Thursday, October 1 to Friday, October 23
Pumpkin Decorating Contest: The 2026 Pumpkin Decorating Contest begins October 1st. This event is open to all ages, so get creative! No carved pumpkins, only exterior decoration. Pumpkins must represent a book or movie character. Voting by the staff and public will begin October 26th. Winners announced at noon on October 30th. More information at gilpinlibrary.org/. Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Hwy 119, Black Hawk.
Saturday, October 17 and Saturday October 23
Fall Festival Saturdays: Pumpkin decorating, live music, mini maze and pumpkin market. Fun Halloween themed photo ops! Explore, play, shop and celebrate. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Gregory Street Plaza, Black Hawk.
Friday, October 16, Saturday, October 17, Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24
Creepy Crawl: Step into Central City’s haunted history. Explore five historic buildings and hear true tales of ghosts, murders and other unsettling things from Gilpin County’s past. The tour departs every 30 minutes from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., 102 Main Street, Central City. Tickets can be purchased here: eventbrite.com/e/17th-annual-central-city-creepy-crawl-tickets-1999789565423?msockid=23bfba1cf35863c53717a9f0f2816204. $18.65
Saturday, October 17
Pumpkin Head Photo Shoot: Join Advocated for Recovery Colorado for an unforgettable afternoon of creativity, costumes and photos at the Bald Mountain Cemetery. Pumpkin heads will be provided. Dress up if you’d like! 4 to 6 p.m., Bald Mountain Lane, Central City.
Tuesday, October 20
Boulder Sheriff's Office Trunk or Treat: Candy, haunted hallways, and more! For kids 12 and under. The event offers families a chance to celebrate Halloween while meeting first responders, public safety staff, and community partners from across Boulder County. Costumes are encouraged, and strollers and wagons are welcome. Sensory bags will be provided courtesy of the Autism Society of Boulder County to support an enjoyable experience for attendees with sensory needs. 4 to 7 p.m., 5600 Flatiron Parkway, Boulder.
Friday, October 23
Spooky Stroll: Free trick-or-treat trail and sensory room! Haunted barn, hay rides and carnival for $10. Cake walk and pumpkin patch! Partnering with Gilpin County School District. 5 to 9 p.m., Gilpin County Community Center, 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk.
Saturday, October 24
Haunted Barn and Pumpkin Patch: Hosted by Main Street Central City. Purchase your pumpkin and get a little spooked! Learn the “Thriller” dance at 6:30 p.m. 5 to 8 p.m., Gilpin County Community Center, 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk.
Howl at the Moon: Cash bar, appetizers, dancing, costume contest, and silent auction! Tickets available at the door for $20. Proceeds benefit Friends of Charlie’s Place. 6 to 10 p.m., Idaho Springs Elks Lodge, 1600 Colorado Boulevard, Idaho Springs.
Wednesday, October 28
Halloween Storytime: Join us for a special Halloween storytime! We’ll read some of our favorite Halloween books and have a special trick-or-treat around the library. Children are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes. 10 to 11 a.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.
Open Mic & Pumpkin Carving Party: Enjoy some local talent, or even join in, while carving pumpkins! Starts at 7 p.m., Jamestown Mercantile, 108 Main Street, Jamestown.
Friday, October 30
NES Trunk or Treat: Decorate your trunk and hand out treats to trick or treaters! For questions, contact erperry7@gmail.com. 4:30 p.m., 1 Sundown Trail, Nederland.
Family Movie & Halloween Party: Celebrate Halloween with us at the library! Wear your costume and join us for crafts and candy starting at 4 p.m., followed by Paw Patrol at 4:30 p.m. Bring a blanket and pillow and enjoy free popcorn during the movie. Free and open to all families. 4 to 6:30 p.m., Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk..
Pumpkin Carving Contest: Show off your pumpkin carving skills! You can participate at BOTH Very Nice Nederland, 26 Highway 119 #7, or Very Nice Gilpin, 180 Jankowski Drive, Black Hawk. 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, October 31
Halloween at TEENS Inc.: Face paint, games, food, a magic show and a haunted house! 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 151 East Street, Nederland.
Halloween at the Vault: From Old Towne, head to the Vault and Mountain Man Outdoor Store for treats for little ghouls, specials for big ghouls, a costume contest and live music! 5 to 7 p.m., The Vault, 26 Highway 119, Nederland.
Halloween at Very Nice: Enjoy music from Chris Myth and Scott Spanbauer from 5 to 7 at the Nederland location and a Halloween Costume Contest and treats all day at both locations! Very Nice Nederland, 26 Highway 119, and Very Nice Gilpin, 180 Jankowski Drive, Black Hawk.
Masquerade Ball at The Caribou Room: Live music from Banshee Tree and Cycles. Costume contest! The tradition continues. 7 p.m., 55 Indian Peaks Drive, Nederland. Buy tickets at thecaribouroom.com.
Gold Hill Inn’s Little Circus of Freaks: Costume contest and Halloween dance party with Canyon Collective! Starts at 8 p.m., 401 Main Street, Gold Hill. Buy tickets at events.humanitix.com/halloween-dance-party-ur4u4b6f.
Ned After Dark: Pierce the veil and experience the horror! Halloween at Ned General. Southern Gothic theme, come dressed to kill. Live music from Something Slight and Nicky Diamonds. Tarot readings and gumbo. 8 p.m., 112 East Second Street, Nederland.
Halloween Street at Gregory Plaza: Trick or treat trail, costume contests, games and activities, music and a haunted mine maze! Explore, play, shop and celebrate. 3 to 8 p.m., Gregory Street Plaza, Black Hawk.
