Halloween in Houston: A City-Wide Celebration
Halloween in Houston is much more than fun-sized candy bars and the ever-controversial candy corn — it’s quickly becoming one of the city’s biggest celebrations. We’ve already shared one roundup of Houston spots casting a spell this season, but there are even more ways to get your witch on. Read on for a variety of activities, both family-friendly and 21+ only.
Family-Friendly Fun
From now through November 2, Big Rivers Waterpark and Adventure is hosting Pumpkins after Dark, a family-friendly event that includes live pumpkin carving by experts, a “Monster Maze” to explore, and Houston-area food trucks dishing out food and drink. Tickets ($19 youth, $23 adults) include access to the amusement park’s rides. On Sunday, October 26, Gazpacho’s is inviting proud dog parents to bring their dressed-up pups to the Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade. The hair-raising fun continues on Halloween night with a party and loteria beginning at 7 pm.
Spooky Eats and Treats
Ben Berg’s whimsical diner, Buttermilk Baby, is whipping up two spooky soft serve treats. Stop by from now until October 31 to sample the Graveyard Delight — chocolate soft serve with Oreo crumbs, gummy worms, and whipped cream — or the Monster Mash Dasher, a vanilla soft serve with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Peanut Butter Sauce, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles. Both are priced at $9 for a 12 ounce and $10 for a 16 ounce. Craft Pita is spicing up October with its limited edition "Scary Habanero" hot sauce, available at both locations for $10.
Murder Mystery and Masquerade
The Harlow District’s European-inspired tea house, Emma Jane, is transforming into the Paris Opera House for a murder mystery dinner. ‘Masquerade of Shadows’ invites patrons to don masks and play a character role in an interactive, three-course murder mystery dinner. Prizes will be awarded for best detective and best costume. Tickets are $125 a person, with “Masquerade of Shadows” occurring on October 26 at 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
Haunted Happenings
Betelgeuse Betelguese’s gothic tiki bar speakeasy, Endless Bummer, is being haunted this October. The Haunted Luau has taken over Endless Bummer, along with creepy cocktails like the Be Still My Heart, with spiced rum, dark rum, 151, crème de cassis, fresh blackberry, simple, lemon, and soda. Reservations can be made online. On Halloween night, The Fancy at Hotel Lucine is launching “Fancy After Dark,” a once-a-month happening that promises drag shows, burlesque, raw bar specials, and late-night snacks.
Movie Nights and Games
North Italia – The Woodlands is screening “Hocus Pocus” at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, October 29, with yard games, themed coloring sheets, and samples of North Italia’s new salted caramel budino. Puttshack is offering a $9 after 9 pm (for 9 holes) deal, paired with its Frankenstein’s Monster cocktail of tequila, cotton candy syrup, passion fruit, lime juice, and a black salt rim. Rooftop Cinema Club is hosting a triple feature of “Halloweentown,” “Hocus Pocus,” and “Halloween” on October 31, starting at 4 pm.
Dia de los Muertos Celebrations
Toca Madera is hosting a weekend dedicated to Dia de los Muertos, with handcrafted, signature cocktails and live music from October 31-November 2. Zanti Cucina Italiana – River Oaks is offering a Spooky Cocktail Tree boasting either five or 12 beverages, including the Phantom Fog and Wicked Whiskey, through October 31.
Conclusion
Halloween in Houston is a city-wide celebration that offers something for everyone. From family-friendly fun to spooky eats and treats, murder mystery and masquerade, haunted happenings, movie nights, and games, there’s no shortage of excitement in the city. Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or a fun activity for the whole family, Houston has got you covered. So put on your best costume and get ready to celebrate Halloween in style!
