Halloween season is such a fun time of year for all ages involved. Who doesn’t like decorating pumpkins to go along with spooky decorations? Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau is hosting their annual “Museum Madness” weekend that features fun from Oct. 17-20 and will celebrate a variety of free activities and events for all ages, perfect for families and visitors seeking a unique Halloween experience.
“This weekend is exciting because it truly showcases the collaboration of all of our attractions while highlighting their unique experiences,” said Sadie Atha, Beaumont CVB’s director of marketing. “There is something for everyone in the family and each day has a fun activity to cater to any interest. There are bugs, bats, dinosaurs, history, art, science, and ultimately – fun for anyone. By gathering for this annual event, our community’s attractions demonstrate their commitment to providing exciting and accessible experiences for all. Plus, it’s a great chance to explore the amazing museums our community has to offer.”
Thursday, Oct. 17
The madness begins from 4-6 p.m. at the Historic Magnolia Cemetery (2291 Pine St.) with free cemetery tours Thursday and Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Explore the historic Magnolia Cemetery and learn about the fascinating stories behind some of Beaumont’s most notable residents.
Lamar’s Dishman Museum invites the community to see “Photography Exhibitions,” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from noon to 4 p. on Sunday. Admission is free.
Tyrrell Park Nature Center (3930 Babe Zaharias Dr.) in Beaumont is hosting a “Build-a-Bat” workshop from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Bats are fascinating creatures with unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in diverse environments. In this interactive workshop, kids (ages 8-12) will dive into the world of bats, learning about their incredible traits and how these relate to their diet and habitats. Reservations are required for this free event. Call (409) 880-3163 for details.
The Museum of the Gulf Coast (700 Procter St.) in Port Arthur will host guided tours from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday featuring interactive media exhibits and 14 kid-friendly stations. An admission fee ($3-$8) is required.
Friday, Oct. 18
The Fire Museum of Texas (400 Walnut) in downtown Beaumont welcomes all to attend their free pumpkin scavenger hunt, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum (5550 Jimmy Simmons Blvd.) near Lamar University will celebrate the “Spindletop Spookfest” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Kiddoes can trick or treat throughout the grounds of Gladys City.
The McFaddin-Ward House invites the community to enjoy an evening of fantastic sounds on its beautiful grounds at Music at the McFaddins’ featuring Jimmy Simmons &Friends, an admission-free outdoor concert event, on Friday, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m. Simmons and his band will perform of a wide variety of classics from the big band era through modern day hits. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and refreshments as they gather on the historic home’s lawn at 1906 McFaddin Avenue in Beaumont. Gates open at 6 p.m.
Spindletop Boomtown Museum (5550 Jimmy Simmons Blvd.) near Lamar University will celebrate the “Spindletop Spookfest” from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. Kiddoes can trick or treat throughout the grounds of Gladys City and explore the historic Boomtown streets filled with spooky decorations, collect sweet treats, and enjoy a special Halloween movie: “Hotel Transylvania” under the stars.
Saturday, Oct. 19
“Family Arts Day: Eat a Bug” returns to the Art Museum of Southeast Texas (500 Main St.) in downtown Beaumont from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a creative day of art activities and eat a delicious bug with Bill Clark Pest Control, only if you dare. The free Family Arts Day will be a hybrid of indoor and outdoor activities such as creating unique artwork like sugar skulls, glow stick Sculptures, trickor-treat bags, and fall cookie decorating as well as a costume contest. There will be two dance performances from the Mexican Heritage Society at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Beaumont Children’s Museum (701 Main St.) in downtown welcomes “Kate the Chemist” for two free shows inside the Civic Center at 11 a.m. at 2 p.m. Dr. Kate Biberdorf (aka Kate the Chemist) is a chemist, science entertainer, and professor at Notre Dame. Through her theatrical and hands-on approach to teaching, she’s appeared on “The Today Show,” “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” NBC Nightly News, “The Rachael Ray Show,” “Star Talk with Neil deGrasse Tyson” and “Late Night with Stephen Colbert.”
Join the Edson Museum (350 Pine St.) in Beaumont for some spooky fun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organizers can listen to the “World of the Worlds” broadcast that originally aired Oct. 30, 1938, on CBS Radio. Directed and narrated by Orson Welles, listeners thought they were be invaded by Martians. Admission is free.
John Jay French Museum (3025 French Rd.) and the Beaumont Heritage Society will host a pumpkin walk from 6-9 p.m. Admission is $5 per person.
Temple to the Brave (1350 Pennsylvania) in downtown Beaumont is free and open to the public, from 2-5 p.m.
It’s Dino Day at the Texas Energy Museum (600 Main St.) in downtown Beaumont. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can learn about dinosaurs and how fossils are found and studied with plenty of fun activities. Admission is free.
Sunday, Oct. 20
Tyrrell Park Nature Center (3930 Babe Zaharias Dr.) in Beaumont hosting an “Owl Pellet and Bones – Owl Mystery” on Sunday, from 3-5 p.m. This program is an interactive, science and nature exploration activity, where each child will examine and dissect one owl pellet while learn about an owl’s diet, habits, and their place in the food web. Call (409) 880- 3163 to reserve a free spot. Space is limited.
“I can’t wait to explore everything this weekend has to offer,” said Atha. “As a history lover and nature enthusiast, I’m thrilled to have so many exciting opportunities to experience. From the spooky cemetery tour to the hands-on science and animal encounters, there’s something for everyone. I can’t wait to make the most of it.”