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City Cast Denver

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🌀 Looking for a previous Hey Denver quiz? Find it here:

Two Truths and a Lie: Denver Mayor Edition

Michelle Polizzi

Say bye to Barnes & Noble and shop these local bookstores for fall reads, holiday gifts, or just a special treat for yourself ❣️

❤️‍🔥 Spicy Librarian (Five Points)

Reading a romance novel can feel shameful and even taboo, but 

 wants to change that. Through a curated selection of romance novels that spans every genre from fantasy to sports to queer love, Spicy Librarian has all the stories you need to keep your cheeks flushed — plus 

Keep your reading habit sustainable by shopping at 

, a mother-and-daughter-owned used bookstore in the Arts District on Santa Fe. Their 

— from hockey-themed love stories to domestic thrillers — means there’s bound to be something for every taste.

🏡 West Side Books & Curios (West Highland)

 is among Denver’s most beloved locally owned bookshops. This is a top-notch shop to patronize if you’re looking for a bookish community: Check out their 

 for author talks, book signings, and release parties.

 through the West Side Books & Curios page on Libro.fm.

Independent, inclusive, and passionate about promoting transformative conversations, 

 sells novels, nonfiction, poetry, and more literature written by people of color and the queer community. Matter bills itself as the only full-service, majority Black-owned bookstore in the Mountain Time Zone.

Matter is also a design consultancy and letterpress workshop, plus a shop for homewares, games, 

 is a family- and women-owned bookstore with a mission to bring Denverites together through stories. For every five books sold, they donate one book to a local organization via their Book Forward program.

When the holidays roll around and you need the perfect gift, consider a 

 Say bye to Barnes & Noble and shop these local bookstores for fall reads, holiday gifts, or just a special treat for yourself.

Denver’s Best Small Bookstores

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Denver

Keep It Local

Morris Munene

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Books to Buy This Month at Denver Bookshops 

Buying your costume at places like Amazon or Spirit Halloween might be easy, but it’s also boring. There’s less creativity involved in putting your look together (which is part of the fun!), and there’s a hot chance you’ll show up in the same outfit as everyone else. Skip the chain stores, 

. Beyond their mix-and-match program, which lets you choose different pieces for a custom look, they also carry hard-to-find items like 

. Plus, they love their customers: Show this Facebook post for 

Gott-A-Costume is full of yard decorations — including this ~actually terrifying~ 

 has been providing Denver with high-quality clothing and accessories from a bygone era. Their wide selection of dresses, formalwear, and suits provides the perfect backdrop for any DIY costume that needs an 

I especially love Boss Vintage for sourcing hard-to-find accessories, like elegant elbow-length gloves or a particular kind of suspenders.

With more than 20,000 costumes available for rent or purchase, 

 is ideal for those seeking a go-big-or-go-home Halloween. There’s also a wide selection of prosthetic limbs for decorating — not to mention shelves of scary masks. You can also find props for magical illusions here to take your Halloween displays to the next level.

 with a “lights on” option for kiddos and the easily spooked.

 has been around for over 40 years, and they’re still a go-to spot for dressing up in mystical, magical attire. If anything, this is a great place to go when you need costume inspiration. Browse their colorful wig trees, help kiddos choose their trick-or-treat look, or find 

This shop gets crowded around Halloween, so consider stopping by at a less-popular time, like during the day on a weekday.

Skip the chain stores this Halloween. These Denver-area costume shops offer rentals, vintage finds, custom looks, and a haunted mansion to get you in the spirit.

Where to Find Cool Costumes in Denver

Where to Find a Really Cool Costume

Considering ditching the witch costume this year for something more creative? Here are three timely, culture-forward costume ideas to consider this year — and where to get the local goods to bring your vision to life.

🎭 Costume Idea #1: Masquerade Guest from ‘Bridgerton’

From the masquerades of “Bridgerton” to the elegant Prythian fashion in “A Court of Thorns and Roses” (

), fantasy-filled period dramas are having a moment. Find elegant 

, stunning painted leather masks by local maker 

🔪 Costume Idea #2: Freaky Nikki from ‘Obsession’

Tap into the obsessive nature of this year’s most talked-about horror film by dressing as the all-possessed 

. The clothes should be easy to find at a thrift shop, but you’ll need some 

 on Colorado Boulevard to ensure your Nikki is abundantly freaky.

🐉 Costume Idea #3: A Character from ‘The Odyssey’

There was something uniquely unifying about the release of “The Odyssey” this summer. Apparently, ancient Greece is something we can all get behind. Choose your fave Grecian character, then find the perfect fit at 

Channel this year's buzziest shows, books, and films with finds from these Denver-area shops.

Halloween Costume Ideas 2026: Where to Shop in Denver

3 Locally Sourced Costume Ideas

 was a social movement that took place during the 1940s and 1950s and began among writers in New York City, most notably Jack Kerouac, emphasizing individuality, adventure, and a rejection of corporate industry. Denver is often thought of as the epicenter of the Beats because it’s the hometown of 

, who inspired Kerouac's “On the Road.”

Lean into the unique counterculture that Denver inspired and make sense of your deepest thoughts with these local businesses.

👓 Queen City Optical Provisions (Berkeley)

. Find something stylish, yet timeless and one-of-a-kind at Queen City Optical Provisions. This independently owned eyewear shop curates bespoke brands like 

 for your browsing pleasure. Because seriously, how could you not feel 

Don’t wear glasses? Help someone you love 

 with a Queen City Optical Provisions gift certificate.

