Screams Halloween Theme Park has taken its final bow after nearly three decades of frights in Waxahachie. The long-running North Texas tradition, known for haunted houses and late-night scares, officially closed after 28 years. But fans of fall festivities won’t have to wait long for something new.
A New Festival Debuts
The producers behind Screams are launching Scarborough’s Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival, an all-new event opening Oct. 11, 2025. Hosted at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival grounds in Waxahachie, the festival promises “magic, mischief and autumn wonder” every Saturday through Nov. 15, plus a special Halloween night celebration on Oct. 31.
Five performance stages will showcase acts ranging from sword-fighting comedy to sea shanties, ventriloquism and music. Familiar faces like Cirque du Sewer and performers from the Scarborough Academy of Performing Arts will join new entertainers making their debut.
Attractions And Activities
The festival mixes whimsical fun with a touch of spooky. Highlights include:
- Trickster’s Trail of Leaping Lights, a glowing tunnel filled with interactive surprises
- Masquerade of Mischief Fun House and Morwyn’s Manor Haunted House, both ticketed attractions
- The Hollow’s Hayride, taking riders through villages, cemeteries and lagoons by lantern light
- Pumpkin Patch, petting zoo, games of skill and kids’ contests throughout the season
Visitors are encouraged to dress in family-friendly fall, fantasy, or period costumes to take part in the immersive experience.
Food, Drinks And Shopping
Alongside the entertainment, more than 30 artisan shops will offer everything from hand-forged metalworks and fantasy costumes to chocolates, jewelry and whimsical crafts.
Food options range from turkey legs and brisket baked potatoes to mac n’ cheese and seasonal sweets like cobbler and Black Forest cake. For adults, six pubs will pour craft beers, meads, wine and specialty cocktails. A Certified Cicerone-led beer tasting event, offered twice daily, will guide guests through fall brews with a souvenir glass included.
Tickets And Details
Early Bird discount tickets are available online through Sept. 1 at SRFestival.com/Hollow. General admission starts at $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 5–12. Kids under 4 enter free. Additional attractions, including the haunted house, fun house and hayride, require separate tickets.
The event runs Saturdays, Oct. 11–Nov. 15, from 2 to 10 p.m., plus Halloween night from 5 p.m. to midnight. Parking is available for $8 online in advance.
From Frights To Fantasy
While Screams’ closure marks the end of an era, organizers are betting big on Scarborough’s Hollow to become North Texas’ next fall tradition. With its mix of fantasy, family fun and just enough spooky edge, the new festival aims to keep Waxahachie the place to be when autumn rolls around.
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