Embrace the spooky season with the thrilling Halloween events in Austin, Texas, for 2024! From spine-chilling haunted houses to festive family activities, the city is buzzing with Halloween excitement.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best Halloween events and activities happening across Austin, so you can make the most of this spooky season. Get ready to explore, celebrate, and immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit right here in the heart of Texas!
Must-See Halloween Events in Austin for 2024
Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at Verbena
Get ready for a dining adventure like no other! At Verbena, you’ll enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience where you’ll be blindfolded while dining, letting your senses of taste and smell take center stage. It’s a perfect way to share a memorable evening with your partner, entire family, or friends. The night features a secret 3-course menu that will surprise and delight you with each bite.
What to Expect:
- A unique, blindfolded dining adventure: Experience your meal in a whole new way, letting your heightened senses guide you through each dish.
- A surprise 3-course menu: Discover a delicious appetizer, main course, and dessert that will be revealed as you dine.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a date night, family outing, or a fun evening with friends, this experience is sure to create lasting memories.
- Exclusive Halloween-themed event: Dine on October 31st for a special spooky-themed night, complete with themed dishes and festive surprises.
Price starts at $78. Check available dates here!
Candlelight Halloween: Best Horror Movie Soundtracks
Experience the magic of live music in a whole new way with Candlelight Halloween! Step into a mesmerizing, multi-sensory concert at the stunning AFS Cinema, where you’ll enjoy the chilling melodies of the best horror movie soundtracks, all set under the gentle, flickering glow of candlelight. It’s a truly enchanting way to celebrate the spooky vibes in Austin.
What to Expect:
- Live, candlelit concert: Feel the thrill of iconic horror movie soundtracks brought to life by talented musicians, surrounded by the warm and eerie glow of candlelight.
- A spine-tingling setlist:Enjoy hauntingly beautiful music, including:
- Theme from A Nightmare on Elm Street
- The Nightmare Before Christmas Suite
- Transylvanian Lullaby
October 30, 2024. Price starts at $62.50. Reserve your spot here!
Murder by Gaslight Walking Ghost Tour
Step into the dark and eerie past of 19th Century Austin with the Murder by Gaslight Walking Ghost Tour. Designed for adults, this spine-chilling journey will lead you through the historic district’s shadowy streets, where grim tales of death, hauntings, and unsolved murders still linger. It’s a thrilling experience that dives deep into Austin’s most sinister stories and is sure to send shivers down your spine.
What to Expect:
- A spine-tingling exploration of 19th Century Austin: Wander through the city’s historic streets as you uncover chilling tales of ghosts, murders, and mysteries.
- Visit to the iconic Driskill Hotel: Encounter friendly spirits and hear stories of full-bodied apparitions that have been seen roaming the halls.
- Learn about the moonlight towers: Discover the secrets of the world’s last surviving moonlight towers and their connection to Austin’s dark past.
Price starts at $35. Purchase your tickets here!
Trick or Drink: Austin Halloween Bar Crawl
Relive the fun of trick-or-treating, but with a grown-up twist! Trick or Drink is your ticket to an epic haunted pub crawl across Austin. Grab a wristband, and enjoy drink specials all night long without breaking the bank. Plus, your wristband gets you free entry to all participating bars and clubs, so you can focus on having a blast instead of worrying about cover charges.
What to Expect:
- Explore Austin’s best bars: Hop from one amazing venue to the next, experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.
- Halloween costume party: Show off your spooky, funny, or creative outfits—dressing up makes the night even more fun!
- Perfect for a night out with friends: Gather your crew and get ready for a memorable Halloween celebration.
Price starts at $20. Purchase tickets here!
Twisted Carnival Pop-Up Bar
Step right up to Gibson Street Bar’s annual Halloween pop-up—Twisted Carnival! This year, prepare yourself for the ultimate spooky experience as the bar transforms into a sinister carnival, complete with eerie DJs, wickedly twisted cocktails, and scary decor. It’s a Halloween celebration you won’t want to miss!
What to Expect:
- Spooky carnival vibes: Immerse yourself in the creepy, carnival-themed atmosphere, filled with haunting decorations and eerie surprises around every corner.
