CATALYST

DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE ONLINE MAGAZINE

How to Celebrate Spooky Season at the Museum

From Tricks, Treats to Traditions — We’ve Got It All!

It's officially spooky season and this month is packed with festive fun at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science! Whether you're looking for not-so-spooky fun with the kids, a Halloween party for adults or to learn about how cultural celebrations can connect us to the natural world, we have something for everyone. 

Here’s your guide to this month’s scariest and not-so-scariest events:

Science Lounge: Dead Man’s Party – 80s Halloween Bash

Thursday, Oct. 16 | 6:30–9:30 p.m. | 21+

Break out your best neon, leg warmers and big hair — it’s time to party like it’s 1989! Our October Science Lounge is throwing it back with a totally tubular Dead Man’s Party. Enjoy spooky science, creepy cocktails and live vinyl DJ beats as you explore the Museum after hours.

  • Mini-lecture: The Good, The Bad, and the Anatomically Incorrect: Science Fiction vs. Science Fact
  • Hands-on science with our zoology collections team
  • Dance floor, photo ops and more!

Costumes encouraged. Nostalgia guaranteed. 

Halloween Family Overnight (Ages 5-Grade 8 with adult)

Friday, Oct. 24 | 6 p.m.

Spend an enchanting night experiencing the magic of the Museum with your whole family! Wear your costumes while participating in Halloween hands-on science, demonstrations, flashlight tours, games and a laser show in the Gates Planetarium. After a night of fun, sleep among the animals in our world-famous diorama halls. Ticket includes a pizza and salad dinner, evening snack and hot breakfast the next morning. It will be a ghostly good time for little monsters and mummies.

This event includes general admission for Friday night.

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Día de los Muertos Showings of "Butterfly Journey 3D"

Nov. 1 & 2 | 11:30 a.m. // 3:45 p.m. 

This Día de los Muertos, experience a breathtaking story that connects the cycle of life, death and transformation through the incredible migration of monarch butterflies. "Butterfly Journey 3D" follows millions of monarchs as they make their epic journey to the mountains of central Mexico — arriving just as families gather to honor loved ones who have passed.
In Mexican tradition, monarch butterflies are believed to carry the spirits of ancestors, returning each year during Día de los Muertos. This stunning film offers a moving tribute to the beauty of nature and the deep ties between memory, family and culture. 
Museum Admission is required for Infinity Theater shows.

Spooktacular Start! A Not-So-Spooky Halloween 

Thursday, Oct. 30 | Included with admission

Calling all little ghosts, giggling goblins and pint-sized pumpkins! Join us for a Halloween celebration made just for those who aren’t quite ready for Halloween Overnight. This not-so-spooky event is designed for tiny explorers to learn, play and celebrate Halloween with non-candy focused fun for kids five and younger. You're welcome to join this event for whatever time between 4:30-8 p.m. that works best for your little ones. We'll have games, activities, photo ops and more!