Thornton Opens McAllister Park for Free Day of the Dead Celebration

Thornton is preparing a free public gathering to mark Day of the Dead this Sunday, Nov. 1. The event will take place at McAllister Park Center, located at 750 W. 96th Ave., and runs from noon to 5 p.m.

Organizers describe the gathering as a way to remember deceased loved ones through art, music, dance, and food. They note that the celebration is designed for all ages and invites attendees to contribute personal photos and notes to a central ofrenda, or altar.

The program includes face painting, arts and crafts, magic shows, storytelling, and a market area. Food and drink trucks will be stationed on site. On the main stage, Colorado Mestizo Dancers and Myriad DF will perform live dance and music. The lineup also includes the return of Chicano Heat and Las Dahlias.

A live broadcast of the Broncos playing the Chiefs will be shown during the afternoon. More details about the festival are available on the city's website at thorntonco.gov.

The Day of the Dead event is part of a busy weekend schedule for the Denver metro area. On Saturday, Oct. 31, the Boo and Brew Colfax Halloween Block Party will occupy East Colfax Avenue's Bluebird District from 1 to 4 p.m. This marks the 20th year of the trick-or-treat crawl.

The event signals a return to normal for the corridor, which has faced years of bus rapid transit construction. That work caused business closures and left the area with chain-link fences and missing sidewalks. More than 35 local businesses will hand out candy and serve drinks along the 12 blocks between Monroe and Elizabeth streets.

The sidewalk parade will feature 15 bands, DJs, clowns, and magic acts. A photo booth and a dog parade in front of the Bluebird Theater at 2:30 p.m. are also scheduled. Free parking is available at 3300 E. Colfax Ave.