October 31st is approaching fast! Break out the popcorn and scary movies – or, if you’d prefer, come hang out at one of Houston’s Halloween-themed events. These outings are all treats and no tricks, so come as you aren’t and have a spooky blast!
Boos and Brews in the Heights
When: Thursday, October 27th, 5 PM – 9 PM
Where: 19th Street in the Heights
What: Walk along 19th Street for free goodies for adults and kids, delicious deals, and an early peek at your neighbors’ costumes. Don’t forget your treat bags – sponsors and shop owners will be giving away candy to celebrate Halloween.
Local breweries will also be serving their own treats as part of the festivities. Buy the limited edition 19th Street pilsner glass for $20 to gain access to complimentary pours of some of the Heights’ most popular brews. They sell fast, so be sure to order early. Here’s who to keep an eye out for:
- Karbach Brewing Company *
- New Magnolia Brewing
- Saint Arnold Brewing Company
- Eureka Heights Brew Company
- SpindleTap Brewery
- 8th Wonder Brewery
- Brazos Valley Brewing Company
- 11 Below Brewing Company
(* Come grab some Karbach at Circa Real Estate!)
If you’re concerned about drinking on an empty stomach, it’s worth knowing that the restaurants on 19th Street will continue serving meals. Take a break from the celebration to refuel with dinner or an appetizer.
Get your costume ready. It’s going to be a great time!
Zoo Boo
When: The entire month of October, 9 AM – 5 PM (last entry at 4 PM). Hours extended to 8:30 PM (last entry at 7 PM) on Fridays.
Where: Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030
What: In October, Houston Zoo transforms into a spooky wonderland. Dress up as your favorite ghoul, then check out the Giant Pumpkin presented by LyondellBasell and creative carved pumpkins sponsored by Frost Bank. The Pumpkin Lantern Tunnel between the lions and tiger exhibits is a must-see, and the zoo even has a haunted merry-go-round. There are also periodic dance parties at the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo after hours!
Halloween in the Hangar at Lone Star Flight Museum
When: Saturday, October 22nd, 10 AM – 5 PM
Where: Lone Star Flight Museum, 11551 Aerospace Avenue, Houston, TX 77034
What: Lone Star Flight Museum’s hangars will transform into a spooky space perfect for kids and adults. Trick-or-treat among the planes until 1 PM, enjoy an all-day scavenger hunt, participate in craft activities, and explore the museum’s 130,000 square feet of haunted space. General admission is $18, $15 for ages 12 to 17, $12 for kids ages 12 and under who do not wear a costume, and free for kids ages 12 and under who dress in a costume.
Karbach Brewing Monster Mash Run
When: Saturday, October 29th, events beginning at 7:30 AM
Where: Karbach Brewing Company, 2032 Karbach Street, Houston, TX 77092
What: Cheer on runners or run yourself in this 5K, 10K, Kids K/Family Walk event. There is a trick-or-treat station at the half-way point of the kids’ course, and a treat bucket is provided. How’s that for motivation? All runners receive a Monster Mash medal and uni-sex T-shirt. After the event, enjoy music, food, and drinks at Karbach. Costumes welcome!
Halloween Monster Mayhem at Children’s Museum Houston
When: October 11th to 29th with selected dates for special events
Where: Children’s Museum Houston, 1500 Binz Street, Houston, TX 77004
What: Explore the magic and mystery that’s brewing at Children’s Museum Houston. Participate in bone-chilling experiments, wander through the museum in search of goodies, and check out the museum’s trick-or-treat quests. You may want to plan your trip to align with one of the museum’s fangtastic special events, such as a performance by the Texas Six Steppers, a dancing dog show with a festive twist. Who knows? You may even want to attend more than once!
Hike, Bike, and Fright Fest at M-K-T
When: Saturday, October 29th, 4 PM – 9 PM
Where: M-K-T, 600 North Shepherd Drive, Houston, TX 77007
What: Beware: M-K-T’s schedule includes fun for all ages. From 4 PM – 7 PM, visitors can walk M-K-T’s free trick-or-treat trail, and from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM, there will be an interactive magic show and a singalong. Between 6 PM and 7 PM, learn a TikTok-worthy salsa dance featuring “Thriller” moves and watch a dance performance. Throughout the entire event, guests can shop over 40 local small businesses and take advantage of bewitching deals at shops and restaurants. Make sure your phone is charged for photo ops, and consider bringing your pup too – there will be a “Howl-o-ween” photo op by the trail!
Jack-o-lantern Jubilee at Market Square Park
When: Saturday, October 29th, 6 PM to 10 PM
Where: Market Square Park, 301 Milam Street, Houston, TX 77002
What: This extravaganza in Downtown features ghost tours with Nightly Spirits, giant pumpkin carving, and talented live bands. Of course, there will also be adult and kid-friendly trick-or-treating! While most of the event is free to attend, the ghost tours do have an associated fee and tickets must be reserved ahead of time. Choose between a kid-friendly historical tour and a 21+ tour that passes by some of Houston’s most haunted bars. All tours are roughly 1.5 hours long and include a commemorative drink sleeve and a glow bracelet or necklace. The 21+ tour stops at McIntyre’s and includes a celebratory spirit – a beverage, that is. Valid ID required.
Halloween Classic Car Show at National Museum of Funeral History
When: Saturday, October 29th, 10 AM to 3 PM
Where: National Museum of Funeral History, 415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston, TX 77090
What: Nothing says “freaky fun” like a car show at a museum dedicated to funeral history. Don your costume, bring your treat bag, and get ready to trunk-or-treat among some very festive classic cars. Admission is $10 per person or $15 per couple or family.
Have a happy Halloween, and save some candy for us!