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2016 Harvest and Halloween Happenings

October brings a bounty of fun activities celebrating the harvest season and Halloween. From sweet to spooky to scary, there is something for every little ghoul and goblin.

FARM FUN

Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms

Through Oct. 30. Days and hours vary. Make your way through an 8-acre maze including life-size animal cutouts hidden throughout for fun photo opportunities. Visitors under the age of 10 can explore the mini-maze. Tickets include one hayride, barrel train ride (for age 12 and under) and unlimited jumping on a giant pillow. Pony rides and hamster balls are available for an additional fee. $8-$13. Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton. 720-865-4346. botanicgardens.org

Fall Family Pumpkin Festival 2016

Oct. 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30, 10am-4pm. Attend weekend activities including pumpkin decorating, an inflatable obstacle course, walk-on Water Bubbles, pony rides, a historical hayride, face painting, balloon twisting and entertainers. Events include Hawk Quest Birds of Prey, grape stomping and a live bat encounter. Some activities require tickets, but admission and stage shows are free. Tagawa Gardens, 7711 S. Parker Rd., Centennial. 303-690-4722. tagawagardens.com

Fall Farm Visits Through Nov.

Wed.-Sun., 9am-1pm. Stroll through the countryside and experience baby animals, pony rides, tire swings, a zip line and more. $13 Wed.-Fri., $15 Sat.-Sun., free for kids under 12 months. Reservation required online. Sunflower Farm, 11150 Prospect Rd., Longmont. 303-774-8001. sunflowerfarminfo.com

Fall Festival Through Halloween

10am-6pm. Find your perfect pumpkin in the pumkin patch, play games and enjoy a giant hay bale maze, petting zoo, bounce houses, giant jump pillow and more. $11 for ages 13-64, $14 ages 3-12, $9 Seniors 65+, 20 percent off for military, free ages 2 and under. Flat Acre Farm, 11321 Dransfeldt Rd., Parker. 303-805-1038. flatacresfarm.com

Fall Festival & Corn Maze

Fri.-Sun. through Oct. 30, 10am-8pm. Enjoy a 10-acre corn maze, pig races, hay wagon rides, corn cannons, petting zoo, natural play area, hay bale maze and more. Harvest Farm, 4240 E. County Rd. 66, Fort Collins. harvestfarm.net/fall-festival

Halloween Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival

Oct. 1-31, 10am-6pm. Walk through the mazes and pumpkin patch; pet the animals and purchase organically grown produce at a Boulder family farm. On weekends, ride a steam engine, learn about farming methods from the early 1900s or take a hayride for $3. Cottonwood Farms, 1535 N. 75th., Boulder. 720-890-4766. cottonwoodfarms.com

Harvest Festival at Littleton Museum

Oct. 8. 10am-3pm. Choose a pumpkin from the 1860s farm, then enjoy hayrides and other fun activities. There is no cost to get into the museum, but some activities and refreshments require tickets, which can be purchased the day of the event. Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton. 303-795-3950. littletongov.org

Reynolds Ranch Harvest Festival

Oct. 8-9, 10am-4pm. Grow your farming spirit with activities for the family, including a pumpkin patch, apple cider press, hayrides, children’s activities, Wild West gunfight shows, hay bale maze, gold panning and more. Food and drink vendors will be onsite. $5 per person age 4 and up. Western Museum of Mining & Industry. 225 N. Gate Blvd., Colorado Springs. 800-752-6558. wmmi.org

Pumpkin Festival

Oct. 7-9, 9am-5pm. Have fun at the 10-acre pumpkin patch with children’s activities, live music, an antique tractor exhibit, horse-drawn hayrides, photo booth, face painting and more. Free-$8. Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton. botanicgardens.org/chatfield-farms

Pumpkin Harvest Festival Oct. 1-2, 10am-4pm. Build a scarecrow, select the perfect pumpkin, dance to live music and more at the Four Mile House. Admission is free; charges apply for refreshments and some activities. Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St., Denver. 720-865-0800. fourmilepark.org

