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Editor's Note: This story has been corrected to reflect that roads involved in the Spooky Dash will be closed from approximately 6-10:30 a.m. and that the beer garden will open at 8 a.m.
Two longtime Farmers Branch Halloween traditions are being replaced this year by one larger celebration, with a new competitive 5K adding an early-morning start to a full day of activities.
The inaugural Farmers Branch Fall Fest and Spooky Dash will take over the Farmers Branch Historical Park on Saturday, Oct. 10. The day begins with the city's new Spooky Dash 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run before Fall Fest opens at 11 a.m. and continues until 9 p.m.
Fall Fest replaces both Halloween in the Park and Haunts and Houses, two events that attracted very different crowds.
Halloween in the Park, the city's larger evening Halloween celebration, typically drew between 5,000 and 6,000 people. Haunts and Houses attracted about 500 attendees with a smaller, family-focused event that allowed children to trick-or-treat through the Historical Park's historic buildings.
This year, those activities will be folded into a free, 10-hour Fall Fest with trick-or-treating, carnival rides, live music and entertainment, haunted attractions, games and other Halloween activities throughout the Historical Park.
But before the costumes and candy take over the park, Farmers Branch is adding something entirely new.
The 1-Mile Family Fun Run begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Spooky Dash 5K at 8 a.m. The 5K was added at the request of the Farmers Branch City Council.
While costumes are encouraged and the race is connected to a family festival, the Spooky Dash is designed for competitive runners. The 5K will be run on a USA Track & Field-certified course and will be chip timed.
The route will take runners beyond the Historical Park and through portions of Farmers Branch they may not otherwise see, including the Mustang Station Arts & Culture District. A cheer station at Mustang Station sponsored by Señor Oink will give residents and spectators a place to encourage runners as they pass through the district.
“[Runners] get to experience a lot of Farmers Branch,” said Special Event Manager Josie Avina.
The 5K is timed, while the 1-mile fun run is not. An awards ceremony is scheduled for approximately 9 a.m., and the course is expected to close at 9:30 a.m.
Roads involved in the Spooky Dash are expected to close from 6-10 a.m.
Participants in both races receive a race shirt, drawstring bag and custom bib. The 5K also includes a finisher medal, with trophies for the top overall and masters male and female finishers and awards for the top three male and female finishers in multiple age divisions.
The two races are limited to a combined 750 participants, and race shirts are guaranteed to the first 500 registrants.
Registration is $45 for the 5K and $25 for the 1-mile fun run, plus processing fees, and continues through Oct. 9.
Packet pickup will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, and Friday, Oct. 9, at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, 14050 Heartside Place. There will be no race-day packet pickup.
After the race, the focus returns to the Historical Park, where Fall Fest begins at 11 a.m.
The festival will include trick-or-treat stations, carnival rides, live entertainment, game trucks, a silent disco, strolling Halloween characters, face painting, balloon artists and photo opportunities. Costume and screaming contests are also planned.
Bankhead Brewpub will provide the beer garden, which will also open at 8 a.m.
Chick-fil-A will be part of the day's food offerings, including breakfast during the morning race activities.
The city held community meetings in August and September to discuss the new race course, its potential impact on surrounding neighborhoods and opportunities for residents to get involved.
The city is still seeking volunteers for the inaugural event as well as businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities.
“We’ll see really, really good attendance, but over 10 hours, I don’t think it will feel as crowded,” said Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation Maria Minter.
Free festival and ADA parking will be available at Metro Square, 12300 Ford Road. Fall Fest is scheduled as a rain-or-shine event.
More information about Fall Fest, race registration, volunteering and sponsorship opportunities is available through the city's Fall Fest and Spooky Dash websites.
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