It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark/Under the moonlight, you see a sight that almost stops your heart.
Those are the first lines to Michael Jackson's hit "Thriller." I still think it's the greatest Halloween song ever.
Dallas/Fort Worth residents love Halloween. From Haunted Houses and pumpkin patches to spooky decorations and costumes -- we certainly know how to party and have an eerily good time.1. DFW Pumpkin Patches
©Angela Patterson
Let's celebrate the end of triple-digit weather by putting our favorite vegetables on display in our yards: regular pumpkins, gourds and those ginormous fancy pumpkins too. It's fun to take the family to a pumpkin patch and pick your own. Many locations have special events, food and make great backdrops for photos.
2. DFW's Biggest and Best Haunted Houses
To say DFW has some of the creepiest haunted houses in the state is a compliment in this case. Come experience terror, horror and gore and feel good about it because some haunted houses donate the proceeds to charity.
3. Six Flags Over Texas Fright Fest
The park offers the same great coasters and attractions, but during October you can enjoy the added festive flare. There is something for everyone but beware, some haunted attractions may not be suitable for small children. There are some great shows and activities that the entire family will enjoy.
4. Halloween Costume Shops
You don't want to show up at a party wearing a t-shirt that proclaims "This is my Halloween costume." DFW has lots of great costume shops. Some are open year round for your non-holiday costume needs.5. Autumn at the Arboretum
©Angela Patterson
It's Cinderella's Fair Tale Castle at the Arboretum. It runs through November 23, 2011. Dress up the kids in their Halloween costumes or festive t-shirts and use the thousands of pumpkins as a backdrop for the perfect fall photos.
6. Trails and Treats at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
It's time for Trails and Treats at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. Enjoy an evening of fun and learn about some of the nocturnal animals that make their home there.There will be indoor animal presentations, face painting, crafts, games and short hikes on the trails in search of treats. Admission and all activities are free.
When: Thursday - October 27, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, 9601 Fossil Ridge Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76135 817-392-7410
7. The Hell Before Halloween Bash
What's more spooky than a man with a chainsaw? Perhaps a man using the chainsaw as a musical instrument! Jackyl and special guest Quiet Riot (Metal Health) will be wailing away on their axes (and chainsaws) at the House of Blues during this pre-Halloween firesta. No, I ain't whistling "Dixie," the pre-new millinium bands are coming back to Big D and it will be interesting to see how Jesse James Dupre has changed since I saw him in the 1992 video. I love his laugh and his personality. And I expect Quiet Riot to rock.
When: Thursday, October 27, 2011
Where: House of Blues, 2200 North Lamar, Dallas, TX 75202. 214-978-2583.
Watch the Jackyl video on YouTube for "The Lumberjack."
Watch the Quiet Riot video on YouTube for "Come on Feel the Noize."
