Crystal Valley Blog

As the leaves turn gold and the air grows crisp, Castle Rock and its neighboring communities come alive with fall magic. From the family-friendly Fangtastic Festival and Floating Pumpkin Patch to the Bonfire, BBQ & Brews night and the high-energy Pumpkin Race in Castle Pines, every weekend offers something to savor. Venture out for hayrides, haunted trails, or a twilight hike at the adults-only Wild Rumpus Halloween Bash. Whether you’re chasing thrills or making cozy memories, Castle Rock captures the best of the season — community, connection, and just the right touch of Halloween spirit.

TOMORROW, Friday, October 24

FRIGHT FEST AT ELITCH GARDENS
Experience Colorado’s largest Halloween celebration as Elitch Gardens transforms into Family by Day and Fright by Night! Enjoy daylight hours filled with trick-or-treating, games, and friendly fun for little ghosts and goblins, then stay after dark — if you dare — for haunted houses, terrifying live shows, and thrill rides that keep the screams coming all night long.

Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver
12:00 p.m.–11:55 p.m.
Tickets: $49.99 and up (Parking $30)

FANGTASTIC FESTIVAL
Bring your little ghouls and goblins to Downtown Castle Rock for a fangtastic daytime Halloween celebration! Families and caregivers can enjoy booth-to-booth trick-or-treating, festive music, local vendors, and plenty of candy — all in a safe, friendly, and fun-filled community setting perfect for younger children and homeschoolers.

Festival Park, 300 2nd St., Castle Rock
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Get ready to laugh, cheer, and maybe even spell along at this Tony Award–winning musical comedy! Follow a quirky cast of overachieving kids as they navigate the chaos, charm, and heart of a middle school spelling bee — complete with catchy songs, witty humor, and plenty of unexpected emotion.

The Schoolhouse, 19650 East Mainstreet, Parker
2:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $34

TRUNK OR TREAT AND ZOMBIE CRAWL OPEN PLAY
Get ready for a night of thrills, treats, and tumbling at Momentum Athletic Center’s Halloween celebration! Start with Trunk or Treat from 4:00–8:00 p.m. — featuring candy, decorated cars, and fun for all ages (with a special 4:00–5:-00 p.m. hour for preschool and sensory-sensitive friends) — then stay for the Zombie Crawl Open Gym, where costumed kids can take on the Ninja obstacle course, win prizes, and enjoy spooky fun late into the night.

Momentum Athletic Center, 18499 Longs Way, Parker
4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

FLOATING PUMPKIN PATCH
Make a splash at SafeSplash Swim School’s annual Floating Pumpkin Patch! Families are invited to hop in the warm pool, pick their favorite floating pumpkin, and enjoy some Halloween fun in the water. Swimsuits and towels required — and adults must join little swimmers in the pool.

SafeSplash Swim School, 658 Genoa Way, Unit D, Castle Rock
4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

CASTLE PINES BONFIRE, BBQ, AND BREWS
Gather around the fire for an evening of live music, stargazing, and smoky barbecue at Castle Pines’ annual Bonfire, BBQ, and Brews celebration!

Enjoy a hearty meal, s’mores by the fire, local brews for adults, and live music from Narrow Gauge — Colorado’s top-rated country and rock cover band.

Village Square, 7437 Village Square Dr., Castle Pines
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25–$40

COTTONCREEK MANOR HAUNTED HOUSE
Dare to enter the haunted halls of Cottoncreek Manor — if you can handle the fright! Wander through eerie corridors filled with ghosts, witches, clowns, and other spooky surprises in this chilling, in-person haunted house experience. For younger or more timid visitors, the 6–7 p.m. “Scare Free” hour offers thrills without the scares.

Cottoncreek Manor, 9971 Cottoncreek Dr., Highlands Ranch
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (Reservation Required)

HAUNTED HAYRIDE
Climb aboard for a spine-tingling ride through the night at Stockton’s Plum Creek Stables! Enjoy spooky storytelling, laughter, and a few lighthearted scares as you rumble down the haunted trail. With rides running every half hour, plus a petting zoo, games, and food in the barn, this 4-H Club fundraiser offers fall fun for the whole family.

