Houston Frightfully Fun 2025, A Halloween Concert for Kids
I’m excited to tell you about Frightfully Fun! A Halloween Concert for Kids, a wonderfully playful and musical celebration in Houston designed especially for families. It’s not your average Halloween show costumed musicians, kids’ activities, and spooky-themed music make it one of the most unique Halloween concerts in the city.
This year, the concert will be held on November 1, 2025, at Jones Hall in downtown Houston. (Yes, it’s after Halloween night they like to stretch the spooky spirit.
🎃 Love Spoookly?
Halloween Events Overview in Houston
Here’s a snapshot of some confirmed Houston Halloween events this year, to help you plan your fall spooky calendar:
| Event / Parade | Date & Time | Location / Route | Duration | Entry Fee | Expected Crowd | Main Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frightfully Fun! A Halloween Concert for Kids | Nov 1, 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. | Jones Hall, Houston | ~60 min | Ticketed (starting ~$35) | Families, 200–500+ | Costumed orchestra, candy stations, instrument petting zoo |
| Scream on the Green® | Oct 25, 6:00–9:00 p.m. | Discovery Green | 3 hours | Free | Medium to large | Costume contest, music, movie screening (Beetlejuice) |
| Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade & Costume Contest | Oct 26, 2:30 p.m. | Levy Park | ~1–2 hr | Free | Families, pets | Dog parade, costume contest |
| Zoo Boo | Sept 26 – Oct 31 (select later nights) | Houston Zoo | Daily during hours | Included in zoo admission | High | Pumpkin displays, spooky lights, children’s activities |
I included a few big ones so you can see how the concert stacks up in Houston’s Halloween mix.
History & Origins
This concert is part of the Houston Symphony’s PNC Family Series, and it has run in recent years as a seasonal, family-friendly Halloween offering. In past editions, costumed musicians perform selections from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Disney’s Aladdin, and more.
It isn’t a parade, so there’s no route history. Rather, its “parade” of themes and music is what gives it its charm. Over time, the concert has added kid-friendly extras like candy stations, arts & crafts, and instrument petting zones
Houston Frightfully Fun 2025 Date, Time & Location Details
- 2025 date & time: November 1 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. performances
- Venue: Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, 615 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002
- Doors open early: earlier than showtime to allow attendees time to settle and explore pre-concert activities
Best places to sit or view: aim for front mezzanine or orchestra center seats for best audio and visual experience.
There is no parade route all action happens inside Jones Hall. After the concert, families often stroll nearby downtown or visit cafés or attractions in the area.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
How to Participate In Houston Frightfully Fun 2025
- Tickets: Purchase online ahead of time. Prices typically start around $35 or more.
- Registration: No special registration besides ticket purchase.
- Costume rules: Costumes are encouraged (not required), but avoid masks that block vision or disrupt the show.
- Age: All ages are welcome. Parents accompany children.
- Volunteer / backstage roles: You can check with Houston Symphony community outreach or family series volunteer programs (if offered), though these are not publicly detailed yet.
- Deadlines: Buy tickets early. Some family seats may sell out.
Viewing Tips & Best Spots
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early to navigate parking, find your seat, and enjoy pre-concert stations.
- Accessibility: Jones Hall is wheelchair accessible and family friendly.
- Choose seats slightly elevated (mezzanine) to avoid obstructed views.
- Bring light jackets — November mornings in Houston can be cool, especially in halls.
- If attending with younger children, pick the 10:00 a.m. show (slightly earlier) to avoid fatigue.
Costumes & Themes
- Theme: The concert doesn’t follow a strict annual theme, but costumed musicians bring a Halloween flair.
- Costume contest: There’s no formal contest tied to the concert.
- Past popular ideas: Wizards (Harry Potter), movie monsters, Star Wars characters, Disney ghosts.
- Suggested ideas: Dress as a favorite music character (composer, ghost conductor), or pair costumes with your child for fun duets.
Entertainment & Highlights
- Musical lineup: Selections from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Disney’s Aladdin, Godzilla, plus classical pieces.
- Costumed musicians: Orchestra members dress up to add theatrical flair.
- Additional stations: Before/after shows, there are ≈ candy stations, arts & crafts, and an Instrument Petting Zoo where kids try real instruments.
- After-concert options: Explore downtown, local cafés or stroll in nearby areas for post-concert fun.
Travel & Accommodation
- Nearest airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH); William P. Hobby (HOU)
- Hotels nearby: Many in downtown Houston within walking distance of Jones Hall
- Parking / transport: Use downtown parking garages; consider public transit or ride-share to avoid parking hassle
- Tip: Arrive early downtown parking fills fast during event mornings.
Food & Local Experiences
- After the concert, you can grab brunch or lunch in downtown Houston
- Cafés and restaurants near the theater often host families before/after performances
- Combine your trip with a visit to Houston’s Autumn attractions (e.g. Zoo Boo, Discovery Green events) to make a full day
Safety & Rules
- Bag checks & security: Expect standard security screening at Jones Hall
- Prohibited items: Weapons, large props, fog machines, noise devices
- Child safety: Mark kids’ clothing with contact info; agree on meeting spots in advance
- Behavior: Encourage quiet respect during performances and supervise children
Photography & Social Media Tips
- The best light is when stage lighting is active (during performance), but check if the concert allows photography
- Use hashtags like #FrightfullyFunHouston, #HoustonSymphonyKids, and #HoustonHalloween
- Tag official pages: Houston Symphony, Jones Hall, family series
- For social media: short clips (5–10 seconds) work best from audience seats
- If you bring a camera, ensure it’s non-disruptive (no flash during performance unless allowed)
FAQs
No tickets are required. Prices begin around $35 (or more depending on seat).
No tickets are required. Prices begin around $35 (or more depending on seat).
No, pets are not allowed (service animals only).
Yes, everyone attending needs a ticket, even infants (though some venues offer lap passes; check event policy).
Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before showtime to find parking, walk in, and enjoy pre-concert stations.
Yes downtown parking garages. But spaces fill quickly, so come early or use ride-share.
Conclusion
Frightfully Fun! A Halloween Concert for Kids offers families a musical and festive way to celebrate the spooky season in Houston. With costumed musicians, kid-friendly extras like candy stations and an instrument petting zoo, and a welcoming atmosphere, it stands out in Houston’s Halloween lineup.
November 1 All day
🎃 Love Spoookly?
713-224-7575
office@houstonsymphony.org
