Fort Worth

I-35 traffic, Dallas Cowboys playoffs: Spooky DFW Halloween costume ideas

Fans cheer on the Dallas Cowboy during the first half against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Fans cheer on the Dallas Cowboy during the first half against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Fort Worth Star Telegram archives

Halloween is just over a week away, which means there’s still plenty of time to put a costume together.

Many people will flock to their favorite classic horror characters, like Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees. Or, maybe they'll dress as newer horror icons like Jigsaw, M3gan or Art the Clown.

But what about something truly terrifying with local flair — like Interstate 35 or the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff record since 1996? Those are some true haunts.

Here’s a look at a few North Texas-specific Halloween costumes.

Traffic flows on Interstate 35W on Tuesday, May 24, 2023, in Fort Worth.
Traffic flows on Interstate 35W on Tuesday, May 24, 2023, in Fort Worth. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com

Interstate 35

If there’s one horror icon most North Texans are scared of, it’s I-35 traffic.

The major roadway is known for its lengthy traffic delays, construction closures and adding several minutes to any commute. Add rush hour traffic on top of that and you have some skin crawling stuff.

Costume idea: A mess of red tail lights, traffic cones and “Sorry, I’m running late” texts.

Jerry Jones talks to reporters prior to the start of the Dallas Cowboys' season home opener against the New York Giants on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Jerry Jones talks to reporters prior to the start of the Dallas Cowboys' season home opener against the New York Giants on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com

The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff record

It’s been nearly 30 years since America’s Team won its last Super Bowl.

The Cowboys have shown flutters of championship potential but have not made a conference final since 1996. What has followed is wildcard losses, divisional round defeats and years of not making the postseason.

Costume idea: Delusion, defeat and “This is our year” written on your chest.

Adrian Olmos, 10, cools down on the splash pad at Sycamore Water Park in Fort Worth on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Temperatures rose to over 100 degrees as the summer heatwave begins to heat up.
Adrian Olmos, 10, cools down on the splash pad at Sycamore Water Park in Fort Worth on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Temperatures rose to over 100 degrees as the summer heatwave begins to heat up. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com

The Texas heat

Texas is known for many things. Chief among them is the incredibly hot weather we get every year.

Temperatures begin heating up in the spring and roast over the summer months. Sometimes, like this year, warm temperatures continue through the fall.

Costume idea: The biggest sun-shaped costume you can find.

Randall Kennedy caught this rattlesnake in Southlake.
Randall Kennedy caught this rattlesnake in Southlake. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archives

Critters

The Metroplex is home to several critters found in and around homes.

Snakes, spiders, scorpions are common sights across the region. Dallas-Fort Worth is also fifth on Terminix’s list of cities with the worst bed bug infestations.

Costume idea: A mascot-like costume of your favorite creepy crawly.

Stripling Middle School students Mia Rodriguez, 14, Cecilia Rico, 14, Ariana White, 14, Mia Rico, 12, and Isabella Rodriguez, 14, build a snowman in their neighborhood park in Southwest Fort Worth on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The winter storm led to all Fort Worth ISD schools to close for the rest of the week.
Stripling Middle School students Mia Rodriguez, 14, Cecilia Rico, 14, Ariana White, 14, Mia Rico, 12, and Isabella Rodriguez, 14, build a snowman in their neighborhood park in Southwest Fort Worth on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The winter storm led to all Fort Worth ISD schools to close for the rest of the week. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com

North Texas weather

In addition to the heat, the weather in North Texas is all over the place.

Hail, tornadoes and drought are all commonplace in the region. While snow is not prevalent, ice and freezing temperatures wreak havoc during the winter months.

Costume idea: A jacket, umbrella and sunscreen.


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Brayden Garcia
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Brayden Garcia is a service journalism reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Brayden mainly writes about weather and all things Taylor Sheridan-related.
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