October 30, 2026
Fall Festivals and Halloween Hijinks
Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, and Parker is ready to make the most of it. From free trunk-or-treats to ghost walks in downtown Castle Rock, and a 1931 Frankenstein with a live orchestra, there is no shortage of family friendly Halloween events near Looking Glass. Once the candy disappears, early November brings Science Night at the PACE Center, a children’s show in Lone Tree, and Veterans Day fireworks in both Parker and Castle Rock. Here’s what to do in and around Parker this weekend and next.
TONIGHT, Thursday, October 29
HAUNTED HISTORIES: GHOSTS OF COLORADO
A one-hour presentation of ghost stories and eerie tales tied to historic buildings across the Denver metro area. Strange encounters and unexplained events from Colorado’s past come alive for history fans and thrill-seekers. Best for teens and adults.
Douglas County Libraries, Castle Pines, 360 Village Square Ln., Castle Pines
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Thursday–Saturday, October 29–31
GHOSTLY STORIES & TRAGIC TALES WALKING TOURS
Castle Rock Museum leads free downtown ghost-story walking tours packed with tales of The Rock, the Old Stone Church, and the B&B Café. Two Halloween-week tours remain, including a Halloween afternoon stroll. Best for teens and adults.
Castle Rock Museum, 420 Elbert St., Castle Rock
Thurs., 7:00 p.m.; Sat., 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (reservations required)
Thursday–Sunday, October 29–November 1
LONE CREEK FARMS FALL FESTIVAL & PUMPKIN PATCH
Franktown’s ticketed agritainment farm runs past Halloween with a corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking, and this is the final weekend to go. Admission covers the maze, hayrides, and farm activities, plus the Harvest Glow Lights show Friday through Sunday nights. Pumpkins are priced separately by size ($6–$16).
Lone Creek Farms, Franktown
Fri.–Sun. 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Thurs. 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (through Nov. 1)
Tickets: $23.95–$27.95; kids 3 and under free
MAGIC OF THE JACK O’LANTERNS
Hudson Gardens glows after dark with thousands of intricately hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns lining the garden paths. Final nights are here for this beloved fall tradition, which wraps up November 1.
Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
6:00–10:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $24.99, Children $19.99
Thursday–Sunday, , October 29-November 8
BRIGHT NIGHTS AT FOUR MILE
Four Mile Historic Park glows with an evening lantern display themed around space and time, featuring oversized insects and flowers, African animals, and ocean life, including sharks. Food trucks are on site each night and the Four Mile Mercantile sells souvenirs.
Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St., Denver
Wed.–Sun., 6:00–11:00 p.m. (through Nov. 8)
Tickets: Adults $28 online / $30 walk-up; youth $21 online / $23 walk-up
TOMORROW, Friday, October 30
FANGTASTIC FESTIVAL
Downtown Castle Rock’s Halloween candy crawl for little ones goes booth to booth with Halloween music, vendor booths, and plenty of candy. Hosted by the Downtown Merchants Association for families and caregivers of homeschooled kids and children not yet in school.
BOO AT THE ZOO AT CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO
Bring your little superhero, princess, or pirate to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which comes alive for Halloween with a wild alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Collect sustainable palm-oil treats that help protect wild orangutans, all alongside your favorite animals. This popular event is likely to sell out, and advance timed tickets are required for on-site parking.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., Colorado Springs
Fri.–Sat., Oct. 30–31, 4:00–8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $24.75
THE GATHERING YARD GRAND OPENING & FALL FESTIVAL
Downtown Parker’s newest food truck gathering spot celebrates its grand opening with a fall festival. Expect local food trucks, vendors, and makers for an easy Friday night out with the family.
DADS OF PARKER TRUNK-R-TREAT
Dads of Parker turns the Lowe’s parking lot into a trunk-or-treat celebration for the neighborhood, with decorated trunks and candy for costumed kids. A free, family-friendly way to kick off Halloween weekend in Parker.
THE JERSEYS: ROCK THE CASTLE HALLOWEEN EVE
The Jerseys kick off Halloween weekend at Cherokee Castle with a high-energy tribute to the Four Seasons, Frankie Valli, and other trendsetters of the 60s and 70s. Expect crowd-pleasers like “Sherry,” “December 1963,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” with a hot band and no costume required.
Saturday, October 31
AUTUMN ARTISAN MARKET AT CHAPARRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Local artisans fill Chaparral High School with handmade fall gifts, home décor, and treats. Start your Halloween morning with a little shopping close to home.
BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS HALF MARATHON
The 18th annual Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon sends runners on a 13.1-mile trail race through the Douglas County East/West Trail and HRCA’s Backcountry Wilderness Area. Cheer on the runners and enjoy a crisp Halloween-morning outing on the trails.
