Little kids excited about costumes and candy? Looking for a lively night out in Historic Downtown Plano? Or would your family rather spend the night under the stars?
Plano has three very different Halloween events coming up October 22–25, 2026.
Here's what each one offers, so you can choose the outing that actually sounds fun for your household.
Plano Halloween Events at a Glance
Event | Date and time | Location | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Boo Bash | Thursday, Oct. 22, 5–8 PM | Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center | Children 12 and under |
Rest in Plano Fest | Saturday, Oct. 24, 5–10 PM | Historic Downtown Plano | Families, teens and adults |
Haunted Family Camp Out | Oct. 24, 4 PM–Oct. 25, 10 AM | Oak Point Park | Families who enjoy camping |
Boo Bash: A Costume Night for Younger Children
Thursday, October 22 | 5–8 PM
If you have a little one who has been talking about their costume for weeks, this may be the easiest outing to plan.
The City of Plano is hosting Boo Bash at Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center, located at 5801 West Parker Road.
It's designed for children ages 12 and under, with carnival-style games and candy.
Admission is listed as free. Plano Parks and Recreation also mentions a canned-food donation, so I'd bring a nonperishable item and check the event details before heading over.
This is a good choice for families who want a fun Halloween outing without committing to an entire evening.
Rest in Plano Fest: Downtown Turns Into a Halloween Party
Saturday, October 24 | 5–10 PM
Want a little more activity?
Rest in Plano Fest, also called R.I.P. Fest, takes over Historic Downtown Plano and the Haggard Park area for a Halloween celebration.
Expect live entertainment, carnival rides, costumed characters, trick-or-treating and plenty of opportunities for photographs.
Admission is free, although food and beverages are available for purchase. Check the official event page for any attraction-specific charges.
I particularly like this event as an excuse to spend time in the older part of Plano.
You can walk past historic buildings, explore the streets around downtown and see a side of the city that doesn't resemble the newer retail corridors farther west.
If you've never spent much time there, I wrote a separate guide to the Historic Downtown Plano that relocation buyers often miss.
Location: Downtown Plano Arts District and Haggard Park, 1021 East 15th Street.
Official event information: Visit Plano — Rest in Plano Fest 2026.
Haunted Family Camp Out: A Night Outdoors
Saturday, October 24, 4 PM–Sunday, October 25, 10 AM
If your family would rather trade a festival crowd for a campfire, the Haunted Family Camp Out is a different kind of Halloween memory.
The overnight event takes place at the Nature & Retreat Center at Oak Point Park.
The organizers have planned outdoor games, tent decorating, Halloween activities, s'mores and family camping.
This event requires advance registration.
The published cost is $15 per person, with children under two admitted free.
Families are asked to bring their own picnic-style dinner, and a small packaged breakfast is provided the following morning.
Check the registration page for availability and what equipment to bring.
Location: 5901 Los Rios Boulevard, Plano.
Registration: Haunted Family Camp Out — Plano Parks and Recreation.
Which Plano Halloween Event Should You Choose?
If you have younger children who mainly want games and candy, Boo Bash is a good starting point.
For a busier evening with entertainment and a downtown atmosphere, choose Rest in Plano Fest.
For families who love camping and want to make a night of it, consider the Haunted Family Camp Out.
One planning detail: Rest in Plano Fest and the campout overlap on Saturday evening. I'd choose the experience your family most wants rather than try to squeeze both into the same night.
What Do Events Like These Tell You About Living in Plano?
A neighborhood isn't just a collection of houses.
It's the places you go, the things you can do nearby and the memories you make there.
I've called McKinney home since 1998, and one of the things I appreciate about North Texas is how different our neighboring communities can feel.
Plano's historic downtown, recreation centers and parks offer different ways to enjoy a weekend, often without traveling far.
If you're considering buying a home in Plano, I can help you compare more than floor plans and asking prices. We'll talk about the parts of daily life that matter to you, too.
Plano Halloween 2026 FAQs
Is Rest in Plano Fest free?
Yes. Admission is free. Food, beverages and potentially individual attractions may cost extra.
When is Boo Bash?
Thursday, October 22, from 5–8 PM at Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center.
Is Boo Bash suitable for younger children?
Yes. The city describes it as an event for children ages 12 and under.
Do I need to register for the Haunted Family Camp Out?
Yes. The event requires registration and has a per-person fee.
Can I attend the campout and Rest in Plano Fest?
Their Saturday evening schedules overlap, so plan around the event you most want to experience.
For updates, check the City of Plano's event announcements before leaving home.
Michelle Gifford, REALTOR®
Real Broker | Sutton Realty Group
469-667-8468
Texas License #0780474
