The Chris Howell Foundation returns with its Second Annual Murder Mystery Dinner on October 31 at The Schoolhouse Dallas, an evening of suspense, supper, and support for North Texas families.
This Halloween, the most intriguing crime scene in North Texas won’t be on a true-crime podcast. It will be set for dinner. On Saturday, October 31, 2026, the Chris Howell Foundation hosts its Second Annual Murder Mystery Dinner at The Schoolhouse Dallas (1601 Chalk Hill Road), transforming the West Dallas venue into a six-hour immersive evening where every guest is a suspect, a sleuth, or both.
The night unfolds in four acts. A VIP reception opens the evening at 5 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at 6. From 7 to 9 p.m., professional murder mystery entertainment pulls guests into the plot, with interrogations, alibis, red herrings, and a reveal that has a way of implicating the guest in the next chair. The evening closes with an after-party running until 11 p.m., because on Halloween night, nobody wants to go home early.
Behind the theatrics is a serious purpose. The Chris Howell Foundation serves families across North Texas year-round, most visibly through its annual Back-to-School Food Distribution & School Supply Giveaway, now in its sixth year, as well as its Thanksgiving Food Giveaway and Christmas Food and Toy Giveaway, which put food and holiday essentials into the hands of Dallas-area families. Proceeds from the Murder Mystery Dinner fuel that work.
“People come for the mystery and stay for the mission,” says Co-Founder Chris Howell. “This event helps make sure more than 250 families have what they need for Thanksgiving, and more than 500 children have gifts under the tree at Christmas, on top of the food boxes we provide.”
Building on the momentum of last year’s inaugural dinner, organizers point to this year’s Halloween-night timing, a Saturday, as a draw for guests deciding how to spend the holiday.
Costumes are optional, and reservations are available through the foundation.
Event Details
What: Chris Howell Foundation 2nd Annual Murder Mystery Dinner, Halloween Night
When: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Where: The Schoolhouse Dallas, 1601 Chalk Hill Road, Dallas, TX 75212
Schedule: VIP Reception 5–6 p.m. • Dinner 6–7 p.m. • Murder Mystery Entertainment 7–9 p.m. • After Party 9–11 p.m.
Tickets: General Admission $150 • VIP $200 • Reservations at chrishowellfoundation.org
About the Chris Howell Foundation
The Chris Howell Foundation is a nonprofit organization that equips individuals and families with resources that improve health, financial stability, and overall well-being across Dallas and Tarrant Counties. Since its inception, the Foundation has served more than 105,000 families and distributed more than three million pounds of food across Dallas-Fort Worth. Learn more at chrishowellfoundation.org.
