Last-minute tips before Halloween
Whether you’re planning the ultimate costume or just looking for something fun to do, here are some helpful Halloween tips and reminders to make the most of the season.
Find last-minute costumes at thrift stores
Still need a costume? Check out Boulder’s best thrift stores for affordable and creative Halloween costume ideas. Thrift and secondhand shops are perfect for finding one-of-a-kind pieces without breaking the bank. Some even offer Halloween sales and discounts!
As you plan your look, be thoughtful about your costume choices. Avoid costumes that rely on cultural stereotypes or symbols. Acknowledging and being mindful of cultural appropriation can help us create a more welcoming and inclusive community for all Buffs.
Discover Halloween events on campus
Looking for things to do this Halloween? From movie nights to fall festivals, there’s something for everyone.
- Halloween at The Rec | Oct. 16-31
- Rave to the Grave | Oct. 24
- Haunted Halls | Oct. 25
- Pumpkin Palooza | Oct. 28
- Buffs Party Smart | Oct. 29
- “Hill”oween | Oct. 30
- Boogie & Bowling Bash | Oct. 30
- Safer Night Out | Oct. 31
- Creatures of the Night Halloween Hike | Oct. 31
If you’re looking for more ways to get involved, consider volunteering to help make Halloween events a success! Lend a hand at Haunted Halls or join the crew for Humans vs. Zombies on Oct. 31—it's a great way to meet people, give back and have fun while celebrating the season.
Download the CU Boulder Life app to explore upcoming student events and more Halloween activities on campus.
Get home safely with CU NightRide
No matter how you celebrate, make a plan to get home safely. CU NightRide offers free, late-night rides for CU Boulder students, faculty and staff within Boulder city limits. Just download the CU NightRide app from the App Store or Google Play to request a ride.
Outside city limits? Use your Buff OneCard to ride RTD buses and trains for free. The Transit app helps you track buses like the HOP in real time—download it to plan your route.
Hosting a party? Lower your chances of getting a ticket
Want to host a party without worrying about noise complaints or getting a nuisance ticket? Register your party with Off-Campus Life to get a 20-minute warning if a noise complaint is made. That gives you time to wrap things up before police arrive.
If you do get a ticket, Student Legal Services can help you navigate next steps.
Party smart
If you choose to drink or use other substances, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Plan ahead: Know where you’re going, who you’re with and how you’ll get home.
- Set limits: Decide how much you’ll drink or use—and stick to it.
- Stay together: Don’t leave friends behind. Check in and regroup if you get separated.
- Eat and hydrate: Have a meal before going out and snack throughout the night.
- Know your servings: One drink = 1.5 oz liquor, 5 oz wine or 12 oz beer.
- Don’t mix: Avoid combining alcohol with prescription or other drugs.
- Recognize alcohol poisoning: Learn the signs and how to use the recovery position.
- Carry naloxone: It can reverse opioid overdoses. Pick up free or discounted naloxone and fentanyl test strips at Health Promotion (Wardenburg, third floor) and order the Safer Night Out Buff Box.
Check out more party smart tips to stay safe and have fun.
Look out for each other
We all play a role in keeping our community safe. Here’s how you can help:
- Watch for red flags like pressuring others to drink, isolating someone or touching without consent.
- Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is. It’s okay to leave or help someone else exit a situation.
- In an emergency, call 911. The Amnesty Policy and Good Samaritan Law help protect students who call for help in alcohol- or drug-related emergencies.
Learn more about how to look out for your friends and support fellow Buffs.
Wishing all Buffs a fun, safe and memorable Halloween. Enjoy the season and take care of one another!