Autumn has officially arrived, ushering in days of falling leaves, crisp air, bonfires, hockey games and of course, Halloween. But October doesn’t have to be synonymous with creepy costumes, scary movies and haunted houses. For Pioneers who don’t celebrate Halloween, or at least don’t want the holiday to overpower their entire month, there are plenty of ways to make the most of this fall.
Visit a corn maze
Not all corn mazes feature the stuff of nightmares at every turn. Maize in the City’s Crazed Corn Maze is a no-frills, no-scares, run of the mill maze: no zombies, no monsters, just a whole lot of fun and a whole lot of corn. What better way to celebrate seasonal fall vegetables than to get lost in a field of them? Tickets can be purchased at the Thornton site and online for $12 and are good for one entry only.
Check out a comedy show
It seems the only movies and tv shows available in October are of the horror variety, so to get your comedy fix and escape the cold, spend a night at a comedy club. Comedy Works in Larimer is a Denver favorite, and is currently featuring Saturday Night Live’s Pete Davidson. Tickets are still available for Oct. 22 at 8 p.m., for $21; for Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. and Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. for $28. You must be at least 21 to see a show, and can buy tickets online or at the venue.
Go to Glow at the Gardens
Check out the Botanic Gardens for its newest fall event: Glow at the Gardens on Oct. 21 and Oct. 28 from 6-9 p.m. The York Street location will have luminaria-lined pathways winding through the gardens to accentuate grandiose pumpkin displays. Visitors can participate in scavenger hunts, free face or tattoo painting, a silent auction, a pumpkin carver meet-and-greet and other fall-themed activities. Tickets are available online and at the Bonfils-Stanton visitor center for $12.
Throw an anti-Halloween party
Decorate your celebration with un-carved squashes. Serve a hummus platter instead of candy. Tell guests that they are not to, under any circumstances, wear a costume. Put on a romantic comedy on in the background. Do everything in your power to make it clear that this is not a Halloween party, but a party that just happens to fall on Oct. 31.