BOO AT THE ZOO: SENSORY-FRIENDLY NIGHT
Denver Zoo hosts an inclusive Halloween evening for guests living with sensory processing disorders. Enjoy accommodations including reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms, and more while celebrating the season with the animals.
LAST STOP: HALLOWEEN NIGHT AT THE MANSION
Ghouls and goblins of all ages are invited to the Highlands Ranch Mansion for a free outdoor Halloween night. Trick-or-treat at the front door, dance to Halloween tunes from a DJ, and grab a spooky signature cocktail from the veranda cash bar. Parking is limited, so carpooling might be the best bet.
Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Dr., Highlands Ranch
6:30–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (no reservations required)
1931 FRANKENSTEIN WITH LIVE SCORE
Spend Halloween night with the classic 1931 film Frankenstein while the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra performs live accompaniment. Michael Shapiro’s music brings the monster movie to life on the Lone Tree Arts Center stage. Limited availability.
Sunday, November 1
PUMPKINS FOR THE FARM ANIMALS
Got leftover pumpkins after Halloween? Don’t toss them. Bring them to Sher Farms in Parker and treat the goats, chickens, turkeys, and ducks instead. A sweet, free way for kids to say goodbye to the jack-o’-lanterns.
PASSPORT TO CULTURE: FRINDLE
Lone Tree Arts Center’s family series brings the story of Frindle to the stage, a fun, word-loving tale for kids and parents alike. A sensory inclusive performance follows at 4:00 p.m. for guests who benefit from a more relaxed setting.
Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
1:30 p.m. (sensory inclusive performance 4:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $15
Thursday-Saturday, November 5–7
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON JR.
Parker Performing Arts School presents the stage adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon JR., following Hiccup, a young Viking who defies tradition and befriends one of his deadliest foes, a ferocious dragon named Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes fight against the odds to save both their worlds. A fun family night at the theater, with a second weekend of shows November 12–14.
Parker Performing Arts School, Parker
Thurs.–Sat., Nov. 5–7, 6:30 p.m. start (also Nov. 12–14)
Tickets: $10–$12
Thursday, November 5
SWAN LAKE: SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS
Artistic Space Productions brings Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights to the Lone Tree Arts Center stage for an evening of dance and spectacle. A dazzling night out for ballet fans and families alike.
Friday, November 6
SYMPHONY OF THE ROCKIES PRESENTS: AMERICA AT 250
Symphony of the Rockies takes the Lone Tree Arts Center stage for an evening of music celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. A stirring night out just a short drive from Looking Glass.
Saturday, November 7
LEAF AND PUMPKIN COMPOSTING
Give your leftover jack-o’-lanterns and yard leaves a second life at Elk Ridge Park in Castle Pines. A simple, hands-on way for families to wrap up fall.
JOHN McEUEN & THE CIRCLE BAND: WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band co-founder John McEuen leads a multimedia journey through the making of the landmark 1972 album Will the Circle Be Unbroken, with archival photographs, rare 8mm footage, storytelling, and live music. Joined by The Circle Band, NGDB co-founder Les Thompson, and instrumentalist Danny Knicely, McEuen plays favorites like “Mr. Bojangles,” “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” and “House at Pooh Corner.” A must-see evening of bluegrass energy and American music history.
Sunday, November 8
SCIENCE NIGHT
Parker Arts Presents fills the PACE Center with hands-on science, technology, and engineering activities and interactive exhibits, including experiences with Wings Over the Rockies, Playground Ensemble, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. All ages are welcome, and it’s especially geared toward elementary-aged kids. RSVP is required, and every child needs a ticket.
PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
2:00–5:00 p.m. (entry times 2:00–3:30 p.m. and 3:30–5:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Free (RSVP required)
Wednesday, November 11
PARKER VETERANS DAY FIREWORKS SHOW
The Town of Parker’s fireworks show, postponed from July 4 because of fire restrictions, lights up the sky on Veterans Day. Bring blankets, a thermos of hot cocoa, and the whole family. Weather permitting.
Now is the Perfect Time to Fall For Looking Glass
When the jack-o’-lanterns are tucked away and the first crisp November mornings are here, Looking Glass is a wonderful place to settle in for it all, with top-rated schools, scenic trails that glow gold this time of year, and beautiful parks right nearby. With homes from Richmond American and Dream Finders Homes starting in the low $600s, there is still time to find a new home in which to celebrate the holidays – quick move-ins are available now! Come visit Looking Glass in Parker and see why neighbors love calling it home.