Halloween Events for Adults in the Boulder Area

by Rachel Daly
Published: Last Updated on

Halloween is quickly approaching, so we’ve gathered all the best Halloween events, including thrilling theater, laser shows, drive-in movies, parties, dances, and more. For family-friendly Halloween events, click here.

#1 ShakesFear: An Autumn’s Tale

Halloween events for adults in Boulder and beyond

Photo Courtesy CU Presents

When: October 7 – 16, 2022

Something wicked this way comes… Shakespeare’s characters have broken free of his pages and are haunting campus in ShakesFear: An Autumn’s Tale. In this immersive theatrical experience, you’ll traverse the perimeter of the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and face the most bloody, ghostly and ghastly characters from the Bard’s work.

#2 Pumpkins & Pilsners

fall festivals in the boulder area

Photo Courtesy Families for Estes

When: Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 11 AM – 6 PM

The Pumpkins and Pilsners Festival has activities and entertainment for all ages, with proceeds going to local non-profit Families for Estes. The festival is the perfect place to pick your pumpkins with live music and craft beer for the adults, as well as games, crafts and a bounce house for the little ones. Enjoy additional free children’s activities like pony rides, face painting, kids art activity booths, pumpkin patch, bounce house, and giant lawn games. There will also be food vendors and food trucks, as well as live music. More information available herePumpkins and Pilsners will be held in Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park, CO

#3 The Infernal Cabaret

Halloween events for adults in Boulder and beyond

Photo Courtesy DV8

When: October 14, 2022, at 7 PM

DV8 Distillery is hosting The Infernal Caberet, featuring a mystical variety show through the depths of hell and see all the curious creatures of the inferno. Aerial Dancers, Contortion, Flow, and more bacchanalian fun! For more info and tickets, click here.

#4 Frankenstein Theatre Hike at Chautauqua

things to do in Boulder for Halloween

Photo Courtesy Colorado Chautauqua

When: Every Saturday & Sunday from September 17 – October 30, 2022

Set in the icy polar regions where scientist Victor Frankenstein has chased the creature he brought to life, this highly theatrical and emotional play traces Frankenstein’s path to the final confrontation with his intelligent, articulate, sensitive, and powerfully violent child. Due to adult themes, admission will be restricted to patrons aged ten and up. Check-in and meet at the picnic pavilion behind the Chautauqua Auditorium. Our hikes are usually at a moderate level/pace and last no more than 2 hours. When you first arrive, you will be greeted by your hiking guide, who will lead the way down the trail to each scene location. Once you arrive at a scene location, you can sit back and relax and watch a scene from the production. Once the scene is complete, we all gather our things and hike to the next location. More information and tickets here.

#5 Motown Halloween Dance Party

Halloween events for adults in Boulder and beyond

Photo Courtesy Roots Music Project

When: Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 7:30 PM

It’s Prom Night in 1960’s Boulder and the warehouse is haunted with the music of Motown and Stax Records. Journey back in time and enjoy Prom with your new crush, or crash the party as a ghost, ghoul, or some other costumed persona who can’t resist the call of classic soul. Dress up, sing, and dance to these classic songs – the night is haunted but the dance floor is alive! Live performance by Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (A Motown Stax Revue) featuring Hazel Miller on vocals. All ages. Cash bar. Tickets $20. Everyone from grandparents to teenagers can get something from the live show – everyone can sing, dance, or watch – and leave knowing in their body and hearts that it was a good time. Tickets here.

#6 The Frightmare Compound

halloween events for adults boulder

Photo Courtesy The Frightmare Compound

When: Throughout October, schedule here.

Colorado’s oldest haunted house, The Frightmare Compound is sure to terrorize even the bravest of souls. Located in the Broomfield/Westminster area, Frightmare is a true house of horror featuring a clown house, frightful farm and creepy ambiance. Visit this world famous haunted house by October 31 or, for an extra thrill, check our the Lights Out Event happening November 5 & 6, where you can experience the terror in total darkness. The Frightmare Compound is located at 10798 Yukon St, Westminster, CO 80021. Pricing and ticket information here.

#7 Anderson Farms Terror in the Corn

Halloween Events for Adults in the Boulder Area

Photo Courtesy Anderson Farms Facebook Page

When: Throughout October, full schedule and tickets here.

