The Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Austin
Commemorate the spookiest time of year with these sweet and sinister celebrations
Whether you’re a costume aficionado or just here for the cooler weather, October is undeniably one of the best times of year. In a city that knows how to get in the spirit, we’ve put together a list of our favorite Halloween happenings around Austin with a little something for everyone.
Family-Friendly Treats
Pumpkin Nights
September 18 – October 31 | Pioneer Farms
The great pumpkin is the star of this impressive display spread across the sprawling 90-acre Pioneer Farms. Artists have transformed hundreds of jack-o-lanterns into otherworldly creatures and imaginative structures, and will surely create a sense of wonder for all ages as they stroll through eight varying realms. Snag tickets before they sell out!
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
September 27 – November 30 | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
This fall, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center debuts Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the Wildflower Center. The outdoor installation features illuminated scenes from Halloween Town and Christmas Town with lights, projections, music, themed drinks and custom props. Timed-entry tickets start at $31 for children and $41 for adults, with flex options at $51. The trail is open Wednesday through Sunday from dusk to 10:15 p.m.
Uhland Fall Festival
September 27 – November 2 | 2400 Cotton Gin Rd
Visiting a pumpkin patch is a must for Halloween. Formerly known as the Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival, this event features more than 50 fall-inspired games, a courtyard marketplace, live music, seasonal bites, an exotic petting zoo, and endless photo ops for the whole family. Check online for the full schedule of unique weekly activities.
Boo at the Zoo
October 3-25 (Fridays & Saturdays) | Austin Zoo
Come dressed in your Halloween finest and experience the zoo like never before at this annual family-friendly event. Decked out in festive holiday décor, you’ll find a schedule of activities from a Frightfully Fun Animal Show and chilling Haunted Mansion to a 10-minute Haunted Train Ride through the Hill Country.
Halloween at the Hive: Boo Bash
October 25 & 26 and Oct. 29, 30 & 31 | The Hive by Bee Cave Arts Foundation
This Bee Cave gallery is transforming into a Halloween haven for five nights this October. Parents get in free with child’s admission, so families can spend the day making mischievous art projects, taking supernatural family photos, vying for paranormal prizes and creating unforgettable memories.
Halloween Children’s Concert
October 26 | Long Center
Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual Halloween Children’s Concert sets sail at the Long Center with a swashbuckling adventure for all ages. Conductor Pablo Zamora will lead the orchestra on a daring voyage through short works that capture the thrills and chills of pirate lore. Guests are encouraged to come in costume for the Spooktacular Costume Contest, with “treasures” awarded onstage during the show. Arrive early for Pre-Concert Activities for Kids, including musical crafts, games, and the always-popular Instrument Petting Zoo, beginning one hour before the concert on the H-E-B Terrace and in the Long Center Lobby.
Spooktacular
October 24 | Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Museum invites families to come in costume for its annual Spooktacular, an evening of slimy, shocking, and spooky science fun. In partnership with Girlstart, guests can enjoy hands-on STEM activities, embark on a spooky scavenger hunt through the Museum’s exhibitions after hours, and take part in a special Día de los Muertos activity with MathHappens. This year also offers the chance to explore the Museum’s newest special exhibition, “T. rex: The Ultimate Predator.”
Straw Fest
October 26 | UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
Dress in your best costume and head to UMLAUF for a free family day filled with seasonal fun at Straw Fest. The festive lineup includes games, fall crafts, a costume parade, straw pit, face painting, character performances, caricatures, educational activities, pumpkin decorating, inflatable games, and treats from H-E-B.
Halloween Carnival
October 26 | Neill-Cochran House Museum
Bring the costume-clad kids out for a Halloween-inspired lawn party at the beautiful Neill-Cochran House. Free to the public, there will be a bouncy house, a Trunk-or-Treat game, a scavenger hunt and Día de los Muertos programs.
All Hallows’ Eve at Commodore Perry Estate
October 26 | Commodore Perry Estate
Commodore Perry Estate is opening its gates for a magical, family-friendly Halloween celebration. From 4-7 p.m., guests can enjoy live music, palm readings, arts and crafts, and a treasure hunt in the estate’s garden. Kids are invited to explore the scavenger hunt, while families can enjoy pumpkin painting stations and a variety of spooky surprises. Costumes are encouraged, and tickets are $55 for adults, $35 for children 12 and older, and free for kids under 12.
RELATED: Plan an Autumn Adventure at These 6 Central Texas Pumpkin Patches
Freaky Film Screenings
Alamo Horror House Series
October 7 – November 4 | Alamo Drafthouse Locations
Austin-based movie theater Alamo Drafthouse is unearthing a chilling series of cult classics for the big screen. Enjoy horror favorites like “The Fog” or have some fun at a “Scream” Movie Party, all leading up to a special Halloween night screening of “Nosferatu” featuring a live score by the Invincible Czars.
Spooky Season at Hyperreal Film Club
October 1-30 | Hyperreal Film Club
East Austin microcinema Hyperreal Film Club is playing a month-long lineup of weird, strange, and cult horror classics like “Suspiria” (1977) and “Frankenhooker.” Screenings are pay-what-you-can, starting at just $8, making it the perfect spot for film lovers to experience unique cinematic gems. Check out the full schedule for October on their website.
Panic at the Paramount
October 6 – November 9 | Paramount Theatre
Ghouls and goblins are invited to gather ’round for six days of terrifying horror films at the Paramount. This year’s lineup features a cult classic double feature of “Pet Sematary” (1989) and “Hausu,” presented by Louisianna Purchase, who will also perform a preshow drag set before the screenings. Fans of “An American Werewolf in London” will have the chance to hear from star David Naughton, who will attend and take audience questions. The schedule also includes “Halloween” (1978), presented by Robert Rodriguez, along with a surprise second film selected by Rodriguez. The festival celebrates cult favorites and horror classics, with more screenings available on the full schedule.
