Spooky season has arrived in Colorado, and so too have pop-up bars dedicated to celebrating the scariest month of the year. So grab your ghoul pals and creep into one of these local haunts – if you dare.
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Adrift
Craving a beach vacation with a sinister twist? Head to Adrift tiki bar, which will be serving ghoulish menu items like the Ectoplasm Punch, a shareable mix of two different rums, Magdala liqueur, sugar and fruit juices. Or stop by on Red Rum Wednesdays throughout the month when the bar offers discounts and plays scary movies to match the devilish decor.
218 S. Broadway, Denver; Tuesday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday-Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. Find more information at adriftbar.com.
Camp Shiver Creek
Summer camp is all fun and games until there’s a serial killer on the loose. That’s the storyline behind Camp Shiver Creek, a pop-up taking over Milepost Zero in Denver’s McGregor Square. Camp orientation kicks off with a free party on Oct. 16 that includes themed libations, and the venue will host several spooky events through Halloween weekend, including scary movie screenings, a dog costume contest, Bloody Bingo and more.
1601 19th St., Suite 150, Denver; Oct. 16-31. Most events are free, though some require a reservation or ticket. Find the full event schedule at milepostzero.com/happenings.
The Devil’s Drink
A new addition to Denver’s bar scene is an apt fit for spooky season even though it’s a year-round haunt. The Devil’s Drink serves libations like Heart of Darkness (tequila, mezcal, lime, charcoal, cocoa bitters, raspberry) and All Black Everything (whiskey, amaro, lemon) alongside a select menu of local beers and small bites.
3330 Mariposa St., Denver; Sunday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Friday-Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Entry is free. Find more information at thedevilsdrinkdenver.com.
Fang Bang
Fans of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” can enjoy wicked musical performances in a new way when the Fang Bang makes its Mile High debut. Billed as a “fully immersive pop-up vampire night club experience,” Fang Bang comes to Denver’s Sports Castle by way of San Francisco, where it’s part of a larger production put on by esteemed queen Peaches Christ. Expect horror-themed cocktails plus drag and burlesque so good you could die.
1000 Broadway, Denver; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 5-28, with two shows each evening at 8 and 10 p.m. Find tickets ($25) and more information at seetickets.us/fangbang.
Felix Haunted Mansion
Spirits abound at My Neighbor Felix restaurants in Denver and Boulder, which has been transformed into Felix Haunted Mansion. During the month of October, the bar spaces will be decked out spooktacularly and feature specialty drinks inspired by classic horror movies like “Scream” and “Hocus Pocus.” Belly up if you dare.
Two locations in Denver (1801 Central St., Denver) and Boulder (901 Pearl St., Boulder) now through Nov. 2. Entry is free. Find more information on Instagram at @myneighborfelix.
The Haunted Mansion on Colfax
Built in the 1800s, the Mansion on Colfax has a storied history of lives lost on its grounds. Ghosts are said to frequent the building year-round, which makes it the perfect place to indulge this spooky season. The Mansion is leaning into the scares with Halloween decor, trivia nights and BOOOrunch on weekends.
1509 N. Marion St., Denver; Tuesday-Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Find more information at themansiononcolfax.com.
House of Burton
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! Conjure the spirit of Tim Burton and his creations at House of Burton pop-up, coming to Denver Pavilions in the 16th Street Mall. A ticket buys 90 minutes to drink and explore the immersive space, inspired by Burton’s film “Beetlejuice.” A welcome beverage is also included in that price.
Denver Pavilions, 500 16th St Mall, Suite 320, Denver; Oct. 4-31. Tickets cost $15.50. Find more information at explorehidden.com/city/denver/list.
Poka Muah Ha Ha
Soda fountain-inspired lounge Poka Lola Social Club will be serving sinister sips this month when it becomes into Poka Muah Ha Ha. Enjoy the spooky decor and cackle over cocktails like the Polyjuice Potion (gin, golden beet, ginger) or the Dark Side of Sesame Street (vodka, everything seasoning, olive brine). There are “boo-ze” free options as well.
1850 Wazee St., Denver; Monday-Wednesday, from 3 to 11 p.m., Thursday from 3 p.m. to midnight, Friday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m. Find more information at pokaloladenver.com.
Slayers Vampire Academy
Inspired by shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer and “True Blood,” this pop-up at Zeppelin Station in Denver promises creepiness around every corner. That’s in addition to cocktails, mocktails, and Instagrammable sets to serve as spooky backdrops for photos. Slayers Vampire Academy is a ticketed, 90-minute adventure.
Zeppelin Station, 3501 Wazee St #100, Denver; now through Nov. 4. Tickets cost $19.95. Find more information at Eventbrite.com.
Spooky Speakeasy
Denver’s Union Station is casting a spell on visitors with its nightly Spooky Speakeasy pop-up. Starting Oct. 19, drinkers can enjoy creepy cocktails in a New Orleans-inspired environment – no train ticket necessary. Just head to the Gallery (the station’s basement) to sip and indulge in other attractions like a snake charmer and blood magic, according to a statement.
1701 Wynkoop St., Denver; Oct. 19-31, from 4 p.m. to midnight. Entry is free. Find more information at denverunionstation.com/experience/event-calendar.
