DENTON, TX — July 3, 2025 — Denton has been officially designated the Halloween Capital of Texas following the unanimous passage of House Concurrent Resolution 86 by the Texas Legislature during its 89th session. The designation is effective through 2035.
Filed by Rep. Richard Hayes and sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Tan Parker, the resolution recognizes Denton’s successful launch of the 31 Days of Denton Halloween in 2024—a month-long celebration that drew more than 660,000 visitors to the city and featured over 200 events, 15 themed activations, and numerous interactive experiences across downtown Denton.
“We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition from the State of Texas,” said City Manager Sara Hensley. “The success of our first year was the result of hard work by our City staff, collaboration with local artists, and strong support from our business community—all coming together to create something truly special for Denton.”
What the Designation Means
- Official recognition: Denton can now market itself statewide as the Halloween Capital of Texas for the next decade.
- Tourism boost: The city expects continued growth in fall visitor traffic, supporting the local economy and hospitality sector.
- Cultural promotion: The designation highlights Denton’s creative community and its capacity to host large-scale seasonal events.
Why Denton?
In October 2024, the inaugural 31 Days of Denton Halloween transformed the city’s historic downtown with purple lighting, themed events, and artistic displays. Activities included haunted tours, ghost walks, Halloween movie nights, art shows, and a variety of family-friendly and interactive programs that showcased Denton’s creative energy.
What’s Ahead for 2025
This October, Denton is preparing to expand its programming with new street installations, themed food and beverage events, and additional partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits.
Key Upcoming Details
- Event calendar release: Expected between July and August 2025
- Partnerships: Ongoing announcements anticipated from local arts, education, and hospitality sectors
- Attendance goal: Building on the 660,000+ turnout from 2024
With ten years of official recognition in place, Denton is positioned to grow its Halloween programming and continue attracting visitors from across Texas and beyond.