Faith, Fellowship and History Come Alive at Mt. Olivet’s Upcoming ‘Night at the Cemetery’ Events

(Photo by Neil McDonough)

Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of Colorado (CFCS) is once again opening the gates of Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery after hours for two unique evenings that combine faith, fellowship and a living encounter with the history of the Church in Northern Colorado.

This year’s Night at the Cemetery for middle and high school students will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 17 and Sept. 24 at Mt. Olivet in Wheat Ridge. The Brew Night at the Cemetery for adults aged 21 years and above will be held on Friday, Sept. 19 and Sept. 26.

These popular events invite guests to walk the sacred grounds of the cemetery at sunset and “meet” costumed actors portraying some of the region’s most inspiring Catholic figures — bishops, priests, religious sisters and lay faithful whose lives helped shape the Church in Colorado, as well as popular saints with ties to Colorado.

By sharing the stories of these faithful witnesses, CFCS hopes to deepen participants’ appreciation of the Communion of Saints and to highlight the hope of the Resurrection that lies at the heart of Catholic teaching on death and eternal life.

Night at the Cemetery offers a family-friendly experience that blends storytelling, history and prayer. Groups are led by lantern light through the cemetery, stopping at various gravesites to hear first-person accounts from the “saints” who rest there. The evening ends with refreshments and an opportunity for fellowship.

Brew Night at the Cemetery features the same walking tour with historical portrayals but adds a social gathering with local craft beer afterward, making it an ideal event for adults and parish groups looking for an engaging and meaningful night out.

These evenings focus on faith, not fear. The tours invite guests to learn about those who have gone before us, to be inspired by their example and to remember that the cemetery is ultimately a place of hope because of Christ’s victory over death.

Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, founded in 1892, is one of the most historic and beautiful Catholic cemeteries in the western United States. It serves as the final resting place for tens of thousands of Catholics, including many who played pivotal roles in the Church’s growth in Colorado. Walking its tree-lined paths at night offers a different perspective on the sacred space, helping visitors reflect on the reality of eternal life and the call to holiness for every Christian.

Space for both events is limited, and they regularly sell out. Guests are encouraged to RSVP early to secure their preferred date.

Night at the Cemetery (Sept. 17 & 24) is open to all ages, while Brew Night at the Cemetery (Sept. 19 & 26) is reserved for adults 21 and over. Both begin at 7 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 12801 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge.

In a culture that often avoids talking about death, Night at the Cemetery and Brew Night at the Cemetery offer a refreshing — and ultimately joyful — reminder that for Christians, the grave is not the end. As guests hear the stories of those who have gone before them in faith, they are reminded of the promise that unites the living and the dead: “If we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him” (Romans 6:8).

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To reserve your spot or learn more about these events, visit cfcscolorado.org/events/night-at-the-cemetery or call CFCS at 303-502-9179.