Anderson Farms is hosting its annual Fall Festival, complete with a pumpkin patch, hayrides and so much more! For those who enjoy a fright, after dark Anderson Farms hosts Zombie Paintball Hunt, a unique paintball experience where you shoot zombies throughout the cornfield (but don’t worry, you won’t get shot!) while riding on a zombie wagon. Or check out Terror in the Corn, Anderson Farms’ haunted hayride, cornfield & ghost town experience. Anderson Farms is located at 6728 County Rd 3 1/4, Erie, CO 80516.  Tickets available here

#8 The Shining Ball 2022

Halloween events for adults in Boulder and beyond

Photo Courtesy The Stanley Hotel

When: Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 7 PM-Midnight

Come one, come all to The Shining Ball! Don’t miss the most epic Halloween party that has become a Stanley family tradition. Don your best costume or dress to the nines, this costume party is one you won’t want to miss! The Stanley Hotel is located at 333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517. Tickets here.

#9 Halloween Drive-In Movie

Things to do in Boulder in October

When: October 27 & 28, 2022 from 5:30 – 11 PM

The City of Boulder will select four movies (two children’s themed movies and two adult-themed movies) for the drive in on Oct. 28 and 29 at Flatirons Golf Course. Tickets on sale October 11 here.

#10 Eerie Erie (5k or 10k)

Things to do in Boulder in October

Photo Courtesy Optimist Club of Erie

When: Saturday, October 29, 2022

The world-famous Eerie Erie is a Halloween-themed 5k and 10k race that runs through historic downtown Erie and takes advantage of our beautiful trail system that weaves along Coal Creek open space areas. The 10k passes by scenic Pleasant Hill Cemetery with panoramic views and friendly spirits can’t wait to visit this year’s runners. Eerie Erie is the primary fundraiser for the Optimist Club of Erie, a non-profit organization whose sole mission is to benefit the children of our community by funding youth-specific events, programs, and activities throughout the year.

#11 Rocky Horror Picture Show at Boulder Theater

things to do in Boulder in October

Photo Courtesy Boulder Theater

When: October 30, 2022, from 7 – 10 PM

Join Denver’s award-winning & world record-holding rocky horror shadow cast for a screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show! A shadow cast is an ensemble of performers that act out the movie while it is playing and serves as the catalysts for the audience cues to participate in callbacks or use their props. During the show, YOU will be expected to dance, yell, throw stuff, and so forth. This is an audience participation movie!

#12 Devotchka’s Halloween Black Tie Ball

Halloween events for adults in Boulder and beyond

Photo Courtesy The Stanley Hotel

When: October 27, 28, & 29, 2022 details here.

The Stanley Hotel is thrilled to bring back Devotchka this year for the Halloween Black Tie Ball! An intimate Black Tie affair with multiple events throughout the weekend. Devotchka made their Halloween Stanley debut in 2018, bringing their macabre circus carnival with them for one of the most exciting weekends of the year. Now for the third year, Devotchka partners with The Stanley Hotel again this year for their always legendary Halloween performances and featuring aerialists, stilt-walkers, circus folks, pop up performances, a bloody mary bar, late night DJ sets, and more.

#13 Boos & Brews 5k at Wibby Brewing

Photo Courtesy Wibby Brewing

When: October 29, 2022 from 10 AM – 1 PM

Join the Colorado Brewery Running Series for the Boos & Brews Halloween 5k at Wibby Brewing on October 29, beginning at 10 AM for a 5k-ish course that starts and ends at this awesome brewery. Costumes are highly encouraged, and prizes will be awarded for the best male, female, group, and dog costumes! Bring the kids along for the run, as we will have candy buckets with all course volunteers for a unique spin on trick or treating. Weave through the surrounding area at whatever pace you like, no matter what there’s a beer waiting for you at the finish line! More info here.

#14 Halloween Laser Magic & Creepy Moons of the Solar System

boulder area halloween events adults

When: October 22, 23 & 30, 2022, show schedule here.

Head over to Fiske Planetarium for some haunted Halloween laser magic and then enjoy a deep dive into the bizarre moons of our solar system. In the Halloween LaserMagic & Scary Moons program, you will explore the stars and constellations in our night sky while listening to classic Halloween songs. Fiske Planetarium is located at 2414 Regent Dr, Boulder, CO 80309. Tickets here.

#15 Exotica Erotica Ball

When: October 31, 2022 from 9 PM – 2 AM

Colorado’s longest-running Adult themed event will be returning to Boulder for a night full of decadence and desire and one of the top masquerade parties in the country at the Exotica Erotica Ball. Get your tickets now before they sell out. For more info on this adult-themed masquerade party and to get your tickets, click here. This event will be held at Riverside, 1724 Broadway, Boulder CO 80302.

That’s our list of Halloween events for adults in Boulder and beyond! Do you have an event to add? Fill out this form here.

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