Punkin Chunkin ColoradoOct. 8-9. Hours vary by date. See how far gourds can fly at Punkin Chunkin Colorado. In addition to the competition, the event offers an exciting fall festival complete with family activities, pumpkin patch, fall market, car shows and more. Arapahoe Park Race Track, 26000 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora. 303-739-7160. auroragov.org/punkinchunkin

October Pumpkin Carnival Sat. and Sun. through Oct. 31, 9am-6pm. Enjoy a hay maze, petting zoo, pony rides, airplane rides and more. Free admission, activity prices $1-$5. Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch, 9057 Ute Hwy., Longmont. 303-684-0087. rockymtnpumpkinranch.com

U-Pick-Em Pumpkins

Daily through Nov. 1, 9am-6:30pm. Pick your own pumpkin from the fields, explore the hay bale maze, corn maze and pet the animals. Free admission; cost for pumpkins and other treats. Rock Creek Farm, 2005 S. 112th St., Broomfield. 303-465-9565. rockcreekfarm.com

Festive Décor

Festival of Scarecrows

Oct 8, 10am-2pm. Visit Olde Town Square as it is transformed into a pumpkin patch with scarecrows of all shapes and sizes standing guard. Bring costumed kids for the parade, navigate the corn maze, pick a pumpkin and vote for your favorite scarecrow. Olde Town Arvada. oldetownarvada.org

Glow at the Gardens

Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27, 6-9:30pm. Walk along luminaria-lined pathways winding through the grounds to reveal larger-than-life pumpkin displays. Enjoy indoor activities including live music, costume contests and hands-on crafts. Seasonal food and beverages are available for purchase. Free-$14. Denver Botanic Gardens.

Pumpkin Poles & Goat Show

Oct. 7-31. Halloween begins with the creation of Pumpkin Poles by the downtown merchants. They will be on display, located throughout downtown on Main, Alamo and Prince Streets. For more information, call 303-795-5006. Downtown Littleton. downtownlittleton.com/events

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS

Boo at the Bridge

Oct. 22, 4-9pm. Join a spooktacular party filled with goodies, entertainment and games at the Royal Gorge. Enjoy carnival games, trick-or-treating provided by local businesses, crazy characters from the Salida Circus, performances from the Northern Wind Dancers and a spook trail. $12 per person, $10 when pre-purchased online, $7 per person with a valid Season Pass. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, 4218 County Rd. 3A, Cañon City. 888-333-5597. royalgorgebridge.com

Boo at the Zoo at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Oct. 21-23 and 28-31, 4-8:30pm. Trick-or-treat and enjoy Halloween festivities in a safe environment. All of the zoo’s candy is made with sustainable palm oil to help protect wild orangutans. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., Colorado Springs. cmzoo.org/boo

Boo at the Zoo at the Denver Zoo

Oct. 22-23 and 29-30. Stop at 20 trick-or-treat stations, watch creepy-crawly animal demonstrations and enjoy family-friendly entertainment. Included with admission. (Note: this is the daytime version of this activity. There is also Boo After Dark for those who want a nighttime option for trick-or-treating. There is a separate charge for the evening.) Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver. 303-376-4800. denverzoo.org

Boo After Dark

Oct. 28-29, 6:30-9pm. Enjoy 20 trick-or-treat stations, creepy-crawly animal demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment. This event is the evening version of Boo at the Zoo. $17 adult, $12 child, free for age 2 and under. Membership does not cover admission to this after-hours event; all attendees must purchase tickets. Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver. 303-376-4800. denverzoo.org

Bug-A-Boo

Oct. 15-16, 9am-5pm. Celebrate the fall season dressed in your Halloween best. Enjoy indoor trick-or-treating, creepy crawly activities, a parade led by Pete the Mantis and fun for the whole family. Get up close and personal with some of the creepiest crawlies around. Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W 104th Ave., Westminster. 303-469-5441. butterflies.org

City of Englewood Halloween Carnival

Oct. 22, 5-8:30pm. Creep, slither or crawl over for a night of thrills and chills for all ages. Games cost 25 cents to play. Englewood Recreation Center, 1155 W. Oxford Ave., Englewood. 303-762-2680. englewoodrec.org

