Fright Nights
Where to catch spooky, scary screenings of your favorite Halloween films around town
Our recent crisp weather spell is a reminder that Halloween is just around the corner, so put on your stretchy pants and get ready to gorge on some popcorn. After all, what better way to get ready for All Hallow's Eve than to indulge in a few scary movie screenings around town?
October 15
Shaun of the Dead Quote-Along— Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline
As a film, Shaun of the Dead is the perfect mix of horror and comedy with a dash of rom-com thrown into the mix. Enjoy a pint at the Alamo Drafthouse and watch Shaun and Ed enjoy a pint at the Winchester waiting for this whole "zombie apocalypse thing" to blow over. You might want to dust off your cricket bats and vocal chords, because this screening is also a quote-along. No word yet on whether there will be live zombies. (Side note: Shaun of the Dead came out 10 years ago.)
October 15- October 31
22 Nights of Halloween —Blue Starlite Drive-In
Enjoy not one, not two, but 22 nights of special Halloween movie screenings at the Blue Starlite Drive-In. We're talking Halloween Army of Darkness, The Shining, Nightmare on Elm Street and many more. If that's not great enough, several of the movie nights are double features.
Tuesday, October 21
2nd Annual Pumpkin Carving and Scary Movie Night — Black Sheep Lodge
Whether you BYOP or purchase a pumpkin there, don't miss pumpkin carving on the Black Sheep Lodge patio while watching one of your favorite scary movies. The bar is hosting a contest to determine which movies will be screened, so make sure to vote on the Facebook event page. Contenders include: Scream, Dawn of the Dead and Zombieland, among others.
October 21- October 23
Hocus Pocus — Alamo Drafthouse locations
Watching the Sanderson sisters toil and boil never gets old. Root for Binx (or the sisters, if that's what you prefer) at one of the several screenings around Austin this October. You can see Hocus Pocus as part of the 22 Nights of Halloween at Blue Starlight Drive-In or you can watch it at the Alamo Drafthouse. (Or just plan on attending all four screenings.)
Wednesday, October 22
Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary— Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter
Does Ghostbusters even need an introduction? Peter, Ray, Egon and Winston are celebrating 30 years together with a special screening of the movie at the Alamo Drafthouse.
October 23- October 26
Housecore Horror Film Festival— Emo's East
The four-day fest combining horror films and heavy metal is back for its second year with guests Glenn Danzig, Satyricon, Unearth, Neurosis and metal-loving comedian Brian Posehn. The festival screens a slew of old and new films — plus there will be a special tribute to the 40th anniversary of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre featuring a reunion of all living cast members.
All month long
Shocktober at Vulcan Video — Elizabeth Street and North Loop locations
Because sometimes you want to be terrified from the comfort of your own couch. Shocktober is one part Halloween celebration and one part rad movie deals. For example, the current 2-for-1 special for October 14 and 15 says that you can "pay to rent the movie Scanners and get Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night 2 for free." Follow Vulcan on Facebook for more upcoming Shocktober deals.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show live — Alamo Drafthouse Village
This isn't just a movie. This is a movie ... in the flesh. For the past decade, Queerios has been putting on a special interactive show of Rocky Horror Picture proportions. This year, the cast is taking over Alamo Drafthouse Village every Saturday in October with a midnight performance. Veterans and virgins are both welcome — and costumes are more than encouraged.