Central City’s Halloween Spooktacular
Saturdays October 19 & 26 and Halloween, October 31, 2024: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Main Street Central City
Admission: FREE
Sponsored by Main Street Central City and MIX 100
You are cordially invited to come revel with the ghosts of Central City.
The ghosts are having a reunion and you're invited to the Halloween Party of the century. It's not everyday the spirits from eleven cemeteries dating back to the 1800s get together but they are on Main Street Central City for a big celebration Saturday, October 19 and 26 and Halloween, October 31 from 6:00PM - 9:00 PM. They'll be dancing in the street and enjoying themed cocktails at Halloween Pop-Up Bars along with a Trick or Treat Street and s’mores for the kids. But be careful because a Witchy Witch will be keeping an eye on the festivities. Don’t miss this rustic mountain town as it transforms into Victorian Haunted Village. Central City is located 39-miles west of Denver on I70 to Central City Parkway. Parking is free. Scroll down for our Q&A.
Why Central City is Ideal for a Haunted Halloween Spooktacular
Founded in 1859, Central City is the quintessential Victorian mountain town. Its authenticity and rich history are furthered by the 294 buildings that line its streets, validated by the Historical Preservation Office as being more than 100 years old. Ask any resident and they will tell you many are haunted as Central City ranks as one of Colorado’s most haunted towns.
About Event Decor Designer Sarah Talaba
Sarah Talaba is a Scenic Designer and Effects Artist for stage, film, and immersive events. Her creative talents have been featured locally in multiple theatres and venues along the front range, as well as internationally. In recent years she has worked with famous Denver artist Lonnie Hanzon, as a “magic-maker/painter” for the Denver Center for the Performing Art’s Camp Christmas, enjoyed by thousands of people over the course of several holiday seasons. Talaba is also a sculptor, props builder, creature and puppet creator and works as the Paint Charge for the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Theatre. A graduate of the University of Colorado in Boulder with two degrees, a BFA in Theatrical Scenic Design and a BA in Studio Arts, she is the recipient of a Certificate of Meritorious Achievement in Set Design for CU’s 2011 production of RENT. Talaba also runs her own design and effects fabrication shop, Sorcerous Arts Studios Ltd.
Special Features That Make This Event Spooktacular
Whimsical, fun and appropriate for all ages, this first time ever event offers free admission as Central City is transformed into a Victorian haunted village:
If you think you know the Thriller dance but you’re not quite sure, this is your chance to learn the real thing from the pros. On each night of the event, The Infamous Backroom Cabaret will give a lesson on Main Street at 7:00 PM. Be sure to be there to join in for the full performance at 8:00PM. There is dancing in the street throughout the evening.
There are two Halloween Pop-Up Bars. Dostal Alley Brewery serves a pumpkin spice brew especially for the occasion while Easy Street Casino’s Gold Coin Saloon, Central City’s oldest bar, features three Halloween specialty cocktails. (Must be 21 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages.) Even if you don’t want an alcoholic beverage, you’ll want to take a peek inside these establishments to see the decor. These bar are offered not just on the three nights of the Halloween Spooktacular, but you can visit them anytime from October 18-31.
Kids enjoy Trick or Treat Street. With an evening this memorable, of course, there is a selfie station to capture the moment.
Central City Volunteer Firefighter Foundation provides s’mores kits for sale. Make your own by roasting marshmallows over firepits provided by Denver West KOA Campground.
A witchy witch keeps a close eye on festivities as she stirs her cauldron of hot caramel with a pastry chef from Peace, Love and Cake dipping apples for topping (fees apply).
Main Street Central City thanks our sponsor Denver’s MIX 100 — Today’s Best Mix.
What age is this event appropriate for?
