$975 Million School Bond On Nov. Ballot Adds AC In 29 Schools

by Valley Gadfly | Oct 18, 2024 | Main Articles

Top-Notch Schools In Denver Don’t Come Cut-Rate; Nov. 5 School Bond On Ballot Seen As Passport To The Future

by Glen Richardson

Board Backs Bond: Denver’s School Board unanimously approved the $975 mil­lion DPS bond package on Aug. 15, 2024.

With temperatures hovering between 84°F and 87°F as Denver schools started in mid-August, the $975 million DPS school bond on the November ballot includes $240 to install air conditioning at 29 schools.

The proposal — which would not raise taxes — has $124 million budgeted for new school construction and new school buses. There is another $100 million allocated for upgrades to existing school buildings.

Civic organizations — including those previously critical of DPS at times — have endorsed the bond measure. Nonprofit Den­ver Families for Public Schools — their board is made up of charter school leaders — gave endorsement after discussions with DPS educators, graduates, and community members. Educate Denver — an alliance of local civic leaders — also added their backing.

Cooling Challenge

Voters should realize that the average Den­ver Public School building was constructed 56 years ago, a time when central air conditioning was uncommon. The age of many K-12 buildings make adding AC a difficult feat. Building plans for many aren’t available or are inaccurate. Moving equipment into school spaces that can’t be demolished are challenging. Furthermore, crews are often required to work night shifts during school years.

Construction work during the summer when schools are closed — called “summer slammers” are fast-paced, usually requiring 60-hour work weeks to complete before students return for the school year.

As Denver’s temperatures continue to warm-up, hot classrooms increase concerns about the safety and well-being of students and staff. The U.S. Department of Education says that temperatures above 79 degrees can pose health risks and adversely affect test performance and knowledge retention. Hot classrooms in Denver have forced DPS to declare “heat days,” causing them to cancel school during hot spells.

Safety Upgrades

Cool Cory Kids: Air conditioning would be added at Cory Elementary School on S. Steele St. in the Cory-Merrill neighborhood if the bond issue is approved.

As hate crimes and mass casualty events continue to endure in schools, parents and families will be pleased to know that the school bond includes $28 million for safety upgrades to Denver school facilities.

The proposed funding would allow DPS to purchase weapons detection and crisis communication systems for area schools. Moreover, secure vestibules would be added to 17 schools. Vestibules will feature controlled entryways, with a desk and a transaction window. School staff members manning the window will screen visitors before allowing them into the primary sections of the school.

Safety and security of students is one of the foremost needs, and most important provisions in the bond package, parents and grandparents tell school officials. Ensuring that students and staff can learn and work in a secure environment is simply a must. “It’s essential and imperative,” they assert and proclaim.

Upkeep, New Build

The measure includes $301 million for what DPS calls, “critical maintenance” at 154 buildings. The work includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades, as well as general renovations.

Another $124 million would go for new school construction, plus new school buses. This would involve building a new elementary school and expanding another new campus by adding middle school grades. More: upgrades to existing school buildings adds $100 million. A new school-based health clinic plus upgrading existing clinics are in­cluded. It would also upgrade restrooms, cafeterias, and outdoor classrooms.

Proposed new technology is allocated $55 million. Funding will include classroom sets of Chromebooks for grades K-5, replacing student and teacher devices, and hotspots that allow students access to the internet at home. Specialized career and technical education programs such as aerospace engineering are allotted $51 million.

Tech Ed & STEAM

Safety Step-Up: Security vestibules with controlled entryways, and a transaction window would be added at 17 schools under DPS proposal.

Committed to graduating students that are career, college, and life ready, the bond has $51 million budgeted for technical education and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) spaces. Included is $3 million to pay for elementary and middle school equipment across the district.

A major portion of the funding would add regional CTA or Career & Technical Education Centers. The centers will offer students programs that provide Industry Credentials. The new spaces will afford access to approximately 1,500 district students. The centers will focus on high-growth, high-wage careers within the Denver community.

The STEAM and CTE programming at Mile High elementary and middle schools will give students an early exposure to possible high-growth, high-wage careers. Funding will also allow for career and technical ed programs in aerospace, engineering, broadcasting, and plant science.

Theater, Sports

The bond measure also provides funds to upgrade and add new facilities to theater and sports facilities at Denver schools

Middle and high school stage upgrades, plus theater seating is budgeted at $43 million. $18 million of the amount will go to build a new auditorium at one campus.

