Grave On!

There’s no place more spooky on Halloween than a graveyard, particularly one like Denver’s historic Riverside Cemetery, which is one of the area’s oldest (and, let’s face it, slightly unkempt) boneyards and is full of famous dead people. But that’s especially true when some of those renowned residents — such as territorial governor John Evans, jilted wife Augusta Tabor, Sand Creek martyr Silas Soule and former slave Aunt Clara Brown — start popping up all over the place and telling stories. Expect the unexpected at today’s Halloween Cemetery Tour, a guided exploration hosted by Friends of Historic Riverside Cemetery that features experts and costumed characters at select gravesites throughout the cemetery.

“We have historic re-enactors, great historians and storytellers who have a world of knowledge about Denver and Colorado history, and it would be a horrible shame to waste that,” says FHRC president Hugh Graham. Waste not, want not: The experts, including former Riverside caretaker Cliff Dougal, will introduce the famous and the not-so-famous from 2 to 4 p.m. (tours leave every 15 minutes until 3:15 p.m.) at the cemetery, 5201 Brighton Boulevard. Afterward, spooked visitors are invited to head over to the Wynkoop Brewing Company, 1634 18th Street, for a reception celebrating Spirits of Riverside, an exhibit of Riverside-themed works by local artists that also features a special seasonal Riverside RIP Pumpkin Ale. Meet and greet at the Wynkoop from 5 to 7 p.m. before heading out into the Halloween night.

Both events are free, but an RSVP is requested in advance for the tour (e-mail events@friendsofriversidecemetery.org); go to http://friendsofriversidecemetery.org for information.
Sat., Oct. 31, 2-4 p.m., 2009