CENTRAL CITY – Central City became a haunted Victorian village on October 19, 2024, as families gathered for the first-ever Spooktacular event. The historic streets were filled with witches, ghouls, and colorful characters, bringing a spooky yet fun atmosphere to the mountain town.

The event, held on Main Street, attracted families and kids who arrived in costumes to enjoy the festivities. Volunteers dressed as various characters handed out candy to eager trick-or-treaters. The event was designed to be family-friendly, and it certainly delivered on that promise, creating a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.

Mary Ann Yuthas, Chief Marketing Officer for Main Street Central City, expressed her excitement for the success of the event. “I can’t wait for night to fall and the ghouls to come out,” she said, referring to the lit-up projections of ghosts in the windows. 

Sponsored by Mix 100, the event even included a dance competition where participants could win Billie Eilish concert tickets for showing off their best moves.

One of the highlights of the night was the group “Thriller” dance, led by the Infamous Backroom Cabaret dancers. People gathered as they were taught how to channel their inner zombies, learning the iconic moves like the eerie shuffle and spooky head-turns that made Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” famous.

Another popular attraction was the s’mores fire pits set up by Central City Fire and Rescue, who teamed up with the Central City/Denver West KOA. Volunteers, including local firefighters, helped kids and adults alike roast marshmallows and assemble custom s’mores bundles. 

While kids enjoyed these sweet treats for free, adults could purchase bundles for $3, choosing from exciting flavors like peppermint patties, peanut butter, salted caramel, Mexican hot cocoa, coconut, and mint chocolate. The warmth of the fires combined with the s’mores made it a cozy retreat from the cool October night.

“Witchy Witch,” also known as Natalie Duplessy, the talented pastry chef from Peace, Love and Cake, was another crowd favorite. She stirred her cauldron of bubbling caramel, creating custom caramel apples for delighted visitors. 

Apple-eaters could choose from toppings like Oreos, graham crackers, peanut butter, chocolate pieces, or spooky eyeball sprinkles, turning each apple into a sugary masterpiece.

Adults over 21 weren’t left out of the fun either. Dostal Alley Brewery and Easy Street Casino’s Gold Coin Saloon featured Halloween pop-up bars with themed cocktails, including a special pumpkin porter and other festive drinks. 

These spooky-themed bars, fully decorated for Halloween, will remain open through November 2, offering the perfect spot to relax with a holiday-inspired drink.

The Spooktacular event isn’t over yet. Families still have the opportunity to attend on October 26 and October 31, with more spooky fun to come. This inaugural event marks the beginning of what’s sure to become a new fall tradition for Central City.

Main Street Central City, the nonprofit behind the Spooktacular, is part of the Colorado Main Street® Program, which focuses on revitalizing traditional downtown areas while preserving historic charm. Their mission is to diversify and expand business and cultural opportunities while maintaining the historic integrity of Central City.

As the first Spooktacular event wrapped up, it was clear that Central City’s transformation into a haunted village captured the spirit of the season, bringing together the community for a night of family-friendly fun.