Halloween Event Roundup

Celebrate fall fun at the Houston Zoo with Zoo Boo. (Photo: Stephanie Adams/Houston Zoo) 

The great thing about Houston is that there is always something going on. This October, you can celebrate Halloween all month long with fun, family-friendly events of all sorts. Whether you want to trick or treat, watch Halloween movies, or visit a petting zoo (who knew this counted as a Halloween activity?!), we have you covered. 

Oct. 11-13; Oct. 18-20; Oct. 25-27: Zoo Boo @ Houston Zoo
Zoo Boo, the Houston Zoo’s annual weeks-long Halloween celebration, is fun for all ages. Costumes are encouraged. In addition to the usual fun, the zoo will have a pumpkin patch, stamps, photo opportunities, a maze and music from a live DJ. 

Oct. 12-31: Halloween Grosstopia @ Children’s Museum of Houston
All October, the CMH is hosting interactive kid-friendly activities and workshops. Kids are encouraged to come in costume and trick-or-treat at the museum. There will be opportunities to make slime, pretend to be a zombie, and dance to spooky music, too! 

Oct. 14: Movie Night: Halloween Town @ Axelrad
Free admission, 21+. Movie starts at sundown… spooky! 

The West University Place Parks & Recreation Department will host the seventh annual Full Moon Fest celebration at the Colonial Park Pavilion, Friday, Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 18: Full Moon Fest @ Colonial Park
From 5:30-7 p.m., enjoy facepainting, a bounce house, pumpkin decorating, game and activity booths, an inflatable obstacle course, a costume contest (only for residents with advanced registration required), and the movie A Dog’s Way Home (rated PG) starting at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the City of West University Place Parks & Recreation. 

Oct. 19: Pumpkins and Pilsners @ The Square at Memorial City
From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., enjoy food, wine, beer, a pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, and live entertainment, all benefiting the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas. 

Oct. 19: ArBOOretum @ Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
ArBOOretum is an event featuring animals, pumpkin decorating, and a trick or treat nature trail. Guests can expect food trucks, train rides, live reptiles and ponies, a petting zoo, and facepainting. Members of the Arboretum get in free, and non-member tickets are $20 for ages 3 and up. 

Oct. 19: Movie in the Woods @ Magnolia Garden Park
If you’re looking for creepy Halloween movie vibes, this is the setup for you. “Movie in the Woods” is an outdoor movie experience. Buy your tickets early, bring your blankets and chairs, and sit back for a showing of Hocus Pocus (in the woods!). 

Oct. 19: 9th Annual Houston Halloween Fest @ W 19th Street
The Houston Halloween Fest benefits the Too Ghoul for School education fund. From 5-10 p.m. in the Heights, enjoy live music, vendors, food trucks, a kids zone, a costume contest, and more. Free for kids and a $10 donation for others. 

Oct. 19: Silent Disco: Halloween Edition @ Revention Music Center
A silent disco features multiple DJs and headphones that allow you to tune in to what ever DJ’s music you’d like to listen to. Dance along with all your friends, each of you listening to whatever music you like. Also featuring a costume contest and drink specials. Check out my October concert article for more live music ideas!

Oct. 19-20: Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival @ Nature Discovery Center
Join your Bellaire neighbors at a pumpkin patch with festival games, horse-drawn wagons, bounce houses, obstacle courses, food trucks, and snow cones. There will also be vendors selling fall themed-items in addition to a photographer available for family photos. 

Oct. 20: Symphonic Spooktacular @ Miller Outdoor Theatre
Sit out on the hill (in costume, of course!) while enjoying the nice weather and creepy music, courtesy of the Houston Symphony. 

Oct. 24: The Great Pumpkin Hunt @ Bellaire Parks and Recreation
At 4 p.m., kids 10 and under can enjoy candy, prizes, and pumpkin hunting. The hunt starts at 4:30, and there will be facepainting, live music by The Lost Boys, popsicles, and a moonwalk after. Free admission!

Celebrate Halloween at Scream on the Green with games, prizes, a costume contest and more. (Photo: Katya Horner)

Oct. 25: Scream on the Green @ Discovery Green
Discovery Green’s annual Scream on the Green will feature a costume contest, games, prizes, a movie, “scary-oke,” fortune tellers, living statutes, music, and candy! The costume contest has several categories and age groups, so don’t be scared to enter, no matter your age or idea!

Oct. 26: Halloween Bash! @ Heights Bier Garten
The HBG (which is dog and kid friendly!) is hosting a party with live music, a photo booth, and costume prizes!

Oct. 26: 9th Annual Mini Monster Mash @ Saengerfest Park (Galveston)
If you’re in Galveston the weekend before Halloween, stop by this kid-friendly party featuring trick or treating, face painting, games, crafts, and a costume contest. 

Oct. 26: Halloween Classic Car Show @ National Museum of Funeral History
Did you even know this existed? This year’s theme is “Heroes and Villains.” The event features over 150 classic cars (including hearses!), music, local vendors, and kids activities. Entry is $10 for individuals or $15 for couples and families. 

Oct. 27: Who R U? Menil Children’s Costume Party @ Menil Park
At this dual costume party/museum fundraiser, you can expect bounce houses, bungee jumping, a petting zoo, drinks, food, camel rides, music, and more. Don’t forget to buy tickets ahead of time!

Oct. 26: 13th Annual Montrose Halloween Crawl
Check the Facebook link for the schedule and a list of participating bars. Costumes are a must! Drink specials are all abound. 

On Halloween night, CITYCENTRE will offer children and parents the opportunity to prowl the district for tasty treasures during a district-wide trick-or-treat followed by a monster mash under the stars.

Oct. 31: Halloween Trick-or-Treat @ CityCentre
Trick-or-treat to your heart’s delight all around CityCentre, then join all your friends back at the main square for a monster mash! Look for balloons at participating restaurants and shops, then stop in for some candy!

Oct. 31: Monster Mash Halloween Spooktacular @ XFinity Fireplace at Memorial City
Trick or treat at spots around the mall and then join together for a dance party! Event is from 5-7 p.m.  

Oct. 31: Movies at Miller: Night of the Living Dead @ Miller Outdoor Theatre
Spend your Halloween watching one of the most classic Halloween movies - for free! Movie starts at 7:30 p.m. 

Editor's Note: See our guide to Halloween-themed sweets around town.