Best Costume Stores in Colorado: Aurora, Boulder, Lakewood, Denver & Arvada | Halloween 2025
Colorado’s best costume stores are full of racks of colorful outfits, playful masks and spooky accessories (image created for this article).
Why Shop Local for Halloween 2025?
2025 is shaping up to be a huge year for Halloween. Big films like Wicked: For Good, KPop Demon Hunters, The Minecraft Movie, Jurassic World Rebirth and the long‑awaited Superman reboot are inspiring a new wave of costumes. Trend watchers predict everything from Elphaba and Glinda duos to Addams Family ensembles, K‑pop‑themed groups and retro 90s throwbacks. Even classic characters like Lilo & Stitch, Steve from Minecraft and villains like Aunt Gladys from Weapons are topping lists.
With all this inspiration, shopping at big‑box Halloween warehouses might seem easiest. But Coloradans know that the state’s locally‑owned costume stores offer something you can’t get from a pop‑up chain: expertise, unique selections, community and fun. Many of these shops operate year‑round, which means they’ve built up decades of inventory and staff who love to help you create a show‑stopping look.
This guide focuses on the best places to shop across Aurora, Boulder, Lakewood, Denver and Arvada. We’ve highlighted stores that sell or rent full costumes, wig shops, vintage and thrift stores, party‑supply providers and even boutiques that only dabble in costumes but offer excellent options for Coloween and other 2025 events. We also include trending costume ideas so you know what’s hot this year.
Trending Costume Ideas for 2025
Before diving into the store listings, here are a few trending themes to inspire your shopping list:
| Trend (2025) | Description | Recommended at… |
|---|---|---|
| Wicked duos | With the second part of Wicked hitting theaters in November, costumes inspired by Elphaba and Glinda are everywhere. Pair a pink dress and tiara for Glinda with a black dress, green body paint and witch hat. | The Wizard’s Chest, Disguises, Got‑A‑Costume |
| Addams Family | Season 2 of Wednesday released new episodes just in time for Halloween. Expect families to dress as Wednesday, Morticia and Gomez; think black dresses with white collars or pinstripe suits. | Disguises, The Ritz, Theatrical Costumes |
| KPop Demon Hunters / HUNTR/X | The animated Netflix hit fuels costumes of characters Rumi, Mira and Zoey. These outfits sell out quickly, so order ahead. | Spirit Halloween, Fun Services |
| Superman | A new Superman film is driving a resurgence of Clark Kent and Superman costumes; go with a full‑suit or layer a Superman tee under a white shirt. | Arc Thrift, Goodwill, Fun Services |
| Musical & pop stars | Pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo, KATSEYE or Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl outfit give fans creative costume options. | FashioNation |
| Retro & storybook | 90s and 2000s nostalgia (Saved by the Bell, Clueless), classic book characters (If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, The Rainbow Fish) and kid favorites like Bluey, Paw Patrol, Jurassic World and Sesame Street will be popular. | Goodwill, Arc Thrift, Theatrical Costumes |
| Spooky villains | New horror films like Weapons with Aunt Gladys plus classics like Ghostbusters, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Beetlejuice inspire villainous costumes. | Reinke Brothers, Crimson Rose Masquerade |
Planning to enter the Coloween 2025 costume contest? Start with these trending ideas and then visit the stores below to bring them to life.
Denver Metro Area: The Heart of Colorado Costuming
The Wizard’s Chest – Immersive Castle‑Like Fantasy (Denver)
A fixture in Denver since 1983, The Wizard’s Chest transports shoppers into a castle filled with magic. This 16,000‑square‑foot emporium is more than a store; customers explore rooms full of costumes, games and puzzles while encountering tin wizards, suits of armor, an undersea mural and even an interactive escape room. Staff members often host game tournaments, makeup tutorials and cosplay classes that turn shopping into a community event. Whether you’re hunting for a Wicked witch wig, a Harry Potter robe or a retro board game, you’ll be entranced by the experience. The store is open year‑round, making it perfect for Coloween prep and other themed events.
Why it’s great for 2025: The Wizard’s Chest stocks licensed costumes and theatrical makeup that can transform you into Elphaba or Glinda (Wicked), Addams family characters or K‑pop demon slayers. Their immersive environment also makes shopping with kids a memorable outing.
