Denver has a perfect blend of Halloween events and celebrations for Día de los Muertos.
It might be the beginning of November, but the Halloween celebrations are not over yet. If you haven't had a chance to take out your Halloween costume for a spin, Denver has a great lineup of costume balls, scary movie screenings, and more. Additionally, the city is celebrating the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) through art walks and 5K runs. Whatever you have planned, here are 12 fun things to do in Denver this weekend.
Friday, November 1
Día de Los Muertos First Friday Art Walk
Courtesy of Art District on Santa Fe (Facebook)
When: November 1, 5–10 p.m.
Where: Art District on Santa Fe
Price: Free
The Art District of Santa Fe leaves its gallery doors open late every first Friday of the month. For November, the theme of the art walk is Día de los Muertos, in celebration of the Day of the Dead. Explore the art displayed in more than 100 businesses and galleries, and enjoy the various performances and celebrations honoring this day.
Midnight Madness: The Addams Family
When: November 1, 11:59 p.m.
Where: Landmark’s Esquire Theatre
Price: $9.50
Stay up late on Friday for a midnight screening accompanied by buttered popcorn. The Landmark's Esquire theater carries out its tradition of Midnight Madness and for the month of October, they have screened horror and spooky movies to celebrate Halloween. This week, the cinema will screen The Addams Family, starring Raul Julia and Anjelica Houston.
The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert
When: November 1–2
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall
Price: $30–$104
The Nightmare Before Christmas is the perfect movie to watch before Halloween, on Halloween night, and for the rest of the season up until Christmas. Watch this classic horror-comedy film like never before, with the Colorado Symphony playing Danny Elfman's score live as the movie plays.
Día de Los Muertos Celebration
Courtesy of Mexican Cultural Center (Facebook)
When: November 1, 4–8 p.m.
Where: Town Center at Aurora
Price: Free
The Mexican Cultural Center honors the Day of the Dead through live performances, art installations, and face painting. Participate in the celebration with arts and crafts, and sign up for the workshops on how to make Pan de Muerto.
Saturday, November 2
Día de Los Muertos at Denver Botanic Gardens
When: November 2, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, York St.
Price: $12.50
The Denver Botanic Gardens observes the Day of the Dead by screening Pixar's film, Coco. The event will also include displays of traditional ofrendas, which will be created by members of the community, Mexican folk dance, face painting, and more.
Free Day at the DAM
Courtesy of Maria-Emilia Garcia
When: November 2, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Denver Art Museum
Price: Free
Skip the regular admission price on Saturday and explore the museum's latest exhibition, Shantell Matin: Words and Lines. However, please note that exhibitions like Claude Monet: The Truth of Nature are ticketed.
Denver Halloween Costume Ball
When: November 2, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
Where: Westin Denver Downtown Hotel
Price: $34–$39
Even though Halloween falls on a Thursday this year, you can still celebrate it this weekend with a bang at the Denver Halloween Costume Ball 2019. Tickets to the costume ball include access to all entertainment, including live performances and beats by DJ Spyda Tek. All drinks will be $8 throughout the night and there will be a $2,000 prize for the best costume.
The Harry Potter Ball
Photo Courtesy of Eventbrite
When: November 2, 10 p.m.–1 a.m.
Where: Pride and Swagger, Denver
Price: $5
Hogwarts is coming to Denver. Pride and Swagger celebrate the fall season by hosting The Harry Potter Ball: A Halloween Special. Dress in your best Harry Potter costumes and bring your wands to enjoy a night of drag performances and themed cocktails.
Sunday, November 3
Day of the Dead 5K
When: November 3, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Washington Park
Price: $30
The Colorado Runners Event organizes this Dia de los Muertos 5K run in order to celebrate life. Enjoy a morning jog, or walk, and after crossing the finish line, refuel with food and drinks provided by local vendors.
Janet Jackson Brunch
When: November 3, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Where: The Triangle Denver
Price: $25
It's not Sunday without brunch, and it's not a great Sunday brunch without a theme. The Triangle Denver hosts a morning of mimosas and a Janet Jackson Brunch. Sing along to the best of Janet Jackson's repertoire with live performances by local drag queens. The ticket includes themed food and four tickets for the Bloody Mary-Champagne bar.
Golden Triangle Public Art Tour
Courtesy of Eventbrite
When: November 3, 2–3:30 p.m.
Where: McNichols Civic Center Building
Price: Free
Come rain, or snow, or shine, Sunday will be the last Golden Triangle Public Art Tour of the year. Enjoy a stroll through downtown Denver and take in landmarks such as the Denver Public Library, the Denver Art Museum, and Civic Center Park. The art tour is guided by public art docent Esther Varney.
World Lemur Day
Courtesy of Denver Zoo (Facebook)
When: November 3, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Denver Zoo
Price: $20
Denver Zoo celebrates World Lemur Day. With the purchase of a general admission ticket, visitors can learn more about the fuzzy creatures with zookeeper talks and other activities. You can also visit the lemurs who live in Denver Zoo and learn more about their daily lives. There will additional lemur-themed activities throughout the day.
What are you doing this weekend in Denver? Any fun things to do that we missed on our list? Sound off in the comments below.
