Halloween is back on this year, and our kids (read: we) couldn’t be more excited! From neighborhood trick-or-treating to a thrilling musical experience to haunted houses and beyond, Austin is celebrating Halloween in a big and bold way this year. For a month full of spooky endeavors, check out our list of the events we are most excited about!
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
When: October 31st
Where: The Mansion
Thrill your senses at The Mansion on San Gabriel. The venue has been transformed into an eerie, haunted mansion where guests will enjoy a special concert by a string quartet featuring Halloween classics, including The Addams Family theme song as well as “This is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Watch as the candlelight flickers against the walls to the tune of the music.
When: October 24th
Where: The Long Center
The whole family is invited to dress up for a narrated telling of Hansel and Gretel complete with music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. The venue is decorated to enhance the experience and transport your little one into the setting of the beloved fairytale.
Make and Take Halloween Treats
When: October 30th
Where: Central Market North Lamar
Tantalize your taste buds with homemade seasonal delights that you will learn to make and take home with you for enjoyment all weekend long! Attendees will make caramel apples, scones to be baked Halloween morning, a festive drink, and to-die-for pumpkin pie filling.
When: October 29th
Where: the Bob Bullock Museum
Bring your kiddos to revel in the magic of science at the Bob Bullock Museum in partnership with Girlstart. Dress up and enjoy hands-on STEM activities throughout the entire museum during after-hours.
Haunted Halloween Weekend Night Zips
When: Every day in October
Where: Zip Lost Pines
Celebrate spooky season in a unique and thrilling way this year with an adrenaline-pumping zip line tour through pine forests. Take the kids for a festive ride or go at night for an additional element of scare!
When: October 31st
Where: Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms
Explore Austin’s largest pumpkin lights attraction with a walking path through Pioneer Farms that features 10 foot Jack O’Lanterns, a pumpkin guitar, flying dragon, pumpkin pirate ship, and more!
When: Halloween Weekend
Where: Round Rock Public Safety Training Center, Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, Lakehills Free Will Baptist Church, Texas Foster Care and Adoption Services, The Goddard School of Steiner Ranch, Bethany United Methodist Church, IDEA Pflugerville, Manchaca Baptist Church, Katherine Fleischer Park, Dreamer’s Church, Leander Public Library, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Downtown Round Rock, Langdon on Parmer
Trunk or treat your way through the Austin area at the plethora of venues serving up candy and goods at decorated stations, accessible by car.
When: October 31st
Where: Irene’s
Enjoy a boozy drag brunch at Irene’s the morning of Halloween with performer Rhonda Jewels. Come dressed in costume and enjoy delicious food, tasty drinks, and a show-stopper Halloween drag performance that is sure to “wow!”
When: October 29th
Where: Old Settlers Park
Head to Round Rock for a circus-themed fall festival complete with hayrides, carnival games, snacks and prizes. This event is geared towards toddlers and preschoolers and is benefitting the Round Rock Food Pantry, so don’t forget to bring a canned good!
Movies at Blue Starlite Drive In
When: Throughout October
Where: Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive In
Enjoy a month of spooky movies and Halloween classics at Blue Starlite Drive-In movie theatre. Take the family for a viewing of Harry Potter or a double feature of Charlie Brown and Scooby Doo Halloween specials. Prepare yourself for a scare with The Blair Witch Project, or make it a date night with a private dinner for one or two cars complete with your choice of movie.
UNDEAD: Haunted House of Dances
When: October 30th & 31st
Where: The Ballroom at Spider House
UNDEAD is an immersive, adults-only Halloween show. Encounter the shadows of the night, where only the undead gather. Featuring local professional dance and theater artists.
