Prepare for a spine-tingling adventure through San Marcos's Halloween landscape with our meticulously researched guide, showcasing the most haunting events and ghostly encounters. Our handbook is essential for San Marcos creatures and cautious visitors.
One of the highlights this season is the Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, where little ghouls can enjoy a LEGO-themed celebration filled with fun activities and treats. Another thrilling experience awaits at the Beyond Limits at The Doseum, featuring hands-on science experiments that add a spooky twist to learning. And the Spooky Science Spectacular is something you definitely don't want to miss, presenting eerie experiments that will entertain both kids and adults alike. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around San Marcos
- Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party at LEGOLAND Discovery Center (San Antonio)
- Farmer Fred’s Harvest Fall Carnival
- Spooky Science Spectacular at The Doseum (San Antonio)
- Beyond Limits at The Doseum (San Antonio)
- SPOOK-TRACK-ULA at Texas Transportation Museum (San Antonio)
- Tricks & Treats Halloween Event at Sea Life San Antonio (San Antonio)
- Halloween Festival
- Snakefessst
- Dallas Pumpkin Patch - Preston Trail Farms (Gunter)
- Party in Your Park
See these and even more events listed below!
San Marcos Area Haunted Experiences
Outbreak Haunted House & Hayride
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted house and hayride experience.
Description:
Outbreak Haunted House & Hayride is a thrilling Halloween event happening at Dripping Springs Ranch Park every Friday and Saturday in October. The event features a haunted house and a spooky hayride, designed to test your courage and survival skills. It promises an immersive and terrifying experience for all who dare to enter.
Where: Dripping Springs | More Info: Outbreak Haunted House & Hayride
UNDEAD. Haunted House of Dances.
What to Expect:
The unique feature of UNDEAD. Haunted House of Dances is its immersive and eerie atmosphere, featuring local professional dance and theater artists in a Halloween-themed performance.
Description:
UNDEAD. Haunted House of Dances is an immersive, adults-only Halloween show presented by Ventana Ballet. The event features local professional dance and theater artists, creating an evening of classic Halloween creatures, suspense, comedy, and ballet. The show promises new spooky surprises and an eerie atmosphere, making it a must-attend for Halloween enthusiasts.
Where: Austin | More Info: UNDEAD. Haunted House of Dances.
Night Creatures Haunted Trail
What to Expect:
A high-scare haunted trail with a spooky midway and various Halloween activities.
Description:
Experience the return of the Night Creatures, who ruled the night with terror decades ago. This Halloween season, they beckon you to survive their haunted trail. Enjoy a spooky midway, Halloween shopping, frightfully delicious treats, outdoor shows, and metaphysical wonders at The Empress. Join us starting September 27th and face the Night Creatures of New Braunfels if you dare.
Where: San Marcos | More Info: Night Creatures Haunted Trail
Haunted Trail - FreakShow Farms
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted trail experience with elements of horror and natural terrain.
Description:
Experience a thrilling night of horror at FreakShow Farms' Haunted Trail, a 10-15 minute walk/run through natural terrain in the Heart of Hill Country. The trail features elements of horror, strobe lights, lasers, fog, jump scares, and heart-pounding chases. Please wear closed-toed shoes and use caution due to the natural terrain.
Where: Spring Branch | More Info: Haunted Trail - FreakShow Farms
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near San Marcos
Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration featuring LEGO-themed activities and an exclusive 4D movie.
Description:
Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party at LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio is a family-friendly Halloween event where LEGO Monsters take over the attraction. Enjoy monster-ific activities, brew magical potions at the Potion Kitchen, and catch the exclusive 4D LEGO Movie, "The Great Monster Chase." Participate in a Halloween build activity, join the Monster Hunt, and take pictures with a GIANT LEGO DUPLO Pumpkin. This event is perfect for families with kids aged 3-12.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Beyond Limits at The Doseum
What to Expect:
A sensory-friendly program with specialized staff and exhibit modifications to support children with high sensitivities to stimuli.
