If you find yourself in downtown Steamboat on October 31, you can expect to see a slew of mysterious behavior. Sightings of the Mad Hatter dancing down Lincoln Avenue followed by a family of Oompa Loompas and a cardboard boat carrying Vikings have been noted. 

The reason for this uncharacteristic display of local behavior is Halloween, one of Steamboat’s most iconic events of the year. Ghosts and ghouls of all ages engage in two hours of spooktacular fun while Lincoln Avenue remains closed to traffic. Anyone driving west on Highway 40 has no choice but to make a detour or hang around and join the festivities before the road reopens. 

Generous storeowners dish out volumes of candy, slices of pizza, French fries and even toothbrushes – yes, it has happened! The Chief Theater hosts a scream contest, while live musicians and fire jugglers entertain trick or treaters on the street. Flashing lights and sirens blare from the emergency service vehicles parked for costume-clad kids to clamber around. Towering over everyone is Steamboat’s resident fire-breathing dragon Phoenix, the brainchild of local inventor Charlie Holthausen and his wife Gail. 

Families, kids, couples, singles, empty nesters and canine friends stroll the street, laugh at each other’s getup and embrace the quintessential Steamboat vibe. Trick or treat?