Fort Worth Rises to Top Halloween Destination in Texas

Fort Worth, often referred to as Cowtown, has emerged as a leading hub for Halloween festivities in Texas, ranking first in the state and fifth nationally, according to research by Betway. The online gaming platform analyzed social media engagement and search trends to assess enthusiasm for Halloween, a holiday that is expected to generate approximately $13.1 billion in consumer spending across the United States this year.

Local resident Delilah Trillo exemplifies Fort Worth’s spirited embrace of the haunting season. On October 30, 2025, she was seen searching for decorations at a Goodwill store to create a Jurassic Park-themed display for her son’s school event. “That’s the vibe I’m going for,” Trillo stated, highlighting her commitment to the Halloween spirit. She has made multiple visits to the store this season, noting her enthusiasm for assembling unique decorations.

According to Betway’s “spooky score” report, Fort Worth stands out for its passion for Halloween, with various cities across the U.S. celebrating the holiday with distinctive flair. Nationally, Orlando, Florida, topped the rankings, followed by Cleveland, Ohio; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Baltimore, Maryland. In Texas, Fort Worth leads, followed by cities such as San Antonio, Plano, Houston, and Austin.

The Halloween season is marked by a range of activities, from elaborate decorations to themed parties and community events. Betway officials commented, “From glowing jack-o’-lanterns on front porches to ghost tours, themed parties, and costume parades, the Halloween season offers endless ways to celebrate.”

Despite the festive atmosphere, economic factors are influencing consumer behavior. A recent study by WalletHub, which examined various metrics related to Halloween spending, ranked Fort Worth at No. 55 nationally. The study revealed that the average American household plans to spend more than $114 on costumes, decorations, and other related expenses. Laredo was identified as the premier Texas city for Halloween spending, ranking No. 17 nationally, followed by Irving at No. 25 and El Paso at No. 26.

This year, approximately 73% of U.S. households are expected to celebrate Halloween, with consumers projected to spend around $4.3 billion on costumes and $3.9 billion on candy, according to WalletHub. In Fort Worth, several retailers cater to Halloween enthusiasts, including Magic Etc./Fort Worth Costume Inc., a well-established shop that operates year-round, and Harris Costumes, which has been serving the community since 1949.

With economic uncertainty causing some shoppers to seek budget-friendly options, thrift stores are witnessing an uptick in customers. Goodwill, which stocks Halloween merchandise in all its outlets, has reported a notable increase in shoppers looking for unique, second-hand materials to create their costumes. Goodwill operates seasonal “Bootiques” at various locations, including the Altamesa Boulevard store, where Trillo was shopping.

According to a survey by Goodwill Industries International Inc., about 84% of consumers—especially from Generation Z—are turning to thrift stores for sustainable Halloween costume materials. Notably, 65% of Gen Z respondents indicated they would not spend excessively on costumes this year.

Shay Gipson, Vice President of Community Engagement for Goodwill North Texas, mentioned that ideas for budget-friendly Halloween costumes were shared on the agency’s website earlier this month. “We put some looks together for under $20,” she said, emphasizing the savings compared to specialty stores where costumes can easily exceed $50.

Gipson further noted that younger consumers prefer to reduce their carbon footprint and donate their items back after the holiday. “Our Halloween shopper is not your everyday Goodwill shopper,” she remarked, portraying a shift in customer demographics during the holiday season.

In summary, the Halloween craze has firmly established Fort Worth as a top destination for festive activities in Texas. With a combination of community engagement, economic awareness, and creative costume solutions, Fort Worthians are fully embracing the spirit of Halloween this year.