Family Overnight: Halloween at the Museum

Oct. 29, 6pm. through Oct. 30 10am. Enjoy a night of activities, spooky fun and trick-or-treat challenges. After an evening in the museum, sleep in the diorama halls, see an IMAX film and explore the Mummies: New Secrets from the Tombs temporary exhibition. Includes pizza dinner, evening snack, hot breakfast and candy. For families with K-8th grade children only. $80 per nonmember adult, $70 per nonmember child. (Purchase tickets in advance online). Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver. 303-370-6000. dmns.org

Fright Fest 2016

Through Oct. 30. Hours vary. Enjoy family events by day, haunted houses and scary happenings at night. Free trick-or-treating for little ones and family entertainment. Visit the website for admission pricing. Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Cir., Denver. 303-595-4386. elitchgardens.com

Halloween Kids Fest at the Downtown Aquarium

Oct. 29-30. Join Sharkey and his friends for a fun day of games, discounts, crafts and more. Downtown Aquarium, 700 Water St., Denver. 303-561-4450. downtownaquarium.com

Halloween Shoot

Oct. 25, 6:30-8:30pm. Come dressed in your favorite archery-themed costume. $10 per participant (equipment not included). High Altitude Archery, 455 Weaver Park Road, Ste. 500, Longmont. 720-491-3309. highaltitudearchery.com

Halloween Tea

Oct. 29, 12:30-2:30pm. Enjoy a tour of the historic Byers-Evans House Museum followed by tea sandwiches, scones, fresh fruit and desserts at a special Halloween tea. Look for Halloween decor and learn about traditions from the past. Reservation required. $20 adult member, $25 nonmember; $20 child. Byers-Evans House Museum, 1310 Bannock St., Denver. 303-620-4933. byersevanshousemuseum.org

HallowTeen Night at the Museum

Oct. 28, 6:30-9pm. Have a haunted good time at this evening full of spooky fun, including pizza, ghost stories, ghoulish games and creepy-crafty stuff. Costumes strongly recommended for a contest. For ages 13-17. $10 per person (purchase tickets in advance online). Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver. 303-370-6000. dmns.org

Haunted Shakespeare: Ghosts, Goblins, and Sprites Oct. 29, 10am-3pm. Explore scenes and monologues from Shakespeare’s canon. The workshop culminates in an invited showing at 2:30pm for family and friends. Ages 8-18. $60 (scholarships available). Wesley Chapel, 1290 Folsom St., Boulder. 303-735-1181. coloradoshakes.org/education/csf-school-theatre

Hauntings at the Hangar

Oct. 29. See the Wings over the Rockies museum transformed into a Haunted Hangar filled with all sorts of creatures from outer space, Star Wars characters, sweet treats, mad scientist experiments, carnival games, magic shows and face painting. Don’t forget to wear a costume. Members are free; general admission for nonmembers. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver. 303-360-5360. wingsmuseum.org

Historic Halloween

Oct. 29, 11:30am-2pm. Trick-or-treat around the museum and meet famous Coloradans like William Green Russell and Molly Brown. Included with admission. History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver. 303-447-8679. historycoloradocenter.org

Not-So-Haunted House and Free Community Day

Oct. 2, noon-4pm. Celebrate fall at the museum with spooky decorations, bobbing for apples and more. $1 donations are welcome. Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys, 1880 Gaylord St., Denver. 303-322-1053. dmmdt.org

Trick-or-Treat Street – Children’s Museum

Oct. 28-30, 9am-6pm. Enter a spooktacular wonderland including a family parade from one Treat House to the next and collect goodies, create classic Halloween crafts and play carnival games. Ages 0-8. $15 ages 2-59; $13 age 1 and 60+; free for members and under age 1. Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, 2121 Children’s Museum Dr., Denver. 303-744-3444. mychildsmuseum.org

Trek or Treat Off the Street

Oct. 29, 10am-4pm. Experience Halloween with crafts, ghost stories and of course candy. Included with admission. The Wildlife Experience, 10035 Peoria St., Parker. 720-488-3300. thewildlifeexperience.org

Trick-or-Treat Street

Oct. 29, 10am-1pm. Let kids put on costumes and grab their trick-or-treat bags. Age 12 and under. $2 per person (adults and children); each family may select one pumpkin from the pumpkin patch while supplies last. Recreation Center at Eastridge, 9568 University Blvd., Highlands Ranch. hrcaonline.org/About-Us/Guides-Communication/Calendar-Schedules/Event-Detail/trick-or-treat-street-14

