The Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Austin

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 19 – 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 your tickets before they sell out!

Uhland Fall Festival

September 28 – October 27 | 2400 Cotton Gin Rd

Visiting a pumpkin patch is a must for Halloween. Formerly known as the Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival, this event debuts at a new location 25 miles south of Austin and 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 4-16 (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 19 & 20 and 26 & 27 | 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 20 | Long Center

Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual Halloween Children’s Concert is back at the beautiful Long Center with a thrilling musical mystery for all ages. Assistant Conductor Pablo Zamora will lead the orchestra through this collaboration between composer Nathaniel Stookey and beloved children’s author Lemony Snicket. With Austin-based actor Andre Martin narrating, the audience will be taken on a journey to uncover which member of the orchestra is guilty in this gripping murder mystery. Make sure to swing by early for a slate of Pre-Concert Activities for Kids, including an adorable pint-sized costume contest.

Spooktacular

October 25 | Bullock Texas State History Museum

The Bullock Museum has once again partnered with Girlstart to bring your kiddos loads of free Halloween-themed activities that are as educational as they are festive during Spooktacular. School of Rock Austin’s band The B Team will kick-off the evening with live music before young ones embark on a scavenger hunt, enjoy spooky science displays and demonstrations with Daniel G. Benes Science Shows and more!

Straw Fest

October 27 | UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum

Prepare for a day packed with family pastimes highlighting the best fall has to offer at UMLAUF’s Straw Fest. Free to attend, the extensive lineup of events range from lawn games and pumpkin decorating to a spider web maze and Bird of Prey show. Head to their website for the full schedule.

Halloween Carnival 2024

October 27 | 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 led by local organization Latinitas. 

All Hallow’s Eve at Commodore Perry Estate

October 27 | 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 a s’mores station and a variety of spooky surprises. Costumes are encouraged, and tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children.

Tacos & Dog-o-Ween at Central Machine Works

October 27 | Central Machine Works

Central Machine Works is going all out for Halloween with ZilkerBark’s 5th Annual Tacos & Dog-o-Ween! Starting at 11 a.m., this bark-tacular event will feature tacos for your furry friends (yes, dog tacos!), a full bar with specialty cocktails, pet portraits at the Giant Taco with ZilkerBark, and an epic dog costume contest. With $1 from every drink going to the Austin Humane Society, it’s a day full of fun for a great cause. 

RELATED: Plan an Autumn Adventure at These 6 Central Texas Pumpkin Patches

Freaky Film Screenings

Alamo Horror House Series

October 3 – October 31 | Alamo Drafthouse Locations

Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse is unearthing a chilling series of cult classics for the big screen. Enjoy horror favorites like “Creature from the Black Lagoon” or have some fun at a “Beetlejuice” 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 – October 30 | Hyperreal Film Club

This September, Hyperreal Film Club opened a permanent screening space in East Austin, and they’re playing a month-long lineup of weird, strange, and cult horror classics like “Suspiria” 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.

Sunday Scaries

October 6 – 27 | Moxy Austin – University

Every Sunday this October, Moxy Austin is putting on a free movie night in their backyard complete with complimentary candy, liquor tastings and enticing prizes. Bring your chairs (and pups), grab a Zombie Taco and embrace the Sunday Scaries.

Panic at the Paramount

October 13 – 23 | Paramount Theatre

Ghouls and goblins are invited to gather ’round for 10 days of terrifying horror films at the Paramount. This year’s lineup includes a day-long marathon of classic horror sequels, a campy double feature of “Death Becomes Her” and “Jawbreaker” presented by Hyperreal Film Club, and a special screening of Robert Rodriguez’s personal 35mm print of “From Dusk Till Dawn”—plus a surprise second film handpicked by Rodriguez himself. It’s a can’t-miss celebration of cult favorites and horror classics!

Live Score: Nosferatu

October 19 | AFS Cinema

Each year, Austin’s Invincible Czars head to AFS Cinema to perform the haunting scores to masterful silent films to create a surreal viewing experience — this year taking on German horror classic “Nosferatu.” Get tickets and view the theater’s full lineup of Halloween flicks screening this month here.

The Rocky Horror Drag Show

October 30 | Hotel Vegas

Hotel Vegas is hosting a holiday tradition with an extra special twist. Along with a screening of ever-popular film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Austin’s Vixens of Volstead will be onsite with friends to put on a one-of-a-kind drag shadow cast performance featuring the movie’s iconic characters. Each ticket includes a bag of props, some popcorn and access to a sensational evening.

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 Monday night tarot residency, Halloween-themed trivia on Tuesdays, Emo music nights on Thursdays and a rotation of DJs and live music on Saturdays. Keep up on Insta for more details!