Another $33 million will go for athletic facilities upgrades at Denver schools. Funds would pay for installing artificial turf, updating high school w

Stellar School: Opened at its present site in 1925, highly rated East High School is one of city’s many older schools that would benefit from the DPS school bond. Notable alumni include the Father of Nano-electronics Robert T. Bate, and singer July Collins.

eight rooms, replacing scoreboards, and adding lighting to athletic fields.

Mergers, Closing

The bond also adds nearly $3 million “to support school program movement, consolidation, closure, and other capacity needs from 2025 through 2028.”

DPS has closed 13 of about 200 schools since 2020 due to shrinking enrollment, driven by falling birth rates and rising housing costs, which continue to push families out of the city. The district. which serves about 88,000 students, has lost 5000 students since 2019.

On the bright side, Denver Public Schools’ graduation rate rose from 76.5% in 2022 to 79% in 2023, the highest rate for the state’s largest district in at least a decade. Its dropout rate remained the same at 3.8%.

Thanksgiving: Carving Memories

by Valley Gadfly | Oct 18, 2024 | Main Articles

As Families, Friends Come Together For Thanksgiving 2024, Denver Rescue ­Mission, Food Bank, Many Others Need Your Help

by Glen Richardson

Turkey Trot: Wash Park is again hosting the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot on Nov. 28. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., race begins at 9 a.m.

You gotta love Thanksgiving: Unlike Halloween, there’s nothing scary. Furthermore, unlike Christmas, there are no gifts to be purchased. Thanks­giving, of course is about expressing thanks. It’s a formal occa­sion to reflect on the year’s blessings and challenges, fostering a sense of gratitude and perspective. It’s a holiday that strengthens bonds and shared experiences among family and friends.

Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday in November. Arriving as early as Nov. 22, it can arrive as late as this year, Nov. 28. Furthermore, the holiday features fun and often free events, plus plenty of family-friendly activities. For many, it is also a once-a-year event when extended family members come together, bridging distances both geographical and emotional.

While an old-fashioned home cooked Thanksgiving is still common, in 2024, half of Americans are planning to eat out. This year 64% of respondents say they will get part or all of their holiday meal at a restaurant. Why? “It’s just easier.” Moreover, they say professionally cooked food is preferred. Many also believe it’s cheaper than buying all the ingredients to cook at home.

Dining Out Options

When this article went to press, Open­Table — the restaurant platform that helps diners make reservations and restaurants thrive — listed 10 local eateries open for Thanksgiving. Additional restaurants will announce Thanksgiving plans as the holiday draws closer.

Thanksgiving Feast: Local Jones restaurant in Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel is serv­ing Thanksgiving from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Capital Grille: The eatery at 1250 Larimer St. is featuring slow-roasted turkey and gravy with Brioche Sage Stuffing. Also serving French Green Beans with Marcona Almonds plus Cranberry-Pear Chutney. Table is also served Sam’s Mashed Potatoes and Pecan-Crusted Sweet Potatoes with Hot Honey. Serving Pumpkin Cheesecake for dessert. Pre-order Oct. 31 to Nov. 7. Information: 303-539-2500.

Del Frisco’s Grille: Restaurant at 100 St. Paul St. in Cherry Creek North had not announced what was being served as this issue went to press. In past years they have served a three-course meal with roasted turkey breast. Information: 303-320-8529.

Edge Restaurant: Spend Thanksgiving at the steakhouse in the Four Seasons Hotel at 1111 14th St., serving a Thanksgiving buffet from noon to 8 p.m. Appetizers include an apple Waldorf salad and raw bar. Carving station has peppercorn crusted prime rib, bourbon maple glazed ham, and turkey roulade with sage pesto, served with spiced acorn squash and sweet potato casserole. Dessert selections from the Hotel’s pastry chef include pumpkin pie parfait, an apple pie cone, or brown butter sage tart. Information: 303-389-3050.

FIRE: Restaurant in the ART Hotel at 1201 Broadway is featuring a Thanksgiving Buffet Nov. 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving all your favorites including roasted white and dark meat, sourdough stuffing, whipped potatoes with country gravy, and green beans, plus cranberry sauces, pumpkin pie, and des­serts. Information: 720-709-4431.

