East Colfax BRT Arch Lift and Halloween Costume Party

East Colfax BRT Arch Lift and Halloween Costume Party

Published on October 29, 2025

DENVER - Denver's East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project continues to mark progress with the installation of more station arches, including one tomorrow night at Madison Street with a public viewing party and costume contest to commemorate the occasion. Co-hosted by the Bluebird Business Improvement District (BID), the event will include:

• Costume contest with prizes for "Best Colfax-Themed Costume" and "Best Overall Costume."
• Colfax businesses represented at vendor tables and through prizes.
• Live DJ and special drag host Felony Misdemeanor.
• Food & drinks provided by Mama Jo's, Bluebird BID, and the East Colfax BRT project team.

When: Thursday, October 30

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Arch lift expected: 8:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Mama Jo's Chicken, Biscuits, BBQ Parking Lot, 3525 E. Colfax Avenue

Note: Colfax Avenue will be closed between Cook and Monroe streets in both directions for a crane to occupy the roadway and install the arch. Parking is available on side streets.

A second arch will be installed later in the evening on October 30 at Franklin Street with a watch party from 10 p.m. to midnight hosted by Colfax Ave BID and the Lavender Hill Cultural District at Tight End Bar (1501 E. Colfax Ave.)

Arch lift parties are part of a multi-faceted approach to support East Colfax businesses during BRT construction and encourage community members to eat, drink, shop and play throughout the corridor as part of theWe Back the Fax campaign.

More on the arches:

The station arches are a key design element for future BRT stops and have already become a prominent feature along the corridor. The first arch was installed on May 6, 2025, on the eastbound BRT station platform at East Colfax Avenue and Franklin Street. There will be 32 arches in total, lining East Colfax Avenue from Broadway to I-225. Each steel arch stands 21 feet tall and is 87 feet long. They are designed to be easily seen and recognized from a distance, serving as a distinctive marker for the BRT stations. Functionally, the arches will provide a canopy for comfort and shade for transit riders, protecting them from the elements. The BRT stations will also feature passenger information displays with real-time transit information, enhanced fare collection systems that allow for payment prior to boarding, and level, multi-door boarding that improves accessibility and the speed of the boarding process.

About Mama Jo's: Mama Jo's is a new business on Colfax. They serve Carolina-style BBQ, biscuit sandwiches, and classic Southern favorites - all made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients and family recipes. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared each day. For those craving true Southern comfort food, you'll find us right here in the heart of Denver. For more information, visittheir website.

About Bluebird BID: A distinctly urban neighborhood emerging from a colorful and gritty past, the BID is an eclectic business and entertainment district at the center of historic Colfax where edgy meets entrepreneurial and independent meets community. The neighborhoods on and along Colfax Avenue have seen struggles, and success, because of the dense urban mix inherent in their design. The Bluebird District has succeeded in overcoming many of these challenges, creating an environment that welcomes populations of families and neighbors during the day and draws visitors to the entertainment destinations during the evening. Named after the historic Bluebird Theatre that anchors the district, it is one of the most recognizable areas of Colfax. More information is available onBBID's website.

About East Colfax BRT

The East Colfax BRT project spans from Broadway to the R Line at Colfax and I-225 and will provide high-frequency transit service with dedicated bus lanes and enhanced rider amenities. Construction began in 2024, and service is expected to begin operating in 2027. For additional information visit denvergov.org/ColfaxBRT

• Press release
• Transportation and Infrastructure