With Halloween right around the corner, El Paso is getting into the holiday spirit with countless festivities all over the city. Beyond dressing up and trick-or-treating, the city offers many different events throughout October. From family fun to events for fear seekers, there’s sure to be events for everyone in the borderland.

La Union Maze (Sept. 26 -Nov. 8):

This is a classic part of getting into the Halloween spirit in the borderland. All throughout October, attendees can visit La Union to pick out pumpkins at their pumpkin patch. La Union also offers entry to their iconic corn maze, and every Friday. Saturday and Sunday of October you can experience the haunted maze twist.

Halloween BBQ Market at the El Paso County Coliseum (Oct. 17):

This free annual market features over 80 vendors, a state BBQ competition and hosts many Halloween activities. The event encourages attendees to come in their costumes and participate in their Halloween costume contest. They also include a dance show and trick-or-treating for children.

Boo at the Zoo (Oct. 31):

This annual event mixes the usual fun of the El Paso Zoo with the usual Halloween festivities. Attendees are encouraged to come in costumes and children can bring their candy bag to go trick-or-treating throughout the zoo while experiencing the thrill of seeing and interacting with the animals. This year’s theme is “Creepy Carnival Spectacle” and features entertainment and activities surrounding this theme.

Halloween Fest at Franklin Mountains State Park (Oct. 31):

This event is a great way for families to start Halloween day. From 9 a.m. to noon, the Franklin Mountains visitors center will be offering an array of spooky activities for children and parents. The event features “creepy critter talk,” where attendees can learn about all the critters that live in the Rocky Mountains, carving pumpkin contests and guided Halloween hikes and bike rides.

For the thrill seekers, there are also events happening all month long ready to scare you into the Halloween spirit.

Ghost Stories by the Campfire at the historic 1937 Courthouse and Jail (Oct.10):

This event gives you the opportunity to explore the haunted prison through a candlelit tour guided by professional storytellers who tell you all of the frightening history of the site and surrounding areas. At the end of the tour, attendees gather in the courtyard for a campfire accompanied by even more terrifying ghost stories.

Burlesque on the Rio: Gorgeous Nightmares at Touch Bar (Oct. 8):

This event mixes the elegance and performance of burlesque with the classic characters associated with Halloween. The show features both local and international talent who will grace the stage with classic burlesque acts as well as drag and circus acts.

Scream Scream: The Retro Halloween Party Experience at the Marriott (Oct. 31):

On Halloween night, people can party at the Marriott Airway Hotel with over ten DJs playing across five stages inside the hotel. This event will be an interactive and immersive exploration of the hotel featuring activities such as a costume contest and photo ops.

Regardless of how one chooses to celebrate and get into the Halloween spirit, there’s events all over the borderland that are sure to suit everyone’s spooky festivities. 

Briana Estrada is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected].