Crystal Valley Blog

As the leaves turn gold and the air grows crisp, Castle Rock comes alive with fall magic. From pumpkin patches and farmers markets to ghost tours and Halloween festivals, the town is brimming with ways to celebrate the season. Stroll through historic downtown during the Creepy Crawlies Fall Festival, take the kids to Spooktacular for not-so-scary fun, or join a spine-tingling Ghostly Tales walking tour after dark. Whether you’re savoring roasted chilies, browsing local vendors, or swapping stories under twinkling lights, Castle Rock captures everything we love about autumn — community, connection, and a touch of Halloween spirit.

TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, October 9

GHOSTLY AND TRAGIC TALES OF CASTLE ROCK
Take a spine-chilling stroll through Downtown Castle Rock and uncover the town’s haunted history. From eerie happenings at The Old Stone Church to mysterious tales surrounding The Rock and B&B Café, these guided walking tours blend local legend with true stories of ghostly encounters and tragic events. Perfect for teens and adults who love a good scare!

Castle Rock Museum, 420 Elbert St., Castle Rock
Select Dates in October 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (Reservations Required)

Thursday–Sunday, October 9–12

LONE CREEK FARMS FALL FESTIVAL
Celebrate the season with a full lineup of fall fun at Lone Creek Farms! From corn mazes and pumpkin jump pads to candy cannon shows, pig races, fire truck pumpkin drops, mine cart rides, and more, this festival packs in over 20 attractions plus live shows every hour. Open Thursdays through Sundays, September 19–November 2, it’s the perfect way to make memories all autumn long.

Lone Creek Farms, 3879 N. State Hwy. 83, Franktown
Through November 2, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Admission starts at $24.78

Friday–Saturday, October 10–11

GILLY’S PUMPKIN PATCH
Pick from thousands of pumpkins — carving, fantasy, and pie varieties — while enjoying classic fall fun. Kids can try the pedal track, archery range, face painting, and games like cornhole. Treat yourself to homemade caramel apples, hot cocoa, and caramel popcorn.

Gilly’s Pumpkin Patch, 1433 Lake Gulch Rd., Castle Rock
Fri.–Sat., 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (open until dark)
Tickets: Free admission, pumpkins and treats priced individually

Friday–Sunday, October 10–12

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL AT CHATFIELD FARMS
Kick off fall with a day of family fun at the Denver Botanic Gardens’ annual Pumpkin Festival! Wander through a 10-acre pumpkin patch, get lost in the corn maze, and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages. With food, photo ops, and plenty of pumpkins to pick, it’s the ultimate autumn outing — just don’t forget your wagon!

Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton
Fri.–Sun., 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last Entry 4:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $10–$18 (Pumpkins priced separately)

Saturday, October 11

BREAKFAST FLY-IN AND TREATS ON THE TARMAC
Take Halloween to new heights at Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight! Dress in costume and trick-or-treat from cockpit to cockpit, meet real pilots, and get an up-close look at aircraft on the tarmac. Enjoy breakfast from a local food truck, live fly-ins, and interactive exhibits for a fun, family-friendly morning adventure.

Wings Over the Rockies – Exploration of Flight, 13005 Wings Way, Englewood
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tickets: $7–$13

FALL FESTIVAL & HAUNTED HOUSE
Get ready for a frightfully fun evening at The Arc’s inclusive Fall Festival and Haunted House! Enjoy food trucks, trunk-or-treat, a pumpkin patch, a bounce house, and spooky surprises around every corner.

Designed for all ages and abilities, this free event blends thrills, community spirit, and Halloween fun for everyone.

The Arc Arapahoe, Douglas, & Elbert Counties, 6538 S. Racine Cir., Centennial
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (Registration Required)

Saturday/Sunday, October 11-12

THE PATCH
Celebrate fall fun at The Patch, where adventure and tradition meet! Enjoy a full day of family activities including a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, hayride, 130-foot slide, field maze, and more. Don’t miss seasonal treats like apple cider and pumpkin butter, plus plenty of photo ops to make this your favorite autumn getaway.

