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Here are six ways to spend your Halloween and Dia de los Muertos weekend in Houston | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 10:17 GMT by Houston Public Media

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A Spooktacular and Soul‑Soothing Season in Houston: Halloween and Día de los Muertos 2025

Houston’s autumn is poised to become a whirlwind of fright and festivity as the city’s calendar is packed with Halloween and Día de los Muertos events that promise to delight families, thrill thrill‑seekers, and honor rich Mexican heritage. According to the Houston Public Media’s 2025 events roundup, the city’s neighborhoods, parks, museums, and community centers will host an eclectic mix of haunted attractions, parades, art installations, and cultural celebrations that run through early October and into the end of the month.

1. Halloween Highlights

Discovery Green Haunted Night (October 28, 2025)

At the heart of downtown, Discovery Green’s “Haunted Night” turns the park into a living horror movie set. Visitors can stroll past “Creepy Carnival” stalls, ride the “Midnight Carousel” in its ghostly form, and take part in interactive “Zombie Escape Rooms” that weave through the park’s historic trees. Admission is free, but a small donation to the park’s Friends of Discovery Green fund is encouraged. For details on ticketed activities, the event’s page on the park’s official site provides a full schedule and a map of the haunted zones.

Houston Museum of Natural Science – “Spooky Science Nights” (October 29, 2025)

The Museum of Natural Science opens its doors for a two‑night “Spooky Science Nights” program. The 1:1 “Cave of Horrors” exhibit offers an interactive, sound‑and‑light experience that pairs paleontology with paranormal storytelling. The evening also features a “Blood Moon” planetarium show, live demonstrations of “Eerie Experiments,” and a midnight snack bar that serves “Creepy Cocktails.” Tickets can be purchased in advance via the museum’s online ticketing portal.

Sweeney’s Haunted Nights (October 27, 2025)

Sweeney’s, a long‑standing Houston institution known for its immersive haunted houses, opens its “Cursed Mansion” to a limited number of visitors. The experience involves a 1‑hour, 15‑minute walkthrough of a Victorian home overrun by specters and psychological twists. Tickets are sold on a first‑come, first‑served basis, with a waiting list available for those who miss the initial window.

Kids Haunted Nights at the Houston Zoo (October 30, 2025)

The Houston Zoo hosts a family‑friendly “Zoo Spooks” event where children can meet costumed animals, learn about “Spooky Biology,” and participate in a “Night‑time Safari” scavenger hunt. Free for children under 12, the event encourages families to experience the zoo after dark. The zoo’s website features a dedicated event page with a full itinerary and FAQs.

“Night of the Living Dead” Movie Screening (October 31, 2025)

Cinema Houston hosts a midnight screening of the classic horror film “Night of the Living Dead.” The event includes a pre‑movie Q&A with the film’s historian and a “Zombie Costume Contest” judged by a panel of local artists. Tickets are sold online, and the event page offers a synopsis of the film and behind‑the‑scenes trivia.

2. Día de los Muertos Celebrations

Día de los Muertos Parade – Memorial Park (October 30, 2025)

The iconic memorial park in downtown Houston hosts a festive parade celebrating the Mexican Day of the Dead. Participants dress in traditional charro suits, calaveras, and vibrant guayabera shirts while carrying papel picado, sugar skulls, and lanterns. The parade route winds through the park’s historic monuments and ends at a cultural pavilion where vendors sell Mexican sweets, mezcal, and hand‑crafted marigold decorations. The parade’s official page lists registered participants and a timetable of live music performances.

Art and Altars at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts (October 28, 2025)

The museum opens a temporary “Altars of Memory” exhibit featuring contemporary interpretations of traditional Día de los Muertos altars. Visitors can learn about the significance of each element—marigold petals, candles, photographs, and offerings—through multimedia displays. The museum’s event page offers a virtual tour of the altars and a schedule of artist talks throughout the weekend.

“Catrina & Co.” Costume Ball (October 31, 2025)

The Ballroom at the Houston Cultural Center hosts a themed costume ball where guests wear the iconic La Catrina mask and other Día de los Muertos-inspired attire. The evening includes a mariachi band, a photo booth with a life‑size Catrina backdrop, and a midnight feast featuring traditional dishes such as pan de muerto and tamales. Tickets include a cocktail, dessert, and the opportunity to dance to a DJ playing both contemporary and classic Mexican music.

“Vive la Vida” Street Fair – Heights Neighborhood (October 27, 2025)

This grassroots event in the Heights offers a mix of live folk music, storytelling circles, and a market featuring local artisans who sell handmade papel picado, sugar skulls, and marigold wreaths. The fair’s dedicated page offers a guide to the participating artists and the schedule of performances.

3. Community‑Focused Activities

“Pumpkin Fest” at Houston Community College (October 29, 2025)

HCC hosts a pumpkin‑carving contest for students and faculty, followed by a “Pumpkin‑Light” lantern display that showcases creative designs. The event encourages community participation and emphasizes sustainability, with a portion of proceeds supporting the college’s environmental scholarship fund.

“Graveyard Stories” Podcast Live‑Recording (October 31, 2025)

Local podcast “Graveyard Stories” records a live session in the Houston Cemetery, where host Maria López reads out folk tales, interviews historians, and encourages audience participation. The recording will be streamed online and the podcast’s website hosts a blog with behind‑the‑scenes interviews.

“Night Walk” – The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center (October 30, 2025)

A guided nighttime walk through the arboretum offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling Halloween festivities. Participants listen to local wildlife recordings, learn about nocturnal plant life, and discover how the forest’s history intertwines with folklore. The center’s event page provides a list of required equipment, such as flashlights and insect repellent.

4. Practical Information and Safety

All events emphasize health and safety measures in line with local regulations. Many venues require tickets or reservations to control crowd sizes. Houston Public Media’s events page also provides a COVID‑19 policy overview, a parking guide, and information about public transportation options for each location. Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead, especially for popular events such as Sweeney’s Haunted Nights and the Discovery Green Haunted Night, where tickets sell out quickly.

5. Final Thoughts

With such a robust lineup of spooky and culturally rich events, Houston’s 2025 Halloween and Día de los Muertos season promises to be a blend of thrills, education, and community spirit. Whether you’re a thrill‑seeker, a cultural enthusiast, or a family looking for a safe, fun outing, the city’s calendar offers something for everyone. Check the event pages linked above for the most current details, reservations, and updates. As the autumn leaves turn, Houston’s neighborhoods will glow with lantern light, costumes, and the timeless spirit of remembrance.