Hello October, we’ve missed you. Awe, “pumpkin spice and everything nice!” Fall is finally in full swing. Albert Camus called autumn, “a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
Breathtaking views of colorful leaves, a chance to go pumpkin picking at local festivals, and sporting comfy sweaters. A time to appreciate what we have, and look forward to the future.
As Halloween grows hauntedly close, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to ensure witches fly across the sky, that black cats yowl, and ghosts howl:
Attend Parasol Patrol — Colorado-based non-profit to protect kids from protesters — fundraiser “A Queen’s Cabaret” backed by a live band at the Clocktower Cabaret downtown Oct. 1, 6 p.m. Information: 303-293-0075.
Don’t miss the John Denver Tribute with John Adams and Blue Tulip Music playing at the Newman Center Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
For musical magic, hear violinist Emily Switzer perform Beethoven Symphony No. 5 at the Lakewood Center Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
Aerialists entertain, followed by Halloween movies, as Wings Over the Rockies celebrates Friday The 13, Oct. 13, 6:30-9:15 p.m. Information: 303-369-5360.
After 14 Jane Austen Mysteries, Stephanie Barron brings the series to a close. With wit, character, and suspense, the Ex-CIA analyst reveals final volume at The Bookies Author Event Oct. 28, 4-5 p.m. Information: 303-759-1117.
For a fun, nutty, and earthy start to the month, attend the Film, Chef Talk Back and Hummus Appetizer Reception at the Elaine Wolf Theatre Oct. 3, 2 p.m. Chef Reggie Dotson of Ash’Kara shares Hummus tips. Information: 303-399-1146.
Enjoy music & performances, plus pick pumpkins at Four Mile Historic Park’s Pumpkin Harvest Festival, Oct. 14-15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 720-865-0800.
Take a spine-tingling stroll through pumpkin sculptures at Glow In The Gardens for eerie Denver Botanic Garden fun, Oct. 17-27. Information: 720-865-3500.
Take the kids for fang-tastic bites & games at Children’s Museum Harvest Hoot on the Marsico Campus, Oct. 27-28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 303-433-7444.
Featuring music from films & TV, the Halloween Spooktacular at Boettcher Hall is a concert for boys and ghouls, Oct. 29, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
After a four-year hiatus, make plans to attend Alliance Francaise’s fundraising gala at DU’s Fritz Knoebel Event Center on East Evans Ave. Oct. 14, 6-11 p.m. The Cocktail Attire affair is themed as “La Bella Epoque,” which was the beautiful era of Paris that lasted from 1871 to 1914. Bid big on event’s donated auction items. The magical evening features drinks, accompanied with dinner and French desserts, followed by dancing. Information: 720-568-9976.
The summer sun is fading as the year grows old, and darker days are drawing near. October trees hardly sway before a breeze, as the winter winds begin to feel much colder.
Soon the old autumn sun will bed down in cloud blankets, and there will be days of gray rain before it finally snows. But with reds, golds, and yellows, there’s grandeur in the gloom.
October creates fun family times and gives your home personality. What is the best thing about October? All the cobwebs and dust in your house just become Halloween decorations!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