- Sinister DJs: Dance the night away to beats that will send chills down your spine, spun by some of Austin’s best DJs.
- Twisted cocktails: Sip on creatively crafted drinks that are as wicked as they are delicious, specially made to match the carnival theme.
Happening all October. Check their website here!
Día de los Muertos Exhibition
Celebrate the spirit of Día de los Muertos at the Mexic-Arte Museum’s annual exhibition, Path to the Altar: Community Ofrendas. Running from September 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025. This year’s exhibition shines a light on the beauty and tradition of the holiday, bringing people together to honor and remember loved ones.
What to Expect:
- Path to the Altar: Community Ofrendas exhibition: Explore beautifully crafted altars that showcase the traditions and stories behind Día de los Muertos. Each ofrenda reflects the love, memories, and cultural heritage of the community.
- 41st Annual Viva la Vida Parade: Join the fun on October 26 for Austin’s biggest Día de los Muertos celebration, featuring colorful floats, traditional dancers, and vibrant costumes.
- Hands-on art activities and demos: Get creative with interactive art projects and watch artist demonstrations throughout the day.
- Traditional foods and local treats: Savor delicious flavors from traditional Día de los Muertos dishes, along with snacks from local vendors.
- Live performances and music: Enjoy live music, dance, and cultural performances that bring the event to life.
Halloween Carnival at the NCHM
Put on your favorite costume, superhero PJs, or just come as you are, and head to the Neill-Cochran House Museum for a fun-filled Halloween Carnival! This free event is the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season with family and friends, offering a mix of festive activities and cultural traditions.
What to Expect:
- Trunk-or-Treat: Young guests can enjoy a classic Trunk-or-Treat, collecting candy and goodies from creatively decorated car trunks.
- Scavenger Hunt: Join in on exciting scavenger hunts and play fun games throughout the event.
- Craft Activities: Make your own handmade keychains and friendship bracelets with the help of Museum staff and volunteers.
- Celebrate Día de los Muertos: Partnering with Latinitas, the event includes the chance to make ofrendas, honoring the traditions of Día de los Muertos.
This event is FREE! Check their website here!
Pioneer Farms Pumpkin Nights
Get ready for a magical Halloween experience at Pioneer Farms Pumpkin Nights! Stroll along a festive walking path filled with incredible sights, including towering 10-foot jack-o-lanterns, the world’s largest pumpkin guitar, and more surprises designed by talented local artists. It’s a month-long celebration of pumpkins, art, and Halloween fun that you won’t want to miss!
What to Expect:
- Festive walking path: Wander through a beautifully lit trail featuring spectacular pumpkin displays and whimsical carvings, perfect for all ages.
- Unique pumpkin creations: Marvel at massive 10-foot jack-o-lanterns, the world’s largest pumpkin guitar, and other fun surprises crafted by artists.
- Daytime events: Throughout the month, enjoy additional activities like spooky Austin ghost tours, pumpkin-carving demonstrations, and a Día de Los Muertos exhibit.
- A historic setting: Explore the historic living museum of Pioneer Farms, adding a touch of tradition and history to your Halloween festivities.
Until November 1, 2024 only. Weekday tickets starts at $20. Check availability here!
Sweet Berry Farm: Harvest of Fall Fun
Looking for a relaxing autumn outing with lots of space to explore? Head to Sweet Berry Farm for their annual Harvest of Fall Fun, running through November 3, 2024 (closed Wednesdays). It’s the perfect spot for kids and adults to enjoy classic fall activities and embrace the festive spirit.
What to Expect:
- Hayrides and farm fun: Hop on a hayride and take in the beautiful fall scenery around the farm.
- Candy Corn Kid Maze: Let the kids weave their way through a fun and festive maze designed just for them.
- Pumpkin painting and crafts: Get creative with pumpkin painting and other hands-on crafts that are perfect for all ages.
- Scarecrow stuffing and face painting: Make your own scarecrow to take home or enjoy a bit of face painting to get into the fall spirit.