Trick-or-Treat Train

Oct. 29-30, 10am-4pm. Enjoy Halloween with train rides, a haunted railcar and other activities. $15 adult, $10 senior, $5 child; free for members and under age 2. Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden. 303-279-4591. coloradorailroadmuseum.org

Union Station Halloween Parade and Party

Oct. 27, 4-7pm. Bring little ghosts and goblins to enjoy trick-or-treating, a costume parade, best costume contests and adult drink specials. Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop, Denver. 303-592-6712. unionstationindenver.com

Victorian Horrors

Oct. 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29. Listen to scary tales from the Gothic masters. Age 12 and up. Reservation recommended. $16 and $19. Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania St., Denver. 303-832-4092 ext. 16. mollybrown.org

Zombie Zone

Oct. 17-19, noon-10pm. Attend an annual family zombie event with fun horror-related vendors, activities and a zombie fashion show early in the evening. Denver Pavilions, 500 16th St., Ste. 10, Denver. denverpavilions.com

OLD TOWN TRICK-OR-TREATING

Belmar Boo! A Safe Trick-or-Treat Street

11am-1pm. Show off costumed kids (and pets) visiting Belmar Boo ‘stops” and shops, and enjoy a safe daytime Halloween celebration. Belmar, 464 S. Teller St., Lakewood. 303-742-1520. belmarcolorado.com

Halloween Walk in Downtown Evergreen

Oct. 31, 4:30-6:30pm. Bring little creatures dressed in their best outfits for the annual Halloween Walk. Candy is given out by participating downtown businesses. Downtown Evergreen. downtownevergreen.com

Historic Downtown Littleton Goblin Give-Out

Oct. 29, noon-5pm. Kids in costume can trick-or-treat at participating merchants. downtownlittleton.com

Howl-O-Ween Trick-or-Treat at Centennial Village MuseumOct. 22-23, 3-7pm. Wear your spookiest (or silliest) costume and head to Centennial Village for tricks and treats as you stop at each of their historic structures. Try your hand at Halloween carnival games and participate in the costume contest. Centennial Village Museum, 1475 A St., Greeley. greeleymuseums.com

Louisville Halloween Festival Oct. 29, 1pm. Paint pumpkins, enjoy pumpkin bowling, jumpy castles, costume contests, the MonsterDash 5K, 10K and kids races at this Halloween festival. Trick-or-treating at Old Town businesses and stores from 5-6pm. Historic Downtown, 544 Front St., Louisville. 303-931-5306. downtownlouisvilleco.com

Trick-or-Treat on Mainstreet Oct. 31, 3:30-8pm. Bring little ghouls, ghosts, goblins, princesses and superheroes to celebrate Halloween in downtown Parker. Many local businesses will line the street, providing a fun and safe place for kids of all ages to trick-or-treat. Mainstreet east of Parker Rd., Parker. trickortreatonmainstreet.com

IN THE DARK

Corpse Bride

Oct. 8, 10am cereal bar, film begins at 10:30am. Watch Tim Burton’s animated film about a groom who is dragged to the land of the dead and his attempt to get back above ground before his bride marries the villainous Barker Bittern. $5, free for age 6 and under, admission includes free cereal bar before the show.. Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Ave., Denver. 720-381-0813. denverfilm.org

Coraline

Oct. 15, 10am cereal bar, film begins at 10:30am. While exploring her new home, a young girl discovers a secret door and steps into an alternate world. In this Tim Burton film, Coraline must find her way back to her own family and life. $5, free for age 6 and under, admission includes free cereal bar before the show. Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Ave., Denver. 720-381-0813. denverfilm.org

Frankenweenie

Oct. 22, 10am cereal bar, film begins at 10:30am. Watch the Tim Burton animated film about young Victor Frankenstein who brings his beloved dog back to life. All goes well, until fellow students discover his secret and use it with monstrous consequences. $5, free for age 6 and under, admission includes free cereal bar before the show. Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Ave., Denver. 720-381-0813. denverfilm.org

