Published: Oct. 18, 2022

Whether you need a last-minute costume or are looking for something to do, here are some tips and reminders for Halloween weekend. 

Visit thrift stores for last-minute costume needs

If you need a costume to wear this weekend, check out some of the best thrift shops in Boulder to complete your look. Thrift stores and second-hand shops are great for scoring unique costume finds and saving money. Plus, some of these locations have special sales and deals where you can get items even cheaper.

As you consider different costume ideas, be mindful of your choices. Cultural appropriation—the inappropriate use of ideas, symbols or stereotypes pertaining to another culture—is a common offense among Halloween costumes. These types of costumes are offensive because they often reduce a culture to a caricature. Acknowledging and being mindful of cultural appropriation can help us create a more welcoming and inclusive community for all of our fellow Buffs.

Check out things to do

Whether you enjoy the Halloween holiday or not, there are plenty of things to do this weekend: 

Get home safely with CU NightRide

Whatever you choose to do this weekend, make a plan for how to get home safely. CU NightRide provides free, late-night transportation for CU Boulder students, faculty and staff within Boulder city limits. Download the CU NightRide app from the App Store or Google Play to request a ride when you need it.

If you’re outside of Boulder city limits and CU NightRide isn’t an option, consider public transportation or other rideshare services. To get around the Boulder and Denver areas, your College Pass gives you access to all RTD bus and rail routes. The Transit app makes it easy to track the locations of RTD buses (including the HOP) in real time. Download Transit on Google Play or the Apple Store.

Avoid getting a ticket

Remember that you’re a Buff wherever you are. Whether you’re on or off campus, be considerate and respectful to those around you. 

Excessive noise at any time of the day or night can result in a nuisance ticket—a common citation that can be avoided. A nuisance party ticket is issued when a residence hosts a gathering that violates Boulder ordinances. This includes unreasonable noise, underage drinking, brawling, public urination, littering, etc. You can receive a ticket even if it’s your guests who are being disruptive. You can also be fined if there is trash in your yard or around your property.

If you’re planning on hosting a gathering, lower your chances of receiving a ticket by registering your party with Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations. Registering your party will give you a 20-minute warning to shut things down before police are dispatched if a noise complaint has been made against your address. 

Stay safe at parties

If you choose to use alcohol or other substances, here are some things to know:

  • Drink or use with people you know and trust, and look out for each other.
  • Eat before drinking, and continue to eat snacks and drink water throughout the night.
  • Set a limit before you start drinking and stick to it.
  • Drink at your own pace. Avoid trying to keep up with someone else.
  • Know how much is one serving of alcohol: 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, 5 ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer.
  • Avoid mixing prescription or illicit drugs with alcohol. This can increase your chances of an accidental overdose. 
  • Know the signs of alcohol poisoning and how to put someone in the Recovery Position.
  • Pick up free naloxone at the pharmacy to help temporarily reverse opiate-related overdoses. 

Check out this article for more tips on how to party smart safely.

Look out for yourself and each other

We can all do our part to look out for fellow Buffs, both on and off campus.

  • If something feels wrong, it probably is. Remember that it’s okay to make up an excuse to get out of a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable.
  • If you’re concerned about your safety or someone else's, keep an eye on the situation and don’t hesitate to call for help. Always call 911 in a drug- or alcohol-related emergency.
  • Review the Amnesty Policy and Good Samaritan Law to learn more about what to do if you need to call for help in an alcohol- or drug-related emergency.
  • Review more information about how you can be an effective bystander and look out for other members of our community.

Don’t set off fireworks

Fireworks are illegal in the city of Boulder. Fireworks not only pose a significant fire risk, but they also can cause a significant noise disruption to your neighbors and our community.

Boulder laws prohibit all fireworks, including items like sparklers, snaps, snakes, bottle rockets, roman candles and smoke bombs, in addition to fireworks that leave the ground or explode. Possible legal penalties include:

  • Fines up to $2,650
  • Court fees
  • Possible arson charges
  • Possible jail time
  • Liability for property or personal injury damages

You will also be referred to Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution. 

Even if you don’t possess or discharge fireworks, you may be held responsible for fireworks used by roommates and guests. Unused fireworks can be brought to the city of Boulder Public Safety Building at 1805 33rd St. without penalty.