It’s that time of year again! Both Halloween and Día de los Muertos are approaching. The set of macabre holidays occupy the very end of October and the beginning of November, respectively. This year, there is no shortage of Halloween activities in Houston spanning the rest of October, which gives people plenty of opportunities to go out and celebrate. Dia de los Muertos, for many Houstonians (myself included), is a more-personal holiday, but just as festive. We’ve put together a list of our favorite events for both holidays.
Halloween Events in Houston
The Cursed Cauldron/Aero Cocktail Co., 2301 Westcreek: The Cursed Cauldron, which took over the space at Ninja Ramen last year, has returned, this time possessing Aero Cocktail Co. The pop-up, by Angelique Cook Cavazos and Alexis Mijares, is my favorite Halloween event and offers themed cocktails and a witchy, energetic vibe. Thanks to having a two-story spot as a setting, the decorations are downstairs, but most of the magic happens upstairs in the bar’s more intimate, speakeasy-esque lounge. The smaller space also allows for a more complete immersion with the décor. In place of the usual mash of monster-driven and ghastly clichés, the style is more subdued and embraces the witchy theme with dark lighting, pointed hats and webbing that lines the ceiling. Adding to the spooky aura is a fantastic playlist spanning from classic jazz and Halloween favorites to modern pop. The pop-up will also host cabaret shows, tarot card readers and guest bartenders from bars across the city.
With cocktails (both individual and big ones for multiple people to share), shots and non-alcoholic options, there are over a dozen occult-themed potions to try. Personal favorites include Oshun’s Offering, a pumpkin Mai Tai, Coven’s Calling, a gin and tonic riff, and Hakate’s Torch, a rum and Lambrusco cocktail with black currant, lemon and clove. Additionally, the bar serves a small selection of pizzas, pastries and a charcuterie board.
Black Lagoon/Nickel City, 2910 Mckinney: Running until October 31, this creature-featuring pop-up that spans the entire continent is posting up at Nickel City for the 2024 Halloween season. In contrast to Cursed Cauldron’s subtle vibes, Black Lagoon takes a campier approach with cartoonish monsters, eerie greenery and “bodies” hanging from the ceiling, both whole and dismembered. There are a few themed cocktails and some fun tiki mugs to purchase…