Thursday, October 1 to Friday, October 23

Pumpkin Decorating Contest: The 2026 Pumpkin Decorating Contest begins October 1.  This event is open to all ages, so get creative!  No carved pumpkins: exterior decoration only.  Pumpkins must represent a book or movie character.  Voting by the staff and public will begin October 26.  Winners announced at noon on October 30. More information at gilpinlibrary.org. Gilpin County Public Library, 15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Saturday, October 10

Nevermore: Everyone who attends become the murder suspect and the detectives. Prepare to fully immerse yourself in your provided characters to discover who did it. It could be you! Ages 18 and up. Gothic dress encouraged. Library fundraiser and silent auction as well. To purchase tickets, follow this link: bit.ly/NCLnevermore. 7 to 10 p.m., Nederland Community Library, 200 Highway 72. 

Saturday, October 17 

Haunted History Tour: As twilight falls over the Victorian rooftops, join us for an after—dark exploration of Central City’s most atmospheric and storied landmarks, including the historic Opera House, the legendary Face Bar, parts of the Teller House, and the historic Masonic Lodge not open to the general public. The evening begins with spooky cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Teller House, followed by tours of these landmarks. You never quite know what — or who— you might encounter around the next corner. This is Central City after dark, for the adventurous soul. 5:30 to 10 p.m., The Teller House, 120 Eureka Street, Central City. $150

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. 

Friday, October 23

Spooky Stroll: Free trick-or-treat trail and sensory room! Haunted barn, hayrides and carnival for $10. A cake walk and pumpkin patch! Partnering with Gilpin County School District and Main Street Central City as a fundraiser. 5 to 9 p.m., Gilpin County Community Center, 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk.

Saturday, October 24

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. 

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. 

Friday, October 30

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 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 p.m. 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 bit.ly/GHIhalloween. 

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.