Things to Do in October: From Pumpkin Patches to Horror Musicals

Kendra Anderson

October 1, 2026

Nikki Glaser: The Stunning Tour 10/16, Paramount Theatre, Denver, CO

Unapologetic, razor-sharp, and gloriously unhinged, Nikki Glaser has mastered the art of making audiences cringe and laugh simultaneously. From destroying celebrities on high-profile roasts to hosting the Golden Globes, her brutal honesty about sex, self-loathing, and modern absurdity makes her one of the absolute funniest forces in comedy.

“Gronk, you look like if the concept of ‘bro’ was given a human body by a mad scientist who only had leftover parts from a college fraternity. You are the only person in history to get a concussion from thinking too hard.”

Anderson Farms Fall Fest – 9.23-10.31

Colorado’s largest fall family entertainment destination features a massive 25-acre corn maze, wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, a barrel train, jump pads, a combine slide, pedal karts, and the new Barnyard Challenge Low Ropes Course. Nighttime attractions also include “Terror in the Corn” and evening DJs.

Elitch Gardens Fright Fest – 9.26-11.1

Elitch’s has been a staple of Denver for longer than we’ve been alive. During October, the amusement park transforms. When the sun goes down, the fear takes over. Haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, sinister live entertainment and your favorite rides in the dark create an atmosphere of nonstop thrills.

SAW The Musical: The Unauthorized Parody of Saw – 10.1-10.11

We’re still questioning human intent after watching the SAW movies. Luckily, we’ll have some reprieve with the SAW musical parody coming to Denver. SAW The Musical: The Unauthorized Parody of Saw is a boundary-pushing horror-comedy musical at The Bug Theatre in Denver, hilariously reimagining the iconic bathroom trap from the original Saw film.

Oddities & Curiosities Expo – 10.3-10.4

Normally for us, oddities and curiosities is going home to visit family for the holidays. But The Oddities & Curiosities Expo is the original, touring showcase built for lovers of the dark, the different, and the beautifully bizarre. At the event, you’ll find items such as: taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, horror/halloween inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, creepy clothing, odd jewelry, animal skulls/bones, funeral collectibles & much more. Ok, maybe it is similar to our family gatherings.

Boo at the Zoo – 10.2-10.31

The Denver Zoo has discovered that no matter the holiday, celebrating around animals with no idea what’s going on and surrounded by screaming kids is truly festive. Enjoy mysterious cryptid creatures, candy stations, seasonal snacks and maximized Halloween fun for little ones and everyone. With something magical around every corner, it’s the best place in town to trick-or-treat!

Estes Park Elk Fest – 10.3-10.4

It’s that time of the year again when the Elk flock to Estes park to exercise their loins for mating season. Luckily for all of us, Estes has turned this into an unbelievable opportunity to witness the magnificent beasts in all their glorious forms through educational talks, videos and of course, vendors. Admission is free and the memories last a lifetime.

Midget Mayhem / Little Mania Mini Wrestling! 10/7, Rodeo Convention Center, Westminster, CO

Well, the name pretty much sums it up. If high-flying mini wrestlers throwing down in the ring sounds like your ideal night out, you’re in for a treat. Arrive early to grab drinks and watch the crew from Midgets With Attitude gear up for total mayhem. Grab ringside tickets to get right up close. These fierce competitors move ridiculously fast and deliver non-stop laughs.

Great American Beer Festival – 10.8-10.10

If drinking heavy quantities of beer with other individuals who claim to taste all the deep flavors of each sample like it’s their life calling, then GABF is calling your name. The annual tradition is non-stop beer samples, entertainment and people watching. This year it’s at Levitt Pavilion for the first time, who knows what could happen. We never seem to remember.

Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms – 10.9-10.11

It’s not October without a pumpkin patch photo opportunity to post on social media like you’re some type of extrovert who enjoys long lines and tedious crowds. But we digress. Snag a couple of pumpkins, sip on some cider and welcome the fall festivities in this beautiful setting while boosting your social credit.

The ParHopper Open | Oktoberfest Mini Golf Bar Crawl: 10/10, Rino District

Denver’s largest mini golf tournament starts with October. Grab your favorite golf and drinking partner and prepare for one of the most ridiculous days of the year. Register your duo for $50 to tackle 9 mini golf holes spanning 8 RiNo watering holes, featuring wild contests, sweet prizes, live jams, booze discounts, and a pair of complimentary bucket hats!

“Knock Your Boots Off” Beverage Tasting & Chili Cookoff – 10.17

Head to Golden for the annual beverage (beer) and chili cookoff in one of the most beautiful parts of Colorado. Sip on delicious beverages from Molson Coors while sampling chilis until your heart-burned heart is content. Live music, vendors and other fun activities are also available during your day in the Golden.

Avery Fall 5k 10/18, Avery Brewing, Gunbarrel, CO

Brewery 5ks in Colorado are another reason to drink but this time with a healthy inclusion. The event starts at the Avery Taproom because, you know, running is easier when slightly buzzed. Once you pass through the finish line, enjoy a FREE Beer and potentially a sick t-shirt to commemorate the occasion. We love Avery, so count us in.

Día de los Muertos Longmont – 10.24, Downtown Longmont, CO

Colorado’s longest Día de los Muertos celebration is back for its 26th year and it’s going to raise the dead — figuratively and literally. This celebration of culture, heritage, life and love will feature traditional live music and dance, face painting, sugar skull decorating, crafts, food trucks, local vendors, a Gigantes Procession and more!

Avon FreeFall Bluegrass Festival 10.9-11 Nottingham Park, Avon, CO

Three days of bluegrass-centered music, fall mountain scenery, and community in the heart of the Eagle Valley. View the full lineup, schedule, and tickets at freefallbluegrassfest.com. Photo by ShowLove Media.

Nightmare on Bud Street 10.31, Denver, CO

Halloween is better when everyone gets one. KrystaLeaves, Blaze Boyz & Bubbleman bring the adult carnival chaos with games, competition and entertainment, while collecting costumes and candy for local kids and families. Visit KrystaLeaves to get your ticket today!

Danceportation: PlayHaus 10.23 – 10.24 Meow Wolf Denver Denver, CO

Danceportation is an immersive dance party pulsing through the worlds of Convergence Station, featuring four main stages and more hidden surprises. Be immersed in the full exhibition while stunning live performances, psychedelic projections, and sentient universes welcome you.

FoCo Fall Fest October 9–11 Old Town Fort Collins

FoCo Fall Fest is back for year two, and apparently it’s already outgrown itself. The free outdoor festival expands to three days this year with more than 100 local vendors, live music across two stages, pumpkin painting, and plenty of local beer flowing throughout Old Town. New this year, a Friday Night Kickoff Concert gets the party started early with live music and an outdoor bar.