Elitch Gardens Fright Fest

Elitch Gardens Fright Fest runs six weekends from September 26 through November 1, 2026, at Elitch Gardens in Denver. The park bills it as Colorado's largest Halloween celebration, and it's set up to work for two very different crowds in a single day.

During the day, the park is built around harvest-themed activities, trick-or-treating, and kid-friendly fun. That side of things is centered in Booville, the children's area, which closes every night at dusk. If you're bringing the little ones, that's your window—the family-friendly stuff wraps up as the sun goes down.

Once it gets dark, the mood flips. Fright By Night kicks off around 6 PM and brings in the haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, sinister live entertainment, and rides in the dark. The nighttime scares aren't recommended for children, and the park advises parental discretion after dusk. So, if you're planning a full day, keep in mind that the kid-friendly side closes at sunset and the scares take over from there.

On the practical side, Elitch Gardens runs as a cashless venue, so you'll need a debit or credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay—they won't take cash. Parking is $30 a day Monday through Thursday and $35 a day Friday through Sunday and on holidays. RV parking is $40 a day, and there's free parking for buses and large passenger vans with more than 15 seats. You can find the park at 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver, CO 80204.