Scary season is upon us, and Austin is known to turn up the frights come October. In fact, Austin was named one of the most haunted cities in the US last year.
We’ve found some of Austin’s best Halloween events to head to this year. That is, if you’re not a scaredy-cat.
Themed bars
Black Lagoon | Now-Friday, Oct. 31
The famous pop-up has taken over east Austin bar King Bee with its immersive decorations and s-s-s-scary cocktail menu.
The Cavalier | Now-Friday, Oct. 31
Enjoy some lowkey, eerie vibes at this bar serving themed drinks. Plus, there will be a Halloween party and costume contest on the big day.
Gibson Street Bar | Now-Sunday, Nov. 2
If you haven’t yet experienced this bar — which also turns into a snowy wonderland during the winter holidays — the Twisted Carnival will have you screaming in delight. Expect flickering lights, creepy clowns, walls of skeletons, and great photo ops.
Lefty’s Brick Bar | Now-Sunday, Nov. 2
Perfect for the cooler months, this indoor-outdoor patio turns into Lefty’s Shop of Horrors during scary season. Check the calendar before you go for pop-ups like tarot card readings, movie screenings, fitness classes, drag shows, and parties.
Lucille Patio Lounge | Now-Friday, Oct. 31
Step into the Upside Down at this Rainey Street haunt, which has transformed into Hawkins, Indiana in honor of “Stranger Things.”
Nickel City | Now-Sunday, Nov. 2
The home of the “Flaming Moe” — aka Moe’s Tavern — is back for another year of fun for lovers of “The Simpsons.”
Revenge | Friday, Oct. 24-Saturday, Nov. 1
This luxe bar’s “Seven Nights of Revenge” cocktail experience will have the space decked out in horror-inspired decor while serving limited-edition themed cocktails for just one week. Get tickets, if you dare.
Sign Bar | Now-Sunday, Nov. 2
Those brave enough can visit the Fear Fair at this nostalgia-laden east Austin bar, where a haunted maze will keep your heart pounding. The experience will be 21+ after 7 p.m. — the perfect time to get a ghoulish cocktail. Get tickets for the maze.
Wanderlust Wine Co. - Downtown | Now-Friday, Nov. 7
Your drink is the experiment at this interactive pop-up bar + experience inside Frankenstein’s Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab. Get tickets.
Family-friendly
Boo at the Zoo | Friday, Oct. 17-Saturday, Oct. 25 | 5:45-8:45 p.m. | Austin Zoo | $24 | Bring the kiddos to learn about animals, go on a scary train ride, walk through a haunted mansion, and see a show.
Pumpkin Nights | Now-Sunday, Nov. 2 | Times vary | Pioneer Farms | $22+ | Explore 7,500+ hand-carved pumpkins, sculptures, and installations in a half-mile patch to celebrate fall.
Uhland Fall Fest | Now-Sunday, Nov. 2 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | 2400 Cotton Gin Rd. | $20+ | Weekend themes include “Pioneer Palooza” and “Butterfly Jubilee” at this annual festival of all things fall.
Disney’s “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” Light Trail | Now-Sunday, Nov. 30 | 7:30-11 p.m. | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center | $31+ | Walk among the characters of this beloved Tim Burton film at a pop-up experience.
Austin Ghost Tours | Year-round | Times vary | Locations vary | $30+ | This tour company offers two adults-only and one all-ages ghost tour so you can learn about the scary side of living in ATX.
Haunted houses
Bat City Scaregrounds | Now-Saturday, Nov. 1 | Times vary | 14101 S. Turnersville Rd. | $28+ | There are three different Halloween installations to wander through if you’re brave enough.
House of Torment | Now-Sunday, Nov. 9 | Times vary | 2632 Ridgepoint Dr. | $20+ | This award-winning haunted house is not for the faint of heart, so children and seniors might want to steer clear.