Things to Do for Free in Denver This Weekend

As October draws to a close, calendars are overloaded for the spooky weekend ahead, as well as all of the Day of the Dead events that will follow. So you don't want to miss our list of Día de los Muertos offerings, as well as a special family-friendly Halloween roster.

Now keep reading for some of the best free events in town:

Halloween Movies at Ironton
Through Sunday, October 31, nightly at dusk
Ironton Distillery and Crafthouse, 3636 Chestnut Place
You’re not the partying type, but you’d still like to put on a costume and have an evening out? Ironton’s got you covered with three nights of spooky film screenings outdoors in a heated tent. For a good night’s sleep with no bad dreams afterward, try Ghostbusters or Beetlejuice, or have a real scare with The Conjuring. No ticket needed, but seating is first come, first served. Find info here.

Lighthouse Happy Hour Reading: Jenny Shank
Saturday, October 30, 5 p.m.
Lighthouse York Street Yards, 3833 Steele Street #1438, and online
Jenny Shank, author of The Ringer, returns to launch her new collection of stories, Mixed Company; she'll be joined by other veteran Lighthouse authors who'll be reading their work. It's free to attend, but space is limited; sign up here. There's a Zoom broadcast, too, but then you can't enjoy Shank's pumpkin cookies — if she can overcome the dreaded pumpkin shortage.

Halloween Trail
Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton
Saturday, October 30, 6 to 9 p.m.
The children’s Halloween Trail at Barr Lake is not specifically haunted, but employees at the state park can’t take responsibility if an owl decides to hoot in the wild. Little ones hiking a small stretch of the park’s Niedrach Trail will be too busy bagging treats along the way to notice anyway, and at the end of the walk, they’ll find hot drinks, snacks, face painters and craft projects to look forward to. Admission is free, but a state parks pass or $9 one-time fee is required at the gate; register in advance (kids ages three to fifteen only) here, and learn more here. Spaces are going fast!
Halloween Zombie Crawl and Flash Mob
Flash Mob Performance and Rehearsal
Saturday, October 30, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Factory Five Five, 10255 East 25th Avenue, Aurora
Halloween Zombie Crawl
Sunday, October 31, 2 to 6 p.m.
Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas Street, Aurora
Stanley Marketplace tenant Neighborhood Music is hosting a Halloween Zombie Crawl on Sunday, and to entertain the non-flesh-eating crowds, it will create a dancing flash mob. Would-be flash mobbers will rehearse their moves on Saturday morning and at 1 p.m. Sunday in the field behind the Stanley before taking over the indoor common area at 2 for a performance. It’s free to play, but pre-registration is required here. No registration is required to enjoy the free fun — just show up.

District Five Denver Police Department Halloween Party
Sunday, October 31, 3 to 6 p.m.
Lincoln Tech, 11194 East 45th Avenue
The DPD is hosting a free party, thanks to the Denver Police Foundation, Wal-Mart and AT&T, that will include not just candy, but other safe and sometimes slightly spooky activities.  Lincoln Tech, 11194 East 45th Avenue. Find out more here.

Know of a great free event in Denver? We'll be updating this list through the week; send information to [email protected].