From the recent release of The Life of a Showgirl to the frogs of Portland, this year’s array of Halloween costumes is sure to be inspired by current events. Even if you’re not a joiner, do some people-watching at some great spooky-season parties around town. Here are some hot spots to consider.
Friday, October 24, 2025
Kick off your Halloween early with a movie night at TX Whiskey Ranch (2601 Whiskey Ranch Rd, Fort Worth, 817-840-9140). From 6pm to 9pm, there will be an outdoor screening of the 2003 remake of the horror classic Texas Chainsaw Massacre, in which a group of young travelers come across an isolated rural home while driving through Texas. Unfortunately for them, the decrepit house is the residence of a family of deranged backwoods killers, most notably the hulking masked brute Leatherface, who begins to hunt the stranded youths. Will any of the friends survive the nightmarish ordeal? Bring your own blankets and chairs and find out. There will be a food truck on-site selling snacks and a tarot card reader available for complimentary sessions. Admission to this 21+ event includes the movie and your first cocktail. Tickets are $10 at TXWhiskey.com. Doors open at 6pm, and the movie starts at 7pm sharp.
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Head back to TX Whiskey Ranch for its annual Costumes & Cocktails event. From noon to 5pm, there will be complimentary axe-throwing by Fort Worth Axe Factory, plus a DJ. Then at 3pm, there is a costume contest with lots of prizes, including the grand prize of a TX Whiskey barrel. (Must be present to win.) Tickets are $15 at TXWhiskey.com.
For the 10th year in a row, HopFusion Ale Works (200 E Broadway Av, Fort Worth, 682-841-1721) has made its seasonal Zombie Crack, and the release party is from noon to 11pm. This popular 10.48% stout was aged for months in bourbon barrels, then re-aged on honey-roasted pecans. Along with enjoying it on-site via drafts, to-go cans will be available. A limited run of themed glassware is also available while supplies last.
Martin House Brewing Company (220 S Sylvania Av, Ste 209, Fort Worth, 817-222-0177) is hosting its annual Booery Bash from noon to 5pm. This year’s theme is Super Mario Bros., so dress accordingly. The three costume contests — adults, animals, and kids — happen at 2:30pm by the patio stage. Along with the nearly 30 beers on tap, there will be four special beers while supplies last, including two that are Super Mario Bros. themed: Devo Chamber: Evolve (7% slushie) and Devo Chamber: De-Evolve (12% whiskey-based stout). Both are bangers. More info to come on that. Want to win some treats? Try your hand at the giant fishing wall out back. Throw a cast and see if you can catch a bite. Oh Balls! Food Truck will be on hand, plus there will be live music and a magician. For $25, you can purchase a wristband at the door that covers you on a souvenir glass and four 12-oz pours of any beers on the wall. The event is free for those not drinking.
What’s Up 817, a social club that frequents Fort Worth-centric businesses and events, is hosting Cowboys & Sundresses: A 30-and-Up Day Party from 4pm to 8pm at Tia’s on the Bluff (1301 E Bluff St, Fort Worth, 817-420-9000). Wear your best cowboy boots and favorite sundresses to say goodbye to summer in style. There is no cover charge, and the drink specials include $7 Crown-and-downs, $5 margaritas, and more. You can RSVP on Eventbrite.com.
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Altar Egos Social Club (Bit.ly/AltarEgosSocialClub) — a roaming pop-up group that brings celestial vibes, ritual toasts, and tarot reading to local nightclubs — is hosting the Fort Worth Witch’s Pub Crawl 6:30pm-10:30pm. Planned stops include the starting location of Hogan Alley (901 Houston St, Ste 102, Fort Worth, 817-484-4791), followed by visits to Basic Bar ( 904 Houston St, Fort Worth, @BasicBarFW), The Archibald Bar (902 Houston St, Fort Worth, 817-386-4762), and Refinery 714 at the Kimpton Harper Hotel (714 Main St, Fort Worth, 817-332-7200), plus a group photo stop in Sundance Square. There will be drink specials, signature cocktails, and toasts at each place. Witchy costumes are encouraged. There is no cost to participate, just pay your own tabs. And tip generously.
Friday, October 31, 2025
A night of underwater terror begins at 6pm at Tarantula Tiki Lounge (117 S Main St, Fort Worth, @Tarantula_Tiki). Haunted Grotto Under the Sea will feature a vendor market 6pm-10pm, plus live music by Daughters of Evil at 9pm, The S.S. Castaways at 8pm, and Prof. Fuzz 63 at 7pm. There is no cover for this 21+ event.
Martin House Brewing Company (220 S Sylvania Av, Ste 209, Fort Worth, 817-222-0177) is also hosting a Halloween vendor market. From 4pm to 10pm, Moonlit Markets, an event organizer specializing in open-air markets showcasing unique vendors selling artisanal goods, will be on the back patio with 60+ local makers, treats, and tricks. Costumes are definitely encouraged. There will be a costume contest, giveaways, and live music 6pm-10pm. Admission is free.
Daiquiri Lounge (7420 McCart Av, Ste 100, Fort Worth, 817-809-8423) is having its Halloween Bash from 9pm to 2am. DJ Crazy A is spinning tunes, and there will be a costume contest for cash prizes for first and second place. (Note: No masks allowed). There is a $5 cover, but parking is free.
Now thru Halloween
As chains go, regional favorite Pappasito’s Cantina is a good one. (Sue me. I like what I like.) The hubs and I frequent there on Wednesdays as they have an all-inclusive fajita deal that fits the budget and the taste budget quite nicely. When we hit the Arlington location for my birthday this year, I indulged in a slice of the best dessert I’ve ever had: their version of a Tres Leches cake. If we go again before the month’s end, I’m ordering a margarita and taking home a keepsake luchador mug. You must purchase food (check), you must be 21 years of age with valid ID (check, check), and all alcoholic beverages must be transported in a non-passenger compartment of your vehicle (passenger drinks, driver shuts his piehole — got it). Teetotalers, or anyone else for that matter, are welcome to purchase the mugs for $10 apiece.
