Halloween Happenings and Great Gift Shows!
It’s a mix-and-mingle of holiday events this weekend, with Halloween happenings lingering on, Day of the Dead festivities popping up, and a look-ahead to the upcoming gift-buying and pie-making holidays. The first of the holiday craft and gift shows are in the area this weekend—so shop early for the best pickings!
TODAY/TONIGHT, October 31
FLAT ACRES FARM FALL FESTIVAL
This is the last day of the family-friendly festival, and a fun way to celebrate Halloween out in nature!
Kids will enjoy the giant hay bale maze, duck races, petting zoo, bounce houses, jumping pillow, climbing wall and more!
Flat Acres Farm, 11321 Dransfeldt Rd., Parker
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5-$14
Phone: 303-805-1038
FANG-TASTIC FESTIVAL
Castle Rock is throwing a Halloween Party in Festival Park especially for younger kids and their families. All ages are welcome and encouraged to dress in costumes.
There will be carnival games, hayrides, inflatables, a parade of costumes—and of course, candy!
Festival Park, 300 2nd St., Castle Rock
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
TRICK OR TREAT ON MAINSTREET
Looking for a fun and safe place to take your kids trick-or-treating? It doesn’t get any better than Downtown Parker! Many local businesses on and around Mainstreet will be giving out special treats and providing a safe place for kids of all ages to trick-or-treat. So bring your little ghosts and ghouls out for an evening of fun!
Parker Rd. and Mainstreet, Parker
3:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
LAST STOP FOR TRICK OR TREAT
Truly an event for all ages (including parents!), the Highlands Ranch Mansion offers a fun Last Stop for your trick-or-treating escapades! There will be an informal party on the grounds of the Mansion, with live music, a trick-or-treat station, and even a cash bar!
All activities are held outside—rain or shine or snow—so dress accordingly!
Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Dr., Highlands Ranch
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 303-791-0177
DESSERT WITH EDGAR ALLEN POE
One of the most eagerly-anticipated events of the year, it’s an evening with the
Master of the Macabre, Edgar Allan Poe! This intimate candlelit gathering inside a dark castle features Chautauqua scholar and actor David Skipper as Poe, reading from his horrific tales of revenge, murder, and death.
You’ll hear the dreadful short story, A Cask of Amontillado, the hauntingly beautiful poem, Annabelle Lee, and — of course — The Raven, all while you savor desserts and perhaps a glass of Amontillado inside the magnificent castle.
Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $36-$40
Phone: 303-688-5555
Thursday-Saturday, October 31 – November 2
FRIGHT ACRES HAUNT FEST
Keep the Halloween vibe going through the weekend at Colorado’s largest outdoor haunted attraction! In case you haven’t had a chance to be scared out of your wits yet—or want to come back for more—check out these three uniquely terrifying experiences at Fright Acres on Flat Acres Farm.
Whether you choose to navigate a haunted corn field next to Reaper’s Hollow, or check in at the creepy Dead End Motel, or find yourself in Goblins’ Grove, you’re sure to have a genuinely disturbing experience—don’t miss it!
Flat Acres Farm, 11321 Dransfeldt Rd., Parker
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30 – $45
Phone: 303-805-1038
Friday, November 1
100 YEARS OF NAT KING COLE
What’s sure to be an Unforgettable experience, this tribute to the legacy of Nat King Cole brings to life the music America has been in love with for the past century. Allen Harris, a Harlem-raised musician who is an internationally-renowned vocalist, guitarist and composer, sings the songs of Nat King Cole in a way that honors the great artist.
The set begins with Paper Moon, sung with an easygoing approach that invites you to sit back and enjoy the show. The friendly narrative vibe makes for a thoroughly enjoyable evening!
Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$55
Phone: 720-509-1000
Friday-Saturday, November 1-2
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS AT THE PHILHARMONIC
What better way to celebrate Dia de los Muertos—Day of the Dead—than with a screening of Disney Pixar’s instant-classic Coco, the movie all about spending this day in the afterworld?
Even more special, this screening features the Colorado Springs Philharmonic playing the entire score live during the showing of the movie! Don’t miss this special opportunity to hear the award-winning music from this celebrated film performed live!
Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $37-$75
Phone: 719-960-4725
Saturday, November 2
BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS HALF MARATHON
Possibly one of the most scenic trail runs you will ever encounter, this 13.1-mile half-marathon is a single loop on a 100% dirt/gravel track. Soak in the awesome mountain views and maybe even catch a glimpse of wildlife along the way! The race is run regardless of the weather—so be prepared for rain, shine, sleet or snow!
Registration includes a long-sleeve technical race shirt, a custom race bib, finisher medal, FREE all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from Flippin’ Flap Jacks, FREE beers from Living the Dream Brewing, and a post-race party!
Paintbrush Park, 11033 Monarch Blvd., Lone Tree
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration: $80-$85
Phone: 303-791-2500
CRAFT SHOW EXTRAORDINAIRE
With Halloween behind us, it’s officially the start of the holiday season! Get a head start on your shopping with the biggest craft event in the area, the 27th Annual Castle Rock Craft Show Extraordinaire. Browse the booths of over 150 vendors selling unique and handmade items, and participate in the silent auction and wreath auction.
Get ideas for decorating your house and making delicious holiday goodies at the popular Grandma’s Attic and Grandma’s Kitchen booths! Proceeds from this show benefit area senior citizens through the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center.
Douglas County Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 303-688-9498
JEWELRY & HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR
With a reputation for having the best quality and selection of handmade and unique jewelry in the area, this is the holiday gift fair you’ve been waiting for all year! Browse and purchase stunning necklaces, bracelets, earrings, scarves, and purses as a special gift for someone—or treat yourself!
Eastridge Rec Center, 9568 University Blvd., Highlands Ranch
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 303-791-2500
HOLIDAY PIE BAKE-OFF
Whether you’re the best baker around or are more highly-skilled at tasting, you won’t want to miss out on the most delicious competition in town! Gear up for the pie-baking holidays by entering your own celebrated pie-creation in the competition.
There will be two categories for judging: fruit and non-fruit pies. Pies will be graded based on appearance, crust, filling, and overall flavor and taste. Don’t have baking skills? No worries! Come to the competition free of charge and try the pies by the slice or bid on your favorite flavor in an auction.
The Millhouse at Philip S. Miller Park, 1381 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $30 to enter, FREE to attend
Phone: 720-724-2083
SIP AND SAVOR
With the chilly autumn air comes an opportunity to get warmed up from the inside out! This exclusive Wine Tasting Event will introduce foods and beverages for the true connoisseur, hand-selected by wine specialists.
Just in time for the holidays, experts will be on hand to answer questions and help you prepare your holiday shopping lists and party planning. Appetizers will be served alongside wine samples, and you’ll also receive a commemorative stemless wine glass. This event is for adults 21 and over—no children or infants.
Southridge Rec Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd., Highlands Ranch
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $50-$55
Phone: 303-791-2500
A NIGHT IN NEW ORLEANS FUNDRAISER
Escape the approaching winter season for one night in a magical Southern city, filled with music and fine dining! This is your chance to dress up in cocktail attire and mingle with friends and neighbors in a re-creation of the famed City of Jazz.
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner with tasty local Creole cuisine, classic cocktails, and of course live jazz entertainment. All proceeds from the evening will benefit Parker Arts’ enrichment and outreach programming.
PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $125
Phone: 303-841-4500
Sunday, November 3
CELEBRATE DAY OF THE DEAD WITH FIESTA COLORADO
The acclaimed Fiesta Colorado Dance Company strives to preserve the Hispanic dance arts of Colorado by presenting performances of the colorful and vibrant Mexican folkloric dance form. In honor of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), this special performance will include traditional pieces, as well as a celebration following the performance.
Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $5
Phone: 720-509-1000
Plenty to Do Near Crystal Valley!
Away from it all, but close to everything, the master-planned community of Crystal Valley offers access to plenty of things to do every weekend! If you’re in the area, stop by the amazing model homes from Century Communities, D.R. Horton, Kauffman Homes, and Richmond American Homes, and find out why our community is among the top five fastest-growing in the state with new homes priced from the $300s.
