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 | 6 p.m.-2 a.m. | King Bee | Cost of purchase | The famous pop-up has taken over the east Austin bar with its immersive decorations and s-s-s-scary cocktail menu.
Lefty’s Shop of Horrors | Now-Friday, Oct. 31 | Times vary | Lefty’s Brick Bar | Cost of purchase | Enjoy a full menu of themed drinks (many of which come in fun containers), food, and treats if you dare. Psst — don’t forget to check the events calendar for tarot or trivia nights.
Twisted Carnival | Now-Friday, Oct. 31 | Times vary | Gibson Street Bar | Cost of purchase | This local bar is known for its over-the-top decor + themed drinks to help get you into the Halloween mood.
Moe’s Tavern | Now-Sunday, Nov. 2 | 12 p.m.-2 a.m. | Nickel City | Cost of purchase | The home of the “Flaming Moe” is back for another year of fun for lovers of “The Simpsons.”
Frankenstein’s Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab | Now-Friday, Nov. 7 | Times vary | Wanderlust Wine Co. - Downtown | $24 admission | Your drink is the experiment at this interactive pop-up bar + experience.
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.