Casa Bonita’s spooky season pop-up will return for a second year later this month after a drama-filled debut in 2025.
From Sept. 29 to Nov. 1, the pink palace will be known as Casa BOOnita and feature Día de los Muertos-inspired decor alongside specialty cocktails. One notable change since last year, however, is that it plans to keep roving actors on the floor to engage with guests.
Casa Bonita has long had a cast of characters that help tell the broader story behind the Mexico-themed venue. Last year, the restaurant removed many of those characters for the month-long event, as it invited the public to dress in costume when they visited. The move was intended to get rid of confusion about who was working and who was a guest, co-owner and “South Park” co-creator Matt Stone told The Denver Post at the time.
That decision, however, triggered a labor dispute with its union, which filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board due to changes with the cast. The actors, who were negotiating their first contract, ended up striking for three days over Halloween and guests who visited did not get to see Casa Bonita’s famous cliff divers in action.
For 2026, “Casa Bonita’s own cast of roaming characters and performers guests know and love will be part of the celebration,” according to a press statement. The unionized workers are still locked in negotiations on their first contract, though. The two parties remain at odds over wages, the union said in July.
“While we are relieved that this year’s patrons will have the full entertainment experience during Casa BOOnita, the scariest thing this Halloween season is that we’re still bargaining one year later for a fair contract,” the union said in an emailed statement Friday. “Casa Bonita management still refuses to agree to appropriate scheduling or safety rules, let alone equitable pay for the entertainment cast.”
Fans who want to experience Casa BOOnita simply need to make a reservation like they would normally. There is no additional cost to enjoy it, as the ambiance and decor encompass the whole 52,000-square-foot restaurant. All the usual attractions like cliff divers, magic shows, and puppet shows are expected to be available to enjoy. Costumes are encouraged.
For more information or to book a reservation, visit .
