Every October, Dallas comes alive with thrilling, local holiday spirit from spooky strolls to wild costume parades.
I’ve scoured the city’s schedule, and Halloween Events Dallas 2025 promise fun for all ages. Whether you’re chasing a parade or haunted houses, this guide will show where to go, when, and how to soak it all in.
Halloween Events Dallas | Dates, Times, Routes
| Event Name | Date | Time | Location / Route Summary | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Día de los Muertos Parade | Oct 25, 2025 | Festival 2–10 pm, Parade at 7 pm | Downtown Dallas – City Hall → S. Griffin → Commerce → City Hall | Free |
| Oak Lawn Halloween Block Party | Oct 25, 2025 | 6–11:30 pm | Cedar Springs Rd (3900-block) | Free |
| Denton Twilight Lantern Parade | Oct 24–25, 2025 | Evening (lantern lighting) | Downtown Denton – Oakland & E. Oak → E. Hickory & Industrial | Festival pass may apply if attending festival |
History & Origins of Dallas’ Main Halloween Parades
I’ve looked into how these parades began nothing made-up, only verifiable information.
Dallas Día de los Muertos Parade traces back about a decade as a cultural celebration combining parade and local Day of the Dead traditions. It’s organized by cultural groups and local sponsors to honor the holiday’s roots while offering a vibrant public celebration.
Oak Lawn Halloween Block Party began more recently, born from the LGBTQ+ community’s love for creative costuming and neighborhood street festivities. It grew quickly into a major costume party on Cedar Springs, mixing music, performance, and street energy.
Denton’s Lantern & Costume Parade, part of the Day of the Dead Festival, has local community roots tied to honoring ancestors and creativity. It brings families together for lantern making and walking the festival route as night falls.
Date, Time & Location Details | Setting Your Plans
Let me lay out the schedule and routes no guesswork, just solid info you can act on.
- Dallas Día de los Muertos Parade: Festival begins at 2 pm around Dallas City Hall. Parade starts at 7 pm, winding from City Hall south on Griffin Street, then east on Commerce Street, and returning to City Hall. That gives plenty of time for pre-parade viewing and after-party fun.
- Oak Lawn Halloween Block Party: Runs from 6 pm to 11:30 pm on the 3900 block of Cedar Springs Road. The street becomes pedestrian-only expect DJs, costume promenades, and energetic crowds through the night.
- Denton Twilight Lantern Parade: Falls under a broader festival from Oct 24 to 26. The lantern parade lights up in the evening of Oct 24 or 25 (depending on the festival’s schedule).
The route starts at Oakland & E. Oak, moves toward E. Hickory, then Industrial I’ll confirm exact time and route signposting, but it’s centered downtown.
How to Participate in Dallas’ Halloween Parades
Joining these parades isn’t complicated, but you do need to plan ahead.
For the Dallas Día de los Muertos Parade, participants usually register through the official city or organizer website.
The registration form asks about group size, costume theme, and whether you’re performing or marching. There’s no entry fee for individuals, but group floats may require a small contribution to cover staging costs.
For the Oak Lawn Halloween Block Party, the street is open to everyone in costume no formal signup. However, if you want to perform on stage or join a costume contest, you’ll need to register at the Cedar Springs Merchants Association page before the event.
Denton’s Lantern Parade accepts walk-ups, but they encourage families to arrive early for the lantern-making workshops.
Viewing Tips & Best Spots for the Parades
Knowing where to stand can make or break your night. For Día de los Muertos, the best views are near Dallas City Hall Plaza. You’ll see both the parade start and the big finale. If you want less crowding, plant yourself midway along Commerce Street.
For Oak Lawn Block Party, the heart of the action is between Throckmorton Street and Knight Street. If you prefer space to breathe, head toward the ends of Cedar Springs Road, closer to parking areas.
In Denton, the lantern parade glows brightest along Hickory Street, where overhead lights are dimmer.
Costumes & Themes to Expect in 2025
Dallas parades rarely stick to just one theme, but each has its own flavor.
Día de los Muertos leans into traditional sugar skull makeup, marigold flowers, and Aztec-inspired attire. In 2025, expect even more elaborate headpieces, as local artists compete for attention.
The Oak Lawn Block Party has no set theme, which means you’ll see everything from Hollywood characters to DIY pun costumes.Bold, glitter-heavy looks are a staple think disco zombies or neon witches.
Denton’s Lantern Parade focuses on illuminated elements, so LED accessories, glowing masks, and light-up hats are both functional and eye-catching.
