It’s October, and Halloween is right around the corner. Costumes and candy make this holiday an exciting one for kids, but for parents—especially those with young children—the tradition of trick-or-treating can seem like quite the task. To help make Halloween 2017 festive, safe, and fun for all, we’ve compiled a list of the best trick-or-treating events in the Boulder area.
When: Weekends October 21 – 22 & 28 – 29; 9am – 5pm
Where: Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster hosts a series of special exhibits and events all month long to celebrate Bugtober! This year they’re dedicating two whole weekends to Bug-A-Boo, featuring indoor trick-or-treating, as well as a costume parade and all your favorite invertebrates.
When: Friday, October 27; 3 – 5pm
Where: South Boulder Recreation Center
Boulder’s Annual Halloween Carnival, held in the gymnasium at the South Boulder Rec Center, offers festivities such as face painting, arts and crafts, carnival games, and more. This event is recommended for ages 3-8, but all are welcome and costumes are encouraged!
When: Saturday, October 28; 10am start
Where: St. Vrain Memorial Building
Parents and kids of all ages march down Main Street in Longmont’s exciting Halloween celebration. Dress up in costume and join the parade! Line-up begins at 9:30am in front of the Memorial Building. Strollers are recommended for youngsters, as the route covers several city blocks. Once the parade ends in downtown Longmont, visitors can enjoy Trick-or-Treat Street.
When: Sunday, October 29; 3pm start
Where: Community Park
This year’s zombie-themed MonsterDASH takes place in Louisville and includes a 10K race (for serious runners), a 5K fun run (for everyone age 5+), three kids’ races (for ages 2-11; distances vary), and a post-run Halloween festival. Participants in the kids’ races receive prizes, candy, and food. Afterward, enter the pie-eating and costume contests, or trick-or-treat at participating shops in downtown Louisville. Be sure to register for this soon!
When: Tuesday, October 31; 3 – 6pm
Where: 1100 Block of Pearl St
Bring your pint-sized princesses and miniature monsters to downtown Boulder for the Munchkin Masquerade! Go trick-or-treating down Pearl Street Mall and take in some of the local scene as you pass award-winning restaurants, shops, and art. This event is highly recommended for kids 12 and under.
With a mix of indoor and outdoor activities in and around Boulder this year, parents and kids of all ages are sure to find a fun way to celebrate the spookiest of holidays—no matter what the weather is like. These events are sure to deliver a terrific trick-or-treating experience in 2017. Happy Halloween!