Disguises Costume Superstore – 16,000 sq ft of Possibilities (Lakewood)
Located in Lakewood but beloved by Denverites, Disguises claims to be one of the largest and most recognized costume shops in the Rocky Mountain region. MapQuest notes that it has offered theatrical rentals and an extensive inventory since 1999, serving individuals, schools and community theaters. A 16,000‑square‑foot showroom provides thousands of costumes, accessories, wigs, props and makeup; staff offer personalised assistance and discounted group rates.
Why it’s great for 2025: With so much space, Disguises carries trending items like Demon Hunters costumes and Addams Family outfits in a range of sizes. Their year‑round rental department is perfect for theatrical and cosplay events beyond Halloween.
FashioNation – Punk, Goth & Festival Flair (Denver)
If your 2025 costume calls for punk or goth vibes—think Olivia Rodrigo’s stage outfits or Kendrick Lamar’s retro look—head to FashioNation on South Broadway. A 2024 feature in Westword explained how this store evolved from a small punk boutique to a multigenerational business run by the owner’s daughters. The shop sells studded belts, platform Dr. Martens, bondage accents, fishnets and mini‑skirts—perfect for creating festival or goth ensembles. The new location feels like a selfie museum with Beetlejuice stripes, glitter, spiderwebs and skull wallpaper. Customers still participate in traditions like documenting their first combat boot purchase.
Why it’s great for 2025: FashioNation is ideal for re‑creating pop‑star looks (Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, KATSEYE) or for those who prefer alternative, festival‑inspired costumes. It also pairs well with trending Beetlejuice outfits thanks to the store’s gothic aesthetic.
Reinke Brothers – A Century of Costumes & a Haunted Mansion (Littleton)
Founded in 1921, Reinke Brothers began by selling WWI surplus goods and later became one of the largest suppliers of masks, wigs, costumes and magic tricks. Today, the store boasts over 20,000 costumes for sale or rent and a large haunted mansion attraction. Although the haunted mansion is undergoing renovation, the store remains open and continues to offer Hollywood‑quality costumes, special‑effects makeup and props. Visitors can also experience ghost tours and scare experiences at the on‑site haunted mansion when it reopens.
Why it’s great for 2025: For horror lovers planning to dress as Aunt Gladys or other villains, Reinke Brothers’ expansive selection of masks, prosthetics and special‑effects makeup is unbeatable. Their haunted mansion is also a fun excursion for families after costume shopping.
Crimson Rose Masquerade – Handcrafted Masks & Corsets (Denver)
Located in Denver’s Platt Park neighborhood, Crimson Rose Masquerade is the city’s only masquerade boutique. The shop features local artisans’ handmade leather masks, hats, corsetry, clothing and accessories. If you’re looking for a unique, high‑quality mask to complement a villain or gothic costume—or even for a masquerade ball—this is the place to go.
Why it’s great for 2025: Popular themes like Frankenstein, Elizabeth from Poor Things or spooky masquerade parties call for high‑quality masks and corsets. Crimson Rose’s handcrafted pieces elevate any costume.
Fun Services – Party Supplier with Costume Store (Westminster)
Fun Services has been Denver’s #1 party supplier and rental company since 1980 and operates an 8,500‑square‑foot party store selling balloons, decorations, costumes, wigs and face paints. Alongside event rentals like bounce houses and casino tables, they also run fundraising programs and corporate picnic services. For Halloween, their store stocks costumes for kids and adults and sells makeup and props.
Why it’s great for 2025: Fun Services is a one‑stop shop for K‑pop Demon Hunters outfits, classic ghostbuster costumes or accessories like fog machines. Their rental services also make them ideal for large Coloween parties.
Arc Thrift & Goodwill – Thrifty & Sustainable Options (Denver & statewide)
For those on a budget or looking to build a DIY costume, thrift stores offer endless possibilities. Arc Thrift Store, with 25 branches across Denver, allows shoppers to save and shop with a purpose. All proceeds go to chapters of the Association for Community Living (ACL), and they offer weekly discountsuncovercolorado.com. Goodwill has nearly 30 locations in Denver and sells unique, slightly used costumes, accessories and decorations while supporting local workforce programsuncovercolorado.com. This combination of affordability and community support makes thrifting a feel‑good way to assemble costumes like storybook characters or 90s throwbacks.
