10 OctOber 23– 29, 2025 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents Flesh for Fantasy Screams Halloween theme park in Waxahachie sunsets as the magical new Scarborough’s Hollow Festival takes its place. BY PRESTON BARTA F or nearly three decades, the grounds in Waxahachie echoed with terrified delight as the Screams Halloween Theme Park reigned supreme. But as the au- tumn leaves turn this year, a new story unfolds. The producers of the beloved Scarbor- ough Renaissance Festival have closed the long-running chapter on Screams, trans- forming the familiar space into an all-new fall tradition: Scarborough’s Hollow. This inaugural event, running Saturdays and Hal- loween night from Oct. 11 to Nov. 15, invites you into a world of magic, mischief and sea- sonal wonder. Just a 30-minute drive south of Dallas, Scarborough’s Hollow promises a departure from the fright fest of its predecessor. It’s an immersive, family-friendly fantasy festival that celebrates the entire autumn season, from the magic of Halloween to the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos. Fright to Fantasy The shift from Screams to Scarborough’s Hollow is intentional and comprehensive. While Screams was a pure Halloween event “all about fright,” this new festival is de- signed to be “connected more to the Renais- sance Festival,” according to Helaine Thompson, Director of Marketing and Com- munications for the event. “We have closed the door on the Screams event,” Thompson explains. “This new event is more about the whole fall experi- ence as opposed to just that singular Hal- loween experience that Screams was all about.” This reimagining creates a welcoming at- mosphere for all ages. Where Screams was not geared toward children, the Hollow is built for families, couples and friends alike. It’s a daytime event that blossoms into the evening, running from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours on Halloween night. The goal is to create a space where everyone feels welcome to participate in the seasonal celebration. “We’re making it from that aspect more similar to our Renaissance Festival event, to where everyone’s welcome,” Thompson says. “There are things that everyone will enjoy here when they come, whether it’s a family with kids or groups of friends.” Tale of Three Sisters At the heart of Scarborough’s Hollow is a captivating new story. The lore says that three powerful fairy sisters have taken over the Crown Meadow area of the village, each shaping it with their unique personality. Faylan, the Sister of Light: She embodies the wonder of autumn, bringing forth the beauty of the season. Her touch is seen in the kid-friendly activities and the general enchanting atmosphere. Slyra, the Mischievous Sister: This playful fae is responsible for the more whimsical and tricky attractions, like the Trickster’s Trail of Leaping Lights and the Masquerade of Mischief Fun House. Morwyn, the Darker Sister: Her influence brings the touch of spooky delight. Mor- wyn’s Manor Haunted House exists within her realm, offering a traditional haunted ex- perience for those who dare. These characters are more than just a backstory; they are a living part of the festi- val. Over 40 costumed performers will bring this fantasy realm to life. “We’ve got a performing company that is going to be on site, so we’ve got actors that are going to bring this world to life,” Thompson tells us. You’ll also have the chance to meet the three sisters at scheduled meet-and-greets, making for a truly immersive and interactive experience. “That’s our intent,” Thompson adds. “This is the start. It’s a brand-new event. And that’s where that whole magic, mischief and wonder — that’s our key focus... and we see all of this evolving and growing over the years.” What Awaits From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by a classic fall scene: a sprawling pumpkin patch perfect for family photos. From there, the village opens up into a world of activities and attractions. The experience is set to be multi-layered, with general admission cov- ering a wide array of entertainment, while specific attractions are available as add-ons. Included with admission: Live Entertainment: Five stages will host a variety of acts, including music, comedy, ac- robatics and even a “rat and cat circus” with Cirque du Sewer. Artisan Village: Explore over 30 artisan booths featuring handmade treasures, from leatherworks and jewelry to chocolates and costuming. Many artisans will be demon- strating their crafts live. Trickster’s Trail of Leaping Lights: Walk through a synchronized tunnel of lights that pulse and dance to music. Hollow Kids’ Activities: A dedicated area offers a coloring wall, pumpkin ring toss, a kid-friendly maze and other games. Fairy Sister Meet & Greets: Meet the char- acters behind the magic. Add-On Attractions: For those seeking an extra dose of adventure, the Hollow offers several ticketed attractions: The Hollow’s Hayride: A storytelling jour- ney through the realms of the three fairy sis- ters, focusing on the lore of the Hollow rather than jump scares. Masquerade of Mischief Fun House: A daz- zling fun house filled with neon lights, 3D effects and playful jesters. Morwyn’s Manor Haunted House: A true haunted house experience with fright actors and jump scares, located in a contained cor- ner of the festival. Thompson notes that this is not recommended for young children. Festival for Every Celebration Scarborough’s Hollow embraces multiple fall holidays with special themed events throughout its run. On Halloween night, the festival becomes a massive celebration with trick-or-treating for kids at the village shops, a DJ and special performances by Marquis of Vaudeville. A family-friendly costume contest will be held, but with a clear guideline: “Please no gory or frightening costumes,” the event fact sheet states. The very next day, November 1, the festi- val transforms to honor Día de los Muertos. The celebration will feature special face painters for sugar skull designs, perfor- mances by Mariachi los Reyes de Dallas and Ballet Folklorico, and a costume contest. A procession will travel through the Hollow to an ofrenda memory altar, where guests can place mementos to honor their loved ones. Other weekends feature unique contests, such as a Decorated Beard Contest (Oct. 11), a Wondrous Witch Hat Contest (Oct. 25) and a Stein Holding Competition (Nov. 15). Tastes of the Season It wouldn’t be a fall festival without seasonal treats. Scarborough’s Hollow delivers with a mouth-watering menu. Look for favorites like giant turkey legs and street tacos along- side new offerings such as apple pie nachos, a s’mores funnel cake and BBQ mac & cheese. A highlight is the new s’mores sta- tion, where you can purchase a kit and roast your own marshmallows over a fire pit. For adults, seven pubs will serve beer, wine and mead, with weekly specials and seasonal offerings. The Brews of the Hollow beer tasting events offer a guided experience with a certified cicerone. Step into the Magic Scarborough’s Hollow is sure to be a thought- fully crafted world that blends the immersive artistry of a Renaissance festival with the magic of the fall season. By moving away from pure horror and embracing a broader, more inclusive theme, the creators are build- ing a new tradition for North Texans. Whether in search of family fun in a pumpkin patch, a mischievous adventure in a fun house or a moment of reflection Courtesy of Pongo, Scott Fischer and Scarborough’s Hollow Meet the enchanting Sisters of Scarborough’s Hollow, each bringing their own magic, mischief and wonder to the festival. ▼ Culture >> p12
