Dare to Enter

International Mall’s House of Horror returns for its 23rd year

Martha Iriarte, Mia Marley, and Mannu Sanglez

October 31, 2025

The House of Horror Haunted Carnival, located at the Miami International Mall, has grown exponentially throughout the years. Instead of one or two houses, the event now has three, distinct haunted houses with different themes.

Kicking off the fall season, the House of Horror Carnival in Miami International Mall has returned, bringing in screams, shouts, and much to do for this Halloween. With all sorts of rides, food trucks, scare zones, and haunted houses, this fair provides various ways to celebrate the spooky holiday.

Open from September 25 to November 2, the carnival features three haunted houses and two scare zones: the Blood Moon Bayou, Howie’s 3D Playground, Base 13: Undead Frontier, Fear in the Deadlands, and Midway Mayhem. Howie’s 3D Playground is especially unique, as it is the first and only 3D haunted house in South Florida.

House of Horror Carnival has been a staple at the International Mall for over 20 years. The event expanded in 2019 to include multiple haunted houses and scare zones.

Sophomore Laron Mack visited the House of Horror Oct. 11 with friends and was able to experience all three houses. Impressed by the details of the carnival’s amenities, Mack enjoyed the houses the best. “My favorite one was the zombie one. It seemed like they actually tried to scare us, and the actors cared about their role in the house.”

Beyond these haunted zones and houses, tickets include unlimited ride access, offering attractions suitable for anyone. Attractions labeled “extreme” include the spinner, full tilt, zero gravity, vertigo swing, and SCAT. For those who seek a little less action, the thrill rides are available, working to meet these visitors’ threshold.

In addition to the variety of rides, the event highlights a plethora of food options. This year, it has over 20 vendors, including The Market Milkshakes, The Frances Gelato, and La Picana Grill. Several food trucks even sell House of Horror-exclusive menu items, available only to visitors of the carnival.

“I loved the Market milkshakes, especially the s’mores one. It tasted like marshmallows in a cup,” said Monica Medina, a junior at Baker High School.

Whether you’re looking to jump into horror or have a carefree night with friends, the House of Horror Carnival is ready. Take advantage tonight because Miami’s spooky season comes to an end November 2nd.

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About the Contributors

Martha Iriarte, Senior Writer

Coming back for her final year on staff is senior Martha Iriarte. She holds numerous leadership positions in school such as being secretary of Key Club and vice president of the Environmental Club. Her dream is to study environmental science in the future. Outside of school, Iriarte passes time playing piano, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, and hanging out with friends. “I can’t believe this is already my last year,” Iriarte said. “Every day I look forward to the eighth period because I know I can be myself and I just know I’m gonna have a good time”.

Mia Marley, Staff Writer

Sophomore Mia Marley is entering her first year on staff. Music has always been a central part of Marley’s life from spending time at the studio with her dad or playing the piano at school. Marley’s hobbies include baking peanut butter and jelly cookies, participating in track and field alongside her friends, and hitting the gym. She has great plans for the future including pursuing music, engineering or business, possibly even taking over her dad’s company. Marley believes the skills learned through journalism will help her in each of these paths, “I chose this class to strengthen my writing skills and really step outside of my comfort zone”.

Mannu Sanglez, Senior Writer

Senior Mannu Sanglez, who has attended the school since sixth grade, is entering his first year on staff. On the weekends, he likes to go to the beautiful Miami beaches as well as go biking with his friends. Sanglez is excited for the upcoming school year, especially with the relief of being a senior. His main reason for joining the publication was to improve his writing skills, “I wanna learn how to write under pressure and in a time crunch.”