
Get your scream on at these 8 Houston-area haunted houses
by Sierra Rozen
| October 2, 2025
If you’re someone who loves the idea of living in a horror movie, you can easily fulfill this fantasy at one of Houston’s haunted houses. The city and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of spooky spots, from masked killers and bug infestations to abandoned asylums and stalker clowns. Check out these eight haunts in the Houston area to get spooky at.

Get to know your 2025-2026 Houston Rockets NBA team
by Joey Held
| September 30, 2025
CULTURE | DALLAS MAVERICKS | ENTERTAINMENT | HARDGATE | Houston Rockets | HTX | LIFESTYLE | NBA | SPORTS | TEXAS | THINGS TO DO
Last year’s squad was a surprising top seed in the Western Conference. After shaking up their roster, the 2025-2026 Houston Rockets are a title contender.

8 creepy facts about Texas that textbooks leave out
by Joey Held
| September 30, 2025
animals | austin | CULTURE | DFW | DFW EVENTS | dfw history | HARDGATE | houston history | HTX | LIFESTYLE | murder | North Texas | old texas | politics | recreation | SAN ANTONIO | TEXAS | TEXAS HISTORY | true crime
From unsolved murders to unsettling origins of town names, these creepy facts about Texas will make your skin crawl.

12 Houston events to help you fall into October
by Sierra Rozen
| September 29, 2025
It’s every fall lover's favorite month! And while Houston is still enjoying (or sweating in) hotter weather for the season, there are still plenty of upcoming events to help get you in the spooky and autumnal spirit. Keep reading for just a few of the festivals and other events we’re looking forward to.

Houston’s Southern Smoke Festival returns with its biggest lineup yet
| September 29, 2025
2025 southern smoke festival | Community | CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT | food and drink | HARDGATE | HOUSTON LEAD STORY | HTX | LIFESTYLE | southern smoke festival | tourism
Sample bites from 85+ top chefs, sip signature cocktails, and enjoy live music at Houston’s biggest culinary block party on October 4.