Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — There is no reason to stay in for Halloween, because there are lots of opportunities to wear costumes and have fun.

As usual, the Downtown Halloween Stroll begins the Halloween at around 5:30 p.m. with nearly 1,000 people expected to be downtown.

Lincoln Avenue will be blocked off as several businesses open their doors to give candy away to the children.

"I think it's so unique, because the entire family participates," Off the Beaten Path owner Leslie Ryan said.

After the stroll, there are plenty of places to wet your whistle and have some fun.

The Steamboat Springs Arts Council is bringing back the tradition of a Halloween party at the Art Depot, with a dance and party called Dead Man's Boogie.

It costs $10 to get in the door.

"They're going all out with the decorations," special event coordinator Erin Gilbertson said.

The theme of the night revolves around the rumored Depot ghost, who lives in the old building.

There will be a cash bar, a D.J. and lots of neon face paint, aimed for anyone not wearing a costume.

The kings of body paints, or at least their sanctioned imposters, will be at Levelz tonight.

Hotter Than Hell, a KISS cover band, will take the stage at the club. They feature fire breathing, smoking guitars and pyrotechnics.

There also will be a KISS costume contest. Cost is $10 at the door.

Cafiva also is throwing a party. Local band Worried Men perform an acoustic set with a special $25 meal. A $100 gift certificate will be given to the person with the best costume.

The Wolf Den Tavern is throwing a rave and giving $100 away for the best costume.

"The whole room is getting decked out," owner Alex Wolf said.

A highly anticipated appearance by D.J. Andrew Innes is the centerpiece for the evening.

The Wolf Den also has costume contest on Friday at its Sonar show.

The Rio Grande has a $100 first-place costume contest, staring at 9 p.m.

There are also cash prizes for second and third place.

Lastly, don't loose the Halloween spirit yet.

On Saturday, the Hayden Sports Booster Club is having its fourth annual Haunted House and Carnival. It's $3 to get in the haunted house and includes a hayride.