Description:
Beyond Limits at The DoSeum is a sensory-friendly program designed to support children of all needs. It offers a peaceful and inclusive environment with specialized staff, exhibit modifications, and assistive signage to create a calm space. The program includes exclusive hours, accommodating accessories, and sensory backpack kits to enhance the learning experience.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Beyond Limits at The Doseum
Spooky Science Spectacular at The Doseum
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration featuring spine-tingling science experiments and creepy crafts.
Description:
The Spooky Science Spectacular at The DoSeum is a Halloween event filled with spine-tingling science experiments, creepy crafts, and sweet treats. It offers a frightfully fun day for families, encouraging kids to show off their spooky costumes. Early access registration is available for members from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Spooky Science Spectacular at The Doseum
Farmer Fred’s Harvest Fall Carnival
What to Expect:
An evening of fun and fall-themed freebies with a costume contest.
Description:
Farmer Fred’s Harvest Fall Carnival is a free event at City Park in San Marcos, TX, on October 25, 2024. The evening features ghoulies, ghosties, and long-legged beasties, along with sweet treats, carnival games, and a costume contest. It promises an evening of fun and fall-themed freebies for all ages.
Where: San Marcos | More Info: Farmer Fred’s Harvest Fall Carnival
Dallas Pumpkin Patch - Preston Trail Farms
What to Expect:
Offers a comprehensive fall festival experience with a variety of activities including hayrides, a petting farm, and a 6-foot hay maze.
Description:
Preston Trail Farms, located in Gunter, Texas, is a popular destination for families during the fall season. The Big Orange Pumpkin Farm offers visitors the chance to experience blossoming small green pumpkins right on the vine, enjoy hayrides, and navigate a 6-foot hay maze. The petting farm is open year-round, providing a hands-on farming experience for children and adults alike. The farm also includes a general store, hardware store, gift shop, and café, making it a comprehensive destination for those seeking a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle.
Where: Gunter | More Info: Dallas Pumpkin Patch - Preston Trail Farms
Snakefessst
What to Expect:
An interactive event where attendees can learn about and engage with local snakes through various activities and educational displays.
Description:
Snakefessst is a fun and educational event at the San Marcos Discovery Center. Attendees can learn about and interact with local snakes, participate in herp walks, enjoy snake-themed music and activities, and engage in Snake Yoga and crafts for all ages. This event is free and perfect for families and snake enthusiasts alike.
Where: San Marcos | More Info: Snakefessst
Halloween Festival
What to Expect:
A festive evening with a variety of activities including costume contests and carnival games.
Description:
Farmer Fred's Harvest Fall Carnival is a free event at City Park on October 25, 2024, from 5-8 PM. It features sweet treats, carnival games, costume contests, and more. The evening promises fun and fall-themed freebies with ghoulies, ghosties, and long-legged beasties.
Where: San Marcos | More Info: Halloween Festival
Tricks & Treats Halloween Event at Sea Life San Antonio
What to Expect:
A not-so-scary Halloween experience with traditional Halloween favorites and activities suitable for all ages.
Description:
SeaWorld San Antonio's Halloween Spooktacular is a family-friendly event featuring trick-or-treating, kid-friendly Halloween shows and characters, creative costumes, and a maze with Spookley the Square Pumpkin. This daytime event is perfect for kids and those who are kids at heart, running Thursdays through Sundays from September 12th to October 31st.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Tricks & Treats Halloween Event at Sea Life San Antonio
SPOOK-TRACK-ULA at Texas Transportation Museum
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration with both daytime kid-friendly activities and nighttime spooky appearances.
Description:
SPOOK-TRACK-ULA at the Texas Transportation Museum is a four-day Halloween event featuring kid-friendly activities, including Trick R’ Treat stations, train rides, and costume parties. The event includes daytime candy and treat distribution, followed by nighttime zombie and monster appearances. The museum is decorated with spooky displays, and hot chocolate is available. This event is designed for all ages, with special precautions for younger children.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: SPOOK-TRACK-ULA at Texas Transportation Museum
Artsy Glow Party- Glowy Ghosts at Kidcreate Studio
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration featuring the creation of glowy ghosts using special blacklight-reactive materials.