RUN, CREEP AND CRAWL

The Great Pumpkin Haul Oct. 22, 8am. Earn your pumpkin by carrying it on a 2-mile jaunt through forests and fields and through the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms. Enjoy an after-haul festival with food trucks, beer or hot apple cider, costume contests, hayrides, pumpkin yoga and a kids” mini course. $50 per person after Oct. 1, free for kids 5 and under. Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon, Littleton. thegreatpumpkinhaul.com

Louisville Monster Dash Oct. 29, 3pm 5K/10K, 4:15 Kids Races. Celebrate Halloween with a 5K, 10K and three different kids races. Wear your costumes and stay after the race for costume contest and post-race party. Registration fees $15-$40. Downtown Louisville, 544 Front St., Louisville. 303-931-5306. monsterdashrun.com

Scream Scram 5K Run/Walk

Oct. 21, 6:30pm. Race through Washington Park in costume (if you choose) and support Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. There”ll be costume contests, the 100M Spooky Sneak for little kids, Trick-or-Treat Street and giveaways. $20-$35. Washington Park, S. Downing St. & E. Louisiana Ave., Denver. bgcmd.org/event/scream-scram-5k-runwalk

THRILLING NATURE

Haunted Trail Adventure

Oct. 15, 4-7pm. Walk along the Owl Trail and discover the critters of the night, enjoy carnival games, an encounter with our favorite paleo-puppeteer Mr. Bones and even a visit from Wild Wings Environmental Education and a few “live” owls. $5, free for age 3 and under. Registration is required. Bear Creek Lake Park, 15600 Morrison Rd., Lakewood.

Trick-or-Treat Nature Trail

Oct. 23-30, 1-4pm. Stroll the Trick-or-Treat Nature Trail at Star K Ranch for booths, a scavenger hunt puzzle and lots of fun. Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Rd., Aurora. 303-326-8445. auroragov.org/nature

MUSIC

Halloween Spooktacular

Oct. 29, 2:30pm. Enjoy a concert full of music from favorite children films. Dress up for the Halloween festivities and witness the zany costumes the Colorado Symphony musicians create. Family-friendly activities in the lobby starting one hour before the concert. $10-$25. Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St., Denver. 303-623-7876. coloradosymphony.org

Night of the Living Brass Oct. 15. 7:30pm. Enjoy an evening of Halloween-themed music performed by the Denver Brass. $22-$44. Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver. 303-832-4676. denverbrass.org

SPOOKY SWEET TREATS

Spooktacular Halloween Treats for Kids

Dates and times vary by location. Kids learn a variety of baking skills as they make one-eyed monster cookies, chocolate spider web cookies and witches fingers in this hands-on cooking class. Ages 8-14. $49 per person. Reservation required. Sur La Table Boulder, Centennial and Denver locations. 800-243-0852. surlatable.com

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

Family Workshop: Traditions of Día de los Muertos: Sugar Skulls

Oct. 14-15. Hours vary by date. Explore the cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos. Learn how to make and decorate sugar skulls as you discover the cultural significance of these important icons. Each person can make and take home two sugar skulls. Designed for ages 5-10. $12-$17. Denver Botanic Gardens. See Where the Kids Are, page 53.

Kids Altar Building and Art Catrina Workshop

Oct. 22, 2-4:30pm. Kids build their own miniature altar, create a Lady Catrina artwork and learn about the elements that make these traditions so special. Attendees are encouraged to bring a small photograph of a loved one they”ve been missing so they can celebrate their lives. Ages 8-12. $40. Register online. Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont. 303-651-8374. longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-e-m/museum/events-performances

Nichos: Days of the Dead at the Gardens

Oct. 10-Nov. 6. See nichos – small decorated boxes made from wood or tin and painted in bright colors for Day of the Dead celebrations. Students from Denver Public Schools created artwork especially for the Denver Botanic Gardens” annual celebration of Día de los Muertos. Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver. botanicgardens.org

Remember, Honor, Celebrate: Days of the Dead at the Gardens

Oct. 10-Nov. 6. Learn about the traditions, ofrendas, alters and the other elements that make up Día de los Muertos in this exhibit. Denver Botanic Gardens. 1007 York St., Denver. botanicgardens.org

Family Food

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