Local Jones: Located in the Halcyon Hotel at 248 Columbine St., restaurant is serving Thanksgiving from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Chef is doing all the cooking and baking, including two special pies: Butterscotch Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie. Information: 720-772-5022.

Banking On Food: Support Food Bank of the Rockies by donating time and funds to the region’s largest hunger-relief organization. Photo by Joel Fischer.

Toro Latin Kitchen: The Pan-Latin eatery with Asian influences in Hotel Clio at 150 Clayton Lane in Cherry Creek is serving Thanksgiving from noon to 4 p.m. From starters to desserts, you’ll enjoy the prix fixe Thanksgiving menu featuring an Achiote-marinated Turkey Breast, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and drizzl­ed with a cranberry and port wine demi-glace. Information: 303-253-3000.

Turkey Hamburgers: You don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy turkey. The long- running Cherry Cricket at 2641 E. 2nd Ave. in Cherry Creek North serves Turkey Burgers every day. Information: 303-322-7666.

Turkey Sandwiches: Sam’s No. 3 in Glendale at 435 S. Cherry St. serves a triple-decker Turkey Sandwich and an Open Face Hot Turkey Sandwich every day. Information: 303-333-4403.

Ditch The Turkey: Want a change from turkey this Thanksgiving? Ace Eat Serve located on the corner of 17th Ave. and Pennsylvania St. in mid-town, serves Whole Peking Duck on Thanksgiving. Information: 303-800-7705.

Turkey Day Doings

Hip Holiday’s Parade: The 98th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will again be broadcast by NBC from New York City on Nov. 28.

51st Mile High United Way Turkey Trot: Event is at Washington Park, Nov. 28, registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies are at 8:45 a.m., followed by the first of four start waves each half hour beginning at 9 a.m. The Lil Gobbler Family Fun Run starts at 10:40 a.m. There is also a Lil Gobbler Family Zone at the Finish Village.

Pumpkin Pie 5K & 10 K: Races are at City Park, on Saturday, Nov. 16, beginning at 9 a.m. Finishers get a slice of pumpkin pie among Thanksgiving goodies.

Gobble, Gobble, Give

Denver Rescue Mission: Expects to serve 290,000 meals this holiday season, 5% more than in 2023. Also anticipates serving more than 3,039 Thanksgiving-Banquet-in-A-­Box meals, plus serving another 1,000 meals to guests at the Mission on Thanksgiving Day. Information: 303-297-1815.

Epworth Foundation: Honoring Daddy Bruce Randolph, Foundation will pass out Thanksgiving Baskets on Nov. 17th starting at 9 a.m. More than 5,000 baskets are expected to be passed out to 40,000 individuals. Baskets weigh about 45 lbs. and are designed to feed a small family. Information: 303-296-6287.

Food For Thought: Consider donating time, food, and funds to help the Denver Rescue Mission or other groups feeding the hungry this year.

Food Bank of the Rockies: Providing food to the largest area of the United States, volunteer or give funds. Bank procures and distributes food to more than 800 partners in Colorado-Wyoming. As the largest hunger-relief organization in the region, donations go further through partnerships. Information: 303-371-9250.

Project Angel Heart: Organizing the largest-ever Thanksgiving delivery on Wed., Nov. 27, 400 volunteers are needed. They also need volunteers on Nov. 25 to chop veggies and prepare and pack meals. Also, please donate to cover a special Thanksgiving meal. Information: 303-830-0202.

Samaritan House: Catholic Charities Shel­ter is hoping to have 15,000 turkeys donated this Thanksgiving. Another 3,000 Thanksgiving Banquet-in-a-Box meals will be distributed. Church supplies turkeys to 140 additional churches, schools, and non-profits. A special Turkey Drive event is being held at Red Rocks Church on Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: 303-294-0241.

Rental Demand Fuels Record Denver Apartment Construction

by Valley Gadfly | Sep 26, 2024 | Main Articles

Units Built This Year Rank Mile High City 10th In Nation; New Units Expected To Jump Vacancy Rate To More Than 9%

by Glen Richardson

Suburban Style: New Edera Apartments on the old Kmart site at S. Monaco Parkway and Evans features open courtyards and gardens.

Denver is experiencing a construction boom for apartments, with the second quarter of the year seeing a record 7,349 new units completed. Metro Denver is expected to deliver 13,000 new units by the end of 2024, ranking the city 10th in the nation. Nationwide, the U.S. surpassed 500,000 units for the first time on record.

