Llano River Pumpkin Float

A past Llano River Pumpkin Float. The 2025 event is Oct. 25 at Badu Park in Llano. Photo by Terry Schroth

The Highland Lakes turns into the Haunted Lakes in October with chilling and fun-filling seasonal and Halloween events.

Check out some of our favorites below. (This list could grow as events are added to the 101HighlandLakes.com calendar.)

FRIGHTFUL FESTIVALS

Harvest of Fall Fun continues into November at Sweet Berry Farm, 1801 FM 1980 in Marble Falls. Pick a pumpkin, get lost in a maze, and hop on a hayride, among other pay-to-play activities. The agritourism attraction is open every day except Wednesday during the fall season. Learn more at sweetberryfarm.com.

Marble Falls celebrates Halloween in the Park on Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m. at Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive. The free, family-friendly festival features trick-or-treating and games. Learn more on the Marble Falls Parks and Recreation Department website.

The Texas Marigold Festival in Blanco is an ode to the seasonal, spiritual bloom that guides the dead to altars during Día de los Muertos. The event runs Oct. 31-Nov. 2 and includes downtown merrymaking, a market, and marigold farm tours. Learn more at texasmarigoldfestival.com.

HAUNTED HOUSES

Get spooked at the annual haunted house hosted by the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department, 700 Avenue N, from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 30-31, or treat yourself to a terrifying time at The Old Lumber Yard in Johnson City on Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 31. The latter has mild and wild scare levels.

MONSTERS & MAGIC

The Hill Country Community Theatre in Cottonwood Shores opens its 2025-26 season with Mel Brooks’ horrifyingly hilarious musical “Young Frankenstein” on Oct. 17. It runs weekends through Nov. 2 at the nonprofit theater, 4003 FM 2147 West in Cottonwood Shores.

The Marble Falls Public Library welcomes John O’Bryant for a Halloween Magic Show at 4 p.m. Oct. 24. Wear your costumes!

CARVE IT UP

The Llano River Pumpkin Float adds a ghoulish glow to the waterside Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive in Llano. Bring your already carved pumpkins to participate—for free! The event, which is 6-8 p.m. Oct. 25, includes candy and games.

HEART-POUNDING ACTION

Get your blood pumping at the following events:

Look for more haunted happenings at 101HighlandLakes.com/Events or submit your own.

editor@thepicayune.com