Punkin Huntin’
Search for the jolliest jack-o’-lantern today at the 19th annual Pumpkin Festival at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. Costumed children (ages 3 to 15) are admitted free to the festival. Adults pay $5, and uncostumed kids pay $3 for access to the pumpkin hunting grounds, barrel train rides and vendors offering crafts and concessions. Pick a pumpkin for a pie or a jack-o’-lantern; prices vary according to size. Also at Chatfield: a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse, active beehives and nature trails. The popular giant corn maze requires an additional fee. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton; 720-865-3500, .
MORE FOR THE WEEK
TUESDAY
“Fahrenheit 451” screening and post-film discussion moderated by Colorado Public Radio film critic Howie Movshovitz. Francois Truffaut’s futuristic film examines what happens when one fireman starts reading the forbidden books he’s supposed to burn. This is the first of screenings at several local venues joining the NEA’s Big Read program. 6:30 p.m., Bemis Public Library, 6014 S. Datura St. Aurora; 303-795-3961, .
WEDNESDAY
Colorado Poets Lend Their Voices to record poetry textbooks for the Rocky Mountain Unit of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. Each recording takes about 1 hour. The digital recordings, available on CD, help visually impaired people who are unable to read conventional print. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 1355 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver; 303-692-9213, ., click “Nationwide Locations” then “Rocky Mountain Unit.”
WEDNESDAY
Flower Pounding with the Mile High Gardeners Club sounds odd but is perfectly legal. A local expert demonstrates how to forcibly transfer the pigment from flowers into fabric, leaving a dyed image. 10 a.m. to noon, County Extension Building, Archuleta County Fairgrounds, Pagosa Springs; 970-264-2574.
SATURDAY
Free day at the Denver Zoo for everyone who brings proof of Colorado residence. Look for the zoo’s new Grevy’s zebra colt – the first born here in 10 years – and peek in the landscaping for strings of light already being installed for the upcoming ZooLights display. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 2300 Steele St., Denver; 303-376-4800
SATURDAY
Douglas County Special Olympics Sports Festival olets athletes, coaches, families and volunteers sample Special Olympics-style basketball, bocce ball, golf, karate, snowshoeing, soccer, tennis and other sports. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Douglas County Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock; .
SATURDAY
The Alamosa Downtown Historic Home & Building Tour visits the onetime Alamosa Hospital (now the Freiberger Building), the Masonic Lodge, and two historic homes along with the hosting museum. 10 a.m. to noon, Luther Bean Museum, Richardson Hall, Adams State College, 208 Edgemont Boulevard, Alamosa, 719-587-3626. Reservations required by Oct. 15. Suggested donation: $15.
SATURDAY
San Juan Outdoor Club Ski & Sports Swap features new and used outdoor equipment and clothing sold by individuals and local merchants. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Archuleta County Fairgrounds, Pagosa Springs; 970-264-4145.
SATURDAY
The Birds of North Cheyenne Canyon Novice birdwatchers, learn how to use visual cues to identify birds. A second workshop on Oct. 27 offers tips on auditory cues. 1 to 3 p.m., Starsmore Discovery Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Canyon Road, Colorado Springs; 719-385-6086. Fee: $5.