The latest city construction is part of a larger trend of 19,000 new units added to the market over the previous 12 months, and 31,235 units in the last two years. This is the strongest multifamily construction surge in the region since the 1970s.

However, the Census Bureau now predicts new housing units in the Mile High City will drop by 18% in 2024, to a

Canyon-Cut Crash Pad: The 16-story, 187-unit One River North features soaring walls enchased in a one-of-its-kind sculptural facade.

total of 17,000 units, down from 20,600 in 2023. The shift is due to a number of factors, including higher interest rates, labor shortages, plus a scarcity of lots.

Vacancies Soar

New units are expected to increase Denver’s vacancy rate to more than 9% by the end of the year, which would be the highest it’s been in over 20 years. The luxury four- and five-star segments make up almost 80% of the units scheduled for completion in 2024, and these properties are expected to be most affected by the new supply.

Denver’s robust pipeline of around 28,000 units under construction will maintain pressure on occupancy rates, though potential relief may emerge in 2025. The significant decrease in new apartment construction starts, however, could lead to an increase in rent growth.

Denver’s economic outlook for 2024 suggests tempered growth, with a 0.4% job growth rate, supported by sectors like education and health services, but challenged by contractions in financial and professional services.

Rent Growth Slows

The median rent in Denver fell by 0.1% through July, and has now decreased by a total of 1.4% over the last 12 months. The city’s rent growth over the past year is similar to both the state (-0.9%) and the national average (-0.8%).

Denver’s rent growth in 2024 is pacing below last year. Eight months into the year, rents rose by 2.6%. This is a slower rate of growth compared to what the city was experiencing at this point last year: From January to August 2023 rents had increased 3.9%.

Denver rents went down 0.5% in August, compared to the national rate of 0.1%. Among the nation’s 100 largest cities, this ranks Denver 86th. That is similar to the monthly rent growth in Louisville, KY (-0.1%), and Jacksonville, FL (-0.5%).

Rents 26% Higher

The median rent across the nation as a whole is $1,241 for a 1-bedroom, $1,398 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,412 overall. The median rent in Denver is 26.1% higher than the national average, and is closer to the prices in Vir

AMI Apartments: Opening at the old CDOT ­headquarters on E. Arkansas Ave., limited income ­Krisana Apartments will have 151-units.

ginia Beach, VA ($1,785), and Long Beach, CA ($1,785).

The rent price in Denver proper is $1,781, or 1.2% lower than the price across the metro as a whole at $1,802.

Of the 18 cities within the Denver metro area, Highlands Ranch is currently the most expensive, with a median of $2,422. Englewood is metro’s most affordable, with a median of $1,547. Metro’s fastest annual rent growth is occurring in Northglenn at 3.1%, while Golden is the slowest at -3.9%.

Gems At Year’s End

With the pipeline of new apartments at a record high, there are a variety of locations, styles, and types of units coming onto the market as 2024 ends. Here’s a look at some of the top projects nearing or just completed in city neighborhoods.

One such gem nearing completion is the Akin Golden Triangle on Bannock St. The 12-story building with 98 multi-family units, honors the Golden Triangle Arts District design guidelines, while taking a fresh approach to the built forms within. The result is a project that enhances the environment and elevates Denver’s urban apartment living experience. Dissimilar, but also unique is One River North, a 16-story, 187-unit Highrise in the RiNo arts district. It features private, open-air terraces and soaring walls enchased in a first-of-its-kind sculptural facade.

For renters seeking a more suburban lifestyle, there is the newly opened Edera Apartments featuring open courtyards and gardens. Built on the site of the old Kmart at S. Monaco Parkway and Evans Ave., there are a total of 287 units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. Also less urban is Avanti Residential in the Sloan’s Lake Neighborhood at West 29th Ave. & Xavier St. It also has studios to three bedrooms, allowing renters to enjoy walks and scenic bike rides. For those with limited incomes (60% of the Area Median Income or AMI), Krisana Apartments — a 151-unit, four-story apartment complex — is about to open on the site of the old CDOT headquarters at 4242 E. Arkansas Ave. Project features 21 studios, 71 one-bedrooms, and 59 two-bedroom units. A King Soopers Market will open next to Krisana on the west in 2025.

