Spooky season

Halloween in Houston: boat bashes, Dia de los Muertos, family fun, and spirited 21+ parties

Halloween weekend is upon Houston, and that means there's plenty of fun to scare up all over the city. Here are some of favorite spook-tacular findings.

Food and drink

Yelloween with Veuve Clicquot
a'Bouzy hosts its annual Halloween Sunday Funday on Sunday, October 29 with a host of Veuve Clicquot specials, including Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV for $62 a bottle and Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut Rosé for $152 a bottle. Costumes encouraged and reservations are recommended.

The Cursed Cauldron Pop-Up
Through October 31, this creepy incarnation takes root at Ninja Ramen, transporting guests to a realm of magic and mystery. Those who dare will find cocktails like Coven’s Calling, a blend of Aviation Gin, dry sherry, elderflower, sage, black pepper, lemon, and Fever Tree Tonic Water, and Freyja’s Cup, which blends Heaven’s Door Bourbon, strawberry, rose, honey, lemon, and Fever Tree Blood Orange Ginger Beer. The pop-up is located at 4219 Washington Ave., and offers "char-BOO-terie boards," along with other tricks and treats.

Día de los Muertos Mezcal Dinner at Xochi
The downtown restaurant marks the traditional Mexican celebration of the deceased on Wednesday, November 1, with a four-course seated dinner, created by Chef Hugo and Chef Ruben. Each course is paired with a Amaras cocktail. Expect items such as toasted masa pancake, braised beef cheeks, mole pasilla and blue masa triangular envelope stuffed with hoja santa , paired with a Xochirita, made with Amarás Verde Mezcal, orange liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, gusano salt, or bacon-wrapped quail, pasilla mixed sauce, chochoyotes paired with Ama Chocolate, a combination of Amarás Azul, chocolate wash, Pimm’s liqueur, cardamom, lime, agave. The cost is $110 per person. Tickets available online.

Parties and events

Punch Party
Kick off Halloween weekend at Rienzi with this 21+ party starting at 6 pm Friday, October 27. Guests can sip and savor English punch while exploring the museum's collection of 17th- and 18th-century European art, and enjoying the sounds of live music. The cost is $65 per person. Buy tickets on the MFAH website.

Spooky Karaoke
Finn Hall hosts this frighteningly fun evening of karaoke on Friday, October 27 from 9 pm to midnight with host Mathis Jones. Enter the “Spook Eazy” at Swallow’s Nest for bewitching decorations, live music, and specialty cocktails.

7th Annual Night at the Haunted Mansion
On Saturday, October 28at 8 pm, Chapman and Kirby completely transforms into a hauntingly delightful space, perfect for celebrating Halloween in style. Spooky decorations, eerie music, DJs, Halloween-themed cocktails, and a Trick-or-Treat Bar highlight the festivities. Costumes are required, and guests have the opportunity to win exciting prizes. The event is free, but registration online is requested.

Boos on the Bayou
Moody Gardens celebrates Halloween with 21+ only cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel on Saturday, October 28. There's a costume contest, DJ and dancing, light bites, some spooky treats, and each guest will receive two drink tickets. The cruise sets sail at 9 pm. More information here.

"Thriller" Halloween Bash
The Moran CityCentre hosts this celebration of the iconic Michael Jackson hit, complete with Level One Band, an MJ cover band. The fun starts at Fireside on Saturday, October 28 at 7 pm, and there's a costume contest, with prizes including a stay at the hotel. The first 50 guests get a Tito's Vodka swag bag. Tickets are $25. Reserve online.

FestiFall at Wooster's Garden
On Sunday, October 29, the Midtown gathering spot hosts this party from 4 pm to 10 pm. featuring a costume contest, food trucks, shopping pop ups, raffle prizes, games, a DJ, and live music

URBE Día de los Muertos Fiesta
On the heels of Halloween comes the Day of the Dead, the traditional Mexican celebration that honors the deceased and welcomes their spirits back to earth to visit friends and family. On Thursday, November 2 from 6 pm to 9 pm, the Uptown street food fave closes for dinner service to host this blow out, where guests can sample Chef Hugo’s street food with interactive stations, custom cocktails, music, a face painter, festive decorations, and even prizes for the best dressed. The cost is $75 per person. Purchase online.

Family fun

Halloween Spooktacular for Kids
On Saturday, October 28, the Houston Symphony invites families to Jones Hall. Guests can dress in their favorite spooky costumes and enjoy as an orchestra full of costumed musicians perform chilling tunes from beloved films including Harry Potter, Wednesday, Coco, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Lobby activities include trick-or-treating and an Instrument Petting Zoo, where kids can try instruments from the orchestra. Two outings are offered, at 10 a.m and 11:30 am. Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased online.

Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade and Costume Contest at Levy Park
Perfect for the whole family, this festival starts with a pup parade around the park at 4 p.m. on October 29, followed by the costume contest. Categories include Spooky Season (anything fall or Halloween related), From the Screen (any character or theme from TV or movies), and Best Ensemble (must include three or more people and/or dogs in coordinating costumes). Pooch owners register here. The event is free.

CityCentre’s 11th Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat
Kids and adults alike will love strolling around the shopping district for this safe trick-or-treat experience. Trick-or-Treating is Monday, October 30 from 5 pm-7 pm, followed by music and performances by the Real Witch Wives of Houston at 7 and 7:30 pm. Participating merchants will be identified with balloons, including lululemon, The Moran, Seasons 52, Bowl & Barrel, Lily Rain, RA Sushi, Tecovas, and more. Bring a bucket or bag to collect the sweets.

Kids Eat Free at Cyclone Anaya's
Children under 12 who come dressed in costume to any Cycle Anaya's location on Halloween, October 31, will receive a free meal. Adults in costume get a free order of queso.

