Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of partiers are expected to hit Boulder's Pearl Street Mall this weekend for the Halloween "Mall Crawl," which was revived last year, nearly 20 years after the city shut it down. And, once again, Boulder will close parking garages and put more police on patrol "in hopes of keeping it local," deputy chief Greg Testa tells the Daily Camera. 

The keepers of the Mall Crawl's Facebook page, which re-sparked interest in the event, complains that the city overreacted last year, promising an "amazing party" this year. About 4,000 revelers showed up in 2009, Westword notes, leaving the organizers satisfied. This time, they say the purpose of the celebration is "to support free speech."

The Denver Post takes a look at costume trends, including odes to Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson. And the Better Business Bureau of Denver and Boulder warns to be careful when dealing with temporary Halloween shops. Some have been known for poor quality or delivering costumes after they are needed and then failing to offer refunds, reports the Aurora Sentinel.