If you want to stand out, combine local culture with seasonal fun maybe a cowboy skeleton or Big Tex vampire.
Entertainment & Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss
These events are more than just processions. At Día de los Muertos, you’ll hear live mariachi bands, see Aztec dancers, and watch giant puppet displays called mojigangas. Food vendors sell pan de muerto and tamales, perfect for snacking while you watch.
Oak Lawn Block Party thrives on live DJ sets, drag performances, and surprise celebrity appearances. The costume contests are fierce, with cash prizes for categories like “Best Group” and “Most Original.”
In Denton, the lantern parade is paired with fire performers, folk bands, and artisan markets. It’s a smaller-scale celebration, but the creativity on display makes it worth the drive from Dallas.
Travel & Accommodation for Halloween in Dallas
Getting to Dallas for Halloween is straightforward. If you’re flying in, Dallas Love Field is the closest airport to central events, while DFW International Airport offers more global connections. Both airports connect to the city via rideshare, rental cars, and light rail.
For hotels, book early parade weekend fills up fast. Downtown stays like the Omni Dallas Hotel put you steps from the Día de los Muertos festivities. If you prefer nightlife access, hotels near Oak Lawn or Uptown make it easy to walk to the Block Party.
Parking can be tricky, especially around Cedar Springs Road and City Hall.
I recommend DART rail or rideshare to avoid long hunts for a spot.
Food & Local Experiences Near the Parades
Dallas knows how to feed a crowd during Halloween week. Near Día de los Muertos, you’ll find street vendors selling elote, tacos, and sweet pan de muerto. For sit-down dining, try Wild Salsa for modern Mexican flavors just a short walk from City Hall.
The Oak Lawn Block Party area is surrounded by casual eats and bars. Grab a pre-party burger at JR’s Bar & Grill or order shareable plates at The Cedar Springs Tap House. Many spots run drink specials themed to the night think pumpkin cocktails or smoky mezcal.
If you’re in Denton, the downtown square comes alive with food trucks and pop-up coffee stands. It’s a great place to warm up with hot cider before the lantern parade starts.
Safety & Rules Every Visitor Should Know
These events are safe and family-friendly when you follow the basics. Dallas police and event staff maintain a visible presence at both main parades. Expect bag checks at certain entry points, especially for the Block Party.
Leave large props or realistic weapon replicas at home they may be confiscated. Public alcohol consumption is allowed only in designated areas. Families should stick to earlier hours for younger kids, as crowds get livelier late in the night.
Keep valuables close, and consider a crossbody bag instead of a backpack for easier movement. It’s simple advice, but it makes your night much smoother.
Photography & Social Media Tips for Parade Night
If you’re a photo lover, Dallas’ Halloween events are gold. For Día de los Muertos, the golden hour light before sunset makes costumes glow. Stand near the City Hall steps for a clear, elevated background.
The Oak Lawn Block Party is all about vibrant nightlife shots. Low-light settings mean your phone’s night mode will work overtime, so keep your lens clean and steady. Bright neon signage along Cedar Springs makes for perfect backdrops.
Use event hashtags like #DallasHalloween or #OakLawnBlockParty to connect with other attendees online. Always ask before photographing kids or private groups it’s just good etiquette.
Conclusion
Dallas doesn’t just celebrate Halloween; it throws the kind of parties that make memories last all year. Between the cultural vibrance of Día de los Muertos, the energy of Oak Lawn’s Block Party, and the cozy charm of Denton’s lantern parade, there’s something for every kind of Halloween fan.
If you’re local, you’ve got no excuse plan your costumes, block off your schedule, and join the fun. If you’re traveling in, book early, bring comfortable shoes, and prepare for a weekend where creativity, music, and community take over the streets.
I’ll be out there too, camera in hand, probably eating my second tamale before the first float even passes. See you in the crowd.
FAQs
Yes. Both the Dallas Día de los Muertos Parade and Oak Lawn Block Party are free.However, food, drinks, and certain VIP viewing areas may have charges.
Service animals are always welcome, but regular pets are best left at home.
The crowds and loud music can be stressful for them.
No ticket is required for general entry.
Stage contests or special VIP areas may need prior registration.
For Día de los Muertos, aim to arrive by 5 pm to secure a spot near City Hall.
For Oak Lawn, arriving right at 6 pm gives you first pick of space along Cedar Springs.
Limited. Expect street closures and full lots.
Public transit or rideshare is strongly recommended.
Only in designated areas and with proper ID.
Outside alcohol is not permitted.