October in Houston has a certain electricity. The heat finally loosens its grip, the sunsets deepen, and every street seems to sprout cobwebs, jack-o’-lanterns, and the faint echo of “Monster Mash.” Here, Halloween isn’t a single day — it’s a month-long festival of lights, thrills, music, and spooky moments. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly Halloween in Houston or looking for 21+ Halloween parties and bar crawls, this guide has everything you need.
👉 Pro tip: parking can be tricky near big venues like the Zoo, Discovery Green, and the Museum District. Check out our Houston Event Parking Guide for insider tips before heading out.
When: September 26 – October 31
Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:00 p.m.)
Extended Nights: Sept 26; Oct 3, 10, 17–19, 23–24, 26–30 (open until 9:30 p.m., last entry 8:00 p.m.)
Tickets: Included with general admission (from $29.95 adults / $24.95 children; free for members)
See tickets & details
Zoo Boo is Houston’s longest-running family Halloween event. Daytime brings a Pumpkin Lantern Tunnel, the Scary-Go-Round, animal encounters, and endless photo ops. On select nights, the Zoo transforms after dark with glowing trails, s’mores by the fire, a spooky forest, ghost town, and the brand-new PhantomScape light installation. Costumes are encouraged.
When: October 25
Where: National Museum of Funeral History
Tickets: TBA (typically $5–$10 for kids, $10–$15 adults)
Event info
Picture rows of vintage cars dressed to kill — skeleton passengers, coffin trunks, and eerie displays. Trick-or-treat stations keep the kids busy while adults admire polished chrome under the watchful eyes of grim reapers.
When: October (2025 theme is Kpop Demon Hunters)
Where: PopFancy Dessert Bar, Bellaire
Tickets: Free entry, themed treats available for purchase
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Each year, PopFancy becomes something new — from zombie apocalypse zones to wizarding alleys. Expect over-the-top décor, themed desserts, and plenty of cosplay photo ops.
When: October 28, evening
Where: Buffalo Bayou
Tickets: ~$45 per person
Book here
This one-and-a-half-hour evening cruise mixes Houston history with eerie legends. Guided by Andrew Groocock, you’ll drift past shadowy banks and under bridges as ghost stories and folklore come to life.
Want more cultural stops? Browse our Houston museum guide for free entry days and seasonal exhibits.
When: October 31
Where: Uptown Houston
Tickets: from $19.50
See schedule
Spend Halloween night under the stars with screenings of Wicked, The Conjuring, Hocus Pocus, and more. With the Houston skyline twinkling behind the screen, this open-air cinema is equal parts cozy and spooky.
Here’s your at-a-glance guide to the biggest Houston Halloween events 2025. Bookmark it, share it, and plan ahead:
November brings holiday markets, dazzling parades, and the start of the festive season. See what’s next in our November events guide.
