It’s good to live in Denton. Autumn is upon our beloved city and there is no shortage of fun festive activities.

A mainstay in Denton’s spooky October scene is Shelly Tucker’s Ghosts of Denton tour. Tucker is the author of the aptly named “Ghosts of Denton”, of which she based the creepy outing. For just $15, on a Friday or Saturday night – 8 p.m. sharp, you can learn all about historical ghouls that still haunt Denton today, just don’t be late and try not to stray too far.

The Parker House has long been known to be haunted. Legend has it that old man Parker opened his home to bereaved families in need of storage of their deceased loved ones. Feel free to catch the creepy vibe in all of October, except Mondays and Tuesdays. The Parker House will be open to the general public for tours. Admission is $25 and can be purchased at the door. 
Also in October is the Dark Path Haunt. A traditional jaunt through the darkness across Alton Bridge and the surrounding forest. For $20 you can have paid actors chase you through the woods as you walk from each disturbing setting. The Dark Path Haunt is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. – midnight.  

If a break is needed from the ghouls and goblins, you can check out the pumpkin path at Trinity Methodist Church located at 633 Hobson Ln, Denton, TX 76205. The pumpkin patch is open from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. seven days a week through October 31, perfect for that Fall family photo opp or finding that perfect pumpkin for the front porch. Trinity is also hosting a Trunk or Treat this Saturday at 6pm. 

The next closest pumpkin patch is just a short trip to 5100 Cross Timbers Rd in Flower Mound. Open from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch offers a huge selection of pumpkins – good for carving and harvesting delicious pumpkin seeds. Parking is $5 during the week and $10 on Saturday and Sunday.
On October 22 the Denton County Historical Park will become The Park After Dark. The Denton County Office of History and Culture presents this enlightening and family-friendly activity. Learn all about Denton folklore and have fun in a provided photo booth.

The Saturday before Halloween is packed with fun fall activities. Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival kicks off at the corner of East Hickory St and Industrial St. The family-friendly event has been happening in Denton since 2011. A local musician, David J. Anzaldúa Pierce, decided to create a local event that honored Denton’s diverse population while also honoring the sacred Dia de los Muertos as well as the fall harvest.

The festival got started as a grassroots movement and holds the downhome friendly feel that so many Dentonites cherish. Coffins will be racing down Hickory St while a live band excites the crowd. Homemade salsa will be on competing, for $20 you can enter your salsa concoction in two gallon jugs for a change to win the grand prize – The Salsa Cup. If you just want to taste the delicious dishes, for $5 you can enjoy all the salsa Denton has to offer.

Dan’s Silver Leaf will be hosting the annual Cirque de Horror. Here you’ll find Halloween themed stories and songs appropriate for the Whole Family. Allow a collection of local artists to take you and your family on a musical journey of carnivals, ghouls, and goblins. Tickets can be purchased at Dan’s, $15-$25. The festivities start at 4:30 p.m.

To end the evening, the community of festival goers will gather for a proper celebration – Lantern Parade. It is recommended you don your finest costume, design and build your own lantern, and walk the square in celebration with your neighbors. The Lantern parade is free and open to everyone. 

Allow yourself to embrace the generous spirit of Denton and attend First United Methodist Church’s “The Harvest”. Happening on October 31, admission is only one canned good – or as much as you’d like to spare. Inside there will be carnival games, hay rides, and snacks. The fun starts at 6 p.m. All the proceeds will be donated in support of the Denton County Food Room.
In this wonderful Autumn season enjoy all of the local fun.

Header image design by Jason Lee