Melissa Henning
Audio By Carbonatix
Get your costumes ready: Halloween season in Dallas-Fort Worth is officially upon us.
Of course, the entire month of October has become engulfed in spooky season — lingering hot weather doesn’t stop the screams around here. If you prefer to catch horror classics on the big screen, or spend every single day of this month living out your own Halloweentown fantasy in Denton, the haunts aren’t in short supply. If you need help getting in the spooky spirit, try our playlist of unconventional Halloween-esque bangers.
Below, we’ve rounded up 16 of the best Halloween and Day of the Dead events happening across North Texas through the coming weeks. You’ll find festivities fit for all tastes – and tolerances for spookiness – from places to grab a cocktail in costume, to family-friendly fun for the kids.
Friday, October 31
Dallasites101 Chills & Thrills Halloween Party at House of Blues
2200 North Lamar St | 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Bring your best costume for Instagram giant Dallasites101’s fourth annual Halloween bash – prizes will be awarded across multiple categories. If you don’t see yourself taking home the win for trendiest costume, though, you’ll have a chance to redeem yourself in a mummy-wrapping contest and onstage karaoke. Entry is 18+, and general admission tickets are $20.
Día de los Muertos at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra
301 Flora St | 7:30 p.m.
Take a seat for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s annual Dia de Los Muertos concert. Though traditional Latin American music is the main event, you won’t want to miss the decorated ofrendas and other surprises in store. Award-winning ensembles Mariachi Los Unicos and Mariachi Lone Star will take the stage, too – the former is comprised of Dallas middle school students, while the adult members of Lone Star are all Greiner Middle School alumni. Tickets start at $37.
Joe Bob’s Spooktacular Indoor All-Night Halloween Jamboree at the Texas Theatre
231 Jefferson Blvd | 7 p.m. — 7 a.m.
When we say all night, we mean it: from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., enjoy five full-length horror movies, short films, a live spook show and costume contest at Oak Cliff’s iconic Texas Theatre. Purchase a VIP package for early entry and a photo with horror hosts Joe Bob and Darcy the Mail Girl themselves. This event is for ages 18 and up.
Nightmare on Main Street at The Village
5670 Village Glen Dr. | 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
The Village will transform its Over Under sports bar and La Mina underground restaurant into a true “Nightmare on Main Street,” complete with live music and custom themed cocktails. The highlight of the night, though, is the $1,500 costume contest, for which you can qualify by RSVPing. Bring your loudest group of friends – the winners will be selected by crowd decibel level. It’s free to RSVP, but additional drink packages are available for purchase. 21+.
Trick or Treat on Downtown Streets
1902 Main Street | 4 – 7 p.m.
Downtown Dallas Inc.’s seventh annual Halloween event presents the perfect opportunity for families to trick or treat with the city skyline as a stunningly spooky backdrop. Put on your silliest or spookiest costumes to enjoy live, family-friendly entertainment in Main Street Garden Park. Admission is free, though downtown parking is paid.
Masquerade Murder Mystery at Sheraton Dallas
400 North Olive Street | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
If your trick (or treat) involves something a little more stimulating, grab cocktail attire and a mask. The Sherton Hotel’s speakeasy-inspired lounge, The Parlor, is hosting a night to die for with an interactive murder mystery dinner reception Winners receive two tickets a mixology class at the hotel. This event is 21 and up – tickets are $60.
Horror Hotel at Waterproof at Statler Hotel
1914 Commerce St. | 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Spending Halloween poolside might not sound like the most obvious move, but let’s be real, what should always feel like the crux of fall sometimes feels like the sequel to summer in North Texas. So, on the chance that we’ll still be in shorts by the end of the month, Waterproof’s Horror Hotel party might be prescient. This event is 21 and up, and “costumes to impress” are encouraged. General admission is $20, but if you’re the fancy type, you can get VIP for $35 or reserve a cabana for $200.
The Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Locations vary | 4 p.m. – 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday
Your ticket to this two-day crawl includes two to three drinks or shots, access to exclusive food and drink specials (with no cover at all partner venues) and after-party entry. You choose whether you want to crawl in Deep Ellum or Lower Greenville. 21+. Mark yourself as “going” on Facebook so you don’t miss an update.
W Dallas Halloween Rooftop Masquerade Party
2440 Victory Park Ln | 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
This party might have the best views you’ll find all Halloweekend. Sitting 33 stories above the city, the W Dallas Hotel’s Altitude rooftop will be decked out with photo ops scored by Dallas’ scarily good DJs. Though party favors are complimentary for all, a VIP ticket gets you two hours of prepaid premium drinks and access to a private bar. 21+. General admission tickets start at $36.04.
Trick or Drink Halloween Bar Crawl
2818 Greenville Ave.
Candy is fun as a kid, but alcohol is often the true treat when it comes to Halloween. This bar crawl in one of the city’s few truly walkable neighborhoods hits favorites like Stan’s Blue Note, The Libertine and more. Registration starts at The Dubliner while the crawl itself runs from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. This one is for ages 21 and up, of course.
Saturday, November 1
Dia de Los Muertos Festival at the Latino Cultural Center
2600 Live Oak St | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This annual exhibition showcases beautiful altars paying tribute to the departed of local artists and community members. Local vendors, live music performers and arts & craft activities will also be on-site for perusal. Admission to this spirited celebration of remembrance is free and open to the public.
Glorias’ Nightlife Presents Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
5100 Belt Line Rd | 11 p.m.
“We’re thrilled to blend culture, music and nightlife in a way that embodies the spirit of Gloria’s,” Gloria’s co-owner Jose Fuentes says of this special event. Expect the vibrancy of music, sugar skulls and Catrina attire at this free event. Attendance is free, but you can reserve VIP tables with bottle service.
Day of the Dead at Scarborough’s Hollow
2511 FM-66, Waxahachie | 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
North Texans might have historically expected Halloween haunts from the Scarborough Fairgrounds when it was home to Screams Haunted House, but now, it’s taking on a new role as a larger Fall festival. Scarborough’s Hollow Fest will celebrate Dia De Los Muertos with an ofrenda memorial, Mariachi los Reyes de Dallas and performances by the Dunaway Elementary Baile Folkorico Club.
Dia de los Muertos at Dallas Farmers Market
920 S Harwood St.
A Saturday spent at the Dallas Farmers Market makes for an ideal weekend to begin with, but it’ll be even more festive on Nov.1 as there will be a slate of Day of the Dead activities. Live music, dance classes, activities for kids and a Catrina exhibition are just some of the ways you can enjoy this vibrant day of remembrance in downtown. This one is free and open to the public.
Ongoing
Boo! at Galleria Dallas
13350 Dallas Pkwy | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays
Check in… if you dare. Though the BooMont Hotel – “Boo!” for short – is located on the third floor of the Galleria, this immersive experience will transport you back a hundred years in time. Founded in 1901 by oil tycoon Rupert BooMont, a series of mysterious events led the hotel to close in 1925; as guests, you’ll get to investigate whether the rumors of hauntings hold any weight. With no gore in the hotel’s 13 public rooms and interactive spaces, it’s a kid-friendly outing, but check the event’s website for the adults-only schedule. Tickets start at $15 for kids 12 and under, and $25 for kids over 13 and adults.
Dark Hour Haunted House
701 Taylor Dr, Plano | 6:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. Fridays through Sundays
As DFW’s top-rated haunted house, Dark Hour is not for the faint of heart. During your 30-minute trek through the manor, you’ll meet creatures including spider-ish Corva Hyve, and child-eating witch, Hella Ween. Thrive off jumpscares? Extend the tour by purchasing a VIP ticket. Kids under 12 enter for $40, while adults are $50.
