Texas Halloween Events, 2007

Above: Castle of Darkness at Waxahachie's Screams Halloween Theme Park, called the world's largest Halloween theme park. Photo courtesy Screams

Looking to scare up a little fun this Halloween season? From nostalgic trick-or-treat parties for mini monsters to fear fests for grown-up goblins, there are a number of events throughout the Lone Star state that will make your All Hallows Eve a fright night to remember.

Arlington

The Boneyard
Location: 3000 E. Pioneer Parkway
Date: Open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday night in October as well as Halloween.

At over half a mile in length, this haunted house in Arlington has earned the distinction of being the largest walk-through haunted house on the planet. Consistently voted as the top terror attraction in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, this voyage into the macabre is not for the squeamish. However, this is a haunt with heart, as all net proceeds go to local Special Olympics teams.

Dungeon of Doom
Location: Arlington Museum of Art at 201 W. Main St.
Dates: September 28 - 29; Fridays and Saturdays on October 5 and 6; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from October 12 -28; also open October 29 - 31.

While the upper levels of the Arlington Museum of Art may be home to works by world-renowned masters, the museum's basement is a masterpiece of the macabre. The Dallas Observer rates this attraction the "Best Haunted House in the DFW Metroplex."

Six Flags over Texas Fright Fest
Location: Six Flags Over Texas theme park
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays September 29 - October 28
Giggle with the ghouls at this family-friendly event. While some attractions may be too intense for very young children during the evening hours, kids will love the monsters out in mid-day.

Austin

Mansion of Terror
Location: I-35 at exit 251
Dates: September 27 - 30; Thursdays though Sundays from October 4 - 28; also open October 29 - 31.

Deemed the top ranking haunted house in the US by Lions Gate Films Haunted House competition, visitors are presented with double the danger as they traverse through two demonic domains-- Pitch Dark 2 and Vicious T. Mangle's Slaughter Circus and Freakshow. A coupon for $2 off admission price is available at Austin Goodwill stores.

6th Street Halloween
Location: East 6th Street
Date: October 31

As the moon begins to rise over the capital city, Austinites gather along a seven-block stretch to cavort in costume.

Dallas

Dallas ScareGrounds
Location: 2001 Irving Blvd.
Date: weekends Fridays and Saturdays September 28 - October 6; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays October 12 -28 and October 29 - 31.

Celebrating its 11th season of scares, this Halloween haunt, which is produced by the same company which has brought a Nightmare on Grayson to San Antonio residents for two decades, houses three terrifying attractions-- the Necrotorium, Terrortorium and Hallucinotorium--in a 23,000 square foot venue. Like its Alamo City counterpart, Dallas ScareGrounds also offers a FestEvil featuring a series of live bands.

Slaughterhouse
Location: 2020 N. Lamar
Dates: Sneak preview September 22, with the opening weekend September 28 - 29; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays October 5 - 21 and nightly from October 24 - October 31.

As its name implies, this blood-soaked screamfest is for the die-hard Halloween fanatic, not for the faint of heart. It is recommended that children under the age of 10 do not attend.

Ft. Worth

Cutting Edge Haunted House
Location: 1701 E. Lancaster Ave. at the intersection of I-30 and Hwy 287
Date: Saturdays September 16 - 30; Fridays - Sundays October 6 - 15; October 19 -22; October 25 - October 31

Billed as the world's largest haunted house, your screams will echo inside this 235,000 square foot former meat packing plant. Texas Chain Saw Massacre ghosts will terrify visitors, and jolly old Saint Nick will never look the same after an encounter with Santa's spooky specter.

Hangman's House of Horrors
Location: I-30 and Forest Park Blvd. at 2300 West Freeway
Dates: September 28 - 29; Friday and Saturdays through October and October nightly from October 26 - November 3.

This fright sight is a star among Halloween venues, having appeared on The Discovery Channel and in Family Circle Magazine. Feel four times the fear as you explore the 3-D Funhouse, the Catacomb, Hillbillies of the Trinity and the piece de resistance, Hangman's House of Horrors. While less intense than many haunted houses, those looking strictly for non-scary, family fun can enjoy midway rides, karaoke, and live music, with a special "Family Fun Night" scheduled for November 1. Proceeds from the event will benefit a number of local charities.

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