Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re wondering — do we celebrate this weekend? Next weekend? Both? The spooky season’s schedule may be confusing, but one thing’s for sure: You probably need some costume ideas, and we’re here to help.

According to Google’s top 25 most-searched Halloween costumes for 2024, trending looks across the U.S. include pop-culture references like “Beetlejuice” characters (Shrunken Head Bob and Delores), several of the emotions from “Inside Out,” Sabrina Carpenter, and, my personal favorite — a Chipotle burrito. But as we all know, Boulder County has its own flair when it comes to Halloween style. Boulder, Longmont and its neighboring towns have long been known for a uniquely cool, granola-chic vibe not found anywhere else in the country. So it’s no surprise that when Halloween rolls around, costumes around here tend to be more eclectic and offbeat than mainstream trends.

To get a more local perspective on what’s hot for Halloween in Boulder County this year, we turned to the ultimate dress-up expert: Margaret Skowronski, floor manager of The Ritz costume shop on Walnut Street.

“This year, we’ve had a lot of interest in iconic movie characters, with people drawing inspiration from films like ‘Saltburn,’ as well as timeless favorites like Uma Thurman’s character from ‘Pulp Fiction’,” Skowronski said. “It’s also been a particularly witchy year — corsets, black lace, pointy hats and elements of the ‘Wicked’ aesthetic are really popular. Pirates are making a big comeback, too, with many people putting creative, unique twists on the look. Overall, folks are excited about putting together distinctive costumes that show off their personal style.”

The Ritz, Boulder County’s only locally owned and operated costume boutique, has been helping locals perfect their gruesome getups and eerie ensembles for decades. Whether you need help pulling together a classic look or something a little more out of the ordinary, the team at The Ritz has you covered.

“It’s empowering for people — just as they should feel confident in their everyday clothes, we want them to feel equally powerful and true to themselves in their costumes,” Skowronski said.

While grabbing a pre-packaged costume from Spirit Halloween might be convenient, where’s the fun in that? You know the kind — the clear plastic bag with a glossy cardboard insert featuring a model posing in a glittery crop top and harem pants that, when taken out of the package, smells suspiciously of formaldehyde.

It’s the ultimate lazy option, but let’s be honest: It lacks creativity.

As former President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Nothing worth having comes easy,” and that applies to Halloween costumes, too. For those who prefer a more personalized, DIY approach that old Teddy would most certainly approve of, The Ritz is the place to go.

“What’s so fun about working here and using our merchandise is that we can help people build just about anything from anything,” Skowronski said.

The Ritz staff has fun helping people bring their visions to life, Skowronski said, “whether you’re eyeing a specific piece — like a pair of sparkly pants or angel wings — or have a fully-formed character in mind.”

“We really focus on personalizing each look to suit the individual, rather than just sticking to the typical costume stereotypes,” Skowronski said. “This allows customers to take a classic outfit, like a pirate with a velvet jacket, and add a funky, unexpected twist.”

As someone who lives and breathes costumes year-round, Skowronski is no stranger to Halloween fun. Every year, the staff at The Ritz dresses up for 10 days leading up to Halloween.

“So far, I’ve been Wednesday Addams, today I’m Strawberry Shortcake, and yesterday I was Frodo Baggins,” she said.

For the big night itself, Skowronski has an exciting plan: “For actual Halloween, my partner and I are planning to be Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. I’m really excited about that — pretty proud of the idea.”

She said she plans to wear a vintage lilac dress plucked from the Ritz’s costume rental section, pair it with a boa, and, of course, add pig ears for the full Miss Piggy effect.

“I’m planning to put my fun spin on it,” she said.

As for this writer? You can look for me out on Halloween night (or the weekend before, or the weekend after, I’m honestly still not sure) dressed as the Trust-Buster and Hero of San Juan Hill: Our 26th U.S. President, Theodore Roosevelt.