Bannock Buildout: Following ­Golden Triangle Art District guidelines, the 12-story, 97-unit Akin Golden Triangle is expected to open by year’s end.

Construction Stalling

The apartment building frenzy of the past two years won’t continue through 2028. Metro Denver is projected to lose its 2019-2023 pace by 7.8%, Thus, about 46,629 new units are expected to open in the following five years.

Compared to the previous five-year period, the Mile High City will see a 17.3% decrease in new units, with 23,421 expected between 2024-2028.

In contrast, Aurora is expected to add 95.6% new units, doubling the number of apartments added in the last five years (from 4,611 to approximately 9,018 units).

Spooks, Skeletons In Dark, ­Devilish Denver

by Valley Gadfly | Sep 26, 2024 | Main Articles

When Witches Go Riding, And Black Cats Are Seen, The Moon Laughs And ­Whispers, It’s Halloween In Denver

by Glen Richardson

Chilling Halloweentown: Kids, families decorate houses-yards in colorful characters, skeletons, and pumpkins, giving neighborhoods a unique holiday atmosphere.

Creaky attics, eerie stairwells, dark, and shadowed corners. Eek, it’s Halloween

Twilight Zone Party: Coloween is a 50,000-sq.-ft. jungle-themed Halloween party with massive stages in the National Western complex Oct. 26.

and Mommy’s Little Pumpkins are carving out a terror-ific ghostly month of treat streets and haunted houses for kids. Dad, mom, and the neighbors, meanwhile are venturing into spooky, suspenseful ghoulish grown-up parties and pub crawls.

You’re not going batty! Denver is known for its haunted days and nights of fright dur­ing Halloween month. It’s the boo-tiful time of year: There are many tales of ghosts and demons in Denver — especially in certain city parks — but it is the paranormal at local cemeteries that spook people most. On occasion locals claim to hear footsteps. And voices! “Is this hell?” the voice asks. Such reports are why the Mile High City merits a spot among America’s great Halloween towns.

From Fright Fest Weekend at Elitch Gardens to the Halloween Spooktacular at Boet­tcher Concert Hall, there are many ­amazing Halloween festivities for families to cherry-pick. Here’s the Chronicle’s monster month guide to bewitching places to go and things to

Monster Movies: See vintage monster movies from the 1890s-1920s at the Sie FilmCenter’s Monsters of Early Cinema Oct. 20, 7 p.m.

do for “fang-tastic” fun:

Fright Fest Weekend at Elitch Gardens, Sept. 30-Nov. 5; Kiddieland closes at 6 p.m. and fright by night begins. Guests can enjoy their favorite rides after dark, but be on alert as Fright Fest comes alive. Creatures lurk around every thrilling corner. Each area of the park has its specific haunted attractions. Information: 303-595-4386.

Ghosts In The Garden is an Open Air Scare Oct 4; Oct 12-13, & Oct. 17-20, Denver Botanic Gardens. The gardens dare you to join them after dark for spine-tingling stories of their haunted history, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.

Rocky Horror is showing in Denver’s original 1896 movie theater, Oct. 11. The historic Elitch Theatre is showing the cult classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Theater will have a spectacle of the live cast performing alongside the movie. Information: 720-593-9395.

Nightmare, Oct. 11-13. Denver Dance is back at the Clocktower Cabaret with a show full of tricks that’s sure to be a treat, 7 p.m.. Information: 303-293-0075.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival, Oct. 12-13 — Pick out your perfect pumpkin, enjoy live music, and stage performances at Four Mile Historic Park, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 720-865-0800.

Haunted Hearts Ball at Grant-­Humphreys Mansion, Oct. 13 — All vampires, witches, and dark fairies are invited to the allure of dark romance, 6 p.m. Enjoy savory bites and sweet delights, plus alcoholic beverages available. Information: 303-894-2505.

Gore & Lore, Oct. 18-20 — See the spook­iest aerial versions of classic characters from history, folklore, and urban legend at the Clocktower Cabaret, 7 p.m. Information: 303-293-0075.

Broadway Halloween Parade, Oct. 19 — Back for the sixth time, the Broadway Merchants Association parade stretches from 5th to Alameda along

Spirits At Four Mile: Engage in spine-tingling rituals that echo the spiritual practices of the 19th century at Four Mile Park Oct. 26, 6-11 p.m.