Austin Pumpkin Festival
Head to South Austin for the first annual Austin Pumpkin Festival! This fun and interactive fall event is perfect for the whole family. Enjoy stunning pumpkin displays, capture that perfect fall photo, and take in the best of autumn with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
What to Expect:
- Beautiful pumpkin displays: Wander through eye-catching pumpkin arrangements, perfect for snapping those seasonal photos.
- Ferris wheel rides: Take a spin on the ferris wheel and enjoy breathtaking views of the Austin skyline.
- Massive corn pit: Dive into a giant corn pit for some playful fun that kids (and kids at heart) will love.
- Interactive fall activities: From festive decor to games and treats, there’s plenty to see and do, making it a great outing for families, friends, and anyone who loves fall.
Ticket price starts at $18.
The Gallery of Illusion
Join us at Chez Zee’s Gallery of Illusion for a one-of-a-kind experience featuring Austin’s weirdest resident, Brad Henderson! This event presents a brand new magical show called Making a Magician, created exclusively for this occasion. Brad is an expert in all things strange and unusual, and he invites you to participate in crafting truly unbelievable moments of magic, mind reading, and maybe even hypnosis, all while sharing his incredible journey as a magician.
What to Expect:
- Interactive magic: Get involved in the performance and witness mind-blowing tricks and illusions that will leave you amazed.
- A unique dessert bar: Treat yourself to One Helluva Dessert Bar, filled with delicious sweet treats to satisfy your cravings.
- Crafty cocktails: Sip on our signature drinks, including the famous Raven-Tini, as you enjoy the show.
- Costumes encouraged: Embrace the spirit of the evening by dressing up in your favorite costume—fun and creativity are highly encouraged!
October 31, 2024. Ticket price starts at $40. Purchase your tickets here!
Shangri-La Costumes & Cocktails
Get ready to show off your best costume at Shangri-La on East 6th Street! It is a night filled with themed cocktails, lively DJ sets, and a fun costume contest. Plus, you can get some cool flash tattoos by Lonestartats!
What to Expect:
- Themed cocktails: Enjoy delicious drinks crafted especially for the occasion that fit perfectly with the Halloween vibe.
- Lively DJ sets: Dance the night away to great music from our talented DJs, setting the mood for an unforgettable evening.
- Exciting costume contest: Participate in our costume contest, where you can win prizes for categories like scariest, best fantasy/sci-fi, funniest, and best overall costume.
- Flash tattoos: Add some flair to your costume with fun flash tattoos available throughout the night.
Check their Instagram post here to read more!
Rocky’s Horror Happy Hour Drag Show
Celebrate a thrilling night at the Rocky’s Horror Happy Hour Drag Show at Austin Motel! Dive into an evening of spooky drag performances and deliciously scary sips, all hosted by the fabulous DJ Boyfriend.
What to Expect:
- Terrifying performances: Enjoy jaw-dropping acts from talented drag artists Owie, Lawrie Bird, and Sinful Purchase, guaranteed to entertain and thrill.
- Spooky cocktails: Sip on delightful drinks that perfectly complement the eerie atmosphere and enhance your experience.
- A fun and lively vibe: Embrace the festive spirit as you revel in the campy charm of this unique event, where horror meets fabulous.
View their website to read more details of the event!
Halloween on the Edge at Edge Rooftop
Join Edge Rooftop for a Halloween night to remember. Get your best costume ready and come enjoy a night full of music, dancing, and spooky fun with all your favorite halloween party monsters. Dance along to live DJ beats on the dance floor, and enjoy a complimentary spooky cocktail included with every ticket! Don’t disappear too soon—stay for our costume contest, where the best-dressed guest wins free cabana and pool access.
What to Expect:
- Live DJ: Non-stop music to keep you dancing all night.
- Spooky Cocktail: Each ticket includes a festive drink to kickstart the fun.
- Costume Contest: Dress to impress! The winner gets a free cabana and pool access.
- Great Vibes: A Halloween celebration with fellow party monsters, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
October 31, 2024. Ticket price starts $20. Purchase your tickets here!