Description:
Join Kidcreate Studio for the Artsy Glow Party- Glowy Ghosts, a Halloween-inspired event where kids aged 4 to 12 will create a glowy ghost using special blacklight-reactive materials. This fun and spooky activity will take place on October 19th, 2024, at 5:30 PM. The event promises to light up the night with neon art supplies and a drop-off class that is sure to be a hit.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Artsy Glow Party- Glowy Ghosts at Kidcreate Studio
Scratch 'n Sniff Halloween Workshop at Kidcreate Studio
What to Expect:
Kids create their own 3D candy corn using clay and add vibrant colors and scents to evoke the essence of Halloween sweets.
Description:
Let your children dive into the Halloween spirit by crafting their own 3D candy corn through hands-on sculpting and painting. This creative workshop adds a delicious twist to the holiday, as young artists bring their candy corn creations to life with vibrant colors and tantalizing scents that evoke the essence of Halloween sweets.
Where: San Antonio | More Info: Scratch 'n Sniff Halloween Workshop at Kidcreate Studio
Froberg Fruit and Vegetable Farm Corn Maze
What to Expect:
The event features a variety of unique attractions and activities designed for all ages, including a strategic Corn Maze and a Mining Sluice where visitors can sift through dirt to reveal treasures.
Description:
Froberg's Farm offers a vibrant Fall Festival with a strategic Corn Maze, unique photo opportunities, and various family-friendly activities like the Bee Coaster, Emoji Cannon, and Berry Fun Land. The event also features a wide variety of pumpkins in the Pumpkin Patch and exciting attractions like the Mining Sluice and Duck Races.
Where: Alvin | More Info: Froberg Fruit and Vegetable Farm Corn Maze
Wild Wednesdays
What to Expect:
A monthly wildlife-themed educational program for kids with various activities and crafts.
Description:
Wild Wednesdays is a free, kid-focused program held every Wednesday at the San Marcos Discovery Center. Each month features a different wildlife theme, including education through natural history items, self-guided activities, thematic color sheets, and crafts. This come-and-go program allows families to drop by anytime between 8 AM and 5 PM.
Where: San Marcos | More Info: Wild Wednesdays
Party in Your Park
What to Expect:
A family-friendly event with yard games, music, and refreshments in various neighborhood parks.
Description:
Party in Your Park is a family-friendly event that takes place four times a year, visiting various neighborhood parks. Each event features yard games, music, and refreshments, providing a fun and engaging experience for all attendees. The event runs from 5 PM to 8 PM, offering a great opportunity to connect with the community and enjoy some quality time outdoors.
Where: San Marcos | More Info: Party in Your Park
SMASH Sack Lunch Social and Bingo
What to Expect:
A monthly social gathering where participants bring their own sack lunch and enjoy Bingo with friends.
Description:
Join us for the SMASH Sack Lunch Social and Bingo, a monthly event where participants bring their own sack lunch to enjoy while socializing with friends before playing Bingo. Water and tea will be provided, along with bingo prizes. This is a free program, and registration is not required. All participants must agree to the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department's Release and Waiver of Liability prior to participating.
Where: San Marcos | More Info: SMASH Sack Lunch Social and Bingo
Day of the Dead festival
What to Expect:
The grand procession and the diverse mix of traditional, contemporary, and Austin "weird" elements in the parade.
Description:
The Viva la Vida Festival & Parade is Austin's largest and longest-running DĂa de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event. It features a grand procession, hands-on art activities, traditional foods, local artists and retail booths, a low-rider exhibition, and live performances. The festival celebrates the tradition of honoring those who have passed with vibrant and varied festivities, including costumes, props, live music, dancers, and floats marching down historic Sixth Street to culminate at Fourth Street and Congress Avenue.
