🧙‍♀️ Paddle Like a Witch: Denver’s 2025 Witch Paddle Festival

Every October, the calm waters of Colorado transform into a spooky (yet delightful) scene straight out of a Halloween movie. Picture this: hundreds of witches, wizards, and warlocks, hats, capes, brooms, and all, floating gracefully across the water on paddleboards. Welcome to the Witch Paddle Festival in Denver, one of the city’s quirkiest and most beloved seasonal traditions.

If you’re planning a fall getaway, this one-of-a-kind festival is a must-see. Pair it with a cozy stay at Be Our Guest Housing, and you’ll have the ultimate autumn experience in Colorado.

🎃 What is the Witch Paddle Festival?

The Witch Paddle Festival is an annual October event where participants dress as witches (and other mystical characters) and paddleboard across Sloan’s Lake or other Denver-area waters. What started as a small gathering of paddleboard enthusiasts has become a community spectacle, drawing both locals and visitors who can’t resist the mix of whimsy, fitness, and Halloween spirit. Expect to see:

1. Hundreds of paddleboarders in costume (pointy hats encouraged!)
2. Family-friendly Halloween fun on the shores great for kids and spectators
3. Local food trucks, coffee vendors, and pumpkin treats
4. Photo-worthy moments as the lake fills with witches at sunset

The vibe? Think Halloween parade meets outdoor adventure.

📅 2025 Festival Details

When: -18th October 2025

Where: 11500 N Roxborough Park Rd, Littleton, CO, 80125

Cost: Many events are free for spectators; paddleboarders may need to register in advance, and a small entry fee applies.

🧙‍♀️ How to Join the Fun

1. Paddle Like a Witch

If you own a paddleboard, bring it along (or rent one locally) and join the coven! Costumes are a must, just make sure they’re water-friendly.

2. Watch from Shore

Don’t want to paddle? No problem. Families, couples, and groups can enjoy the festival atmosphere from the lakeshore. Bring a blanket, sip hot cocoa, and cheer on the witches as they glide across the water.

3. Dress the Part

Even if you’re not paddling, wearing a witch hat or Halloween costume is part of the fun. The more spirited the crowd, the better the event.

🌅 Why It’s Worth Attending

1. Unique to Denver: You won’t find many Halloween events like this anywhere else.
2. Family-Friendly: Kids love seeing the “witches on water,” while adults enjoy the playful community spirit.
3. Scenic Setting: Sloan’s Lake is gorgeous in the fall, with golden leaves reflecting off the water.
4. Photo Ops Galore: Your Instagram feed will thank you.

🍂 What Else to Do in Denver in October

The Witch Paddle Festival is just the beginning. October in Denver is packed with seasonal fun:

1. Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes: Anderson Farms in Erie and Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield host some of Colorado’s best fall attractions.
2. Oktoberfest Celebrations: Local breweries roll out pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest lagers.
3. Concerts at Red Rocks: The iconic venue hosts fall shows under starry skies.
4. Haunted Houses: Denver is famous for its spooky haunts, from 13th Floor to The Asylum.

Pair your Witch Paddle outing with a weekend exploring all that Denver has to offer.

🛏️ Where to Stay: Be Our Guest Housing

For festival-goers, finding the right place to stay is key. Hotels fill up quickly in October, and after a long day at Sloan’s Lake, you’ll want comfort, space, and convenience. That’s where Be Our Guest Housing comes in.

Why Choose Us?

1. Prime Locations: We offer vacation rentals close to Sloan’s Lake, Downtown Denver, and nearby Golden.
2. Spacious Homes: Perfect for families, groups of friends, or couples who want more than just a hotel room.
3. Fully Equipped Kitchens: Whip up your own pumpkin spice pancakes before heading to the festival.
4. Stylish & Comfortable: Modern designs with a cozy Colorado charm.

Imagine this: After cheering on the witches at Sloan’s Lake, you come “home” to a private living space where you can relax with a glass of wine, watch a movie, or cook a warm fall meal. That’s the Be Our Guest Housing difference.

🚗 Travel Tips for the Witch Paddle Festival

1. Parking: Sloan’s Lake parking lots can fill up fast. Arrive early or use rideshare.
2. What to Bring: If paddling, pack layers, water shoes, and waterproof bags for your phone. For spectators, bring blankets or folding chairs.
3. Best Time to Go: Early evening is magical; the golden sunset makes the witch silhouettes look even more striking.
4. Combine Events: Spend the morning exploring Denver’s Union Station or breweries, then head to Sloan’s Lake in the afternoon.

📸 Making the Most of Your Trip

Here are some themed ways to build your weekend around the Witch Paddle:

1. Girls’ Weekend: Gather your coven, dress up, and paddle by day, then retreat to a Be Our Guest rental near Downtown Denver for wine, charcuterie, and late-night laughs.
2. Family Adventure: Stay in a Golden home with a big backyard for the kids. Pair the Witch Paddle with a trip to a pumpkin patch and a fall hike.

🎟️ Book Your Stay Early

The Witch Paddle Festival is one of Denver’s most unique and Instagram-worthy events, and October is a peak season for Colorado travel. Don’t wait until the last minute; secure your stay now.

👉 Browse our homes at Be Our Guest Housing to find the perfect base for your fall getaway. With stylish spaces, prime locations, and personalized hosting, we’ll make sure your trip is as magical as the witches gliding across Sloan’s Lake.

✨ Final Word

The 2025 Witch Paddle Festival in Denver is more than just a Halloween event. It’s a community celebration filled with laughter, color, and creativity. Whether you’re paddling in costume or cheering from the shore, you’ll leave with unforgettable fall memories. Pair the experience with a comfortable stay at Be Our Guest Housing, and your October getaway will be nothing short of enchanting.

So pack your broomstick or paddleboard and get ready to join the witches on the water. Denver is calling, and the magic awaits.