Leaves are changing colors and falling from trees; the cool, crisp fall air can be felt in the morning; and costume shops are starting to pop up. October is here.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate fall and Halloween across the Denver metro area. Here are some ideas for how to get out of the of the house and get festive through the rest of the month.

Glow at the Gardens
at Denver Botanic Gardens

Where: 1007 York St., Denver

When: Oct. 21 through Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $21 for adults, $19 for adult members, $17 for children ages 3 to 15, $15 for child members, and free for children age 2 or younger.

Contact: 720-865-3500 and here.

The scoop: Denver Botanic Gardens will be lit up with hundreds of carved pumpkins, crafted by professional carvers. Other features from the event will include games, trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving demos and more.

“All of the pumpkins are real. We wanted to bring some type of Halloween event to the (Denver Botanic Gardens) location in Denver,” said Erin Bird, communications manager for Denver Botanic Gardens.

Halloween Harvest
Festival in Westminster

Where: 5453 W. 88th Ave., Westminster

When: Oct. 19 from noon to 8 p.m.

Cost: Admission is free. Additional costs for food, drinks, pumpkin purchases and more.

Contact: www.cityofwestminster.us/HalloweenHarvestFestival

The scoop: Westminster’s Halloween Harvest Festival will feature trick-or-treating, live music, food trucks, jumping castles, arts and crafts, a barbecue competition, a pumpkin patch and more. The event will feature a hot-air balloon glow, paying homage to the old Westminster Mall.

“It’s different than your typical fall festival, because we have different aspects with it,” said Lauren Gladu, marketing analyst for the City of Westminster.

Howl’oween at Aspen
Grove in Littleton

Where: 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton

When: Oct. 26 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free

Contact: 303-794-0640

The scoop: More than 20 stores will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters along with dog treats for your furry friends. Hayrides will also be available, plus a pumpkin patch. Afterward, monster movies will be played at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Ticket fees apply for the movies.

“Our community has been asking for the return of trick-or-treating at Aspen Grove, and we look forward to celebrating with families and pups alike,” said Allysen Santilli, marketing manager for the Aspen Grove Shopping Center.

Belmar Boo

Where: 464 S. Teller St., Lakewood

When: Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: Free

Contact: jahinton@starwoodretail.com

The scoop: Stores in Belmar will be handing out candy to costumed children. Afterward, there will be a Halloween pet costume contest. Event organizers recommend a $5 donation for the contest to benefit the Foothills Animal Shelter. Live music will also be at the event.

“It’s a blast. People really get into (the pet costume contest), and it goes to a good cause,” said Janelle Hinton, marketing director for Belmar.

Trick or Treat Street in Olde Town Arvada

Where: 7305 Grandview Ave., Arvada

When: Oct. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Cost: Free

Contact: 303-420-6100 or here

The scoop: Participating businesses in Olde Town Arvada will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters. Performances will take place in the square of the area, and the Arvada Historic Society will do children activities at the flower mill.

“it’s really great for the community. This is one of Olde Town’s most family-friendly events,” said Joe Hengstler, executive director of the Olde Town Arvada, Business Improvement District.

Trick or Treat on Mainstreet in Parker

Where: 20120 E. Mainstreet, Parker

When: Oct. 31 from 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Cost: Free

Contact: trickortreatonmainstreet.com

The scoop: Parker is inviting all children to come trick-or-treat in downtown Parker. Businesses will be on deck to give trick-or-treaters all the candy they can eat.

“It gives the chance for the community to celebrate Halloween, and it gives kids a safe place to gather their treats. Families also get an early start (on the holiday),” said Josh Rivero, president of the Cherry Creek Valley Rotary Club of Parker.

Castle Rock Museum Ghostly & Tragic Tales of Castle Rock Walking Tour

Where: 420 Elbert St., Castle Rock

When: Oct. 17, Oct. 24 and Oct. 29 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Cost: The museum is asking for a $10 donation.

Contact: 303-814-3164

The scoop: The Castle Rock Museum is hosting a ghost tour of the city for the first time. Tales of reported ghosts will be told along the walk, including ones about the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce building.

“People are just generally interested in these kinds of stories, and you might hear them occasionally, but we’ll put all of them together. We’ve assembled a number of interesting stories about former folks who lived in Castle Rock,” said Angie DeLeo, director for the Castle Rock Museum.

Belleview Park After Dark in Englewood

Where: 1225 W. Belleview Ave., Englewood

When: Oct. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Cost: Free

Contact: www.englewoodco.gov/parks-recreation-library/parks-recreation-library-news-and-events/belleview-park-after-dark

The scoop: Previously held at the Englewood Recreation Center, the city’s Halloween Carnival is moving to Belleview Park. There will be sweets, Halloween activities, games, arts and crafts, face painting and more.

“It will be a very community-centered event that will allow families to enjoy a night of trick-or-treating in a fun and safe environment, and local business can be involved and get exposure in a fun and creative way,” said Sara Stant, recreation program administrator for the city of Englewood.