Spooky things are happening this week. Here are my favorites for the days leading up to Halloween, a big idea to consider, and some ideas for those staying home. Enjoy!
Daily in Denton
While neighboring Grapevine has a stronghold on Christmas, Denton is now the self-proclaimed “Halloween Capital of Texas.” For a rundown of their 31 Days of Halloween happenings, visit DentonHalloween.com.
Fri, Oct 24
Burk Burnett Park (501 W 7th St, Fort Worth, 817-870-1692) will be the site of a family-film night with a special screening of Hotel Transylvania at 7pm. Free parking is provided on the upper floor of the First on 7th Garage (625 Burnett St, Fort Worth, 682-747-6991). There is no cost to attend, just bring your own blanket.
Saturdays thru Nov 15
Located on the grounds of Scarborough Renaissance Festival (I-35 at FM 66, Waxahachie, 972-938-3247), Screams Halloween Park has been open during the spooky season for the past 28 years. It was announced last winter that the 2024 season was to be its last. This fall, it’s set to reopen with a new concept called Scarborough’s Hollow: A Fall Fantasy Festival. Open Saturdays thru Nov 15 2pm-10pm (plus 5pm-midnight Halloween night), it’s “an unforgettable interactive journey through the enchanted Scarborough’s Hollow transformed by three fairy sisters and filled with magic, mischief, and Autumn wonder.” There will still be at least one haunted house to check out, but there will also be artisan shops, a funhouse, live entertainment, a petting zoo, and promises of seasonal fun with a touch of spooky delight. Tickets start at $17 for adults and $6 for kids. For tickets and times, activity reservations, and add-ons, visit SRFestival.com/hollow.
Sun, Oct 26
The Happy Pet Project, a Grapevine-based animal rescue organization, invites you to join them at Cicada Canines Howl-O-Ween Barket at The Cicada (1002 S Main St, Fort Worth, @The_Cicada_FTW). From 2pm to 6pm, meet some adoptable dogs while partaking in craft cocktails, food trucks, and shopping with local vendors. There is no cost to attend.
Another, more personal option for today for the death-obsessed is to do your own Cemetery Scavenger Hunt. TalkDeath (@TalkDeathDaily), an online hub for “death-conscious conversation,” is hosting one today. How does it work? Go to your favorite local cemetery around 1:15pm, wait for clues to be posted on their social media and website at 1:30pm, then explore the cemetery within 45 minutes, looking for monuments that match the clues. When you find a clue, take a selfie with it (include your hand or something to identify it as you in all photos), and upload your found clues to a form provided at TalkDeath.com. Winners will be announced an hour later. Prizes will be awarded to the first person who finds 13 clues. While there is no cost to participate, it’s worth noting that this group does a lot of work for nonprofits restoring old cemeteries that need refreshing.
Mon, Oct 27
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Fort Worth Botanic Garden (3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-463-4160) from noon to 5pm. There will be a Catrinas procession, live performances, and marigold displays. There is no cost to attend.
Tue, Oct 28
Maple Branch Craft Brewery (2628 Whitmore St, Fort Worth, 817-862-7007) is hosting Spooky Music Bingo at 7pm. There will be four rounds of bingo played to a soundtrack of favorite Halloween songs, and each round comes with prizes. There is no cost to attend.
Wed, Oct 29
Toro Toro (200 Main St, Fort Worth, 817-875-9895) is hosting Under the Moon, a dining experience that fuses Día de los Muertos with culinary expertise. From 5pm to 10pm, there’s a three-course meal by celebrity chef Richard Sandoval. The meal honors the connection between the spirit world and the living. There will also be a face painter, live music, and a special surprise performer. The cost is $150 per person. For reservations, call the restaurant.
Thu, Oct 30
Emerald City Lounge (937 Woodward St, Fort Worth, 817-238-3025), this year’s winner for Best Place to Buy CBD/THC in Best Of 2025, hosts “puff and paint” events most Thursdays. Today, the theme is Queen Catrina. Starting at 7pm, you can paint an 11×14 canvas or a ceramic sugar skull lantern that includes an LED tealight. The cost is $15 per person. Register at occ.sn/pmzb4kMQ.
Fri, Oct 31
Now is the time to decide. Do you go big or go home? For those looking for a big-time Halloween activity, the Vintage Flying Museum (505 NW 38th St, Ste 33S, Fort Worth, 817-624-1935) is the place to be. Starting at 8pm, Greatest Generation Aircraft, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping history alive, is hosting Halloween Flights on the Southern Cross (DC-3), which will be decorated for the occasion and taking flight for tours over North Texas. Tickets are $150 per person gga1.org/calendar with proceeds benefiting local veterans. Group discounts are available.
If you’re staying home, just remember: Those gangly, shy teenagers stopping by late and not wearing costumes made a choice to embrace a childhood tradition one last time before the adulting takes hold. Just be kind and turn over the candy.
