As Halloween descends upon Boulder, the spirit of creativity and community shines brighter than ever. This week’s Faces of Boulder captures four local women browsing racks of costumes at a downtown shop, each one laughing and holding up something wildly different — a shimmering witch’s gown, a sparkling flapper dress, a vintage cowgirl outfit, and even a mischievous vampire cape. In Boulder, Halloween isn’t just a holiday — it’s an event that reflects the city’s personality: bold, imaginative, and full of life.

Walking along Pearl Street Mall this time of year, you can feel the magic in the air. Storefronts are lined with pumpkins, fall leaves crunch underfoot, and costumed locals of every age wander from shop to shop. Whether it’s a kid grabbing candy at the Munchkin Masquerade or college students heading to a themed party, Boulder turns Halloween into an unforgettable experience filled with charm and community spirit.

This year’s most popular costume trends seem to mirror the times — classic witches and wizards are back, but so are throwback looks from the 1980s and characters from hit streaming shows. Some locals are even creating sustainable costumes from thrifted materials, a fitting reflection of Boulder’s eco-friendly ethos. The city’s independent shops are buzzing, from vintage stores on Pearl to small boutiques in North Boulder offering handmade masks, accessories, and last-minute costume ideas.

Beyond the costumes, Halloween in Boulder is also about connection — neighbors gathering, laughter echoing down the mall, and the Flatirons glowing orange as the sun sets on another October evening. For many, it’s the unofficial close of fall before the first snow dusts the mountains. Whether you’re watching a spooky flick at The Boulder Theater or enjoying pumpkin-flavored treats from a local café, Halloween here is a perfect blend of mountain charm and festive mischief.

As these four women finalize their costume picks and pose for a quick photo, their joy says it all: Boulder knows how to celebrate — in style.

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