Rick Langenberg
Scary Time Invades Teller County this weekend, with a perfect combination of area thrills, rare costume competitions, ghost haunts, and the Blessing of Mother Time herself.
This is just one of those odd times when Halloween occurs right on Saturday evening, (this occurs an average span of five to 11 years, according to Halloween experts) providing an ideal festive time for local casinos, restaurants, bars and other outlets to celebrate this special day. There is no excuse for missing the madness and this is an occasion that rarely happens.
*Here are a few suggestions:
The Final Wrath of Sweeney! Demon Barber of Cripple Creek. The final showing of the Butte Theater’s spooky, eccentric and Halloween-style melodrama offers a prime occasion to experience the rough and tumble hand of historic justice in Cripple Creek. The final week of the show, especially with performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings, is historically the best for Halloween-goers based on past traditions.
Costume Party, Cripple Creek-style. Cripple Creek is fully embracing the spooky season for Halloween 2026 with major casinos throwing high-stakes costume contests, festive themed parties, and seasonal promotions. If you are looking to combine your love for Halloween costumes with cash and free play prizes, the historic gaming district has packed its schedule.
Parties Not to Miss. The Chamonix Casino Resort will host its Raveyard Halloween Party & Costume Contest on Saturday from 7 to 8:30 p.m., in which guests can compete for a share of $5,000 in future play. The event, slated to occur in the mega Chamonix Ball Room, features Halloween-themed desserts and festive music. Space is limited, and registration is tied to Mile High Rewards.
The Golden Nugget Cripple Creek casinos, meanwhile, is bringing back its signature Frights & Fortune Costume Contest on Saturday, Oct. 31. Entry submissions run from noon to 8 p.m. and the winners are announced at 11 p.m. Winners can take home up to $500 in free slot play. Registration requires a 24K Select Club Card.
Anniversary Bash. On Halloween night, the Colorado Grande casino wraps up its 35-year-anniversary month with a drawing to win $1,991 in cash. Players can also take advantage of 3X point multipliers all day on gaming machines and a $4.95 prime rib dinner special at Maggie’s Restaurant.
Running through October, the casino features its seasonal Pumpkin Toss game. Players can earn entries for every 50 base points to toss pumpkins for a chance to win up to $500 in free slot play. This occurs Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p. m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ghosts, Haunted Sites and More. And for history buffs, the Grande will be operating a “Colorado Grande Casino Spirits Tour,” capped by a one-hour guided walk exploring the haunted history of the casino property, which formerly operated as a furniture and coffin shop with a mortuary in the basement.
And you won’t want to miss the “Cursed Cripple Creek Ghost Tour.” This is an hour guided walk exploring the haunted history of several haunted sites, such as the Johnny Nolon’s Casino, the Imperial Hotel, and BPOE #316 Elk Lodge.
Traditional Halloween Events. If you are traveling with family or want to explore the main drag outside the gaming floors, the city is hosting its official Truck or Treat 2026 event. Organized by Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation, it kicks off at 5 p .m. on Halloween night at the Henry C. “June” Hack Community Center (128 E. Bennett Ave.) It provides a safe environment for kids to gather candy, show off costumes and win community prizes.
Woodland Park Halloween Events. The City Above the Clouds is also getting into the Halloween spirit with a slew of kid-friendly events and some added festivities for adults. On Oct. 30, Trick-or-Treat at Memorial Park gathering will occur, allowing families to walk through Memorial Park to collect candy from local businesses and organizations. At the same time, kids can participate in a Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest on the same day and location from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Memorial Park.
And for adults who want to do more than the park events, a Costume Cornhole Tournament will be held on Oct. 30, starting at 6 p.m. at the Shining Mountain Golf Club. This offers an adult-friendly twist to the earlier events at Memorial Park.
Costume Parties at Local Establishments. And if your fill of Halloween festivities is still not met, a variety of local restaurants, bars and lounges in the Woodland Park/Ute Pass area have plans for costume contests and festivities throughout the weekend. These often feature the best and creative costumes on the Planet. These are festivities not to miss. Local bars and restaurants, and their associated websites and Facebook posts should give you ample advice on the best places to frequent for these competitions this weekend.
Football Blood Feud. In addition, make sure to check out the Halloween, scary bash of the weekend, the NFL war game between the Denver Broncos and the KC Chiefs on Sunday at 2:25 p.m. Hopefully, this won’t become a scary site for Bronco fans. Just in case, Bring your War Gear. Great opportunities abound for checking out this acclaimed blood feud at your favorite local sports bar.
