Top Halloween Events in Colorado Springs (2026 Guide)

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🎃 2026 Halloween in Colorado Springs, at a glance

Boo at the Zoo: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, select evenings in October.
Emma Crawford Coffin Races: Manitou Springs, the last Saturday of October.
Pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and trunk-or-treats run throughout October.

Exact 2026 dates are posted closer to the season, confirm on each event’s official site. The detailed schedule below reflects the most recent year as a planning guide.

Halloween Events in Colorado Springs for 2026

Fall might be the best season in Colorado Springs, and the Halloween lineup here is genuinely good. You can trick-or-treat through the zoo, watch teams race decorated coffins down a street in Manitou Springs, cross the highest suspension bridge in the country in costume, or get properly scared in a haunted house. Below are the events worth planning around this year. Family-friendly picks come first, then the haunts, the free stuff, and a few unique ones. Where a venue has posted its 2026 dates I’ve used them, and where they hadn’t posted yet I’ve said so, so give the official site a quick check before you head out.

Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Colorado Springs 2026: Giggles Over Ghouls

Who says Halloween has to be scary? These kid-friendly Halloween events Colorado Springs keep the vibes light, sweet, and full of wonder, perfect for little monsters and their grown-up sidekicks.

1. Boo at the Zoo at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

This is the one I keep coming back to. Sheri and I have been to Boo at the Zoo, and it’s just a genuinely fun evening. They decorate the whole zoo with Halloween decorations, and you walk the paths in the dark seeing the animals along the way. I’d highly recommend it for families, especially with kids. You get your exercise walking the zoo, the kids get to trick-or-treat, and you’re seeing animals the whole time. It’s a great way to spend an evening. For 2026 it runs select evenings, October 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 30, and 31, from 4 to 8:30 p.m., at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road. Advance tickets are required and it does sell out, so book ahead at cmzoo.org.

2. Miners’ Pumpkin Patch at Western Museum of Mining & Industry

Saturdays in October, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 225 North Gate Blvd. Pumpkin picking, games, gold panning, and food trucks, a hands-on history lesson wrapped in fall fun, and good for curious kids. Entry prices vary, and the exact 2026 Saturdays post closer to the season, so confirm at minerspumpkinpatch.com. Don’t miss the mining demos.

3. Pumpkin Fest at Venetucci Farm

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October at this historic farm south of town (5210 S. US Hwy 85-87). Hayrides, u-pick pumpkins, and farm animals, with live music and cider donuts. Admission runs about $5 (free for kids 6 and under), pumpkins around $10. Check the farm’s site for the current year’s details.

4. Howl-O-Ween at Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center

Out in Divide, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center runs a late-October evening where the wolves get meat-filled pumpkins, with a bonfire, refreshments, and group howls. It’s a wild, educational twist on the holiday and great for animal lovers. Reservations are required (about $40 for ages 12 and up, $20 for kids 6 to 11), and the 2026 date posts at wolfeducation.org.

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5. HellScream Haunted House

Opening September 25, 2026 and running select nights through early November (including the “Lights Off” nights Nov 7-8), at 3021 N. Hancock Ave. Dr. VonHellton’s cursed manor delivers multi-level terror with heavy strobes and fog, not for the faint-hearted. Tickets start around $26, and the full calendar is at hellscreamhaunt.com. Popular nights sell out, so book ahead.

6. The Fear Complex

Opening in late September and running into early November at 2220 E. Bijou St. This 26,000-square-foot attraction packs four haunts: Sanitarium, Haunted Mines, 3-D Carnevil, and Sinister Manor. Go mid-week to dodge the crowds. Tickets start around $26, and 2026 dates are at thefearcomplex.org.

7. Haunted Lantern Tour: Journey into Fear at Cave of the Winds

October 2-31 (Fridays-Sundays plus Halloween), starting at 6 p.m. in Manitou Springs. Venture into dark caverns with ghost tales and paranormal vibes, two hours of underground dread. Ages 13+ only; $45 per person.

