Audrey Garcia

Six Flags Fright Fest is an annual Halloween-themed event held at various Six Flags parks across the United States, Canada and Mexico. It transforms the park into haunted attractions with scare zones, shows and mazes running on weekend evenings starting in mid-September and continuing until Nov. 2.

As the sun sets in the evening and the air grows crisp, Six Flags Fiesta Texas lets Fright Fest loose. Your unforgettable night begins the moment you approach the entrance, where a line of eager guests snakes down the road. What was the sound of rollercoaster screams soon becomes distant screams of terror.

Parking is plentiful, with general parking priced at $35 and preferred parking priced at $45. While VIP parking is available, it’s hardly necessary, as a short walk to the gates is perfectly manageable. Stepping inside, you’re instantly immersed in a vibrant, cultural atmosphere thanks to the stunning Dia de Los Muertos decorations and traditional Spanish music that fills the air. Most visitors come with small bags, so renting a locker is highly recommended. Conveniently located near the entrance, a building with lockers stands beside one of the many gift shops around the park, ensuring you’re all set to enjoy a fantastic day.

Due to Fright Fest not beginning till 7 p.m., it’s best to start by hitting all the scariest rides first so the others seem weak. After enjoying a thrilling ride, you’ll likely want to sit down and take a stop at the Zaragoza theater to watch the “Haunted Hollywood” show. The performance was a masterpiece of 100 years of movies, monsters and music that we all know and love. The moment you step into the venue, you’re greeted by rows upon rows of seating, so make a run to the front to catch every electrifying moment up close.

The show kicks off with musical numbers inspired by classic horror films like Frankenstein and Teen Wolf, setting a nostalgic tone. It then transitions to more contemporary spooky favorites such as The Addams Family. A highlight is the performance by two actors embodying Wednesday and Pugsley Addams, delivering a rendition of “Goo Goo Muck” by The Cramps, surrounded by a large ensemble of iconic movie characters. Then there’s a performance of “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads, sung by one of the lead female actors, as a chase unfolds with horror movie icons like Ghostface pursuing Sidney Prescott and other victims straight out of cinematic history. The energy was infectious, and the choreography was top-notch. This is a must-see that movie lovers won’t want to miss.

After a whirlwind of rides and navigating the sprawling park, head to the Oktoberfest section for a well-deserved break. This charming area has been transformed into a quaint German village, filled with autumnal vibes and a subtle, eerie atmosphere that enhances the festive experience. You can savor authentic German delicacies like kielbasa, a savory sausage inside of two soft pretzel buns, or indulge in the crispy and golden potato pancakes, similar to hashbrowns, served with a side of tangy applesauce for dipping. These treats will recharge your energy, leaving you ready to dive back into the park’s adventures.

As 7 p.m. strikes, the true terror of Fright Fest begins. A train rolls in, unloading scary actors as thick smoke covers the pathways, obscuring their movements and heightening the suspense of unavoidable jump scares. Amidst the fog and crowds, you gradually adjust to the sinister costumes lurking around every corner. To experience the haunted mazes and houses, stop by one of the ticket booths scattered throughout the park to grab either a standard ticket or the express pass. Trust me, the express is so worth it.

Start with the Cinema Slasher haunted house, the longest of the bunch, where halfway through, you might find yourself ready for the exit. This maze draws you into a series of unexpected Halloween-themed horrors, from an Egyptian chamber where a mummy lunges at you to an alien breakout room featuring a giant plant-like creature waiting to pounce. It’s a heart-pounding experience you won’t forget.

Next, make your way to the Conjuring Universe haunted house, which might feel less terrifying if you’re familiar with the films, as the scares are somewhat predictable. Expect actors convincingly portraying possessed characters, with figures like Annabelle displayed in her glass-encased wooden box and the Nun leaping out from a painting for a surprise. While spooky, it pales in comparison to the Saw haunted house, which is downright unnerving, especially for those unfamiliar with the franchise. The maze is filled with creepy moments, like the pig-masked figure jumping at you and Jigsaw’s unsettling puppet eerily watching from its bicycle as you navigate the twists and turns. The actors heighten the tension, quietly warning that “there’s no going back,” leaving you to forge ahead, hoping to escape without too many screams. For a more interactive thrill, check out the couple of free-for-all haunted mazes, where you can engage directly with the terrifying actors for more of a fun experience.

To top off the night, the Fright Finale fireworks display delivers a spectacular close. A suspenseful countdown, projected onto the canyon walls, builds anticipation as you settle onto the grassy hill below. The show pairs pyrotechnics with songs like “This is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas, complemented by a lively performance from the Sanderson Sisters. Water fountains dance in sync with the bursts of color lighting up the sky.

While the display is stunning, it leans more toward musical celebration than the spookiness some might expect. Running until 11 p.m., the finale leaves plenty of time to revisit favorite haunted houses or squeeze in one last ride. By the end of the night, you’ll leave exhausted yet exhilarated, already longing to return for more thrills next year.