By The Thirst Team

Halloween has become an inescapable month-long event, but the serious parties are this weekend, followed by some Tuesday fun before the trick-or-treaters take over.

Plus, there are just a couple of great non-Halloween events around the state, starting with a cider festival in western Colorado.

Cider Fest

Big B’s Orchards in Hotchkiss hosts the 2023 Cider Fest from Friday to Sunday, with cider tastings, BBQ, arts bazaar, games, hay rides and live music from the Itals, Peach Street Revival, Banshee Tree and more.

DV8 Anniversary Party

Boulder’s DV8 Distillery hosts the “Dance with the Devil” party on Saturday night to mark its 8th anniversary. Presale tickets to the costumed dance party cost $20.

Pumpkin Beer Fest

Hops & Pie pizzeria and taproom in north Denver will host a pumpkin beer fest on Saturday, with at least nine pumpkin beers from across Colorado and around the world. Grown Ass Man Band will also play live music from 2 to 6 p.m.

Masquerade Soiree

Sutcliffe Vineyards hosts a masquerade soiree on Friday evening in their Durango tasting room. The party is a fundraiser for In The Weeds, which provides support, resources, and wellness programs for hospitality workers. Tickets cost $75.

Haunted Spookeasy

Breckenridge Distillery and the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre host “The Stills Have Eyes,” a haunted spookeasy party on Saturday night. Tickets cost $20, and include charcuterie and a welcome punch, haunted tours and live music.

Ski-O-Ween

Outer Range Brewing Co. in Frisco hosts Ski-O-Ween on Saturday, with an ‘80s dance party and a retro ski wear fashion show and costume contest. The best costume wins a Summit Club membership (valued at $495).

On Sunday, ORB hosts a Brunch & Brush event, with hearty Bird Craft brunch and an open art session from 1 to 3 p.m. Create a “Winterland” image with provided art supplies (or bring your own). The best artwork will be featured on an upcoming can release, and the artist gets a free case of the seasonal beer.

Cosmic Spirits Halloween Bash

Talnua Distillery in Arvada hosts a Halloween party on Saturday, with a food truck, zodiac-inspired costume contest, cosmic cocktails, henna tattoos, and a bottle release that debuts the Aries Series of experimental whiskeys.

Pop-Punk and Emo Halloween Bash

Ratio Beerworks’ RiNo taproom hosts a free concert by Millennial Romance, a pop-punk and emo cover band. Hear your favorites from Paramore, My Chemical Romance, Panic! At the Disco, Green Day, Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World and more. The event also includes a costume contest with concert tickets for prizes.

Third Anniversary Party

Knuckle Puck Brewing in Longmont hosts a third anniversary party on Saturday, with a beer release, new merch, and chili and BBQ cook-offs. Costumes are encouraged.

Dog Costume Contests

WestFax Brewing Co. in Lakewood hosts a dog costume contest on Saturday. Prizes include a loyalty club membership and a case of beer.

Wiley Roots in Greeley also hosts a pet party and costume contest on Saturday. Separate contests will run from 12 to 2 p.m., and from 2 to 4 p.m., with winners chosen for most original, cutest and scariest costumes. Any well-behaved and leashed pet is welcome to enter. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Larimer Humane Society.

As always, please send us your events and announcements. We’re happy to share them. And enjoy your Colorado craft libations responsibly.