Halloween Black Light Yoga at MVP Highland
Join a unique and spooky yoga experience under the glow of black lights! This all-levels yoga class is perfect for everyone, so whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just getting started, you’ll have a blast flowing through poses with a Halloween twist. Wear your neon or white gear to really light up under the black lights! And don’t miss out on exciting giveaways—prizes include an MVP Bandana, MVP Tank, a Gift Card to Bennu Coffee, and some delicious Halloween treats!
What to Expect:
- Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga: An all-levels yoga class illuminated by black lights.
- Neon Vibes: Wear neon or white clothing to make the most of the glow effect.
- Giveaway Prizes: Enter to win fun prizes like an MVP Bandana, MVP Tank, a Bennu Coffee Gift Card, and Halloween goodies.
- Halloween Treats: Enjoy some festive snacks after the class.
October 29, 2024. Check more details of the event here!
Dinner with Horror Buffs: Halloween Season Edition
When was the last time you did something truly spontaneous and made new friends in the process? Our themed lunch meetups bring together a group of strangers for a fun, engaging experience. We’ll ask about your tastes, hobbies, and dietary preferences to make sure it’s the perfect fit. All you need to do is show up! For Halloween season, we’re connecting horror enthusiasts in Austin for an unforgettable afternoon of great food, eerie conversations, and a chance to bond with fellow fans of the spooky and supernatural!
What to Expect:
- Spontaneous Fun: Meet new people in a relaxed, friendly setting.
- Curated Experience: We choose a restaurant based on everyone’s likes and dietary needs.
- Halloween Vibes: Celebrate the season with fellow horror fans, sharing stories, laughs, and maybe a few scares.
October 31, 2024. Ticket price starts at $10. Check availability here!
Halloween Market at The Arboretum
Come celebrate Halloween at the Arboretum with a day of festive fun, delicious treats, and unique shopping! Wear your favorite costume for a chance to win a special goodie bag, and enjoy exploring the variety of vendors offering handmade crafts, tasty snacks, and more.
What to Expect:
- Costume Contest: Dress up to win a Halloween goodie bag!
- Local Vendors: Browse a selection of unique, handmade crafts and specialty items.
- Tasty Treats: Indulge in delicious seasonal snacks and treats.
- Festive Atmosphere: Enjoy a day filled with Halloween spirit, perfect for all ages.
It’s a free event on October 31, 2024. Reserve your spot!
More Halloween Fun Across Texas
Texas Haunted Ghost Tours You Have to Experience
Discover Texas’s haunted attractions by joining one of the state’s spine-chilling ghost tours. From old, eerie towns to historic sites filled with ghostly tales, Texas offers some unforgettable paranormal experiences.
Where to Celebrate Day of the Dead Across Texas
Honor tradition and celebrate life with vibrant Day of the Dead events happening throughout Texas. From colorful parades to altar displays and family gatherings, each celebration brings together culture, remembrance, and community.
Most Haunted Places to Visit in Texas
Curious about Texas’s haunted history? This guide covers the most infamous haunted house and locations across the state, from eerie hotels to historic sites with unsettling pasts.
Halloween Events in Austin, Texas 2024: FAQs
Are there any unique Halloween activities in Austin this year?
Absolutely! In addition to traditional events, Austin has some unique options like “Halloween Black Light Yoga” for a spooky fitness experience and “Dinner with Horror Buffs,” where you can meet fellow horror fans.
What’s the weather typically like in Austin for Halloween?
Austin’s October weather is usually mild, but evenings can be cooler. It’s a good idea to check the forecast and plan a costume that works well in layers if needed.
Where can I find Halloween markets or themed shopping events?
The Halloween Market at The Arboretum is a great choice for seasonal shopping with local vendors. Many neighborhoods and communities also hold pop-up markets with Halloween themes during October.
Halloween Events in Austin, Texas 2024: Final Thoughts
Austin is buzzing with great Halloween events and activities in 2024, offering everything from ghost tours and costume parties to family-friendly Halloween celebration and spooky yoga sessions.
Now that you’ve seen what’s on, it’s time to pick your favorites and get ready for an unforgettable Halloween in Austin! Save this guide, share it with friends, and be sure to grab tickets early for popular events. Let the Halloween weekend fun begin—see you out there!
Last Updated 3 weeks ago by Jessica Serna | Published: October 28, 2024
