Put on your costume, grab a bag and get ready for some treats — after all, it is Halloweekend.
Here’s a list of local happenings to get you in the spooky spirit:
Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival in Manitou Springs, Saturday
For three decades, Manitou Springs has held its iconic (and macabre) coffin races.
The festival is held in memory of beloved former resident Emma Crawford, who died from tuberculosis in 1891. Buried by the townspeople at the summit of Red Mountain per her request, she rested there until 1929, when years of weather caused her coffin to slide down the mountainside.
In her honor, the town hosts a day of celebration with live music, a parade and, of course, coffin races. During the races, teams of five compete against each other, in which riders are pulled in coffinlike contraptions by four “mourners.” Awards will be given for categories such as “Best Coffin” and “Best Entourage.” Attendees are encouraged to come in costume.
The free festivities start at 10 a.m. Saturday at the 900 block of Manitou Avenue, with the parade kicking off at noon and coffin races following shortly after. More information can be found at manitousprings.org/ emma-crawford-coffin-races.
Howl-o-Ween at Cerberus Brewing, Saturday
Celebrate Halloween with your furry friend at Cerberus Brewing’s Howl-o-Ween.
The brewery will start the party at noon with a dog adoption fair featuring adoptable pups from Forgotten to Forever and Karl’s Canine Krew. It doesn’t stop there — the brewery also will have adoptable goats on site from OutPaws Animal Rescue. At 3 p.m., there will be a doggie costume contest, followed by a human costume contest at 5 p.m.
Throughout the event, the brewery will be offering a special Buddy Up IPA, with $1 from each pour benefiting local no-kill shelters.
More information can be found at shopoldcoloradocity.com/events/ cerberus-howl-o-ween-2024.
Mad Science Day at Space Foundation Discovery Center, Saturday
Mad Science Day at the Space Foundation Discovery Center is a great option for kiddos who love science and Halloween.
At the all-day event, there will be a special Halloween scavenger hunt, along with spooky decorations and trick-or-treating. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., the center will host a wizard wand workshop, where kids can create their own magical light-up wand. Attendees are encouraged to dress up.
General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 16. The wizard wand workshop is $5 per student. The event runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Space Foundation Discover Center, 4425 Arrowswest Drive. More information can be found at discoverspace.org/event/mad-science-day- halloween-event.
Kids Monster Dash and Creepy Crawl 5K in Palmer Lake, Saturday
The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region will host its 16th annual Kids Monster Dash and Creepy Crawl 5K on Saturday.
The races, which follow the Palmer Lake Santa Fe Trail, will kick off at 10 a.m. with the free Kids Monster Dash 1k. Along the trail, kids can search for treasures scattered throughout. Then, at 10:30 a.m., the Creepy Crawl 5k will begin. The 5k is stroller- and dog-friendly, and costumes are encouraged. Before the races, at 9 a.m., there will be trick-or-treating at the vendor village, along with face painting, a costume contest, a dance-off and yard games.
Registration for the 5K ahead of race day is recommended. Day-of pricing is $50 for adults 20 and over, and $40 for those 19 and under. More info can be found at ppymca.org/programs/health-fitness/races/creepy-crawl-5k.
Witches, Warlocks & Ghouls Ride in downtown Colorado Springs, Saturday
Take a bike ride through downtown Saturday afternoon to benefit the Circle of Hope fund at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Foundation.
This will be the second year UCHealth has hosted this ride, which starts at noon. Cyclists are encouraged to dress in their spookiest outfits and decorate their bikes. This fundraiser benefits the Circle of Hope fund, which provides cancer patients and their families with transportation, nutrition, lodging and other basic necessities.
There will be two routes for the ride, including the family-friendly Middle Shooks Trail Route to Acacia Park and the longer Legacy Loop trail for more advanced bikers. The shorter ride will commence at noon at Good Neighbors Meeting House, while the longer trail will start at Stir Coffee & Cocktails Downtown.
Registration starts at $25. More information can be found at coswitchesride.com.
Trunk-or-Treat and Halloween Party at Red Leg Brewing, Saturday
Red Leg Brewing will host a trunk-or-treat event Saturday morning, followed by a monster mash in the evening.
The brewery will host its free Trunk-or-Treat on the Lawn from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., where local businesses will hand out candy to the little monsters. For older ghouls, booze will be available.
Then, later in the evening, the brewery will host its Halloween party, complete with a live DJ and a costume contest (with prizes). The party starts at 6 p.m. and is 21+.
More information can be found at redlegbrewing.com/events.
Night at the Museum at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Saturday
Take a trip back in time and meet local historical figures at this Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum event.
The festivities start at 4:30 p.m. with live music and food trucks. Historical figures from town will be haunting the museum’s halls throughout the evening, offering a chance to learn more about Colorado Springs’ past. There will also be crafts, carnival games, and performances. Costumes are encouraged.
Tickets are $5. More information on this free event can be found at give.cspm.org/event/night-at-the- museum-2024/e614161.
