The Ball Eddleman McFarland House is currently home to Historic Fort Worth. | Photo via @plastikdust
We went down to the architectural crypt to find out what design features make a house go bump in the night. Then, we went haunted house hunting around North Texas to bring you a grisly, local look — just try not to scream.
There are a few obvious architectural styles on a whole that tingle your spine and widen your eyes, namely Victorian-era styles, Adirondack architecture, and Gothic Revival — but to keep this scary story short, we’ve created a checklist with some skeleton key characteristics to look for this season.
Lack domestic features, i.e. void of curves, arches, vaults or domes — think of “House On Haunted Hill”
Pointed arches, spires, flying buttresses — see Hogwarts castle
Large and stained glass windows — like Whipstaff Manor in “Casper”
Can you hear the spooky music? | Photo courtesy of Flickr
Step through the creaky front doors of these five local haunted houses. Watch your head for cobwebs.
Castle of Heron Bay This eerie stone castle doesn’t just have the look — it’s also got a ghastly tale. The mysterious story of the runaway bride dates back to 1860, when the castle’s builder and then-owner found his fiancée floating dead in the lake. Today, people claim to see a woman in a white dress running from the property to the edge of the lake before vanishing.
Clark Mansion Also known as the Westbrook House, the rustic vibes of Clark Mansion are reminiscent of details from the Overlook Hotel, and its hilltop location makes the home feel eerie — in addition to its haunting past. In 1953, the home’s owner, William P. Clark, was found murdered inside.
Fort Worth Halloween Bar Crawl | 5-11 p.m. | Bar 2909 | $13+ | Come dressed to impress at this official Halloween bar crawl — your ticket includes access to all bars, drink and food specials, and entry to the costume contest.
Halloween Bash | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Fort Worth Public Library - Ella Mae Shamblee | Free | Come in costume or come as you are to this family-friendly boo bash.
Halloween At Haltom | 6-11:30 p.m. | Haltom Theater, Haltom City | $10 | Don your best costume and mosh to music from Toxxic Madness, Beach Goths, Dante’s Dead, and more.
“Dracula” | 6:30 p.m. | The Modern | $5 | Spend Halloween evening watching Ted Browning’s 1931 “Dracula.”
Biggest Halloween Party | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | Texas Republic | $0+ | Join this party with drink specials, a live DJ, and a costume contest with a $5,000 cash prize.
Friday, Nov. 1
Halloween Trick or Trot | 6-8 p.m. | Trinity River Trail | $35+ | Join this small group 5K, 10K, or half marathon and end the run with candy.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Fort Worth “Boos Fest” | 5-11:59 p.m. | El Chingon | $22.49+ | Keep the Halloween spirit(s) going through the weekend at this bar crawl up West 7th.
Tomorrow, Nov. 1, is the final day for early voting in Tarrant County. Read our guide for information about what’s on the ballot and where to find polling places around Fort Worth.
Development
City Council annexed 110 acres in Parker County to expand the Walsh development. Located between I-20, Old Weatherford Road, and FM 3325, the area will be developed in two phases, starting with commercial buildings. (Fort Worth Report)
Arts
Next fall, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art will present its first collection dedicated to Charles Butt, the Texas philanthropist and chairman of H-E-B. Running from September 2025 to January 2026, the exhibition includes 75 works of American Modernism with pieces by Romare Bearden, Georgia O’Keefe, Edward Hopper, and more.
Civic
5%. That’s how much the stormwater utility fee will increase in 2025. Residents will be charged between $3.47 and $13.88 per month based on the size of their residence, bringing in $2.14 million in revenue in fiscal year 2025.
Transit
Starting Sunday, Nov. 3, TEXRail’s schedule will change to 30 minutes during the midday service, which currently runs hourly, due to an increase in ridership. Now, trains from Fort Worth T&P Station to DFW Airport will run every 30 minutes during the day and hourly at night.
Sports
WFAA digital journalist Paul B. Livengood II shared that FC Dallas’ Maartens Paes won the Major League Soccer Save of the Year. Watch his double-diving play.
Listen
After a crushing defeat of LSU last week, Texas A&M heads east to take on the Gamecocks on Saturday. Can the Aggies slow South Carolina’s elite front? Find out from the local experts on Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Wellness
Did you know? You can get a medical marijuana prescription online by following three simple steps. See if you qualify + get connected to treatment options with help from Texas Original, a Texas-based licensed medical cannabis dispensary.*†
Job
We’re looking for a rising star media seller to be our Sales Executive in charge of National Brand Partnerships with a primary focus on sports newsletters. Apply to join the 6AM City team.
Tech
Don’t let password vulnerabilities put your personal data at risk. Protect your online accounts with Keeper Security. New customers can sign up starting at $1.50 per month.*
Featured
Your business… in our newsletter… in as little as two days. Make it happen.
†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. Texas Original advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume products before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by FTWtoday.
The Buy
The Buy
A three-pack of NIVEA’s cocoa butter in-shower body lotion — apply, rinse, and go to moisturize dry skin without adding another step to your routine.
Happy Halloween, y’all! If you need me, I’ll be eating handfuls of candy corn and rewatching “Halloweentown” for the 20th year in the row.
Answered
Answered
Which neighborhood will you be trick-or-treating in this year?
Yesterday, we asked our readers where they plan to trick-or-treat. If you are looking for a fun, safe place to celebrate with your family, head to Fairmount, Overton Park, Marine Creek Ranch, and Hulen Heights, according to readers. Plus, bookmark these safety tips.