Stockton’s Plum Creek Stables, 7479 West Titan Rd., Littleton
6:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $16

HALLOWEEN DANCE (AGES 13+ WITH DISABILITIES)
Put on your costume and hit the dance floor for a festive night of music, laughter, and friendship at the Parker Recreation Center! This inclusive Halloween dance is designed for individuals with disabilities, offering a welcoming space to socialize, build confidence, and celebrate the season together.

Parker Recreation Center, 17301 East Lincoln Ave., Parker
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $12

HAUNTED FOREST
Step into the shadows of the Haunted Forest for a chilling ¾-mile walk where nightmares wait behind every tree. Brave the dark, test your nerves, and then unwind in the community area with food, drinks, and a screening of Hocus Pocus.

Recommended for ages 10 and up, this spooky Highlands Ranch tradition supports the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund.

Rocky Heights Middle School Trailhead, 11033 Monarch Blvd., Highlands Ranch
6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15 General Admission / $25 Fast Pass

Saturday, October 25

EMMA CRAWFORD COFFIN RACES & FESTIVAL
One of Colorado’s most beloved and bizarre Halloween traditions returns to Manitou Springs! The Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Festival celebrates the legend of Emma Crawford with a day full of spooky fun, featuring a parade of coffins, costumed teams racing their handmade “hearses,” and awards for Best Emma, Best Coffin, and Best Entourage. Stick around for live music and post-race festivities in Soda Springs Park!

Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs
8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

FALL FESTIVAL, TRICK OR TREAT STREET, & PUMPKIN RACE
Celebrate fall in Castle Pines with a full day of family fun! Enjoy a DJ, inflatables, a petting zoo, axe throwing, photo ops, and more before cheering on the beloved annual Pumpkin Race at 1:00 p.m.

Bring your own pumpkin racer — or pick up a race kit from the City of Castle Pines — and see if your creation can take the win!

Village Square, 7437 Village Square Dr., Castle Pines
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (Pumpkin race kit available for purchase) 

HALLOWEEN HISTORY DETECTIVES
Become a Halloween History Detective for the day at this fun, interactive museum adventure! Families can pick up a passport at the front desk and explore exhibits while trick-or-treating for fascinating facts, meeting animals from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, discovering art by Eric Bransby, and creating creepy-crawly crafts. Collect all six stamps to earn a special prize — costumes encouraged!

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, 215 South Tejon St., Colorado Springs
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (Registration Required)

HAUNTED FOREST JUNIOR
Enjoy a not-so-scary Halloween adventure at Haunted Forest Junior — perfect for kids ages 1–14! This family-friendly event features face painting, a bouncy slide, live animal presentations, a candy walk through the woods (no scare actors!), and plenty of spooky fun in the community area.

All proceeds benefit the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund.

Rocky Heights Middle School Trailhead, 11033 Monarch Blvd., Highlands Ranch
2:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 per child (Ages 1–14)

WILD RUMPUS HALLOWEEN BASH
Let the Wild Rumpus start at this one-of-a-kind Halloween celebration for adults! Take a twilight hike through the towering rocks and woods of the exclusive Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space, then head inside the retro 1960s Lost Canyon House for seasonal cocktails, spooky fun, and a lively soundtrack that keeps the party going. Costumes encouraged — this bash is just for the grown-ups!

Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space, Castle Rock
4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $45

HAUNTED TRAIL AT SKY VIEW FARM
Step onto the Haunted Trail at Sky View Farm for thrills, chills, and Halloween fun — all supporting a great cause! From 4–6 p.m., enjoy a family-friendly walk filled with candy, costumed characters, and festive charm. Then, as night falls from 6–9 p.m., the trail transforms into a spine-tingling fright fest for teens and adults.

Every scream supports the Robin’s Nest Foundation and its mission to promote mental health through equine-assisted therapy.

Sky View Farm, 1705 Outter Marker Rd., Castle Rock
4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 Donation

HAUNTED CONSERVATORY
Enjoy a family-friendly night of spooky fun at the Colorado Springs Conservatory! This Halloween celebration features music and performances by students and staff, plus dinner, games, prizes, and a haunted house for the brave. Your $10 entry includes five activity tickets and popcorn, with upstairs fun for all ages and a chilling Haunted House downstairs (recommended for ages 12+).

Colorado Springs Conservatory, 420 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs
5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10

SHENG WANG LIVE AT PIKES PEAK CENTER
Get ready to laugh with comedian, actor, and writer Sheng Wang as he brings his sharp wit and laid-back humor to Colorado Springs! Known for his Netflix special Sweet & Juicy (produced by Ali Wong) and writing for Fresh Off the Boat, Sheng’s clever storytelling and playful observations promise a night of sweet, smart, and laugh-out-loud comedy.

