Last October, Denton’s historic downtown underwent a transformation that felt straight out of a Tim Burton film. Cobwebs, pumpkins, flickering lanterns and spooky spectacles turned the North Texas city into a real-life Halloween town.
Now, with a wildly successful inaugural year under its belt, Denton is going all in — seeking to become the official Halloween Capital of Texas.
How This Happened
Spooky dreams took a formal step forward in late February when State Rep. Richard Hayes, a Denton native, filed a resolution in the Texas House of Representatives to designate Denton with the honorary title. The resolution calls out “The Thirty-One Days of Denton Halloween” as a celebration that captures the nostalgic, communal spirit of the season.
“By joining together for Thirty-One Days of Denton Halloween, the residents of the city of Denton and surrounding communities have created a popular Halloween tradition that is beloved by young and old alike, and this delightful month-long event serves as an opportunity to showcase the city and uncover their talented artists, seasonal treats offerings, unique sights and playful spirit of the season further enhancing the festive atmosphere,” the bill reads.
Why Denton Wants To Be The Halloween Capital
It’s more than just a festival — it’s a full month of immersive experiences. In 2024, the first year of the initiative, over 660,000 visitors descended on Denton throughout October, bringing in money for the city. Each day featured a themed event, from classic Halloween movie nights and interactive storytelling to bar crawls and the wildly popular pumpkin-drop Blocktober party. More than 15 locations across the city played host to free or low-cost events, creating a cohesive experience that invited participation from families, students and late-night revelers alike.
“The Thirty-One Days of Denton Halloween evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding people of cherished traditions,” reads the bill.
Denton’s Haunting History
With its rich history and shadowy corners, Denton County is no stranger to eerie tales — but few places stir the imagination quite like Old Alton Bridge. Located in Lantana, just eight miles south of the city of Denton, the site is more commonly — and ominously — known as Goatman’s Bridge.
Widely regarded as one of the most haunted spots in North Texas, the bridge has become a local legend, steeped in folklore involving trolls, fairies, cults and even the Devil himself.
The bridge’s notoriety went national in 2017, when the Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures crew visited the site for a Halloween episode. Their investigation quickly turned disturbing. According to the crew, signs of occult activity and witchcraft were found scattered throughout the woods. The air grew thick with tension — lead investigator Zak Bagans claimed he felt like he was being suffocated, while fellow team member Aaron Goodwin was reportedly thrown by an unseen force. As the night wore on, their cameras captured something even more unsettling: a pair of glowing red eyes peering from the edge of the forest.
For believers and skeptics alike, Goatman’s Bridge remains one of Denton County’s most bone-chilling landmarks — an enduring symbol of the area's darker lore.
What’s Next
If the resolution passes, Denton would earn the title of Halloween Capital of Texas through 2035 — a 10-year distinction that city leaders hope will become a lasting tradition. For now, the resolution sits with the House committee for Culture, Recreation and Tourism. But for Denton residents, and the thousands who flocked to the city last fall, the excitement is already palpable.
What started as a bold community experiment could soon become a signature piece of Texas’ cultural calendar. And if last year is any indication, Denton is more than ready for the spotlight.
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