Houston Symphony

At the Houston Symphony's Halloween Spookacular for Kids, there will be an Instrument Petting Zoo in the lobby. Kids and families are encouraged to come in costume and hear the orchestra play selections from Harry Potter, Wednesday, Coco, and more.

Dia de los Muertos 2025

20 Houston Dia de los Muertos celebrations with music, food, and more

Courtesy of Discovery Green

Discovery Green's Dia de los Muertos celebration takes place this Sunday, November 2.

Houstonians have myriad Halloween offerings to celebrate that spooky night. But many people are also psyched about Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, where Houstonians honor their loved ones that are no longer with us. But it’s also a time to celebrate Latin culture, enjoy live music and dancing, and snack on some pan de muerto (translation: bread of the dead).

Here’s a rundown of Dia de los Muertos-related events happening all over the city this weekend:

Friday

Over at Trebly Park, enjoy a free outdoor screening of Coco under the stars. You can also enjoy pre-movie fun with character meet-and-greets, free face painting, popcorn, and candy. 6 pm.

Saturday

Azteca’s Farmer’s Market will celebrate Dia de los Muertos with ballet folklorico dancers, music, a fashion show, art displays and much more. The ofrenda will be open for all to see and you can bring a photo of your loved ones to place on the altars. Noon.

Casa Ramirez FOLKART Gallery will have a procession and reception, honoring the departed with respect, warmth, ceremony, art, performance and a touch of humor. Traditional refreshments, including tamales and pan de muerto, will be served. 5:30 pm.

Children’s Museum Houston will be transformed into a Land of the Dead. Step into a celebration bursting with vibrant marigolds, dazzling sugar skulls, and meaningful traditions. Experience Mexican culture through storytelling and dance that bring Día de los Muertos to life. 9 am.

Over at City Place, enjoy live music, special photo moments, an Azteca indigenous dance performance, along with other pop-up craft activations. Stroll through a curated Día de los Muertos mercado, contribute to a 360 community altar, and more surprises. 2 pm.

FR33DOM will host “NEON DE LOS MUERTOS TRIFECTA,” the third annual Day of the Dead EDM celebration. They will have over 10 vendors with arts, crafts, ravewear, food, drinks, sugar skull face painters, and three warehouses with different music and immersive art. 8 pm.

Multicultural Education & Counseling through the Arts (MECA) will have its two-day Día de Muertos Festival. From Danza Azteca Macuixochitl, Duo Menil, Los Regioñarios to Vanessa y Banda La Garita, Danza Folklorico de Solei, the lineup is packed with incredible performances celebrating culture and community. 11 am.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will have a punch party at Rienzi. Explore the grounds and the art collection while enjoying a time-honored blend of spirits, citrus, sugar, and spices. Masquerade attire and Día de los Muertos makeup are encouraged. 6:30 pm.

Numbers’ Underworld Monthly Bash will salute Dia de Los Muertos with the Women of the Underworld: DJ Cyberina Flux, DJ Pthalo, and DJ Mina. Cover is $10 (over 21) and $15 (under 21). $5 off if you come in your Dia de los Muertos best creation. 9 pm.

St. Bernard’s Pub will celebrate with a Dia de los Muertos/Halloween show featuring live performances from The Skatastrophics, Palookas, Dubtrine, and DJ Bobbydust. Costumes are welcome, of course. 8 pm.

Under the Volcano’s Day of the Dead shindig will feature DJ Felipe Galván spinning a mix of cumbia, reggae, mambo, jump blues, ska, rockabilly, soul, & punk. Enjoy delicious pan de muertos while honoring this special tradition. 6 pm.

Verde Garden will be celebrating all weekend long with face painting, folklorico dancers, live mariachi performances, live DJs, festive photo opportunities, food and drink specials, and more. There will also be a market, a mechanical bull and flower bouquet-making. 7 pm.

The Westin at the Woodlands’ Como Social Club will have a party with refined shareables —mini quesadillas, salsa y escabeche, and guacamole con chicharrones—alongside crafted cocktails. Raise a glass to recuerdos, sabor, and good company. 8 pm.

Wonky Power will honor the spirits through a free night of goth, darkwave, rock en español, and cumbia sounds that move between worlds. The late-night market will feature art, fashion, and local vendors — all under the glow of the altar. 8 pm.

Sunday

Axelrad will have a free Dia De Los Muertos tribute on its new festival stage, with live sets from Los Skarnales, King Baby, Indaskies, & Phil Lerma. There will be food trucks and plenty of live vendors, courtesy of Tulip’s Market. 1 pm.

Discovery Green begins its celebration with a procession led by Danza Azteca Macuilxochitl, followed by the Catrín y Catrinas Parade. At sunset, there will be a concert by the Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus and a tribute concert curated by Nick Gaitan. 3 pm.

Forest Park Lawndale will have an afternoon filled with tradition, culture, and celebration. We’re talking about folklorico dancers, a Selena tribute, food & merchandise vendors, music, raffles, lotería & much more. Noon.

Historic Hollywood Cemetery will have a community celebration with a community ofrenda, live music, food and drinks, a vendor market, and family activities. You can also explore the historic property and learn about the cemetery’s history. 10 am.

Karbach Brewing Co. will have a full day of music, dance, and tradition. The day will include a Catrina fashion show, ballet folklórico, a car show featuring lowriders & classic rides, and exclusive event glassware (available while supplies last). 11 am.

Tago will welcome Caférreo for a celebration of coffee, music, and Latin culture. They will also host the Don Julio Truck at 2 pm, where guests can enjoy handcrafted Don Julio cocktails, festive photo moments, and half-off all Don Julio cocktails. 11 am.

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