This year, the Trick or Treat Trail & Fall Market is…

Hooves & Talons Trail Walk: A 2024 Roots & Wings Festival Event

Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 at Healing with Horses Ranch

Join us for a celebration of Halloween, Day of the Dead, and our urban ecosystem at Healing with Horses Ranch! Explore our 47-acre natural landscape nestled on the edge of Austin. As part of the City of Austin’s Roots & Wings Festival, this family-friendly event invites the community to navigate our trails, engage in fun nature-themed activities, and gather plenty of treats along the way. The fest embraces the fundamental concept that we are all connected to each other and to our local ecosystem. Growing these connections creates a stronger, more resilient, and healthy community. RSVP is required!

Event Highlights:

  • Meet the Horses: Get to know members of the Healing with Horses Ranch therapy herd, who will be mingling around the event in costume!
  • Scavenger Hunt Safari: Learn about our native flora & fauna by spotting our staff in themed costumes.
  • Face Painting: Festival-themed designs for all ages by Big Smiles Face Painting, LLC.
  • Community Ofrenda: Honor past horses and pets in a special Dia de los Muertos display. We encourage our guests to bring their own contributions & photos to add.
  • DIY Wildlife Treat Station: Make a special treat for wildlife to take home.
  • Texas Wildlife Mask-Making: Craft masks using recycled materials.
  • Owl Pellet Dissection: A hands-on activity to explore the food chain.
  • Healing with Horses Ranch “Duck Derby”: Participate in our exciting rubber duck races on Gilleland Creek! Ducks are available for “adoption” at $5 for one or $25 for six. The fastest duck wins prizes for their adoptive parents! Ducks are limited, and they may sell out, so be sure to adopt yours quack-ly! Race heats will be held throughout the event, so don’t miss out.
  • Community Market: Shop local vendors!

Costumes are encouraged! Whether spooky or silly, come dressed in your Halloween best (family-friendly, of course!). Don’t forget to bring your own basket for all the treats you’ll collect. Plus, we’ll be hosting local vendors and distributing 50 tree saplings (first-come, first-served) to help our community grow!

Vendor Call: We are currently accepting applications from local vendors interested in selling goods at this event for a small fee. If you’d like to showcase your crafts, treats, or services, this is a great opportunity to connect with the community! If you want to set up an informational booth, your fee will be waived. Deadline for sign up is Saturday, October 19th. Sign up here.

This is a “leave no trace” event, and we strive to make it accessible for all. Accessible parking is available—just ask one of our volunteers when you arrive to direct you. While our natural trails are maintained for easy navigation, please note there are small hills and uneven ground in certain areas.

This event is part of the Roots & Wings Festival, Austin’s annual celebration of Arbor Day and Monarch Appreciation Day. The Roots & Wings Festival is held each fall and is sponsored by the City of Austin and partners. This year’s Festival runs from October 19th through November 3rd. You can learn more and find more related events by visiting www.rootsandwingsfest.com

Please direct any questions to our Development Director: rebekah.fookes@healingwithhorsesranch.org

Check out photos from years’ past below!