If you're looking for a good ghost story, not only does Austin have some ghoulish ones to tell, the city is also full of festive ways to celebrate Halloween. From scary movies, haunted houses and parties at your favorite local bars to kid-friendly events like corn mazes and Boo at the Zoo, here are some favorite festive events, activities, and things to do for Halloween in Austin this October.
Halloween Parties and Events
10/1-31/25
Black Lagoon Pop-Up Bar
King Bee
Black Lagoon, an international Halloween pop-up bar, is returning to Austin this spooky season. This goth, horror-inspired bar will feature corresponding furnishing and entertainment as well as an extensive themed cocktail menu with drinks names like Book of Blood, Death Rattle and the Night Crawler.
instagram.com/kingbeeatx
10/1/25 - 11/2/25
Lefty's Shop of Horrors
Lefty's Brick Bar
Lefty's Shop of Horrors Halloween pop-up bar is back this year at ARRIVE Austin. Stop by all month long and explore five unique spaces filled with creepy decor, spooky season-themed cocktails and fun events happening every week.
leftysbrickbar.com
10/6/25 - 11/9/25
Panic at the Paramount
Paramount Theater
For those who love classic Halloween movies and horror thrillers alike, you have to catch a flick at the Paramount this spooky season. Over six select dates, the theater will screen eight themed movies like Halloween, An American Werewolf in London, Pet Sematary and more.
austintheatre.org
10/23-31/25
UNDEAD: Haunted House of Dances
Factory on 5th
Ventana Ballet returns this year for a spooky reimagining of the classic ballet Dracula. With two showings each evening, and a variety of seating options, all are guaranteed to have a haunting experience at this adults-only show.
ventanaballet.com
10/25-26/25
Wicked Oaks Fest
Carson Creek Ranch
Celebrate Hallow’s Eve with a dance on the dark side at Wicked Oaks Fest at Carson Creek Ranch. Experience a mix of EDM, house and techno genres at this haunting two day music festival.
wickedoaksfest.com
10/31/25 - 11/1/25
Halloween Freakend
Far Out Lounge & Stage
The team behind the annual LEVITATION music festival is hosting a Halloween weekend mini-fest. Get ready to rock out to Stereolab, The Black Lips, Machine Girl, Clown Core and more punk, rock and electronic bands at this killer Halloween party.
levitation.fm
Haunted Austin
Tour the city in style and take a ride in the Haunted ATX Hearse Limousine to check out the landmarks in Austin that have officially been deemed haunted, such as the Clay Pit and the Littlefield House at the University of Texas. Built in 1886, head over to The Driskill Hotel, where it's said that the ghost of the owner, Colonel Jesse Driskill, has still been seen roaming the halls.
For a supernatural experience year-round, Austin Ghost Tours offers small group, guided walking tours to some of the city's most haunted places, turning an evening stroll into a walking ghost story. Join the investigation to discover who is lingering among the streets and alleyways of historic, Downtown Austin.
Even more spooky options are about with Austin Ghosts, offering nightly walking ghost tours through the Capital. Or, if you’d rather get your frights from home, try their Ghostflix, a live streaming ghost tour through Austin and other haunted sites around the country.
If you need a little liquid courage to face all the spooks and frights, join the Haunted Pub Crawl through the capital city's most haunted pubs and restaurants. Hear the terrifying tales of Austin's "old west" days, all while celebrating Austin's wild and weird history.
Find more haunted places and activities.
Fall Family Fun
Bring the kids in full costume to Boo at the Zoo (Saturday and Sunday from October 3-25, 2025), where they can experience the Austin Zoo in a whole new way: in the dark. A stroll through the “haunted zoo” will certainly scare, so ghosts and goblins of all ages enter if you dare. Limited tickets are available, so reserve your spot in advance today!
Back by popular demand, The Austin Symphony will be performing its annual Halloween Children's Concert on October 26, 2025. Come dressed in your Halloween best and enjoy the boo-tiful music for young eyes and ears!
October brings a variety of Halloween-themed events to Austin. All things scary will be featured at the family-friendly Pioneer Farms Pumpkin Nights, through October 31, 2025. The event will include a festive walking path featuring spectacular sights like 10-foot-tall jack-o-lanterns, the world’s largest pumpkin guitar and more fun surprises designed and carved by artists. Throughout the month, you can also visit the historic living museum for daytime events like spooky ghost tours, pumpkin-carving demonstrations, a Dia de Los Muertos exhibit, and more. Buy your tickets in advance to reserve your spot!
If you're looking for a low-key autumn experience with plenty of room to explore, head to Sweet Eats through November 7, 2025 for the annual fall festival. Kids and adults alike will love the hayrides, corn field maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, flower field and more!
Get Your Screams
Scare enthusiasts looking for real fright should visit Scream Hollow just south of Bastrop. From September 12 - November 2, experience 20 acres of outdoor frights and stroll through the Mansion of Terror Coven, take on the zombies in Lost Pines Asylum, or creep your way through the Wicked Darkness Maze. No matter the route, be prepared to be genuinely scared. Groups are limited so plan your trip in advance.
Like a trip through a modern horror movie, terror is felt throughout the season at House of Torment , returning September 13 - November 9. The horror destination features even more ghoulish attractions this year. Prepare to scream as you journey through elaborate sets and come face-to-face with monsters, zombies and ghoulish characters.
Don't miss the terrifying haunts at Bat City Scaregrounds just south of Austin in Buda, open select dates from September 27 - November 1. This immersive experience hosts three horrifying haunted houses, including Slaughter Mall, Ancient Evil, and Castle Orlock. Make it through these haunting attractions and then rock out with live music stages, seasonal food vendors and more.
Día de los Muertos
From November 1-2, 2025, celebrate Día de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday that remembers loved ones who have passed. Several different cultural events throughout the month will feature a lineup of music performances, art exhibits and more.
The Mexic-Arte Museum will host their annual Día de los Muertos exhibition on display throughout the fall and winter season. This year's exhibition, Ofrenda de la Comunidad, on display from September 5, 2025 - January 4, 2026, highlights the complexity of the holiday and the power of bringing people together to celebrate.
The museum will also host its 42nd Annual Viva la Vida Parade, Austin's largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos event on October 25, 2025. The event will feature hands-on art activities and artist demos, traditional foods, local artists and retail booths, a low-rider exhibition and live performances all day long.
For even more October happenings, check out our events calendar and Ultimate Austin Fall Bucket List.