When Neal Cassady wasn’t wandering the U.S. in search of inspiration, he had his nose deep in philosophy books at the Denver library, which was then housed in today’s McNichols Building. 

 through Civic Center Park and dive into some philosophy works at nearby 

, a longstanding used bookshop known for its eclectic selection, affordable prices, and excellent service.

 and give you store credit in exchange, so consider bringing a stack of your well-read faves.

Neal Cassady wrote Jack Kerouac a very long letter that later inspired “On The Road” with its 

 to find all the stationery you need to write a letter to a friend of your own. Think artsy greeting cards 

 that meet your snail mail dreams (just add stamps!).

,” but don’t be intimidated — the folks working here are anything but snobby.

Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady were both born during Prohibition. Toast to that while keeping things classy at 

, a speakeasy known for having a long list of classic cocktails and some of the best bartenders in the biz. What should you get? Maybe you’ll order one of Kerouac’s favorite drinks: A shot of whiskey with a beer chaser, known as a boilermaker. I’ll have the mac and cheese, please 🧀

Reservations are recommended at this popular spot, which also expects visitors to wrap up within two hours.

Hip specs, used philosophy books, snail mail supplies, and Kerouac's favorite drink: Find your inner Beat poet at these four local Denver spots.

Where to Buy Beat Poet Accessories in Denver

Where to Buy Beat Poet Essentials

There’s no better way to romanticize your life than with a train ride. That’s why we recommend 

 and taking the six-hour scenic route to Glenwood Springs.

Ponder the meaning of life as you pass stunning red rock formations, follow the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon, and get a new perspective on the wilderness that’s just a stone’s throw from the Mile High City. You might end up with so much inspiration that you’ll need to write it down in your 

 for a much-needed dip in nature’s healing waters. Look out at the mountains that Beat poet Allen Ginsberg surely visited during his long tenure 

. If you have more time to spare in Glenwood Springs, consider an overnight stay at 

. Opened in 1893, it has served guests for more than a century.

Looking for a scenic getaway? Check out this guide on romanticizing your life, riding Amtrak's California Zephyr from Denver to Glenwood Springs, and experiencing the historic Hotel Colorado.

How to Spend a Weekend in Colorado like a Beat Poet

A Beat-Inspired Weekend Itinerary

Bree Davies

Shane Franklin

So many reasons for the season – it’s fall, Halloween is just around the corner, and Dia de los Muertos is on the calendar, too. So how do you get into the spirit? City Cast Denver girlies Bree Davies, Olivia Jewell Love, and Grace Zahn share their fave ways to get the autumnal vibes just right.

Leaf-Peeping and People-Watching at Wash Park

Grace, the gal behind our social media musings, suggests grabbing an almond croissant at 

 on South Gaylord, then wandering over to Washington Park for a fall stroll. Enjoy watching changing leaves and fellow walkers, bikers, rollerbladers, and wanderers.

 Avoid the crowds and check online to see if any marathon runs or walks are scheduled at the park for the weekend, as things can get pretty packed on the paths.

Producer Olivia is on the hunt for the best pumpkin spice latte in the city, and she’s taking the task seriously. From pumpkin level to overall presentation, 

follow along with Liv’s many sips on Instagram

 – and be sure to share your recs in the comments. She might just venture to 

 fave spot to try out the beloved seasonal drink and see how it matches up against the rest!

Build Community and Prepare For Dia De Los Muertos

The Westwood community has built a wonderful tradition of not only programming incredible events around the celebration of Dia de los Muertos, but educating the community on the history and practices of the sacred holiday. All month long at the Westwood Community Center and Cultura Chocolate, 

 on making everything from flower crowns to your own 

 in preparation for the November celebrations.

Denver's Best Fall Vibes

How to Get Those Autumnal Vibes 

Find the best of everything that Denver has to offer.

Denver’s Best

Denver's Best

Test your knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community's history in the Mile High!

Quiz: Colorado's Queer History

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What Denverites have been wondering. We break down why things in Denver are the way they are and how they work.

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If your ideal fall Saturday includes food trucks, live music, shopping, and dogs in costumes, 

 understood the assignment. The festival takes over Tennyson Street just between 41st and 43rd avenues on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with local artisans, food, yoga and barre, live music, and a pet parade. It’s free and kid-friendly! But let’s be honest, the pet parade will certainly be the main event!

Grab whatever project has been collecting dust at home and head to the 

 at Moodswing on Oct. 11, from noon to 4 p.m.. Bring whatever you’re working on – crochet, knitting, embroidery, or another craft, and settle in for an afternoon of creating and meeting other crafty Denverites. The meetup is currently sold out, but you can still join the waitlist in case a spot opens up!

☕ Get those old school coffee shop feels

Enjoy a slice of fall in a cup with a pumpkin pie chai from 

. This sweet and mildly spiced seasonal beverage sips nicely within this coffee shop’s throwback vibes – earth tones, dim lights, and soft music make it the perfect place to cozy up with a book or a lowkey chat with a friend.

 in the Highlands with Japanese-inspired dishes like ramen, dumplings, and hand rolls, then take a short walk to 

, a fall collaboration with Legacy Pie Co. Why choose between pie and ice cream when October says you can have both!

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