From haunted houses to terrifying tours, San Antonio’s Halloween attractions are raising the city’s fear factor. Even the big theme parks are up to no good, jolting visitors with scary sensations.
Because of COVID-19 protocols, some Halloween festivities might look a little different, but fear not, the scares will go on.
Stephen Garza-Guzman, co-owner of Curious Twins Paranormal and Ghost Tours, said his business “has shifted the way that we do tours and made us more mindful of our capacity in running large group tours.” Curious Twins has reduced its offerings to custom private and event-based tours, a regular cemetery tour and psychic medium readings. They’ve number of people on group tours is limited, and guests are asked to to use masks while inside.
If you like scary stuff, here’s a look at what the city has to offer.
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The Dollmaker is a new resident of 13th Floor Haunted House.
13th Floor Haunted House.
All is not well in Rockville during Fright Fest at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Haunted houses
13th Floor Haunted House: This haunted house is not for the faint of heart. In 2016, USA Today named 13th Floor one of the top five most terrifying haunted houses in the United States. Guests will meet the house’s creepy occupants while taking in the oddities and occurrences that happen in the space. New frights this year are Bad Blood and the Dollmaker. Through Nov. 6, 1203 E. Commerce St. Admission starts at $20, 13thfloorsanantonio.com.
Haunted Oaks: Joseph Devine, organizer of the San Antonio Zombie Walk, and a group of event producers are the masterminds behind the newest haunted attraction to hit San Antonio. Haunted Oaks features a 6,000-square-foot haunted house maze full of “gruesome rooms, haunted hallways and creepy corridors,” according to a press statement. Opens 6 p.m. today. Through Oct. 31, Rolling Oaks Mall, 6909 N. Loop 1604 E. $20, hauntedoaks.org.
Theme parks
Nightmares meet nightlife in the SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream terror-tory Sindustry, which features a bar, flame effects, circus performs and club dancers.
SeaWorld
SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream: This year marks 20 years of Howl-O-Scream, which transforms the park into a spectacularly scary scene. This year things get even creepier with all-new attraction the Swamp at Blackwater Bayou and three new terror-tories. Be warned: At 7 p.m., the park’s scare level increases from haunting to horrifying, which may be too intense for young children. Through Oct. 1, SeaWorld, 10500 SeaWorld Dr. Included with park admission, which starts at $45.99 for a single-day ticket, seaworld.com/san-antonio.
Six Flag Fiesta Texas Fright Fest: During the day, family-friendly attractions are in abundance at Six Flag Fiesta Texas, but once dusk hits, visitors are in for the scare of a lifetime. From haunted houses to scare zones, Fright Fest has something to startle everyone, including those who may opt to check out a spooky show such as the new Day of the Dead-themed show “Mariachi Los Soberanos,” or partake in fear-inducing activities like “Infestation,” an alien epidemic that has overtaken Rockville. Through Oct. 31, Six Flag Fiesta Texas, 17000 W I-10. Included with park admission, $34.99-$64.99 depending on day, sixflags.com/fiestatexas.
Ghost tours and more
Vampires and witches will roam the grounds and halls of Victoria’s Black Swan Inn during the Festival of the Dead on Oct. 16.
Lisa Krantz /San Antonio Express-News
Curious Twins Paranormal and Ghost Tours: Expect more intimate tours with Curious Twins Paranormal and Ghost Tours this Halloween season. In addition to their private tours and weekly cemetery tours, Stephen Garza-Guzman and husband Fred Garza-Guzman have a packed lineup of activities to conjure up a good time. They kick things off at 8 p.m. Oct. 1 and Oct. 3 with haunted cocktail tours of Victoria’s Black Swan Inn, where attendees can explore the history and mystery of the inn as tour guides provide guests with chilling stories. At 8:30 p.m. Oct. 9, Curious Twins will host a King William and haunted Masonic lodge tour and investigation. Join the duo as they explore the history of an old Masonic lodge in the heart of the King William Historic District. At 6 p.m. Oct. 29, tag along for a haunted cemetery flashlight tour and enjoy ghost stories of San Antonio’s past. Ongoing. Prices vary by event, curioustwins.com.
Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours: The Menger Hotel downtown is another San Antonio spot with a reputation for being haunted, and it’s a regular stop on Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours. Dubbed one of San Antonio’s most popular ghost tours, Sisters Grimm’s Ghost Bus gives participants access to the Menger, City Cemetery and other haunted sites. From private tours to ghost walks, Sisters Grimm offers spirited experiences for everyone from newbies to seasoned spooky spectators. Ongoing, 204 Alamo Plaza, Suite T. Prices vary by event, sistersgrimmghosttour.com.
Victoria’s Black Swan Inn: This event venue housed in a historic Greek Revival-style home reputedly is haunted, so it make sense that, as venue owner and manager Jo Ann Marks-Rivera said, they have “a lot going on for the season.” The Inn will host a Dark Circus, featuring clowns, burlesque, fire and live music on Oct. 16. Vampires, witches and more will roam the grounds and halls of the inn during the Festival of the Dead on Oct. 16. And the venue’s annual Burton Fest costume ball, in honor of the macabre movies of director Tim Burton, will be Nov. 20. 1006 Holbrook Road. Cost varies by event, victoriasblackswaninn.com.
Monster Mini Golf: If you’re looking for a more kid-friendly activity, Monster Mini Golf packs the scares on a more PG level. Enjoy an indoor experience under the luminescent glow of black lights, complete with ghoulish decor and animated monsters. Guests also can play laser maze and tag or enjoy a few rounds of arcade games. Ongoing, 2267 NW Military Hwy, Suite 114. Mini golf $9-$11 per round; prices vary for other attractions, monsterminigolf.com/san-antonio.
Jennifer Herrera is a freelance writer in San Antonio.