The Patch, 7400 State Hwy 86, Kiowa
Sat./Sun. though October 26, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $27.95 (includes most activities)

Sunday, October 12

LAST MARKET OF THE YEAR – FESTIVAL PARK FARMERS MARKET
Celebrate the final market of the season with one last Sunday full of fresh produce, baked goods, local meats, and artisan-made treasures. With nearly 40 vendors, live community energy, and all your favorite fall flavors, it’s the perfect way to wrap up the farmers market season in Castle Rock.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free Admission

DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE FREE DAY
Celebrate curiosity and community at the SCFD Free Day: OUT! at the Museum, featuring performances, music, and family-friendly activities in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy free access to permanent exhibitions like “Prehistoric Journey,” “Wildlife Halls,” and “Coors Gems and Minerals Hall” all day long — no tickets or reservations needed.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Tuesday, October 14

SCFD FREE DAY: DENVER ART MUSEUM
Enjoy a day of art and inspiration with free general admission to the Denver Art Museum. Explore exhibitions, take part in onsite activities, and experience creativity from around the world — perfect for art lovers of all ages. Advance ticket reservations are encouraged.

Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy, Denver
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (Registration Required)

Friday, October 17

STROLLER SAFARI – ALL THINGS ORANGE IN OCTOBER
Explore the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo with your little ones during this special fall-themed Stroller Safari! Enjoy a sensory activity and meet some of the zoo’s orange-colored residents while celebrating the colors and creatures of the season. Perfect for young children and their caregivers.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., Colorado Springs
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Tickets: $10.75+ members, $24.75+ non-members, Infants free

Friday–Sunday, October 17–19

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO PRESENTS – BOO AT THE ZOO
Get wild this Halloween at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo! Bring your little superheroes, pirates, and princesses for a fun-filled evening of trick-or-treating alongside your favorite animals.

Collect candy made with sustainable palm oil, enjoy festive decorations, and celebrate Halloween in one of Colorado’s most unique settings.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., Colorado Springs
Fri.–Sun., October 17–19 & 24–26, plus Thursday, October 31, 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: Advance timed tickets required

Saturday, October 18

WITCH PADDLE
Grab your broom (or paddleboard) and join the fun at the 2025 Witch Paddle at Chatfield State Park! Watch or join a magical morning on the water as costumed paddlers take to the lake for this unique Halloween tradition. Expect food trucks, vendors, and plenty of spooky photo ops — whether you’re gliding across the water or cheering from shore.

Chatfield State Park, 11500 N Roxborough Rd., Littleton
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (Launch at 9:00 a.m.)
Tickets: $50–$65 to participate · Free to watch

ZUMA’S HALLOWEEN WITH HORSES & FALL FESTIVAL
Celebrate Halloween ranch-style at Zuma’s Rescue Ranch! Enjoy a festive afternoon with hayrides, kids’ crafts, ranch tours, bounce houses, and local beer and cider vendors. With all proceeds supporting horse rescue and mental health programs, it’s a perfect mix of fall fun and community spirit.

Zuma’s Rescue Ranch, 7745 N. Moore Rd., Littleton
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15

WITCHES, WARLOCKS & GHOULS RIDE – COLORADO SPRINGS
Grab your broomsticks (or bikes) and join the 2nd Annual Witches, Warlocks & Ghouls Ride through downtown Colorado Springs! Dress in your spookiest attire and pedal for a purpose — all proceeds benefit the Circle of Hope Fund at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Foundation, helping cancer patients with essential needs.

Downtown Colorado Springs
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Minimum $25 donation per rider

NWIR PRESENTS: FALL FESTIVAL
Celebrate the season with an afternoon of fall fun hosted by National Women in Roofing! Bring the whole family for festive activities, community connection, and autumn cheer at the National Mill Training Center. It’s a free event filled with good company and seasonal spirit — everyone’s welcome!

The National Mill Training Center, 4450 Foreign Trade Zone Blvd., Colorado Springs
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

SPOOKTACULAR
Get ready for a not-so-spooky afternoon of Halloween fun at Castle Rock’s beloved Spooktacular! Kids can enjoy games, prizes, candy, and more in this festive outdoor celebration. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged, and a special sensory-friendly hour ensures everyone can join in the fun.

Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (1:00–2:00 p.m. Sensory-Friendly)
Tickets: Free Admission (Vendor prices vary)

Sunday, October 19

CREEPY CRAWLIES AROUND THE ROCK & FALL FESTIVAL
Celebrate the beauty of autumn in downtown Castle Rock with a lively Fall Festival full of seasonal vendors, local food, and festive fun! Browse handcrafted goods, sample roasted chilies, and enjoy fall treats while learning about Colorado’s “creepiest” creatures — snakes, toads, and more — at the Creepy Crawlies Around the Rock animal booth.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Falling into Autumn in Crystal Valley

Autumn has arrived in Castle Rock, painting the hillsides in shades of gold and amber. Celebrate the season with hometown festivals, family adventures, and golden-hour strolls along Crystal Valley’s scenic trails. Explore beautifully designed 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 pumpkins on the porch feel right at home.