Calling all little ghosts, goblins, princesses and superheroes! With Halloween just around the corner, it's almost time to put on those costumes and get ready for an eerie-sistibly exciting celebration.
From collecting candy to enjoying frightfully fun activities, the holiday is all about letting imaginations run wild and creating unforgettable memories.
To help Rio Grande Valley families get into the Halloween spirit, South Texas Health System (STHS) Children’s will host its popular Children’s Fall Festival on Friday, October 23, transforming the hospital grounds into a Halloween wonderland filled with thrilling attractions, sweet treats and family-friendly fun.
“At STHS Children’s, we’re committed to supporting the health and well-being of families not only inside our hospital walls, but throughout the community,” said Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Children’s and STHS Edinburg. “The Children’s Fall Festival is a chance to bring families together for a memorable Halloween celebration while sharing important reminders that can help children enjoy the holiday safely.”
Since 2007, STHS Children’s has brought the magic of Halloween to life through its annual trick-or-treat celebration, offering Rio Grande Valley families a festive destination to enjoy seasonal traditions and make lasting memories together.
What began as a festive gathering has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated Halloween events, featuring carnival rides, interactive games, an illuminated spooky forest, food trucks and dozens of booths offering tricks, treats and seasonal fun.
Each year, STHS facilities and departments join forces with local businesses, government agencies and community organizations to create imaginative Halloween-themed experiences, transforming booth spaces into festive displays while offering engaging activities for children of all ages.
“There’s something special about seeing thousands of children and families come together to celebrate Halloween, especially when you see the excitement on the kids’ faces as they explore everything the festival has to offer,” said Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations for South Texas Health System. “With more than 6,000 people attending last year’s event, it’s clear how much this tradition means to families across the Rio Grande Valley. We’re excited to welcome everyone back for another evening of fun, laughter and unforgettable memories.”
This year’s Children’s Fall Festival will take place on Friday, October 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the main parking lot of STHS Children’s.
Children are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costumes and prepare for an evening of spooky adventures, exciting activities and plenty of treats.
The pre-Halloween celebration is free and open to the community. The first 500 children to arrive and register at the festival’s main entrance will receive a complimentary ice cream cup courtesy of Golden Ice Cream, along with a commemorative STHS Children’s 20th anniversary T-shirt while supplies last.
For complete details, visit the STHS Children’s Facebook Events page. To participate in this year’s event or volunteer to help, contact the STHS Marketing Department at 956-388-2033 or STHSMarketing@uhsinc.com.
Who: South Texas Health System Children’s
What: Children’s Fall Festival
When: Friday, October 23, 2026, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: STHS Children’s Main Parking Lot 1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX. 78539
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Alamo, Edinburg, McAllen, Mission Pharr and Weslaco. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
