins, fall colors and fun for the whole family. From pumpkin picking to participating in games and art activities, the Pumpkin Festival offers a unique blend of entertainment that highlights the festive essence of the season.

One of the festival's main attractions is the extensive pumpkin patch where visitors can explore different varieties and sizes, creating a perfect environment for family photos and entertaining activities for the little ones. Therefore, the Pumpkin Festival offers one of the best activities for kids in Denver.

Halloween in Denver offers a mix of spooky and fun activities for all ages. From nighttime events to family-friendly options, Colorado's capital city provides a variety of options to celebrate the holiday in a unique and entertaining way on the city's streets and in its neighborhoods.

For thrill-seekers, nighttime events and haunted houses offer a spooky experience. Places like Haunted Field of Screams and 13th Floor Haunted House offer the opportunity to visit terrifying mazes and experience frightening encounters, creating an unforgettable Halloween experience for those looking for a good scare.

If you plan to visit Denver with children, the famous Trick or Treat Street in downtown Denver is one of the best activities to immerse yourself in the holiday. This event transforms the streets into a candy and entertainment paradise, with local stores and businesses offering treats for little ones in costume.

The Colorado Horror Film Festival, held annually in October, is a cinematic celebration that immerses genre lovers in the unique experience of horror cinema. This event highlights the creativity and artistry of filmmakers who explore the boundaries of fear and emotion through their works.

The festival's programming encompasses a variety of subgenres, from psychological thrillers to classic horror and avant-garde productions. However, this event not only offers film screenings, but also gives attendees the opportunity to participate in discussions and Q&A sessions with directors and actors.

The selection of films ranges from independent productions to exclusive premieres, providing a diverse and enriching experience for moviegoers. In addition, the Colorado Horror Film Festival often includes side events, such as theme nights and independent short film festivals, which promote emerging and self-generated creations.

The Elitch Gardens Festival of Fright transforms the Denver amusement park into a spooky, festive setting in October each year, attracting visitors of all ages. During this special event, Elitch Gardens becomes the epicenter of activities designed to capture the essence of Halloween. From themed decorations to spooky mazes, the park offers fun for the whole family.

One of the main attractions of the Festival of Fright is the mazes of terror, where visitors can enter terrifying worlds full of surprises and spooky characters. The park's décor creates an immersive experience that transports attendees to a unique and authentic Halloween atmosphere. In addition, the festival offers more relaxed activities for the little ones, such as candy hunt missions.

Therefore, by purchasing tickets to visit Elitch Gardens during the Festival of Fright, you can be sure to participate in one of the best things to do with kids in Denver during the month of October, as it combines the entertainment of fairground rides with the festive atmosphere of this iconic celebration famous around the world.

Coloween, Denver's celebrated adult Halloween celebration, is a unique experience that combines the fun of a costume party with the festive atmosphere of the spooky season. This annual event takes place in October and consists of a night filled with music, dancing and extravagant costumes at Stockyards Event Center.

Coloween attendees will be immersed in a fantasy world where creative costumes are the norm. From elaborate creations to classic costumes, the diversity of attire adds an element of surprise to the celebration.

In addition, Coloween often offers interactive themed experiences, such as photo areas and special activities, which add a tinge of traditional fun to the event. For those looking for an exciting and adult way to celebrate Halloween, Coloween in Denver offers a unique and unforgettable experience, where creativity, music and fun merge to create a magical evening.

In October, Denver's surroundings are dressed in a palette of colors that provide a unique visual experience, capable of capturing the very essence of autumn. One of the best places to discover this phenomenon is Red Rocks Park, a park that is not only known for its famous outdoor amphitheater, but also for its meandering trails that wind through rocky landscapes and offer panoramic views of the city.

The Garden of the Gods is another must-see destination for exploring the magic of autumn. Just a few hours' drive from Denver, this nature park in Colorado Springs offers unique rock formations that contrast with the fall colors that paint the landscape. In October each year, this site is transformed into a vibrant tableau where red and orange rocks merge with golden foliage and expanses of color-changing trees.

These sites, which are among the top attractions outside Denver, can be discovered on your own or as part of the best tours from the city.

In October, the Whiskey Riot Festival becomes one of the most popular events in Denver, since it gathers thousands of whiskey aficionados at The Brighton, a convention center located on the outskirts of the city. Here visitors can participate in talks, thematic activities and, mainly, tastings, which are included in the price of admission.

The Whiskey Riot Festival is promoted as the perfect event to choose tastings among hundreds of options without the need to buy a whole bottle, but paying only the entrance ticket. In addition, in each of the sections of the convention center you will find specialists who will tell you about the origin of each of the labels and the differences of each drink.

In general, representatives of the main whiskey brands from all over the world are present at this event which, in addition to Denver, also offers editions in Atlanta, Boston, New Orleans, Houston and Tampa Bay, making it famous as one of the best-known festivals of its kind in the United States.

That Denver, like all major U.S. cities, is in October fully infected with the Halloween spirit is nothing new, although the capital of Colorado is a pioneer in offering alternative themed events for all audiences. In this context, Halloween Spooktacular is presented as one of the best options with concerts, performances and activities for the whole family.

This annual event combines the excitement of Halloween with group fun in a festive atmosphere. Halloween Spooktacular takes place at the Boettcher Concert Hall, located in the historic LoDo District, and presents a world full of surprises and entertainment for all ages.

From magic shows and performances by local artists to haunted mazes for the little ones, located at the entrance of the concert hall, visitors will be able to participate in a series of activities that also includes costume contests and horror film series. Are you up for a spooky experience?

In October, Denver experiences a gradual change in temperatures as the city moves into autumn. During the first half of the month, temperatures typically range from 15° to 25°, while nights can become cooler with temperatures dropping as low as 5°.

However, towards the end of the month, days become colder with temperatures easily reaching 0°, which can usher in the season of snowfall and high winds that characterize Denver' s weather in November and December, when winter begins in the city.

Denver experiences a surge in tourism in October, as visitors are attracted by the city's combination of events, festivals and autumn charm. The transformation of nearby landscapes, such as the Rocky Mountains, into a blanket of autumn colors is a magnet for those looking to enjoy the region's distinctive natural beauty.

In addition, iconic events such as the Horror Film Festival, Pumpkin Festival and Halloween celebrations contribute to making October a vibrant and activity-packed month for tourists and locals alike.

Prices in Denver in October tend to experience some variation compared to other months of the year. Tourist demand that increases due to festivals and events can influence accommodation and entertainment costs. Therefore, I advise you to book early to guarantee cheaper rates and secure your spot on the best Denver tours.

On the other hand, when planning visits to restaurants or dining activities in Denver in October, it is advisable to pre-check available options and consider making reservations to ensure a more comfortable and affordable experience.

In October the temperatures in Denver are very changeable, so I advise you to include the following in your suitcase:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Safe hiking shoes
• Mountain coat
• Jacket
• Comfortable footwear
• Wool sweaters
• Lightweight T-shirt
• Lightweight pants
• Raincoat
• Waterproof coat