It’s time to take a short break from festival clothes and dust off those brooms and hats, because spooky season has finally arrived.
Austin is ready to celebrate Halloween with magic potions, hauntings, family-friendly scares, and plenty of ghostly events in the upcoming weeks. Whether you’re in it for the free candy, dressing up, or doing the monster mash, this Halloween has something for everybody.
We’ve gathered 12 of the spookiest events all over town for all ages so you don’t miss any of the fun.
Boo at the Zoo
Until October 28
Round up your little ghouls and head to Austin Zoo for a night full of spooky family-friendly fun. Tickets include a Halloween-themed train ride through the Hill Country Greenbelt in the zoo, unlimited visits to the haunted house, and an educational yet frightfully fun animal show. Boo at the Zoo will run every weekend until the end of October. Buy tickets ($22) ahead of time at austinzoo.org or at the gate.
Black Lagoon pop-up
Until October 31
Get ready for an immersive Halloween cocktail experience that pays homemade to all things macabre. Black Lagoon has made a splash all over the U.S., and now it's made its way to Austin’s King Bee cocktail bar. The spooktacular event promises a night of chills and fun, with creepy-themed cocktails and a splash of goth and metal. No reservations are needed at this time.
Lefty's Shop of Horrors pop-up
Until October 31
Lefty's Brick Bar went all out with the decorations, transforming the space into a spooky wonderland with a themed cocktail menu. If you're feeling brave the "Left 4 Dead" with tequila, mezcal, blue curaçao, orgeat, citrus, and ghost pepper. There will be tarot readings every Wednesday and emo music all night on Thursdays. Find one more special event, "Scream Queens," also on this list.
POP! Halloween “A North Loop Haunting”
Saturday, October 21
Join Top Drawer thrift store at its new location on Airport Boulevard for the Halloween market of your nightmares. You can expect a curated collection of all things ghostly and creepy for the entire family, with an eerie soundtrack from Queer Vynil Co. The thrilling event is co-hosted by Eastside Pop Up and The Little Gay Shop and it’s free to attend.
Scream Queens: Halloween Drag Show
Sunday, October 22
Terrifyingly glamorous drag queens will slay the stage at Big Country Organic Brewing Co. during this Halloween-themed drag show. You can expect seven chilling performances, food trucks, and a costume contest for a chance to win VIP passes to Pride 2024, plus a Big Country gift card. RSVP for the free event on Eventbrite.
Tarot, Tacos, & Tequila Halloween Party
Thursday, October 26
Get ready to have a ghoulishly good time at Moxy’s Halloween party, with free tastings by Teremana small batch tequila and Jagermeister, free tarot readings, tacos, a Scream 1 and Scream 2 double feature in the backyard. There will also be specialty cocktails at the Halloween pop-up bar. This event is free and dog-friendly. RSVP on Eventbrite.
Movies in the Park: Halloweentown
Thursday, October 26
Relive a Disney Halloween classic at Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park with this special outdoor screening of Halloweentown. The park will have family-friendly games and activities for a scary good time before the movie. Bring a blanket and your favorite costume for a spooky movie night under the stars. This event is free. RSVP on Eventbrite.
Undead: Haunted House of Dances
October 26-28
Ventana Ballet is bringing back its Halloween production, ‘Undead,’ featuring fan-favorite immortals, witches, and many more creatures of the night for the ultimate dancers' haunted house. Guests are encouraged to join an immersive experience at a dark alley for some fun haunts, pop art, and wicked cocktails before the show starts. Tickets ($32 - $45) are available on Eventbrite.
Shadow Hollow Halloween Party
Friday, October 27
Dress to impress and surrender yourself to the dark shadows at this multi-sensory warehouse party by Art Island. There will be live performances, an occult tea lounge, pole dancers, DJs, photo booths, interactive art installations, and much more guaranteeing a spooktacular evening. Tickets ($30 - $50) are available on artislandatx.com.
Halloween Ghost Hunt in Austin
October 27-31
If chasing after ghosts is your ideal Halloween fun, then you have to join this evening ghost hunt in downtown Austin. You’ll get clues and solve puzzles as you make your way through the most haunted places in the city during this outdoor adventure that is part walking tour and scavenger hunt. Get tickets ($15.99 - $29.99) on Eventbrite.
St. HELLmo Halloween
Saturday, October 28
St. Elmo Brewing Company is throwing an all-day Halloween party for both kids and adults. The family-friendly fun starts at noon with arts and crafts, face painting, a costume contest, and free candy for trick-or-treating. Things get spookier at night with a horror movie marathon, drink specials, karaoke, and costume contests. This event is free. RSVP on Eventbrite.
Freaky Deaky Halloween Festival
October 28-29
Dance the night away with this one-of-a-kind Halloween music festival at Travis County Exposition Center. Featuring a deadly lineup of more than a dozen performers, several stages, and various genres to let the inner ghouls and witches out, this is guaranteed to be a wicked conclusion to any Halloween festivities. Tickets ($94.95-289.95) available on freakydeaky.com.