Austin is known for its vibrant culture, and that includes its Halloween celebrations. From haunted houses and costume contests to family-friendly events, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you are new to Austin, or just looking for a guide to the best Halloween events, read on!
Visit Austin has a great list of Halloween Events and Things To Do over the next few months.
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LoneStar Live boasts lively about the Top 30 Fairs and Festivals throughout the state of Texas.
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Haunted Houses
Austin has some of the best haunted houses in the country. If you are looking for a scare, check out these popular attractions:
- House of Torment: This haunted house is known for its intense scares and realistic effects. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a must-visit for Halloween fans.
- Frightmare Manor: This haunted house is located in a historic mansion and features a variety of scares, from clowns to zombies. It’s a great option for those who want a good scare without it being too over-the-top.
- Scream Hollow: This haunted house is located outside of Austin, but it’s worth the drive. It features a variety of haunted attractions, including a hayride through a haunted forest and a walk-through haunted house.
Costume Contests
Austin loves costumes, and there are plenty of opportunities to show off your creativity during Halloween. Here are a few of the most popular costume contests:
- Annual Halloween Costume Contest at the Parish: This costume contest is one of the most popular in Austin. It is open to all ages and features prizes for the best costumes.
- Halloween Costume Party at Cheer Up Charlies: This costume party is always a blast. It is a great place to go to dance the night away and see some amazing costumes.
- Halloween Costume Contest at The Continental Club: This costume contest is open to all ages and features prizes for the best costumes. It’s a great place to go for a more low-key Halloween celebration.
Family-Friendly Events
There are also plenty of family-friendly Halloween events in Austin. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Boo at the Zoo: This event at the Austin Zoo features trick-or-treating, a haunted maze, and other family-friendly activities.
- Halloween Town at the Thinkery: This event at the Thinkery children’s museum features trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and other spooky activities for kids.
- Halloween Spooktacular at the Bullock Texas State History Museum: This event features trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and other family-friendly activities.
Other Seasonal Activities
In addition to Halloween events, there are also plenty of other seasonal activities to enjoy in Austin during the fall. Here are a few ideas:
- Visit a pumpkin patch: There are several pumpkin patches in the Austin area where you can pick your own pumpkin and enjoy other fall activities.
- Go on a hayride: Hayrides are a great way to enjoy the fall weather and see some of the beautiful scenery in the Austin area.
- Visit a haunted corn maze: Haunted corn mazes are a fun and spooky way to celebrate the fall season.
- Go to a haunted house: If you are looking for a good scare, check out one of Austin’s many haunted houses.
- Attend a Halloween party: There are Halloween parties happening all over Austin during the fall season. Find one that fits your interests and have a blast!
Tips for Newcomers
Here are a few tips for newcomers to Austin’s Halloween celebrations:
- Buy your tickets for haunted houses and other events in advance. Tickets often sell out, so it is best to buy them early.
- Dress comfortably. You will be doing a lot of walking and dancing, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Bring a jacket. It can get chilly in Austin at night, so it is a good idea to bring a jacket with you.
- Be prepared for crowds. Austin is a popular tourist destination, and Halloween is one of the busiest times of year. Be prepared for crowds, especially at popular events.
- Have fun! Halloween is a time to celebrate and let loose. So have fun and enjoy the festivities!
Austin is a great place to celebrate Halloween. With its variety of events and activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a scare, a chance to show off your costume, or a fun family-friendly event, you are sure to find it in Austin.