Where: Dripping Springs | More Info: Day of the Dead festival
Family Friendly Night Hike
What to Expect:
A guided family-friendly hike to discover local bat species.
Description:
Join the Family Friendly Night Hike at the San Marcos Discovery Center on September 27, 2024. This event is a guided hike that explores the local bat species and their habitats. Participants must be able to hike 1 mile at a slow to moderate pace. The hike is a great opportunity for families to enjoy nature together while learning about the local wildlife.
Where: San Marcos | More Info: Family Friendly Night Hike
Magic & Mayhem: Family Halloween Ball
What to Expect:
A fun-filled Halloween celebration with magic tricks, dancing, costume contests, and activities benefiting a worthy cause.
Description:
Join Magic & Mayhem for a spooktacular night filled with magic tricks, dancing, costume contests, and lots of family fun. This event benefits LifeWorks, a fearless advocate for youth and young adults pursuing a life they love with a stable future. Enjoy Halloween-themed snacks, face painting, and a raffle with fun prizes. Let your body move in a judgment-free, fun-filled environment designed for families to celebrate the spooky season together.
Where: San Marcos | More Info: Magic & Mayhem: Family Halloween Ball
South Texas Maize
What to Expect:
A 7-acre corn maze and various fun activities for all ages.
Description:
South Texas Maize in Hondo, Texas, offers a family-friendly fall festival experience. Visitors can get lost in a 7-acre maze, enjoy hayrides, and participate in various activities like Farmer Ken’s Kiddie Korral, Goat Walk, Wiggle Worm Slide, Corn Poppers, Paw Paw’s Pig Races, Hay Bale Jump, and Cow Train. The pumpkin patch is open through October, and pumpkins will continue to be sold at the farm during November.
Where: Hondo | More Info: South Texas Maize
At'l Do Farms
What to Expect:
A 10-acre corn maze with additional activities like the Barnyard, Cow Train, and Fairy Tale Trail.
Description:
At'l Do Farms offers a unique fall experience with its 10-acre corn maze, along with various activities such as the Barnyard, Cow Train, Hayrides, and campfires. The farm also features a Fairy Tale Trail for families with younger kids and an illuminated pumpkin patch during evening hayrides. The venue is available for parties and corporate events year-round, providing a fun and safe environment for people of all ages to experience West Texas farming.
Where: Lubbock | More Info: At'l Do Farms
Frights & Sounds 2024: The Haunted Renaissance
What to Expect:
A comprehensive music festival featuring a diverse range of local bands and artists.
Description:
Frights & Sounds 2024: The Haunted Renaissance is a two-day festival in San Marcos, Texas, celebrating Halloween with a variety of activities including 70+ bands, vendors, wrestling, comedy, and film. The event takes place from October 4th to 6th at Sean Patrick's, offering a fun-filled experience for all ages.
Where: San Marcos | More Info: Frights & Sounds 2024: The Haunted Renaissance
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near San Marcos
Haunted Halloween Murder Mystery Party at Sylver Spoon
What to Expect:
Enjoy an interactive murder mystery dinner with a three-course meal and open bar while solving the mystery of who among you is the killer.
Description:
Join Sylver Spoon Dinner Theater for a spooky Haunted Halloween Murder Mystery Party. Wear your Halloween costume and enjoy a three-course meal while solving the mystery of who among you is the killer. The evening includes a cocktail hour, hors d'oeuvres, and a seated dinner with clues to uncover the most notorious murderer of the year. Over a to-die-for dessert, make your accusations and uncover the truth.
Where: San Marcos | More Info: Haunted Halloween Murder Mystery Party at Sylver Spoon
Other Halloween Activities Near San Marcos
Turtle Tuesday
What to Expect:
Participants can interact with and create enrichment items for the turtles who call the Discovery Center home.
Description:
Turtle Tuesdays is a weekly event held every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the San Marcos Discovery Center. Participants can interact with, feed, and create enrichment items for the turtles who call the Discovery Center home. Food and supplies are provided, and no registration is required for this free program.