Budget-Friendly and Free Halloween Fun in Colorado Springs 2026

No need to empty your cauldron, these free Halloween events in Colorado Springs 2026 deliver epic vibes without the price tag. Dive into community spirit, quirky traditions, and subtle scares that make the season shine.

8. Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Festival

Saturday, October 24, 2026, in downtown Manitou Springs. Teams of “Emmas” and pallbearers race decorated coffins down Manitou Avenue in this local tribute to a real 1890s ghost story, with a costume parade beforehand and an after-party at Soda Springs Park. It’s free to watch and one of the most Colorado things you’ll ever see. Arrive early for a good spot, and use the free shuttles since parking is tight.

9. Skeleton Craze in Manitou Springs

Throughout October 2026, downtown Manitou Springs turns into a bony wonderland with over 200 creatively decorated skeletons popping up in shop windows and streets. Stroll, vote for your favorites via local ballots, and hunt for hidden gems, it’s a free, self-guided adventure that’s equal parts spooky and silly. Perfect for families or solo explorers snapping Insta-worthy pics!

10. Terror on Tejon Block Party

This downtown block party has run on Halloween night along Tejon Street, with costume contests, DJs, food trucks, and trick-or-treating from the shops, family-friendly early, then 21+ after dark. The organizers hadn’t posted the 2026 date when I wrote this (in 2025 it ran October 31), so check locally before you count on it.

11. Pumpkin Carving Party & Jack-o’-Lantern Trail

El Paso County’s nature centers (Fountain Creek in Fountain and Bear Creek on the west side) host a pumpkin-carving afternoon that rolls into an evening jack-o’-lantern trail. Carve one you bring or buy on-site (around $5), then walk the glowing trail after dark. It’s low-key and good for all ages. The county posts the 2026 date on its nature centers page, check there, since the day moves year to year.

Unique and Themed Halloween Experiences in Colorado Springs 2026

Craving something extraordinary? These unique Halloween events in Colorado Springs 2026 blend history, culture, and whimsy for unforgettable twists on the holiday.

12. Boo at the Bridge at Royal Gorge

Trick-or-treat across the highest suspension bridge in the country at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City, about an hour’s drive from the Springs, with games, live entertainment, and canyon views. Bridge access is included and it’s a genuine family thrill. The 2026 date wasn’t posted yet when I wrote this (in 2025 it ran October 18), so confirm at royalgorgebridge.com before making the drive.

13. Halloween High Tea at Miramont Castle

Friday through Sunday, October 23, 24, and 25, 2026, with seatings at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. at Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs. This Victorian Halloween tea features a multi-course spread, loose-leaf teas, and costume encouragement, held in a real 1895 castle. Tickets are $65 and reservations are required, book through the castle’s site.

14. Boos Fest Halloween Bar Crawl

If you want a 21+ night out, the Boos Fest costume bar crawl runs Saturday, October 24, 2026 through downtown Colorado Springs bars, and a separate Halloween crawl runs Halloween night, October 31. Costumes, drink specials, and a crowd. Tickets are usually in the $20-30 range and go up closer to the date, so grab them early.

Pro Tips for an Epic Halloween in Colorado Springs 2026

Beat the Chill: With highs around 55°F and nights dipping low, layer up, think thermal under costumes for outdoor haunts like the Coffin Races.
Ticket Tactics: Popular spots like HellScream sell out; book online early and opt for VIP to skip lines.
Traffic Hacks: Use the VisitCOS or COSMove apps for real-time parking and shuttle info, especially downtown on October 31.
Sustainable Spooks: Embrace eco-friendly events, bring reusable bags for treats and support zero-waste initiatives at farms and festivals.
Pet-Friendly Perks: Check for dog-inclusive spots like Howl-O-Ween; costumes for pups add extra fun!

Whether you’re racing coffins or carving pumpkins, there’s plenty to do around Colorado Springs this Halloween. For anything I’ve flagged as not-yet-confirmed, give the official site a quick check, grab tickets early for the popular haunts, and have a good one out there.

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Top Halloween Events in Colorado Springs (2026 Guide)

Halloween Events in Colorado Springs for 2026

Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Colorado Springs 2026: Giggles Over Ghouls

1. Boo at the Zoo at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo