Colorado is a state packed full of fun festivals and exciting events all year round. Here is a list of 5 family- friendy events or festivals for the month of October. These events will get you in a festive mood and kick off the holiday season.
Emma Crawford Coffin Race and Festival
Manioutu Springs, Colorado:
October 30, 2010
Begins at 10 a.m. Parade starts at Noon
ADMISSION FREE
Description:
A celebration in honor of one of Manioutu’s legendary residents, Emma Crawford. Residents and visitors of Manitou dress up each year for a parade, of Emma look-a-likes riding in coffins with wheels. The parade includes are hearses and the coffins being pushed and pulled down the street.
Directions:
Hwy. 24 west to Manitou Springs Exit
Click Here for website
Jack -O-Launch Pumpkin Fest
Aurora, Colorado
October 9, 2010
9 a.m to 4 p.m
ADMISSION FREE
Description:
This pumpkin hurling contest is a SMASH as pumpkins are hurled hundreds of feet through the air with homemade ingenious architects of gourd-launching devices. My 7 year-old could not get enough of this last year. He talked about the pumpkin smashing for weeks. In addition, this is a fall festival that includes hayrides, scarecrow making, a pumpkin patch music and food.
Venue and Directions:
DeLaney Farm at 170 S. Chambers Road, just north of East Alameda Parkway 303 739-7756
Click here for website
Miller Farms Haunted Hayrides:
Platteville, Co
Starts Oct 10th to Oct 31th
6.30 p.m. to 10.00 pm Monday – Sunday (Mon – Wed reservations only)
$7 per person (children unwww.denverzoo.org/visitors/directions.aspder 3 free)
Description:
Having a hunted hayride at the end of a cool crisp October day is just the thing to do to get your family in a festive Fall mood. This is definitely good old fashion family fun. The hayride will take visitors through the mines; you’ll hear the voices of the old miners. The hayride will continue through a ghostly field before traveling through the labyrinth of corn. There are spooks and hoots at every turn. At the end of the hay ride enjoy some hot chocolate while sitting next to the bone fire. This event is open rain or snow.
Miller Farm Fall Harvest Festival Runs from Sept to Nov 2010 Click here for website
Address and Phone Number:
9040 HWY 66
Patteville, CO 80651
970 785-6133
Denver’s Boo at the Zoo and Boo at the Zoo After Dark
Denver, Colorado
Friday Oct 29th, 6 p.m to 9 p.m $ 15 admission (After Dark Addition)
Saturday Oct 30 and Sunday Oct 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ( General Admission)
Description: Boo at the Zoo:
The 26th annual Boo at the Zoo offers more than 25 trick or treat stations, creepy crawly animal demonstrations and family fun entertainment throughout the zoo. Boo at the Zoo activities are all included in General Admission
Description: Boo at the Zoo after Dark:
This is a special addition to trick or treat at dark and after hours. Enjoy visiting with Denver Zoo’s nocturnal creatures. Limited Tickets available Buy on line now.
Location:
Click here for directions to the Denver Zoo from all sides of Colorado
Fright Fest Elitch Gardens
Denver, Co
Sep 25 to Oct 31 Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Description:
Family by day… fright by night. Through-out the whole month of October, Elitch Gardens lets out the ghouls for their annual Fright Fest Celebration. It is fun and spooky and there is something for the whole family to enjoy. The children will especially love the kid-friendly BooVille. There is a Trick or Treat Trail, a Lights On Haunted House and a Monster less Matinee for the little kids. Don’t be fooled if you’re not in a haunted house, because when the sun goes down the midway will become infested with living scarecrows, moss monsters, psychos with chainsaws and more.
Hours and Location
Hours vary – click here
2000 Elitch Circle, Denver, Colorado 80204
Elitch Gardens is conveniently located in downtown Denver. From I-25, go south on Speer Boulevard (Exit Speer South) then turn right onto Elitch Circle. Guests may also arrive via RTD bus or Light Rail. Both options have stops at Elitch Gardens.