Pleasanton Haunted House Offers Movie Screenings, Spooky Sights

PLEASANTON, CA — Porter's Scream House in downtown Pleasanton is bigger than ever this year.

There's an elaborate display boasting animatronics and a movie screen, where spooky films are screened from about 7:30 to 10 p.m. during the week. Film screenings could run as late as midnight on Halloween. A seating section has been coned off to allow for social distancing while watching classic Halloween flicks.

Stop by the haunted house at 245 Rose Ave. during the evening and see the eerie extravaganza for yourself.

Halloween is serious business to Porter Warren, 9, the visionary behind Porter's Scream House. His collection of ghoulish décor grows each year and includes more than 100 items, said dad Dave Warren.

Porter is a Lydiksen Elementary School special education student with high-functioning autism, which makes him extraordinarily creative, determined and focused. He "walks around in right brain mode" all the time, Warren said.

Porter begins planning for the next year's display around Nov. 1 each year. Whenever he acquires a new item, he's up by 7 a.m. the next morning plotting its place in his masterpiece, Warren said.

His handiwork caught the attention of Tri-Valley company Cox Family Stores, which asked him to deck out some stores and drive-thru car washes. If you're looking for some spine-tingling fun while giving your car a scrub, check out the Shell gas stations at 6750 Santa Rita Road and 5251 Hopyard Road. Porter's work was such a hit that he'll be decorating more of their stores next year.

But don't take our word for it. Stop by Porter's Scream House, if you think you're brave enough to bear things that go bump in the night.