Halloween in Houston means there’s tons of fun things to do. Whether you’re looking for spooky, family or pet-friendly fun, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. Now that October is here, check out these nine Houston Halloween events to keep you busy throughout the month. Snag your vintage clothes and accessories out of storage to get in the spirit!
Learn About Houston’s Spooky History
Discover Houston Tours’ Ghost Walk
Houston is not one of the spookiest cities in the country, according to Sandra Lord, owner of Discover Houston Tours and its famed Ghost Walks, but it certainly has a variety of spooky urban legends and scary true tales of deceased Houstonians.
“Houston is a modern city, whereas cities like New Orleans and NYC are older,” Lord states.
Lord started Discover Houston Tours nearly 30 years ago, and the company has conducted more than 5,000 tours for visitors from around the world. The company also hosts Ghost Walks each October since 1999 in Houston’s downtown Historic District.
These 90-minute walking tours share stories at local historic sites that have become annual favorites. Some of these include Houston’s most haunted building in downtown (Spaghetti Warehouse), site of the city’s first hotel built in 1837 (Floyd Hotel) and a confederate submarine that blew up at the end of the Civil War:
- Ghosts at Spaghetti Warehouse
- Confederate Submarine
- Barmaid’s Best Friend at The Brewery Tap
- The Donnellan Crypt
- Ghosts behind Floyd’s Hotel
Lord’s favorite ghost story is at The Brewery Tap on Franklin Avenue. The ghost of William, who was killed by beer barrels falling on him while working at Houston Ice & Brewing Company during Prohibition, talks to Lord and is “her buddy” during the Ghost Walks. William’s spirit saved the life of a barmaid 20 years ago.
National Museum of Funeral History
Another option for spooky fun is found at Houston’s National Museum of Funeral History, the largest museum of its kind in the United States. This local venue hosts a Halloween Haunted House geared to ages 12 and up. They feature special exhibits every month. This month, you can check out the New Funeral Artifact Collection. The National Museum of Funeral History is located about 15 minutes west of George Bush Intercontinental Airport at 415 Barren Springs.
Halloween Activities for Adults
Montrose Pub Crawl
For Houston party-goers, the Montrose Crawl combines a traditional pub crawl with the spirit of trick-or-treating. Thousands of people party along the Crawl making it the biggest Halloween event in Houston. The costumed crawlers visit a string of bars and restaurants along Westheimer in Montrose for food and drink specials plus prizes for best costume throughout the night. A portion of all drink sales during the event are donated to the Houston Area Women’s Center, the Montrose Crawl’s official charity. Uber is another partner to bring participants to and from the event safely! The Crawl is free to attend, and no reservations required!
Halloween Events for Kids
Got little ones who love to dress up and parade in their Halloween costume? Houston has a variety of kid-friendly options and free Halloween activities that go beyond neighborhood trick-or-treating. Some families like the safety of retail trick or treating while others enjoy church-sponsored Trunk or Treat events or fall festivals. Here are a few ways families can get in the spirit of Halloween:
Scream on the Green
Dubbed the city’s “official Halloween party,” Scream on the Green is a free annual event at Discovery Green Park downtown. Families can count on a citywide costume contest, free outdoor movie, music, prizes, and more. This is located at 1500 McKinney.
Hocus Pocus Pops Concert
Get in a festive mood at Hocus Pocus Pops Concert with the Houston Symphony. This free annual event is held outdoors at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, about 30 miles north of Houston. Kids (and their parents) who wear a costume can parade on stage during intermission! Grab a seat on the Great Pumpkin Express for a tour of The Pavilion’s haunted grounds.
Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival
Nature Discovery Center always does it big with Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival, a free two-day event in Bellaire. There are lots of options for family fun, food, kids’ games, wagon rides, and photo opps at the pumpkin patch. Admission is free with crafts and games an additional fee. Buy your pumpkin onsite with prices ranging from $3-$8.
Pet-Friendly Halloween Events
Don’t leave out your favorite pooch in the Halloween festivities! Houston offers plenty of Halloween-related activities for your four-legged friends.
Fall Festival
The Houston Humane Society hosts a Fall Festival each October for lots of family and pet-friendly fun! The day features free adoptions on select pets, a blessing of the animals, face painting, bounce house, kids’ and pet photos, trick or treat stations, pumpkin painting and more. This is located at 14700 Almeda.
Howl-O-Ween
Check out the 10th annual Howl-O-Ween event at Josey lake. Bring your furry friend and family along to enjoy the fall festivities like pumpkin picking and trick-or-treating. Headlining the main stage are The Canine Stars, a premier stunt dog show. While most activities are free, any proceeds collected will be donated among participating rescue groups.
Halloween Town
Sugar Land does it big with Halloween Town each year. Dress up in your best costume and head to Halloween Town! The contest is open to pets, toddlers, kids, and groups. All activities and games are free and open to the public at Sugar Land Town Square.
