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City Cast Denver

Bree Davies

Since she made international headlines for some questionable behavior during a performance of “Beetlejuice” last year, all eyes have been on the congresswoman. But beyond the gun-toting, President Biden-heckling image she presents, who is Lauren Boebert, really? How did she go from running a gun-themed restaurant to running for Congress?

We’ve talked to her former friends, foes, fellow legislators, and reporters who have been covering her career over the last few years. We want to understand what her rapid rise to success says about the future of Colorado — and American — politics. Ultimately, we want to figure out why it feels like Lauren Boebert just can’t lose.

You can find new episodes of “Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose” every Wednesday on the 

🎧 Listen now

Morris Munene

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Michelle Polizzi

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

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Denver

Keep It Local

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

Shane Franklin

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!

Can’t decide between chai and apple cider? 

 in Lakewood said, “Why choose?!” Try the 

, a fall mashup of the two seasonal drinks, and grab a spot on the patio if weather permits. Creative producer Olivia also gives high regards to the friendly staff and perhaps most importantly, the fancy lotion in the bathroom!

🛣️ Learn About Denver’s Beat Poet Past

Prose writer and counterculture purveyor Neal Cassady called Denver home – and his writings and life inspired the likes of Jack Kerouac and Alan Ginsberg to go west. 

Celebrate 100 years of the Mile High’s impact on the Beat Generation

 with an expert panel conversation digging into Cassady’s wild exploits, featuring voices like Westword editor emeritus Patty Calhoun, music impresario Mark Bliesner, and more on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. at History Colorado.

Your Guide to Denver in October 2026

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

Denver, Explained

 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

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

What if the best seat at a music festival wasn’t in front of a massive stage, but on somebody’s front lawn?

 is bringing 193 acts to Baker on Oct. 3, turning porches, backyards, parking lots into stages from noon to 7 p.m. Dailey Park and Cookie Factory art space will serve as the festival’s two main hubs, with food, drinks and vendors.

The idea is to make live music easier to experience outside of bars and traditional venues. And apparently, “porch” is more of a suggestion.

The festival is free for patrons, but the musicians aren’t playing for free. Sponsors, fundraising and donations help cover festival expenses and compensate the performers. A suggested $20 donation includes a festival sticker and access to the interactive fest app, while a portion of the proceeds also supports East 7th and its work expanding access to art and music therapy for children with autism.

With 193 acts spread throughout Baker, there’s still one question: 

I talked with founder Bradley Schwartz and co-founder Adon Biggs, who also plays bass in local jazz group “

,” to find out. And as a musician myself, I had a few thoughts, too

Step 1: Make a Plan … Just Not Too Much of One

 and pick a few artists you really want to see. Organizers intentionally spread genres like jazz, punk, indie, rock, and hip-hop, throughout the festival. Most of the lineup is from Colorado.

 are a few acts I’d recommend, depending on what you’re looking for.

Now for the question that can make or break any Denver outing: Where are you going to park?

Consider biking, rideshare or public transportation. Once you’re in Baker, plan on doing plenty of walking between sets. Performances are spread throughout the neighborhood rather than concentrated around one big stage. The idea is to move through Baker and catch something amazing along the way.

It’s less “find your stage and stay there” and more “let’s see what’s happening down this block!”

We’re all guilty of this at festivals. The song ends. Applause. Cool. What’s next? Not so fast.

Schwartz kept returning to one word when we talked: connection.

“You might go backstage after playing and, by the time you come back out, everybody has moved on to a different stage,” Schwartz said.

PorchFest shrinks the distance. The musician you just watched might still be standing right in front of you.

If a set catches you, stick around. Ask about the song. Find the artist online. See where they’re playing next. Buy some merch.

Biggs sees that connection as an opportunity for musicians as well.

“Events like PorchFest provide another avenue for musicians coming up in Denver’s scene to be seen,” Biggs said.

Swartz understands the appeal of a smaller setting too. His own band, 

, played a PorchFest in Atlanta, which inspired him to bring the idea to Denver.

“I’d rather see a show with 100 or 200 people than from across an arena,” Schwartz said. “Smaller crowds give you something different: intimacy.”

For an artist, it could mean playing for someone who has never heard of them before walking down that block. This PorchFest could be a musician’s first show or 500th. Either way, you’re getting a chance to meet the people making the music.

Free. Suggested $20 donation gets you access to the interactive festival app and additional perks.

How to Navigate Denver's First PorchFest

Life Hacks

Tips and tricks for living your best Denver life, by locals, for locals.

Denver Life Hacks

Who is the Colorado congresswoman really? And why does it feel like no matter the odds, Lauren Boebert just can’t lose? We're trying to uncover the real Lauren Boebert in this limited-series podcast spinoff.

Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose

Introducing ‘Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose’