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Events Happening This Fall Season
A Newcomer's Guide to the Spooky Activities in Austin
Published on: October 12, 2023
Two hanging skeletons in front of a building with other string lights.
Photo By: Kenny Eliason

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.

Click here to view the local suggestions!

LoneStar Live boasts lively about the Top 30 Fairs and Festivals throughout the state of Texas.

Click here to view the list!

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:

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.