Why they’re great for 2025: Trending outfits like Sabrina Carpenter, Aunt Gladys or retro 90s ensembles often rely on vintage finds. Arc and Goodwill allow you to mix and match pieces sustainably and inexpensively.
Makeup Mania – Professional‑Grade Special Effects (Denver)
If your costume needs special effects, Makeup Mania in Denver sells premium makeup used by movie and television professionals. The shop specializes in prosthetics, theatrical makeup and face paints. Whether you’re transforming into a zombie, Beetlejuice or a demonic K‑pop idol, high‑quality products make the look last all night.
Why it’s great for 2025: With horror characters like Aunt Gladys and villains from Sinners and Nosferatu trending, professional makeup is essential for authenticity. Makeup Mania’s staff can advise on application and help novices create realistic effects.
Aurora: Costume Superstore & Local Gems
Gott‑A‑Costume – Year‑Round Aurora Superstore
Aurora’s Gott‑A‑Costume prides itself on service, variety and quality. Their website notes that no temporary shops offer the expertise and selection found here. The shop sells a wide range of costumes—baby/toddler outfits, accessories, hats, masks and even toy weapons—and invites visitors to browse the full selection. They also rent costumes and carry makeup and prosthetics.
Why it’s great for 2025: As pop‑up shops can’t match the service or year‑round expertise of Gott‑A‑Costume, this is the go‑to spot for trending characters like KPop Demon Hunters (costumes sell quickly!), Jurassic World dinosaurs or classic superheroes. Their rental program is perfect for one‑off events.
Spirit Halloween Arvada/Aurora Pop‑Up (Arvada & region)
Although a national chain, Spirit Halloween operates pop‑up shops across Colorado, including one in Arvada. The chain markets itself as a one‑stop shop for 2025 Halloween costumes, décor and animatronics. The store stocks women’s, men’s and kids’ costumes ranging from Spider‑Man to Harry Potter and Squid Game. Aisles are clearly labeled and there’s an option to buy online and pick up in store.
Why it’s great for 2025: For last‑minute shoppers, Spirit provides trending outfits like Demon Hunters costumes and accessories such as animatronics. Their Arvada location means West‑Denver residents can easily pick up their orders.
Fun Services & Arc Thrift (Aurora branches)
Aurora residents don’t have to drive far for thrifty costumes or party supplies. Fun Services has a party store that sells costumes and props. Several Arc Thrift locations, including ones near I‑225, allow families to piece together DIY outfits and support local charities.
Boulder: Quirky Boutiques & Creative Rentals
The Ritz – Boulder’s Playful Costume Staple
Founded in 1977, The Ritz is Boulder’s favorite costume boutique. The Downtown Boulder Association describes it as a playful shop offering quirky clothing and costumes for rent or purchase, with staff who help bring your costume vision to life. Many locals treat the store as part dress‑up closet, part party supply.
Why it’s great for 2025: The Ritz’s mix of new and vintage pieces makes it ideal for storybook costumes (Madeline, Where the Wild Things Are), 90s throwbacks or creative takes on Sabrina Carpenter’s or Olivia Rodrigo’s style. Their rental inventory offers high‑quality outfits for Coloween contests.
Theatrical Costumes Etc. – Positive & Friendly Costumes
Located near the University of Colorado Boulder, Theatrical Costumes Etc. has served students and community members for decades. An interview with owner Debra Ordway noted that the store avoids offensive costumes and focuses on creating positive, friendly outfits. The team encourages creativity, often steering customers toward imaginative costumes with bright colors and playful props rather than fear or negativitytravelboulder.com.
Why it’s great for 2025: The store’s emphasis on positivity makes it perfect for family‑friendly themes like Peppa Pig, Sesame Street or Bluey costumes—trends predicted to be popular this year. Their proximity to campus also means students can find unique group costumes for parties.
Downtown Thrift & Vintage Shops
Boulder’s vintage scene offers countless options for DIYers. Local thrift stores and vintage boutiques (including ARC and Goodwill branches) provide affordable clothing to build retro looks like Saved by the Bell, Clueless or Beetlejuice. For eco‑minded shoppers, thrifting reduces waste and supports community programs.