Pikes Peak Center, 190 South Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $43

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (50TH ANNIVERSARY)
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with an immersive shadow cast performance by Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient at the PACE Center! This cult classic experience combines on-screen action with live performers, audience participation, and plenty of costumes, chaos, and rock ‘n roll. Rated R — so grab your fishnets, your friends, and get ready to do the Time Warp again!

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $32

Friday-Sunday, October 24–November 2

UCCS THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS: MACBETH
“Something wicked this way comes” in this bold and visually striking adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Presented by the UCCS Theatre and Dance Department, Macbeth dives into the dark heart of ambition, fate, and moral corruption — brought to life through powerful performances and stunning stagecraft.

Osborne Studio Theater, 5225 North Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs
Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10

Saturday-Sunday, October 25-November 2

RAQUEL’S PURPLE PINEAPPLE ADVENTURES
Follow Raquel and her magical friend Pinkie the Purple Pineapple in this heartwarming bilingual musical adventure! Presented by Creede Repertory Theatre, the show blends English and Spanish to tell the story of courage, imagination, and overcoming fears — with fun and music the whole family can enjoy.

Second Stage, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada
12:00 & 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $18 Children (12 & Under) / $31 Adults

Friday, October 31

SPOOKY SKELETONS: SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION STROLLER SAFARI
Bring your little pumpkins for a Halloween-themed stroller safari at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! Meet some of the zoo’s “creepy crawly” (but still adorable) animal friends from My Big Back Yard, and paint your own mini pumpkin to take home. Costumes are welcome and encouraged for all ages at this festive, family-friendly event.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Tickets: Registration Required

Saturday, November 1

THE HOME DEPOT KIDS’ WORKSHOP: EXCAVATOR
Set out on a building adventure at The Home Depot’s free Kids’ Workshop! Children ages 5–12 can learn hands-on skills by gluing, hammering, and assembling their very own excavator craft.

Each participant receives a commemorative pin, certificate of achievement, and a signature orange apron to take home.

Most Home Depot Locations in Douglas County
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (Registration Required)

STERLING RANCH CATTLE DRIVE
Experience a true Colorado tradition at the annual Sterling Ranch Cattle Drive! Watch as the herd moves through the community on its seasonal journey, then stay for live music, food trucks, vendors, games, and family fun at the Overlook Clubhouse. Celebrate Colorado’s ranching heritage and enjoy this one-of-a-kind event that marks the change of seasons in Sterling Ranch.

Overlook Clubhouse, 7853 Piney River Ave., Littleton
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Saturday–Sunday, November 1–2

DÍA DE MUERTOS CELEBRATION AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS FINE ARTS CENTER
Honor life, love, and remembrance at the Fine Arts Center’s vibrant Día de Muertos celebration! Enjoy live music, performances, art activities, and a special installation by artist Cal Duran.

Explore colorful ofrendas, shop the mercado, savor local food and drink, and don’t miss the bilingual children’s theatre show Raquel’s Purple Pineapple Adventures and the festive kids’ costume parade held both days.

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 West Dale St., Colorado Springs
Sat., 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Sunday, November 2

THE GREAT GATSBY–PRESENTED BY WORLD BALLET COMPANY
Step into the Roaring Twenties with The Great Gatsby, a dazzling Broadway-style ballet from the World Ballet Company. Experience the glitz, glamour, and heartbreak of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless tale brought to life with stunning choreography, a vibrant jazz-inspired score, and opulent Art Deco sets and costumes. Dress to impress and let this unforgettable performance sweep you away in elegance and emotion.

Pikes Peak Center, 190 South Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $93.50

AUTUMN IN THE VALLEY

Autumn has arrived in Castle Rock, casting a golden glow across the hills and ushering in the warmth of the upcoming holiday season. From festive weekends and family outings to golden-hour walks along Crystal Valley’s scenic trails, there’s no better time to savor the beauty of fall. Discover beautifully crafted ranch-style and two-story homes by D.R. Horton, Richmond American, and Taylor Morrison (final opportunity!) starting from the $600s — where cozy nights, crisp mornings, and holiday traditions feel perfectly at home.