Now that we’ve got costumes squared away, here’s a list of places and parties to spend your Halloween weekend(s) in 2024.

Boulder

The Boulder Ghost Tour: Walk around Pearl Street and explore the history and hauntings that shape Boulder. Go into and underneath old buildings that otherwise can’t be entered. Expert, costumed guides will regale walkers with stories of the history and hauntings of this eerily spirited area; Friday-Saturday and Nov. 1-2, Pearl St., Boulder; boulderghosttours.com.

Halloween Bar Crawl: This isn’t just any bar crawl. It’s the ultimate Halloween party where participants and friends can dress up in their most creative costumes and hit the town for an unforgettable night. Meet tons of new people, explore some of the best bars in Boulder, and enjoy an electric atmosphere that only Halloween can provide 4 p.m. Saturday, The Spotted James, 1911 11th St., Boulder; $13; bit.ly/3NE2Vge.

“Wicked Wanderings” theatre hike: Arts in the Open is a group that combines hiking and theater, fusing nature with live performance. Its fall production of “Wicked Wanderings,” by Patti Murtha, will take place in the historic Chautauqua Park; 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder; $25; chautauqua.com.

Boulder Magic Show: The Dairy Arts Center hosts a family-friendly event to celebrate the spookiest of seasons in the right way — with a magic show that’s fun for all ages; 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, The Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder; $15-$20; thedairy.org.

Halloween Costume Party at the Dairy: This family-friendly celebration will include art activities, a festive parade and a costume contest. Tickets include free popcorn, pizza, treats and beverages. All proceeds benefit education at the Dairy; 11 a.m. Sunday, The Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder; $12-$15; thedairy.org.

Munchkin Masquerade: For scary amounts of cuteness, head to downtown Boulder. Unicorns, Stormtroopers, Batman, princesses, monsters, butterflies and more will flood Pearl Street for the best trick-or-treating in town, with many businesses filling kiddos’ buckets to the brim with candy; 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Historic Downtown Boulder & Pearl Street Mall, Boulder; boulderdowntown.com/events/munchkin-masquerade.

Speakeasy Halloween: Put on a costume, bring some friends and enjoy craft cocktails and live music from Hunter Stone and Friends. There will be gift card prizes for a costume contest; 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, License No. 1, 2115 13th St., Boulder; bit.ly/3Yex2zH.

‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ with live shadowcast: Enjoy this classic film with an audience participation twist. A shadow cast is an ensemble of performers that act out the movie while it is playing and serves as cues for the audience to participate. Be prepared to dance, yell and sing; 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday, Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder; $12-$15; z2ent.com.

Longmont

Empty Grave Haunted House: At this haunted house, participants will make their way through a haunted meat factory. The Longmont Foods Company’s crown jewel was the central poultry processing facility in Longmont. With state-of-the-art upgrades in the 1950s, Longmont Foods Co. could keep “grinding” away at prices. But something wasn’t right: as reports of missing persons and suspicions began to rise, the deliveries stopped suddenly. The factory was found empty and abandoned. Step into the long-abandoned processing plant and find out what’s going on; 7 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays in October, The Empty Grave Haunted House, 218 Kimbark St., Longmont; $20-$50; theemptygrave.com.

Halloween Parade: Calling all ghosts and goblins, the costume parade and trick-or-treat street are back. Enjoy a morning full of costumes, laughter and treats while walking around downtown. Trick-or-treat at participating businesses on Main Street after the parade; 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont; bit.ly/3Yg6qhO.

Trunk A Treat: Enjoy Halloween fun for the whole family. There will be music, food, raffles, prizes, candy

and more. Costumes are highly encouraged; 1 p.m. Saturday, Sprinkler Used Cars, 1011 S. Main St., Longmont; facebook.com/sprinklerusedcars.

