Fun Events Around Colorado for Halloween

skeleton pretending to scream

Halloween is a spooky time across Colorado. Many different events around Colorado for Halloween mean something for everyone can be found in the Rocky Mountain state. Many celebrations during Halloween in Colorado come from long honored traditions held each year with festive enthusiasm that is highly contagious and sure to get your group excited!

The Emma Crawford Coffin Races in Manitou Springs 

Every year in Manitou Springs, residents and visitors celebrate the Emma Crawford Coffin Races in the downtown area. The legend of Emma Crawford starts all the way back in the year 1898. Suffering from tuberculosis, she traveled to Manitou Springs to bathe in the healing mineral water sourced from local hot springs. Sadly, she passed two years later due to complications of her illness. Requesting to be buried on top of Red Mountain, her husband insured she was buried on the summit. Close to 40 years later, spring storms unearthed Emma’s resting place, sending her casket racing down the mountainside all the way down into town. In honor of said event, every year residents run coffins in four-man teams with an honorary Emma, fifth member, riding in the coffin all the way to the finish line. It is such a popular event that other counties have taken up the tradition. Regardless of whether you watch or choose to participate, you will have a unique experience with an even more unique backstory.

emma crawford coffin racersImage courtesy of 9news.com

Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens in Denver 

Elitch Gardens, located in Denver, is always a popular spot due to the amazing rides and attractions for all ages. During Halloween though, a special atmosphere is set up for the haunted occasion. Tombstones and scarecrows line all the walkways guarding the rides with spooky trepidation. Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens is a scary adventure full of thrills and chills both from the rides and the ambience. Guests are encouraged to dress up in scary outfits and come join the excitement of a world class amusement park decked out in all its scary grandeur. During the daylight hours, little kids can engage with trick or treat stations and fill their bags with yummy treats! Nighttime brings a fully engaging haunted house experience aimed at children 12 or older. Just as scary are all the rollercoasters and thrill rides all waiting to be ridden in a haunting setting. 

zombie at fright fest in elitch gardens

Image courtesy of 9news.com

The Field of Screams Haunted House in Thornton 

For the haunted house enthusiast, there is no better stop than the Field of Screams located in Thornton, Colorado. This massive, haunted house spans over 40 acres and is located on the site of a legendary spooky mystery. Legend goes; long ago a man went mad in his home, setting fire to it with his family still trapped inside. The only structure left standing after the blaze was the iron gates located at the entrance of the home. Since then, many reports of strange creatures wandering the road and gatherings at the iron gates have been reported. As night falls over the land, this haunted house keeps the screams coming both indoors and outdoors. This is a very scary experience and is not recommended for children. 

field of screams in thornton entrance

Image courtesy of westword.com

We hope your family or large group have fun with these events around Colorado for Halloween and stay safe! Need a set of wheels while you’re visiting Denver? Check out our passenger van rentals.

 

 

About the Author

Mel H.

Hi, I’m Mel. I am a Contributor to the Sales and Marketing team and connoisseur of all fine feline things. Although I grew up in Arlington Texas, I fell in love with Colorado fast and have been a West Slope local for 10+ years. I find it a pleasure to share my experience of unfolding this colorful state from Denver to Grand Junction. 

 

 

 

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