San Antonio may have sunny skies most of the year, but it is undeniably a spooky city. Ghosts are said to roam almost every downtown corridor, the Donkey Lady scurries across the Medina River, and even railroad tracks can give a few thrills. No wonder Halloween is a big deal for the city. This season is swarming with things that go bump in the night. Here's how to take advantage of the best of them.
13th Floor Haunted House
The area's most famous haunted house is back through November 9. Attractions in 2024 include The Grymm, a folk-horror experience based on dark fairy tales, and Dead Again, a perhaps too prescient jaunt through a virus-ridden wasteland.
The Forgotten Dollhouse Museum
Chucky, Abigail, M3GAN. There's hardly a doll that doesn't send shivers down the spine. This spot is overflowing with them. Although a regular visit will surely give guests the willies, the October events amp up the creep factor. Walk warily through the Night of the Living Dolls haunted house on Fridays and Saturdays through October 26 or Halloween night. Take part in a paranormal investigation on October 25. Or bring the whole (Addams) family to a spooky picnic on October 19.
Happy Frights and Haunting Nights at San Antonio Botanical Garden
Some people think Halloween fun lies in Jack-o'-lanterns; others prefer frequent jump scares. Alamo City's botanical garden gives both. During the day, a hay pyramid, a neon-light maze, and acrobatic shows keep the spook factor low. The night welcomes dastardly pirates, sinister scarecrows, and a horde of swamp creatures and witches. Tickets are available through November 2.
Halloween Bash at Tower of the Americas
From 7-11 pm on October 21, San Antonio's second most famous landmark will be the epicenter of fall family fun. The kid-friendly activities include a moon bounce, face painting, pumpkin carving, and a sack race. Adults who want to put some fright in their night can also watch a special showing of Dracula 4D.
Helotes Haunted Gardens
If horror movies ever taught viewers anything, venturing out of your neck of the woods can be spine-tingling. From 7-11 pm, October 26-31, thrill seekers are invited to test their guts on a mysterious wooden path full of ghouls and grisly killers.
Pumpkin Carving Party at High Street Wine
Spark up a romance at this bring-your-own pumpkin event from 8-11 pm on October 28. Each ticket includes two glasses of wine, light bites, and all the tools needed to create a gourd-geous decoration. The evening also includes hair-raising movies to encourage canoodling.
San Antonio Boos Fest
What would Halloween be without a few cheeky puns? The "boos" in this event title are a selection of cocktails awaiting revelers during a bizarre bar crawl on November 2. The route includes favorites like Be Kind & Rewind and On the Bend Oyster Bar, each decked out in their Halloween best. VIP tickets are available for those seeking some extra swag.
Zoo Boo at San Antonio Zoo
The zoo's annual tradition is a milder adventure for the faint at heart, but still captures the season's spirit. The event's highlight is a series of giant animatronic bees, spiders, and mantises. Guests can also enjoy animal encounters and daily trick-or-treating. The bewitching activation takes place until October 31.