Halloween Drag Show: Get ready for a spook-tacular night of Halloween Drag hosted by the one and only Miss Jessica. This isn’t just any drag show, it’s a Halloween extravaganza filled with fierce queens, killer costumes and all the sass. Come dressed to impress, and get ready for a night of fabulous performances; 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Left Hand Tasting Room, 1265 Boston Ave., Longmont; lefthandbrewing.com.

Lafayette

Halloween Safety event: Join the Lafayette Fire Department for its annual Halloween safety event. Come dressed up in a Halloween costume and enjoy trick-or-treating while checking out the fire trucks; 9 a.m. Saturday, Lafayette Fire Station #1, 401 N. 111th St., Lafayette; free; lafayetteco.gov.

Lafayette Fall Harvest Festival: The Lafayette Fall Harvest Festival is a fun-filled fall event featuring a marketplace with vendors selling seasonal, farm fresh produce, as well as other farmers market-type offerings such as handcrafted, artisan foods. Pick up honey, salsas, chocolate, bread, pastries and more. Stop by the food court for some breakfast or lunch. Stroll the event and visit the petting zoo. Pick up a pumpkin or two and dress up in costume. There will be a parade with pets in costume at 11 a.m. to benefit RezDawg; 11 a.m. Saturday, East Simpson Coffee Company, 414 E Simpson St., Lafayette; realfarmersmarketco.com.

A Grateful Dead Halloween: Tumbledown Shack is a northern Colorado-based five-piece band recreating the sounds of the Grateful Dead. Established in 2019, the band continues to grow its catalog of music while cultivating a unique flavor of its own; 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nissi’s, 1455 Coal Creek Drive, Unit T, Lafayette; free; nissis.com.

Louisville

Halloween-themed family story time: Join in for a story time the whole family can enjoy. While the books, songs and rhymes will be targeted for those ages 2-5 years old, older and younger siblings are also welcome. Registration is required for all attendees; 10 a.m. Saturday, Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front St., Louisville; louisvilleco.gov.

Fall Festival: Join the library for festive fall crafts. Kids in costume will receive a fun certificate; 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front St., Louisville; louisvilleco.gov.

Halloween Spooktacular: Come in costume to celebrate Halloween. Attendees will read spooky stories, dance to spooky songs, work on fun Halloween crafts and trick-or-treat around the library; 10:15 a.m. Monday, Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce St., Louisville; free; louisville-library.org.

Halloween Teen Creations: Channel Dr. Frankenstein at the Franken-Toys program. Be a mad scientist and make creepy creations from old, broken toys. For teens in grades sixth through 12th; 4 p.m. Monday, Library Meeting Room, 951 Spruce St., Louisville; louisvilleco.gov.

Stories in the Dark: Join the Louisville Historical Museum and the Boulder Valley Spellbinders for rarely-heard, local mystery and suspense stories told under the stars. Start Halloween off right with haunting stories based on true events in Louisville’s history. This program is recommended for those ages six and up; 7 p.m. Monday, Historical Museum, 1001 Main St., Louisville; louisvilleco.gov.

The Thin Veil: Explore “the thin veil” between life and death in this one-day art installation at the Louisville Public Library. Louisville artist Dona Laurita presents a series of ethereal images that weave together text, lighting and moving visuals to create an unforgettable

experience. The art exhibit includes the option of creating messages for those who have passed on by using a typewriter to write on strips of silk; 5 p.m. Wednesday, Library Meeting Room, 951 Spruce St., Louisville; louisvilleco.gov.

Erie

Teen After Hours Movie Night: Watch a Halloween movie after hours in the library. This week, watch “Dr. Strange and Multiverse of Madness”; 4 p.m. Friday, Erie Community Library, 400 Powers St., Erie; free; highplains.libcal.com.

Eerie Erie: The world-famous Eerie Erie is a Halloween-themed 5K and 10K race that runs through historic downtown Erie and takes advantage of the town’s trail system that weaves along the Coal Creek open space areas. The 10K passes by scenic Pleasant Hill Cemetery with panoramic views and where friendly spirits can’t wait to visit this year’s runners; 9 a.m. Saturday, Erie Town Hall, 645 Holbrook St., Erie; erieco.gov.