The Witch House at Cosmic Saltillo

October 1-31 | Cosmic Saltillo

Cosmic Saltillo is bringing the chills this October with The Witch House, a haunted speakeasy pop-up bar. Located on the second floor, it’s decked out in eerie decor like cobwebs, crows, and “bloody” mirrors. Sip on five spooky cocktails, including Tell’em Freddy Sent Ya Shot (Vodka, Passion Fruit, Citrus) and Was That The Boogeyman? (Vodka, Tequila, or Bourbon with Spiced Apple Chai Cider & Rosemary). This pop-up is open Thursday-Saturday, 5 p.m. to close.

Black Lagoon Pop Up

October 8 – 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 13 – 31 | Nickel City

Nickel City in East Austin has transformed 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.

Saved by the Bell “The Max” Pop Up

October 23 – November 2 | Swim Club

Step into the ‘90s as Swim Club’s Rodeo Room transforms into “The Max” from “Saved by the Bell.” Enjoy throwback cocktails like the “Screeeeeeech” and “I’m So Excited, I’m So Scared,” paired with bites like A.C. Slater Picante Pizzas, Kapowski Crudité, and Zack Attack Onion Dip. On Halloween, don’t miss Bayside High’s Prom night!

Ventana Ballet’s “UNDEAD: Haunted House of Dances”

October 24 – 31 | Factory on 5th

Local troupe Ventana Ballet is bringing its immersive, adults-only Halloween show to Factory on 5th. “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 Murder Mystery Dinner Party with Dinner Detective

October 25 | Hotel Viata

Dinner Detective will bring visitors into their comedy murder mystery this Halloween. Set in the charming Hotel Viata courtyard, diners will go on an investigative journey to solve the thrilling puzzle as they indulge in a delightful three-course meal.

Upstairs at Scaroline

October 26 | Upstairs at Caroline

Bring your boo to Upstairs at Caroline for a wicked good time. The DJ will keep the dance floor alive as guests sip on specialty cocktails, take part in a costume contest in hopes to win Patrón prizes and play yard games overlooking downtown Austin.

Ghoul at Azul

October 26 | Azul Rooftop

The Westin Austin’s gorgeous rooftop bar Azul is getting into the spirit this year with Halloween-themed decorations, drinks and a lavish party. Dance to a live DJ, compete in a costume contest for enviable prizes and take in gorgeous views with friends and loved ones.

Halloween Party at Punch Bowl Social

October 26 | Multiple Locations

Ahead of Halloween, Punch Bowl Social is transforming its Domain and Downtown Austin locations into a haunted holiday wonderland complete with all-night games, witchy spiked punches, a live DJ and costume contests. 

Freaky Deaky Festival

October 26-27 | Travis County Expo Center

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 mind-blowing effects and neon décor.

Halloween on the Edge

October 27 | Edge Rooftop

Edge Rooftop is hosting a thrilling Halloween event, where guests can enjoy a live DJ and sip on the signature “Spooky Sip” cocktail included with their $20 ticket. Attendees are encouraged to don their best costumes for a chance to win fantastic prizes in the costume contest. The top prize includes a free cabana and pool access for up to 10 people, while the runner-up will receive a complimentary daybed.

Halloween at Otopia Rooftop

October 28 | Otopia Rooftop

Otopia Rooftop is the perfect spot for Halloween festivities this year, featuring exclusive Dulce Vida specialty cocktails and delicious light bites. Guests will enjoy a complimentary welcome cocktail and can earn raffle tickets for every Dulce Vida drink ordered, with exciting prizes to win. DJ Ben Green will be spinning tunes all night long, with stunning views of the Austin skyline. 

LEVITATION 2024

October 31 – November 3 | Multiple Venues

This festival coincides with Halloween weekend, offering a stacked mix of the city’s best psych, electric, dream pop and indie punk musicians. Stop by for a single show or hang for all four days and create your own ideal concert schedule at Austin’s top music venues.

Surrealist Ball 2024

October 31 | Devil May Care

Descend into Devil May Care for the 5th annual Surrealist Ball, inspired by Salvador Dalí and the year 1972. This Halloween, indulge in a night of creativity and madness with sounds by Sarah Pederzani, specialty cocktails like the Flor De Caña 12 and Blood Fountain, and bites like hummus and Chicken Fried Steak & Waffle Sliders. Dress code: black tie, long dresses, and surrealist headwear.

The Gallery of Illusion: Sorcery, Spirits & Sweets

October 31 | Chez Zee

Celebrate Halloween night with a magic show by Brad Henderson at Chez Zee. Expect mind-bending magic, spooky cocktails like the Raventini, and an endless dessert bar of mini cakes and pies. Costumes encouraged, with a contest for the best-dressed! Upgrade with a dinner ticket for a special Halloween menu before the show. Reserve tickets here.

Halloween Ball & Aerial Cabaret

October 31 | The Belmont

This Halloween, The Belmont is taking things up a notch with the Halloween Ball & Aerial Cabaret! Get ready for a death-defying cabaret show featuring Texas’ top pole, aerial, contortion, cabaret, and burlesque performers. With thrilling live performances high above your heads—from flying pole to trapeze, silks, and more—this event promises to be a spooky, sexy spectacle you won’t forget.

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.

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