International Horror at AFS
Oct. 2–31 | AFS Cinema
AFS Cinema rolls out a monthlong slate of international horror this October, spotlighting more niche, cult and art-house classics. Highlights include Andrzej Żuławski’s cult favorite “Possession,” Iván Zulueta’s 1979 Spanish art-horror gem “Arrebato,” and Werner Herzog’s gothic reimagining “Nosferatu the Vampyre.” Check out the full lineup of chilling films and get tickets here.
The Rocky Horror Drag Show
October 29 | Hotel Vegas
Hotel Vegas is back with a classic Halloween tradition. The Vixens of Volstead and friends will bring cult favorite “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to life on the Hotel Vegas Patio with a live shadow cast performance, plus tunes from Turito to keep the party going. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their boldest looks and join the cast in singing, dancing and, of course, doing the “Time Warp.” Seated tickets include a prop bag, while general admission ticketholders can purchase prop bags on site.
Grown Up Frights
Gibson’s Twisted Carnival
October 1-31 | Gibson Street Bar
Gibson Street Bar is turning into a “Haunted Twisted Carnival” all month long. Embrace the spooky vibes, show off your best costumes, and sip on a variety of specialty Halloween cocktails for a frightfully fun experience!
Lefty’s Shop of Horrors
October 1-31 | Lefty’s Brick Bar
Surround yourself in holiday horror at Lefty’s all month long. The east side bar found inside ARRIVE Austin hotel is transforming into five distinct and enchanting spaces with the cocktails to match. They’ll also be hosting special happenings, including a weekly night tarot residency, Halloween-themed trivia nights, scary movie screenings, and a rotation of DJs and live music on Saturdays. Keep up on their Insta for more details.
Black Lagoon Pop Up
October 1–31 | King Bee
Created by lovers of all-things creepy crawly, Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage, Black Lagoon is bringing its cocktail-focused pop-up to classic east side bar King Bee. Immerse yourself in the dimly lit, dungeonous décor with frightfully good drinks in hand and sneaky surprises in tow.
Moe’s Tavern Pop Up
October 9 – 31 | Nickel City
Nickel City in East Austin transforms into Moe’s Tavern from “The Simpsons” for Halloween, offering a nostalgic, themed experience. Guests can enjoy Duff beers, Krusty Burgers, and cocktails like the Flaming Moe and Spicy Marge margarita. The bar’s decor includes Simpsons character cutouts, neon signs, and a Simpsons arcade game. Delray Cafe, Nickel’s on-site food truck, has also turned into Krusty Burger, serving up more themed treats.
Frankenstein’s Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab
October 1 –November 9 | Wanderlust Wine Co. – Downtown
Bucket Listers and Wanderlust Wine Co. are teaming up for a Frankenstein-themed pop-up bar at Wanderlust’s downtown location. Guests will step inside a spooky laboratory setting, where “mad scientists” guide them through interactive cocktails, eerie experiments and photo ops. General admission starts at $24 and includes a 90-minute reservation and welcome cocktail. Additional drinks are available for purchase, and tarot card readings can be booked on site.
“Stranger Things” Pop Up
September 5 – October 31 | Lucille Patio Lounge
Step into the world of Hawkins as this Rainey Street bar transforms into the Byers family home, complete with props, lights and themed décor. The “Stranger Things” pop-up sets the mood ahead of the show’s fifth season, offering a cozy spot to get in the spirit.
Ventana Ballet’s “UNDEAD: Haunted House of Dances”
October 23 – 31 | East Side Performing Arts Center
Local troupe Ventana Ballet is bringing its immersive, adults-only Halloween show to East Side Performing Arts Center. “UNDEAD” will feature professional dance artists, creepy creatures, ghoulish libations and more. While tickets are likely to sell out, there will be some walk-up availability the night of the performance.
Halloween Freakend
Oct. 31 – Nov. 1 | The Far Out Lounge
LEVITATION and Resound join forces for a two-night celebration of psychedelic, garage and experimental rock. Friday’s lineup features Viagra Boys, Stereolab, The Black Lips, Bitchin Bajas and J’Cuuzi. Saturday brings Machine Girl, Clown Core, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Lightning Bolt, Lip Critic, Porcelain and Ha Ha Laughing.
Freaky Deaky Festival
October 25-26 | Carson Creek Ranch
If dancing is in your blood, don’t miss this two-day festival of electrifying EDM performances. Guests will be dressed to the nines and letting their freak flag fly as more than 60 artists take the stage surrounded by trippy effects and neon décor.
Vice Night
October 30-31 | Devil May Care
Devil May Care brings two evenings of indulgence and intrigue at its Vice Night. Guests are invited to enjoy decadent food, crafted cocktails, tarot readings and spooky surprises. Themed around gluttony, lust and envy, this Halloween celebration is set to be filled with temptation and spectacle.
Halloween Spooktacular Silent Disco Party
October 31 | The Belmont
This Halloween, The Belmont transforms into a fang-tastic dance party with three live DJs battling it out across genres—from Top 40 hits to nostalgic throwbacks and hip-hop grooves. Guests will don Quiet Events headphones to switch between channels, glowsticks to light up the night, and costumes are encouraged. With music, dancing and glow-in-the-dark fun from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., it’s a 21+ celebration set to keep the party going all night long.
Haunted Houses
If you prefer a jump scare, don’t shy away from these spine tingling nearby haunted house experiences. Take a trip to Smithville less than an hour out to experience Scream Hollow, try your hand at House of Torment’s frightening attractions, or head to Buda to uncover what Bat City Scaregrounds has in store this Halloween.