Appropriate for all ages, admission is free as Central City is transformed into a Victorian haunted village, complemented with lavish decor and effects. There will be dancing in the street with Thriller lead by The Infamous Backroom Cabaret, themed cocktails at Halloween Pop-Up Bars for the adults and Trick or Treat Street for the kids. A witchy witch keeps a close eye on festivities as she stirs her cauldron of hot caramel with a pastry chef dipping apples for topping. Dostal Alley Brewery serves a pumpkin spice brew especially for the occasion while Easy Street Casino’s Gold Coin Saloon, Central City’s oldest bar, features three Halloween specialty cocktails. (Must be 21 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages.) This event is designed to be fun and whimsical and is not scary.
Where does the event take place?
The Central City Halloween Spooktacular takes place on the south end of Main Street, from Gregory to Spring Streets.
Where do I find parking?
Parking is free. Here is a list of just some of the lots where parking would be available:
· The lot located at the end of Central City Parkway on the south end of Main Street.
· The Century Casino covered parking at Gregory and Spring Streets. There is also an entrance to this lot off of Eureka as you enter Central City coming up from Black Hawk.
· The Teller House parking lot across the street from the Court House as you venture further west on Eureka Street (offered October 26 and 31 only).
· Grand Z Hotel parking lot at 321 Gregory Street.
Additionally, there is free shuttle service to Black Hawk (just one mile away) with convenient pick-up and drop-off every thirty minutes and offering ample parking near the casinos.
Where can I dine with children?
Mid-City Grill is easily accessible for children. It is located in Century Casino with a separate entrance right off of Gregory Street near Main Street. It is very close to the Halloween Spooktacular and offers an extensive menu.
What about costumes?
Though not required, we encourage everyone to come in costume.
What is at the event for children?
The Halloween Spooktacular transforms this Victorian town into a Haunted Village offering a Trick or Treat Street, caramel apple decorating, a selfie station to remember the evening and, of course, dancing in the street. The Infamous Backroom Cabaret does a Thriller dance lesson at 7:00PM, leading the full performance at 8:00PM and everyone is invited to join. Not only that, but the Central City Volunteer Firefighters Foundation will be selling s’mores kits with marshmallow roasts over firepits provided by KOA Campground. This event is designed to be fun and whimsical and not scary.
Where are the Halloween Pop-Up Bars?
Halloween Pop-Up Bars are located in Dostal Alley and in the Gold Coin Saloon, Central City’s oldest saloon, each featuring specialty beverages for the occasion. Patrons must be 21 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages. While they can take cocktails outside the bars for consumption, patrons must remain within the event space marked by barriers at either end of the street at Gregory and Spring Streets. Even if you do not purchase a beverage, we encourage you to take a peak inside these establishments to see the décor.
Are the Halloween Pop-Up Bars available on the three nights of the Halloween Spooktacular only?
No, the Halloween Pop-Up Bars, located in Dostal Alley and in the Gold Coin Saloon will be decked for Halloween from October 18-31 and you are welcome to experience them anytime. Even if you don’t want an alcoholic beverage (must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol) you’ll want to take a peek inside these establishments to see the decor.
What is the cost to attend the Central City Halloween Spooktacular?
Admission and parking are free as well as access to Trick or Treat Street. Some items will be offered for sale such as cocktails in the Halloween Pop-Up Bars and the caramel apples for decorating and s’mores kits benefitting the Central City Firefighter Foundation.
How easy is it to get to Central City from Denver?
It’s easy! A short, scenic 39-mile drive west of Denver, simply hop on I-70 to Central City Parkway, exit 243, and you’re there in about 45 minutes.
Can we spend the night?
In addition to Grand Z in Central City, there are many hotels located in Black Hawk a short one-mile away. There is free shuttle service to Black Hawk with convenient pick-up and drop-off every thirty minutes. The award winning Denver West KOA Campground located in Central City provides a limited service option as well. (Scroll to “Winter Camping Information”.)
There are other haunted events taking place throughout the coming weeks hosted by Gilpin Historical Society. To learn more about all of the events Central City has to offer, visit our events page. Check back frequently for updates. For questions, email us at CentralCityCO141@gmail.com.