Plano is embracing the Halloween season with a packed calendar of events that cater to families, pet owners, and anyone looking for a little (or a lot of) fright. Below is a guide to nine local happenings, all taking place in October and early November.
Downtown Plano Halloween Displays (Oct. 1‑31)
The Downtown Plano Public Improvement District has transformed streets, businesses, and McCall Plaza with decorations inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Alice in Wonderland, and classic spooky motifs. Visitors can stroll past themed setups at Urban Crust, Bibliobar, Dirty Water Fly Co., Better Than Sex Dessert Restaurant, and Willis Morrison State Farm, among others. Fillmore Pub and Vickery Park also go all‑out inside their venues each year, making the downtown area a month‑long scavenger hunt with cocktails and dinner stops.
Dark Hour Haunted House (Through Nov. 13, 701 Taylor Drive)
Plano’s resident haunted house returns with elaborate sets, animatronics, and jump scares. The 2026 season adds Medusa’s Lair, the Strega Chamber, and an expanding goblin horde in the labyrinth. Guests can also explore the North American Cryptid Museum on site. For those who prefer a milder experience, Dark Hour offers “Chicken Nights” on Oct. 15 and Nov. 1, providing a less terrifying tour.
Plano Ghost Walk at Mic Drop Comedy (Oct. 2‑22)
Combine laughs with chills on the 75‑minute Plano Ghost Walk. Local comedians guide participants through haunted landmarks, sharing tales of poltergeists, phantom footsteps, weeping children, and a restless graveyard, all while delivering punchlines.
Barktoberfest (Oct. 11, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Downtown Plano Arts District)
Pet lovers can celebrate Barktoberfest, a fall festival that puts dogs front and center. The event features local vendors, boutique booths, seasonal treats, photo opportunities, and a dog costume contest where even the most elaborate outfits are welcomed.
Apparition Expedition (Oct. 15‑16, Downtown Plano Arts District)
Guided walking tours led by costumed “ghoulish guides” explore Plano’s paranormal past. Two nightly tours begin at 6 p.m., each lasting 60‑90 minutes, and delve into the city’s macabre history.
Plano Symphony Orchestra – Unhallowed Eve (Oct. 17, Plano)
The Plano Symphony Orchestra presents a Halloween‑themed program conducted by Mélisse Brunet. Highlights include the suite from The Nightmare Before Christmas, offering a symphonic soundtrack to the month’s festivities.
R.I.P. Fest – Rest in Plano (Oct. 24, 5‑10 p.m., Downtown Plano Arts District & Haggard Park)
R.I.P. Fest provides a family‑friendly Halloween celebration with carnival rides, live performances, costumed characters, and photo opportunities. Food and drinks, including themed cocktails and mocktails from Fillmore Pub, are available for purchase. The event strikes a balance between a pumpkin‑patch vibe and the intensity of Dark Hour.
Boo on the Boardwalk (Oct. 31, 5:30‑8:30 p.m., The Boardwalk at Granite Park)
On Halloween night, The Boardwalk at Granite Park becomes a trick‑or‑treat route. Families can wander through seven restaurants, enjoy a live DJ, games, prizes, glitter tattoos, fall photo ops, and balloon creations. It’s a final chance to experience Plano’s Halloween décor before the district transitions to its winter holiday display.
Whether you’re seeking scares, laughs, or a pet‑centric celebration, Plano’s October lineup offers something for every family’s Halloween tolerance.
Original reporting: Plano Magazine — read the source article.
