For many college students, the scariest part of Halloween is how quickly the expenses add up.
Don’t let the fear turn you into a lazybones this holiday season. Engage in some local spooky activities around Colorado Springs! Here are 13 Halloween-themed events happening during October, all for under $18.
If you’re looking to stay on campus, the UCCS Theatre Company will be performing “Macbeth” at the Osborne Studio theatre in the ENT Center. Students and VAPA faculty receive free admission. For non-UCCS students and all other faculty, tickets cost $12 each. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office at (719) 255-8181.
Showings will take place Oct. 24-26 and 31, and Nov. 1-2. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday performances will begin at 4 p.m.
The UCCS Hiking Club will be hosting a pumpkin carving event on Oct. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the University Center. Pumpkins, snacks and drinks will be provided, and the event is open to the public. Attendees should RSVP through Mountain Lion Connect.
For those looking to take in the fall weather, there are multiple pumpkin patches around Colorado Springs. While the cost of admissions, pumpkins and concessions can add up, pre-purchasing tickets online is a good way to save a few bucks.
Miners’ Pumpkin Patch tickets cost $13 and give attendees access to hayrides, pumpkin picking, food trucks and more. Venetucci Farm tickets cost $5—plus an extra $10 for pumpkins—and give attendees access to farm grounds, the Makers’ Market and food trucks. Longneck Pumpkin Farm tickets cost $18 and give attendees access to the farm, animals, hayrides and more.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of the “Twilight” novels, Cinemark, AMC and Regal theaters will be screening the series starting Oct. 29 through Nov. 2. Tickets range from $12.50 to $15 before fees.
The Independent Film Society of Colorado presents their “Three Nights of Horror” film festival on Friday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Oct. 19 at the Ivywild School. The festival will screen horror classics such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Nosferatu.” There will also be a live Q&A with “Terrifier 2” producer Steve Barton.
Individual tickets are $11. The Q&A is free to attend. More information is available on the Independent Film Society’s website.
Historic Old Colorado City is hosting a free fall festival on Oct. 18 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event, Pumpkins in the Park, will feature a pumpkin patch, face painters, fall-themed crafts and more. Attendees are encouraged to visit local shops, try seasonal cuisines and check out the Michael Garman Museum and Gallery, which has been transformed into a spooky village until Nov. 3.
Ghost at the Post is a free event taking place at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post on Oct. 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Families can trick-or-treat, engage in activities such as pumpkin painting and face painting, and participate in a costume contest. Musical guest Ava Grace will be performing live from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Emma Crawford Coffin Race is a free, annual event in Manitou Springs including a spooky parade, costumed coffin race and live music on Oct. 25. The parade begins at 12 p.m., the race of wheeled coffins takes place after the parade and a live performance by psychedelic rock group RADO begins at 2 p.m. The UCCS Society of Women Engineers will be among the race’s participants.
The Manitou Springs Heritage Museum hosts weekly horror film showings known as Sunday Night Frights. On Oct. 12, 19 and 26, the museum will show “Dead of Night,” “Bedlam” and “The Black Castle,” respectively. Guests are also invited to explore the newly renovated museum. The films are all free to attend and offer paid concessions. Museum doors open at 5:30 p.m., and screenings begin at 6 p.m.
Pikes Peak and the Rampart Library District are hosting their annual Paranormal Peak Trunk or Treat on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For just $10 per vehicle, attendees are able to drive up the Pikes Peak Highway to Glen Cove (mile marker 13) and enjoy activities such as tarot card readings, one-on-one paranormal investigators and trunk-or-treating.
For people over the age of 21, Red Leg Brewing Company will be hosting its annual Halloween Bash. The brewery will be transformed into a haunted playground with a costume contest, dance party, beer pong, Halloween-themed cocktails and more. It will take place on Oct. 25 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Photo by Marius Ciocirlan on Unsplash.