Maybe it’s the fact that I was raised Christian and Halloween was not allowed in my house, or maybe I have some sadistic side that loves dark things (probably both), but I love Halloween and autumn and all the things they both bring.
But what are we to do when there is a pandemic? Because of COVID-19, lots of festive fall activities are postponed to next year, including my absolute favorite: the Emma Crawford Coffin Races. One may think we should just give up and move onto next year (that’s honestly not a bad idea, but completely impossible).
So, I’ve compiled a list of things you can still do despite the global virus. I’ve started with activities that require you to leave your home, and then others that require less human interaction, depending on how intensely you’re quarantining. Regardless, I hope you have an amazing fall, especially during these crazy times.
Haunted Houses
Believe it or not, there are quite a few haunted houses still running. Hellscream and the Haunted Mines (owned by the same company) are both operating this spooky season. Whether you’re scared of the man chasing you with a chainsaw, or by the fact that tons of people have gone through who have potentially been exposed to COVID-19, you’re sure to get a fright.
Pumpkin Patches
A lot of pumpkin patches are closed, including my favorite down in Cañon City, but Longneck Pumpkin Farm is right inside of Colorado Springs and is incredibly adorable.
There are goats and turkeys and playgrounds made out of farm stuff (I obviously know what farm stuff is) with quintessential old trucks everywhere. Plus, there’s a cute hayride that’s perfect for your basic-white-girl fall flannel pictures. My phone is full of them.
And if you’re nervous about the pandemic, this farm is only letting people come in with a reservation in order to limit capacity and allow for social distancing.
Creepy Animals
If you want something creepy and you’re also a wolf person (chances are, if you’re a wolf person, you knew about this before I did; you know who you are), the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center puts on an event every Halloween where you feed wolves meat filled pumpkins and then gather around a bonfire.
You will need a reservation to join, as they want to limit the amount of people coming in. If you’re interested, check out this link for more info and a number you’ll need to call (and that’s when all the Gen Z humans refused to go — when they had to make a phone call, rather than a digital reservation).
Drive in Drag Show
This one is going to take you up to Denver, specifically the Park Meadows Mall. But if you’re someone who desperately wants to get out of the house, but you don’t want to engage with humans, and you love the homos (I’m allowed to say that, I’m gay), this is the perfect event.
From the comfort of your car, watch amazing drag star queens perform, including winners of the iconic RuPaul’s Drag Race.
To learn more and buy tickets, check out this link.
Hocus Pocus Trivia Night
Copperhead Road (you know, that one place with cars and trucks sticking up out of the pavement off of Academy where all the military twostep) is putting on a Hocus Pocus Trivia Night on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.
If you like to get drunk and also love screaming “I put a spell on you” to random, unsuspecting strangers (just me?), this will be a great event, even if it’s in a line-dance venue. For more info, check out the event’s page.
Gold Camp Road
For those of you who are not locals, there’s a scary legend surrounding the infamous Gold Camp Road.
Years ago, a school bus full of kids was on its way to Cripple Creek, when a cave collapsed on it, killing the driver and all the unsuspecting students. To this day, their souls haunt the tunnels of Gold Camp Road. And if you stop in the middle of the tunnel and honk your horn three times, they will come to you, touching your car, leaving handprints.
To get to the tunnels, just drive up Gold Camp Road. If it turns to dirt, you’re almost there. To get to the actual tunnel that caved in, you’ll need to hike. The trail starts up above Helen Hunt Falls. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see a tunnel with bars blocking it.
Pumpkin Carving Party
Put on your jammies, make some hot cocoa and put on a horror film from one of Devon’s movie recommendations. As the movie plays in the background, get really intense and make a competition out of the carvings with this Pinterest page.
After you get your spooky and creative pumpkins made, put them on the porch and then go for a drive to check out festive homes. You can stay in your car if it’s too cold or if you’re wanting to avoid human interaction.
That’s it for me. Regardless of what you do this October, stay safe, have fun and let’s make the best of 2020.
