Entry No. 12 — the Dallas file — filed under: witchy
The Satanic Temple DFW (Deep Ellum gatherings)
“more activist art-collective than horror movie”
A 'civic-minded,' non-theistic Satanic chapter profiled by the Dallas Observer, whose members have gathered in the back room of a Deep Ellum bar to perform rituals and study the occult, not out of belief in any entity but for the psychological power of ceremony. More activist art-collective than horror movie.
The story
If you are expecting blood sacrifices, hooded figures, or goat skulls, you're going to be disappointed. The Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of The Satanic Temple is strictly non-theistic—nobody in the room believes in a literal devil, a pitchfork, or supernatural forces. Think of them instead as a sharp-edged activist collective with a penchant for theatricality, where Satan is invoked purely as a literary archetype of the ultimate rebel standing against arbitrary authority.
Profiled by the Dallas Observer, the local chapter uses the psychological power of ceremony—invocations, unbaptisms, and structured occult study—to build community and channel secular activism. They don't maintain a cathedral or a permanent storefront; their 'temple' is transient, manifesting in the curtained back rooms and private event spaces of Deep Ellum bars whenever a meeting or public ritual is called.
Behind the provocative imagery sits a group invested in bodily autonomy, civic freedom, and challenging religious privilege in Texas law. When you step into one of their public gatherings, you aren't entering a dark horror-movie dungeon, but a dim bar room filled with local skeptics, artists, and activists sipping craft beers and discussing secular philosophy under low lighting.
What it's like
Because there is no permanent venue to drop in on, getting inside means monitoring the chapter's social channels for announced public rituals, socials, or lectures. You'll head to whichever Deep Ellum nightspot they've booked, navigate past the front bar crowd, and step into an adult, evening gathering of respectful locals and subculture regulars. The vibe feels part secret society, part relaxed neighborhood meetup: while the ritual elements are performed with serious artistic intent, the crowd is welcoming. Treat the ceremony as legitimate community practice rather than a spectacle to gawk at, then step out into Deep Ellum's walkable nightlife district for a post-gathering nightcap.
The move: Follow their socials for a public ritual, social or gathering (they've met in Deep Ellum bar back rooms) and go together for a one-of-a-kind, unholy-communion night out, then process it over a Deep Ellum nightcap.
📍 Before you go This isn't a fixed venue you can drop in on, so the only way in is to watch the chapter's own social channels (Facebook, plus X/Instagram) for an announced ritual, social, or public gathering, then head to whichever Deep Ellum spot they name. Because they meet in bar back rooms, expect an adult, evening crowd; some events are open to anyone and others lean member-focused, so read the listing. Deep Ellum sits just east of downtown with paid lots, metered street parking, and a DART Green Line stop, plus walkable blocks of bars and live-music rooms for that post-ritual nightcap. Go respectfully; this is community and ceremony, not spectacle.
- 📍 Deep Ellum
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Hours: No fixed venue; gatherings are event-based, check their social media
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Sons of Hermann Hall — Continue the evening's historic lodge vibe at Dallas's oldest free-standing wooden structure, a 1910 German fraternal hall turned creaky neighborhood bar.
- Dallas Psychic & Crystals — Trade non-theistic civic ceremony for traditional metaphysical supplies at this small family-owned botanica that has traded in crystals and readings since 1969.
- The Labyrinth — Follow up an unholy ceremony with a visit to Dallas's oldest witch shop for summoning blends and banishing candles on Lower Greenville.
- Room 520 — Process your post-ritual conversation over a quiet drink inside Dallas's smallest speakeasy, hidden behind a hotel guest room door downtown.
Good to know
Is there a physical temple or building in Dallas I can visit anytime?
No. The chapter does not operate a permanent brick-and-mortar venue in Dallas; gatherings are event-based and hosted in borrowed spaces like bar back rooms.
Do members of The Satanic Temple believe in or worship the devil?
No. The Satanic Temple is a non-theistic religious organization. Members do not believe in a literal Satan or the supernatural, using the figure instead as a symbol of skepticism and personal liberty.
How can I attend a gathering or public ritual?
You must check the group's official social media channels (such as Instagram @satanictempledfw or Facebook) for announced public events, which list the specific Deep Ellum venue, time, and entry requirements.
Are gatherings open to non-members and the general public?
Many announced socials and public ceremonies are open to curious visitors, though some events lean member-focused, so you should always check the event posting details beforehand.
How do I get to gatherings in Deep Ellum?
Deep Ellum sits just east of downtown Dallas and is accessible via the DART Green Line (Deep Ellum Station), as well as metered street parking and paid surface lots.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: dallasobserver.com · Instagram
last checked: 2026-06-06