Broadway. Parade features spooky floats, bands, marchers, and magicians at 6 p.m. Information: 303-859-0491.

Twisted Techno Dancy Party, Oct. 19 — Join Denver’s underworld at DJ Ajax Studios, 2150 Curtis St., 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dance to the relentless beat of techno and other genres of music, where darkness and mystery converge. Information: 720-514-1400.

Haunted History Tour, Central City, Oct. 19 — Starts with cocktails in the haunted Teller House. Following tarot reading, take a haunted walking tour. Night ends with professional medium seance. Information: 303-292-6500.

Harvest Haunt Express, Oct. 19-20 — Colorado Railroad Museum’s Halloween-themed steam-up event. Haunted railcars, a

Broadway Howls: Creepy, spine-­chilling ­Halloween floats, bands, and marchers parade down Broadway from 5th Ave. to ­Alameda Ave. Oct. 19, 6 p.m.

hay bale maze, plus a coal-burning steam locomotive pulls train of the harvest express. Information: 303-279-4591.

Glow Before Dark, Oct. 19-21 & Oct. 22-27 — Families can take the kids to Denver Botanic Gardens to see vignettes of Glow of the Garden during the day, 9 a.m.-1. p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.

Monsters of Early Cinema, Oct. 20 — Experience the thrills and chills of spooky vintage cinema from classic monsters (Drac­ula & Frankenstein) to dystopian versions of the future (Metropolis). Wild Beautiful Orchestra performs a live soundtrack to film clips from the 1890s-1920s at the Sie FilmCenter, 7 p.m. Information: 720-381-0813.

Glow at the Gardens, Oct. 22-27 — Enjoy the spooky, silly, and spirited like no other at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 6-9 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.

Halloween Bar Crawl, Oct. 25, 26, & 31 — Receive a wristband for drinks at multiple locations at One Shot Back, 2134 Curtis St., Ste 101. One night or all-access. Information: 720-524-6353.

BOOlesque Halloween, Oct. 25-31 — The Clocktower Cabaret’s Halloween BOO-lesque is back and hotter than “hellfire.” Expect the unexpected as the Cabaret’s Halloween burlesque and variety show transforms your wildest nightmares and dreams, 7 p.m. Information: 303-293-0075.

Spirits & Spirits, Oct. 26 — Engage in spine-tingling rituals that echo the spiritual practices of the 19th century at Four Mile Historic Park, 6-11 p.m. Learn about a Victorian Mourning Ceremony and have your own tin-type photo taken. Information: 720-865-0800.

Denver’s Black Cat Ball, Oct. 26 — New location in the old Gart Sports’ building — now known as the Sports Castle — at 1000 Broadway, 7-10 p.m. Live music, dancing, food trucks, and a vampire specialty bar. A benefit for the cats and kittens of The Feline Fix. Information: 303-202-3516.

Halloween Songs & Stories, Oct. 26 — Niki Tredinnick & Barry Osborne do original songs and stories about ghosts, goblins, and devils in Tufts Theatre at Swallow Hill, 8 p.m. They also do old ballads, traditional tunes, plus tell creepy stories from their own lives. Information: 303-777-1003.

Coloween, Halloween Dance Party, Oct. 26 — Dance party in the 50,000-sq.-ft. National Western complex, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Party again features Fantasy Stage with Amazon Jungle theme, plus costume contest. Information:720-663-1414.

Halloween Spooktacular, Oct. 27 — A music concert for boys and ghouls, featuring songs and compositions from films and television at Boettcher Concert Hall, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.

Harvest Hoot, Oct. 27-29 — A three-day festival and trick-or-treating adventure at the Children’s Museum of Denver at the Marsico Campus, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 303-433-7444.

Is Mrs. Brown Still Here? Oct 29 — Meet a ghost in the Historic Molly Brown House Museum. A rare chance to learn about various ghost-hunting methods in the historic home of Margaret Tobin Brown, 6 p.m. Information: 303-832-4092.

Candlelight: A Haunting Halloween Classic, Oct. 30-31 — Hear spooky classics performed by a string quartet as candles flicker at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-360-5360.

The Creepy Crawly Garden, Oct. 30-Nov. 1 — Explore plants named after the Denver Botanic Gardens’ friends and plants. Includes stories, nature walk, art projects, and a plant to take home. Information: 720-865-3500.