Amarillo hosts family-friendly Halloween fun for everyone with these upcoming events

Brianna Maestas, Amarillo Globe-News
·6 min read

Following the list of truly terrifying haunts earlier this week, this story consists of only mildly spooky activities for those who prefer the cute monsters over the ones chasing you in the dark.

These activities range from trunk or treats, the annual Boo at the Zoo, drive in carnivals and more. Although this reporter cannot promise there won't be a little rascal trying to chase you, she can promise most of this chasing will include laughing from both parties.

Amarillo and the surrounding area invites the community to attend their Halloween activities. Each is family friendly, and most are free to the public.
Amarillo and the surrounding area invites the community to attend their Halloween activities. Each is family friendly, and most are free to the public.

Boo at the Zoo

Kicking off the events this weekend, the Amarillo Zoo invites the community to have an un-BOO-lievable time during Boo at the Zoo, to be held this Friday and Saturday, running 6 to 9 p.m. at the zoo.

During the family-friendly event for all ages, attendees will have the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind crafts at the craft stations, play carnival-style games, visit and eat at the food trucks, view creature features and see in-person animal enrichment events.

Dylan Long, Amarillo Zoo Visitor Service Specialist, said in a news release: “Boo at the Zoo has become an Amarillo favorite, and the Amarillo Zoo staff and even the animals look forward to this event as much as our visitors. ... We hope everyone will come out and join us. It will be fun for the entire family.”

Tickets are $6 per person. Admission gate will close at 8:30 p.m. Presale tickets are available online now at https://bit.ly/amazooboo .

Amarillo and the surrounding area invites the community to attend their Halloween activities. Each is family friendly, and most are free to the public.
Amarillo and the surrounding area invites the community to attend their Halloween activities. Each is family friendly, and most are free to the public.

Bootackular Car and Bike Show

Mas Chingon will present its first annual Bootackular Car and Bike Show this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 7148 Bell St.

This trunk-or-treat event is free and open to the public and will include food trucks, door prizes, a silent auction, raffles, vendors, live music from Lubbock native DJ Dope Dillion and more.

Children in attendance will also have the opportunity to trunk or treat during the event. Four cash prizes will also be given to the best Halloween costume in attendance, separated by age groups.

During the event, first, second and third place awards will be given to the best Hot Rod, Street Rod, Rat Rod, Classic Vintage Tin, Motorcycle, Modern, Lowrider, Truck of All Years, Bagged Truck, and RC Cars. A cash prize will also be awarded to the best decorated car or truck.

Vehicle move-in will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the car show held 2 to 6 p.m. Vehicle registration is available for $20 per vehicle and $15 per motorcycle.

For more information, follow the event on Facebook.

Goodnight Ghost Stories

The Charles and Mary Ann Historic Goodnight Ranch invite the community to get into the Halloween spirit at their free, Halloween After Dark Tour, scheduled for Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site, located at 4989 County Road 25 in Claude.

During the event, attendees will hear the Old West ghost stories that are sure to leave you shaking in your boots. Each tour will be capped at 20 guests. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best Halloween costumes.

"The event is pretty close to being completely booked. We have about three open slots for our 7 p.m. tour. ... The event will consist of both old folklore from the area and general scary stories. The lights will mostly be out; it will be a fun night with some good scares," said Evan Wenner, Interpreter and Educator for the Goodnight Ranch.

According to Wenner, although the event is almost booked, they are looking forward to hosting it again next year and including more dates for the public to attend.

Individuals are asked to call 806-670-5627 or register online.

Tascosa Drive in Halloween Carnival

Beginning Saturday, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m., Tascosa Drive-In, located at 1999 Dumas Dr., will host their annual Halloween carnival. The trunk or treat event will include carnival games, prizes, and a family-friendly Halloween movie marathon. The event is open for all ages.

Amarillo and the surrounding area invites the community to attend their Halloween activities. Each is family friendly, and most are free to the public.
Amarillo and the surrounding area invites the community to attend their Halloween activities. Each is family friendly, and most are free to the public.

3rd Annual Halloween Curb A Con

The 3rd Annual Halloween Curb A Con comic con will be held Oct. 29, located at 1010 S Fannin St., from noon to 6 p.m.

Curb A Con was created out of the need to provide the community with a comic con to attend in the middle of the pandemic in the summer of 2020 and was a huge success. The following year, the resident owners held a second Curb a Con, which also received community engagement, leading to their third annual con consisting of original artwork, comics, crafts and original merchandise, free candy and prizes with special prizes for individuals in costume.

The event is free and open to the public; for more information, follow the event on Facebook.

Weekend of Halloween Trunk or Treat

For those looking for several trunk or treats to attend with your children Halloween weekend, here are a few local churches and organizations hosting trunk or treats. The events are free and open to the public, including lots of candy and free activities.

  • Angel Funeral Home is hosting its first Trunk or Treat Event, Saturday, Oct. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. at 2209 S. Arthur. The event will include a car club and lots of yummy treats for all the little angels and goblins.

  • The Fall festival Fun Run and Wolflin Walkabout will host its trunk or treat event Oct. 29 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at 2525 Wimberly Road. The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m.

  • Pray Amarillo will host its Halloween Hallelujah festival, Sunday, Oct. 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. at 4000 SW 50th Ave. The event will include a bake sale, trunk of treat, smash car, and costume contest.

  • The Family Worship Center will host its annual Trunk or Treat on Halloween night, Monday, Oct. 31 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 11901 I-27.

  • Grace Church will host a Trunk or Treat event on Halloween night beginning at 6 p.m. at 4111 Plains Blvd.

The Ruffled Cup Halloween Extravaganza

On Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Ruffled Cup, located at 3440 Bell St., will host its Halloween party extravaganza.

This event will be the location's first annual Halloween event. This event is free to attend and open to the public. The location will be in full Halloween décor, and attendees are welcome to stop by for their specialty themed sweet treats, specialty Boba tea and more. During the event, those dressed for the holiday will also receive a free cookie.

This is just a handful of fun fall festivities planned in the coming weeks, but with all the events planned, there should be something for everyone to enjoy ahead of Halloween.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Join the city-wide Halloween fun with these upcoming events