Boo on Briggs Street: Enjoy a spook-tacular time with the entire family at this downtown trick-or-treat event. There will be plenty of candy to go around, music and fab-boo-lous festivities; 3 p.m. Saturday, Coal Creek Park, 575 Kattell St., Erie; free; erieco.gov.

Halloween Safety Stop: Get ready for Minion Mania — become immersed in a world of Minion fun with themed decorations, games and activities. Join in for a night filled with laughter, games and endless Minion madness, ensuring a safe and spooktacular Halloween for all; 4 p.m. Thursday, Erie Police Department, 1000 Telleen Ave., Erie; erieco.gov.

Superior

‘Evil Laughter’ Halloween sketch comedy show: Superior Improv Co., in collaboration with Mighty Shorts Comedy, presents “Evil Laughter,” a collection of short comedy sketches that will conjure up all of the evil and hilarious things about Halloween. Bring friends (leave the littles at home), and enjoy a fun and festive night out; 8 p.m. Friday, Flipside Theatre at Superior Improv Co., 502 Center Drive, #M, Superior; $16; eventbrite.com.

Halloween Monster Mash

Party: Calling all ghosts, vampires and witches. The Superior Youth Leadership Council is once again hosting the Monster Mash Party. This is a fun, family-friendly evening that is free and open to everyone. This event will feature live music, face painting, sweet treats, thrilling games and activities and the esteemed costume contest; 6 p.m. Monday, Superior Community Center, 1500 Coalton Road, Superior; superiorcolorado.gov.

Lyons

Halloween Spooktacular: The Lyons Spooktacular parade and kids events will run from Lyons Elementary School and along Main Street. Kids’ activities and games will start at 4 p.m. The parade starts at 6 p.m., and kids can trick-or-treat at the businesses afterward; 4 p.m. Saturday, Lyons Elementary School, 338 High St., Lyons; townoflyons.com.

Spooky Speakeasy: Step into Spirit Hound Distillers’ Spooky Speakeasy, where Prohibition meets Halloween for a night of thrilling chills. Sip on spooky cocktails while classic horror films flicker in the background, surrounded by an eerie ambiance. Costumes and ghost stories are encouraged; 5 p.m. Sunday, Spirit Hound Distillers, 4196 Ute Highway, Lyons; eventbrite.com.

Niwot

Great Pumpkin Party: Costume up the kids, bring the kid-friendly dog and head downtown for trick-or-treating, the parade, doggie costume contest, hay rides and more; 10 a.m. Saturday, downtown Niowt; niwot.com.

Broomfield

Trunk or Treat: Hundreds of parishioners, Nativity Faith & Reason school kids and surrounding neighborhood families will come out to trick-or-treat among about 100 decorated car trunks. Also on display will be local emergency vehicles. New this year, kids will be able to vote for their favorite cars, and trophies will be given for Kid’s Choice first, second and third place; 5 p.m. Friday, Nativity of our Lord Parish parking lot, 900 W. Midway Blvd., Broomfield; holyrollerscarshow.com.

BCAH Happy Halloween event: Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities presents its annual fall event for all ages complete with a pumpkin art contest, candy and live performances; 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Brunner Farmhouse & Gardens, 640 Main St., Broomfield; free; artsinbroomfield.org.

Halloween Boo Bash: Bring the family and celebrate Halloween at the food court. The first hour will feature a Halloween show by The Jackman Brothers, a treasure hunt, crafts, games, candy and more. The second hour will be all about showing off those costumes. Trick-or-treat through the center and look for friendly ghost balloons indicating participating retailers; 1 p.m. Saturday, Flatiron Crossing, One West Flatiron Crossing Drive, Suite 1083, Broomfield; flatironcrossing.com.