Lakewood: Superstores & Family Fun
Disguises – See Above
Because Lakewood hosts Disguises (detailed above), residents don’t need to travel to Denver for a huge selection. The store’s 16,000‑square‑foot space ensures you’ll find trending costumes, theatrical quality pieces and an expert staff.
Party City & Big‑Box Options
Lakewood also offers national chains like Party City, which stock mainstream costumes, decorations and candy. However, we recommend supporting local businesses whenever possible—the selections and service are typically better at independent shops.
Arvada: Pop‑Ups & Thrift
Spirit Halloween (Arvada Pop‑Up)
Arvada’s Spirit Halloween store (usually in a former big‑box building) boasts licensed costumes and decorations. The brand markets the Arvada store as a one‑stop shop with clear aisles and options to buy online and pick up in store.
Tip: Use Spirit for last‑minute needs, but consider shopping at Arc Thrift or Goodwill in Arvada first for unique finds and lower prices.
Goodwill & Arc Thrift
Arvada hosts Goodwill and Arc Thrift branches where you can hunt for vintage clothing, props and accessories. These stores often have hidden gems that pair nicely with trending costumes—think flared jeans for Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl look, vintage suits for a Wednesday Addams vibe or denim overalls for a Steve from Minecraft outfit.
Tips for Building the Perfect Costume
Colorado’s best costume stores offer endless possibilities. Here are some tips to help you create a memorable look:
Start early: Many trending costumes sell out quickly (e.g., K‑pop Demon Hunters and Wicked characters), so shop in September or early October.
Mix and match: Combine thrift‑store finds with specialty pieces from shops like The Wizard’s Chest or Disguises to create a unique costume. For example, pair a vintage lace dress from Goodwill with a handcrafted mask from Crimson Rose for a spooky Victorian ensemble.
Invest in makeup: Special‑effects makeup from Makeup Mania can transform a simple outfit into a contest‑winning look. Take advantage of their professional advice to achieve realistic zombie wounds or witchy green skin.
Mind the rules: For events like Coloween and most haunted houses, fake weapons like knives, swords or guns are usually prohibited. Check event guidelines and opt for safer accessories like rubber or foam props. Remember, creativity can shine without weapons.
Support local: Buying from locally‑owned stores keeps dollars in the community and preserves unique businesses. Plus, you’ll get personalized help from staff who genuinely love costumes.
Planning for Coloween 2025
Colorado’s premier adult Halloween event, Coloween, returns to Denver this year with an immersive party featuring DJs, interactive art and a huge costume contest. To stand out on the dance floor and maybe take home a prize, consider these Coloween‑worthy ideas:
Glam Witches & Warlocks: Combine Wicked and pop‑star inspiration—think Glinda’s glitter paired with Sabrina Carpenter’s stage style. Accessorize with rhinestone boots from FashioNation and a shimmering wand from The Wizard’s Chest.
K‑Pop Demon Hunters Crew: Gather friends and dress as Rumi, Mira and Zoey. Spirit Halloween and Gott‑A‑Costume carry ready‑made outfits, while Makeup Mania provides neon face paint and glitter. Practice a synchronized dance routine to really sell it.
Vintage Hollywood Horror: Create a 1920s or 1930s villain using pieces from Reinke Brothers and Makeup Mania. Add a handmade mask from Crimson Rose for a modern twist.
Superheroes Reimagined: With the new Superman movie on everyone’s mind, put a twist on Clark Kent by adding steampunk accessories from Disguises or FashioNation.
Remember that Coloween enforces a strict no‑fake‑weapons policy and requires attendees to be 21+. Check Coloween’s website for ticket details and contest rules.
Conclusion
Halloween 2025 promises to be one of Colorado’s most vibrant spooky seasons yet. Whether you’re a Denver local hunting for the perfect Demon Hunter costume, a Boulder student planning a Wednesday Addams group ensemble or an Aurora parent searching for adorable Lilo & Stitch outfits, Colorado’s diverse costume stores have you covered. By shopping local, you’ll find unique pieces, get expert advice and support the community. Use the trending themes and tips in this guide to craft a costume that turns heads at Coloween and beyond. Happy shopping and Happy Halloween 2025!
