Whether you’re a longtime Steamboat Springs resident or you’ve found yourself in the quaint mountain town over Halloween weekend, these are some of the best spooky-inspired activities and events happening around town this October. Enjoy the crispness of the fall air while you admire an early dusting of snow on the surrounding mountain peaks. Steamboat’s peak season is just around the corner, so make sure to enjoy the small-town charm before crowds descend upon the area for world-class skiing and winter activities!
Decorate a Pumpkin at the Annual Pumpkin Float at Old Town Hot Springs
Where? Old Town Hot Springs, 136 Lincoln Avenue
When? October 20th, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Celebrate the fall season at this family-favorite tradition at Steamboat’s Old Town Hot Springs! Make a splash at the annual pumpkin float and enjoy a non-spooky Halloween tradition. The Hot Springs staff are bringing the pumpkin patch to the pool. Numbers will be written on each pumpkin before they’re tossed into the pool, at which point participants will be handed a number and will be tasked with finding their corresponding pumpkin in the water. Grab your pumpkin, dry it off and take it over to the pumpkin decorating station in the Community Room to let your creative side run wild. The water slides will be free and open for all children (and kids at heart). There will also be complimentary apple cider, so warm up after your dip and enjoy a taste of fall!
Reserve your spot at this year’s pumpkin float for $10. Registration includes one pumpkin to decorate and take home. When the event draws nearer, the link will be posted via the Old Town Hot Springs website here, so check back!
Lace Up Your Sneakers for the Foundry Halloween 5K
Where? Soda Creek Elementary, 220 Park Avenue
When? October 25th, 9:00 a.m.
Lace up your running shoes and work off some of those candy calories in advance at the Foundry Halloween 5K this October. The 5K is the perfect way to wrap up the Steamboat Springs Running Series for the year and participants of all ages are invited to enjoy a fun-filled celebration of the spookiest holiday of the year. Registration is priced at $25, with an added $2.75 fee. The race will feature a mix of trail and road terrain, which keeps things fun for casual runners and athletes alike. Since Halloween is just around the corner, costumes are highly encouraged. After all, that’s the fun of a Halloween-inspired race. Take your costume on a test run, literally!
Leashed pups are also welcome, so bring the whole family out and partake in the festive atmosphere on the Saturday before Halloween. After the race, make sure to snag some Halloween treats or try your luck at bobbing for apples. There will also be face painting, games and more family-friendly activities going on. The 5K is all about celebrating Halloween in a safe, sober and fun way while showing your support for The Foundry Treatment Center. The center provides opportunities for lasting recovery through a collaborative body, mind and spirit treatment program.
Grab Your Skates for Fright Night — Halloween on Ice!
Where? Howelsen Ice Arena, 285 Howelsen Parkway
When? October 26th, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Are you ready for the most frightfully exciting evening on the ice in Steamboat? Fright Night with the Steamboat Skating Club will be held on the evening of Sunday, October 26th. Get ready for a scary good time! Invite your family and friends for spooky skating and festive fun to get into the Halloween spirit at this annual fundraiser. Tickets are priced at $12 per person or $40 for families of four. Skate rentals are included in the cost of your tickets, so you’ll be ready to hit the rink! There will also be a food and bake sale onsite, so grab some sweets and treat yourself during this indulgent time of the year.
Costumes are encouraged at Fright Night, so give your Halloween costume a test run on the ice before the big day. This spooky themed public skate session is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the weekend before Halloween at the Howelsen Ice Arena. In years past, Fright Night has also featured a short exhibition performance by club members before the public takes the ice.
Bring the Kids to the 26th Annual Enchanted Castle
Where? Colorado Mountain College, 1400 Bob Adams Drive
When? October 26th, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Enjoy a free Halloween carnival with friends and family at the 26th Annual Enchanted Castle hosted at Steamboat’s Colorado Mountain College campus. The Hill Hall Residence Hall will be transformed into an Enchanted Castle for one day only on Sunday, October 26th. CMC students living in the residence hall will be hosting this family-friendly carnival complete with exciting activities. This event is perfect for the little ones and costumes are highly encouraged. Attendees can win spooktacular treats, prizes and more while they participate in trick-or-treating and exciting family-friendly games. As always, the event is free but it’s also encouraged to bring a non-perishable item to donate to the Campus Food Pantry.
Explore Lincoln Avenue During the Annual Halloween Stroll
Where? Lincoln Avenue
When? October 31st, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
The Halloween Stroll in downtown Steamboat Springs is an annual fan-favorite amongst area residents. On October 31st, the city shuts down Lincoln Avenue for two hours for the biggest Halloween celebration in the Rockies. The stroll is a Steamboat Springs tradition that dates all the way back to 1991! The Halloween Stroll isn’t just your average trick-or-treating experience, either. No, locals go all out with jaw dropping costumes, fire dancers, drum circles and even a costume contest for the little ones that’s equal parts competitive and adorable. Adorably competitive, some might even say! If this will be your first Halloween Stroll, expect the entire community to come out in droves as goblins take over Main Street. With cars off the drag, pedestrians get full privileges to trick-or-treat at local businesses and walk through the street. While you’re haunting Main Street, be sure to swing by The Group Real Estate’s annual open haunted house for a playful fright and some sweet treats! We would love to see you.
Of course, there will be plenty of sweets to go around. Cauldrons of candy, haunted houses and maybe even free French fries — you name it! Whether you want to satisfy your sweet tooth or you want to people watch, you can do it all at this signature Halloween event. Spectating is an entire sport on October 31st, with plenty of costumes to admire and shenanigans to enjoy. The evening is sure to be wacky, wild and absolutely wonderful. If you’re lucky, you may even spot fairies on horseback or find a shiny penny from the legends in the Over the Hill Gang!
Hike for Sweets at the 7th Annual Hike or Treat
Where? Yampa River State Park, 6185 US-40
When? TBD
The little ones will love the candy and goodies being handed out at stations along the Yampa River hiking trail loop. Costumes are encouraged. 2025 will mark the 7th year this event has been organized, which is a testament to its popularity amongst area families! The event is typically scheduled for a couple of hours during the afternoon or until there’s no more candy left to hand out. Plan to arrive on-time to ensure you get some of your favorite treats before they’re gone! The nature trail is 1.25 miles in length, making this an easy hike for most families. Hike or Treat is organized as a “give and get” style event, which means that participants are encouraged to bring something non-perishable to donate to a local food bank. Giving back to the community has never tasted sweeter!
Registration will be required for the hike, so stay tuned for additional details! Attendees may also need a valid park pass.
Happy Halloween, Steamboat Springs!
Whether your favorite part about Halloween is dressing up in costume or eating lots of candy, Steamboat has something for everyone. Enjoy annual community traditions such as the Halloween Stroll down Lincoln Avenue or lace up your skates for Fright Night at the Howelsen Ice Arena. However you opt to spend Halloween, make sure to enjoy a spooktacular time with ghosts, goblins and ghouls.