10 Things to Do in Denver in October

Denver is a very popular city during the summer, which marks the city's peak season, but also during the winter, when the snow makes the surrounding area an ideal place for winter sports. However, there is another great time to visit Colorado's capital 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 colours 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 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 striking 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 autumn 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 celebrating beer, music and beer culture.

Denver Oktoberfest has Larimer Street as its epicentre, where the city comes alive with the vibrant energy of Bavarian-style tents and pavilions. During the festival, the street is filled with colourful food stalls, 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 take part in one of America's most popular events, held in almost every city across the country in October, you can join the Pumpkin Festival, which in Denver's case is held at Chatfield Farms in the Botanic Gardens. This event celebrates the arrival of autumn with a variety of themed activities.

This annual event transforms the setting of Chatfield Farms, located just outside Denver, into a world of pumpkins, autumn colours 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 expansive pumpkin patch where visitors can explore different varieties and sizes, creating a perfect environment for family photos and entertaining activities for the little ones. As such, 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 offers a variety of options to celebrate the holiday in a unique and entertaining way on the city's streets and in its neighbourhoods.

For thrill-seekers, nightly events and haunted houses offer a spooky experience. Places like the 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 shops 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 work.

The festival's programme covers a variety of sub-genres, 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 cinephiles. 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.

Each October, the Elitch Gardens Fright Festival transforms the Denver amusement park into a spooky, festive scene that attracts visitors of all ages. During this special event, Elitch Gardens becomes the epicentre 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, world-famous celebration.

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, then, 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 night.

In October, Denver's surroundings are dressed in a palette of colours that provide a unique visual experience, capturing the very essence of autumn. One of the best places to discover this phenomenon is Red Rocks Park, a park known not only for its famous outdoor amphitheatre, 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 autumn colours 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 colour-changing trees.

Part of the top attractions outside Denver, you can discover these sites on your own or as part of the best tours from the city.

In October, the Whiskey Riot Festival is one of Denver's most popular events, bringing thousands of whiskey aficionados to The Brighton, a convention centre on the outskirts of the city. Here, visitors can take part in talks, themed activities and, most importantly, tastings, which are included in the price of admission.

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

Representatives of major whisky brands from around the world are usually present at this event, which, in addition to Denver, also offers editions in Atlanta, Boston, New Orleans, Houston and Tampa Bay, making it one of the best-known festivals of its kind in the United States.

That Denver, like all major US cities, finds itself in October fully infected by the Halloween spirit is nothing new, although Colorado's capital is a pioneer in offering alternative themed events for all audiences. In this context, the Halloween Spooktacular is 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 in the historic LoDo district and presents a world 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?

October in Denver sees 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 characterise 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 colours 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 vary somewhat compared to other months of the year. The increased tourist demand due to festivals and events can have an impact on accommodation and entertainment costs. Therefore, it is advisable to book early to ensure the cheapest rates and secure your spot on Denver's best tours.

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

Temperatures in Denver in October are very changeable, so pack the following items in your suitcase:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Safe hiking shoes
• Mountain coat
• Jacket
• Comfortable footwear
• Wool jumpers
• Lightweight T-shirt
• Lightweight trousers
• Rain jacket
• Waterproof coat