Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Denver
- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
These are the previously published dates. Check the organizer for a new edition.
Check the organizer’s latest schedule ↗SpooKiki Ball brings Denver Ballroom to the art museum for a DIVA-inspired evening
Fashion, beauty and performance become competition categories at The SpooKiki Ball 3: DIVA Edition, where Denver Kiki Houses take the floor at the Denver Art Museum. The October 30 after-hours gathering invites visitors to drop in on the Ball and explore creative activities inspired by the museum’s DIVA exhibition.
The Ball and the people behind it
In the Martin Building’s Sturm Event Pavilion, participants will dance, pose and walk in categories connected to DIVA. Judges, commentators, music and an audience are part of the competition; visitors can watch at intervals rather than treating the Ball as a single scheduled performance.
Ballroom was created and sustained primarily by Black and Brown LGBTQ+ communities, particularly Black and Latina trans women. Alongside competition, it has provided space for chosen family, mentorship and belonging. Mother Valentino Flora, who presents the evening with the museum, is a Ballroom mother and member of the Kiki House of Flora. Their multidisciplinary work draws on movement, performance and theater, and they have produced events including the Storybook KiKi Ball and Flower Power KiKi Ball.
Further reading: SpooKiki Ball at Untitled: Artist Takeover | Denver Art Museum Events ↗ · Get Ready for the SpooKiKi Ball at Untitled: Artist Takeover | Denver Art Museum ↗
A fan for the Ball, a zine for DIVA
The exhibition that inspires the Ball looks at how performers have used costume and dress across time. Organized by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and adapted by Denver Art Museum for an American audience, DIVA spans figures from Josephine Baker and Maria Callas to Prince and Rihanna. It is in the Hamilton Building, separate from the Ball.
In the Martin Building’s Creative Hub, Toluwanimi Obiwole’s Ruby Red Workshop offers visitors a chance to make a clacking Ballroom fan. Marcus Murray leads DIVA-inspired zine-making in the Wild Plum Workshop, and Señor Trash contributes spooky DIY temporary tattoos. The artmaking overlaps with the Ball, so visitors interested in both can divide their evening between the Creative Hub and the pavilion.
Further reading: SpooKiki Ball at Untitled: Artist Takeover | Denver Art Museum Events ↗ · DIVA | Denver Art Museum ↗
The evening’s program
The Ball and happy hour begin before the Creative Hub activities, leaving time to watch the competition and choose an artmaking project.
Friday, October 30, 2026 · Sturm Event Pavilion, Martin Building
- The SpooKiki Ball 3: DIVA Edition; drop-in viewing of Denver Kiki Houses competing in DIVA-themed categories.
Friday, October 30, 2026 · Martin Building
- Happy hour with discounted cocktails, wine and beer.
Friday, October 30, 2026 · Creative Hub, Martin Building
- DIVA zine-making, Wild Plum Workshop, with Marcus Murray.
- Ballroom fan-making, Ruby Red Workshop, with Toluwanimi Obiwole.
- DIY temporary tattoos with a spooky theme by Señor Trash.
Before you go
Ball admission and DIVA
The Ball is included with general admission, which is free for members and youth 18 and younger. DIVA requires a separate ticket; the museum says a DIVA ticket purchased for the evening of October 30 also includes the Ball.
DIVA uses timed entry. The museum’s general exhibition guide lists a 4 p.m. final entry on Fridays, while its Ball guidance refers to evening DIVA tickets. Confirm an available entry time with the museum before planning to see the exhibition during the event.
SpooKiki Ball at Untitled: Artist Takeover | Denver Art Museum Events ↗ · Plan Your Visit | Denver Art Museum ↗ · Get Ready for the SpooKiKi Ball at Untitled: Artist Takeover | Denver Art Museum ↗ · Plan Your Visit to DIVA | Exclusively at the Denver Art Museum | Denver Art Museum ↗
Costumes without face coverings
Costumes are welcome, but the museum does not allow face coverings other than medical masks covering the mouth. Full face paint is also prohibited; a design around an eye or on a cheek is permitted.
Get Ready for the SpooKiKi Ball at Untitled: Artist Takeover | Denver Art Museum ↗
Interpretation and sensory tools
The museum offers free ASL interpretation and CART captioning for programs with five business days’ notice; request them at [email protected]. Noise-reducing headphones and other sensory tools can be checked out at a visitor services desk.
Accessibility at Denver Art Museum | Parking, Mobility & More ↗
Getting to the museum
Buildings and entrances
Denver Art Museum is at 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. in the Golden Triangle. Enter through the Martin or Hamilton Building; the Ball and Creative Hub are in the Martin Building. A bridge over 13th Avenue connects the buildings.
The museum says both main entrances have power-assist doors and its public areas are wheelchair accessible. Drop-off and pickup for older visitors and visitors with disabilities is on 13th Avenue between Broadway and Bannock.
SpooKiki Ball at Untitled: Artist Takeover | Denver Art Museum Events ↗ · Directions and Parking | Denver Art Museum ↗ · Plan Your Visit to DIVA | Exclusively at the Denver Art Museum | Denver Art Museum ↗ · Accessibility at Denver Art Museum | Parking, Mobility & More ↗
Transit, parking and bikes
The museum points visitors to RTD transit and light rail. Its directions also suggest taking the Free MallRide to Cleveland Place and walking south through Civic Center Park.
Street and metered parking and nearby lots include the Cultural Center Complex Garage at 12th Avenue and Broadway. Accessible garage spaces are on level two. Bike racks are on the museum plaza.
Directions and Parking | Denver Art Museum ↗ · Accessibility at Denver Art Museum | Parking, Mobility & More ↗
Before you make a plan
Can I watch the Ball without staying for the whole evening?
Yes. The museum invites visitors to drop in during the Ball, which runs from 5 to 10 p.m.
SpooKiki Ball at Untitled: Artist Takeover | Denver Art Museum Events ↗
Do I need a DIVA ticket to attend the Ball?
No. The Ball is included with general admission. DIVA is separately ticketed, and a DIVA ticket bought for the evening of October 30 also includes the Ball, according to the museum.
SpooKiki Ball at Untitled: Artist Takeover | Denver Art Museum Events ↗ · Get Ready for the SpooKiKi Ball at Untitled: Artist Takeover | Denver Art Museum ↗
Can I wear a Halloween costume?
Yes. Leave face coverings and full face paint at home; medical masks covering the mouth and face-paint designs around an eye or on a cheek are allowed.
Get Ready for the SpooKiKi Ball at Untitled: Artist Takeover | Denver Art Museum ↗
What can I make at the event?
The Creative Hub offers a DIVA-inspired zine activity, a clacking Ballroom fan workshop and spooky DIY temporary tattoos.
SpooKiki Ball at Untitled: Artist Takeover | Denver Art Museum Events ↗
Location & Google Maps
Denver Art Museum — Hamilton Building and Martin Building; main Ball at Sturm Event Pavilion, Martin Building
100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, CO 80204
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.