Spooky Austin 2023: Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween Happenings
As autumn graces Austin, the city comes alive with vibrant festivities. The cooling weather invites everyone outdoors, Oktoberfest celebrations bring beer enthusiasts together, and the allure of pumpkin-spiced treats fills the air. But the highlight of the season is undoubtedly Halloween. For many Texans, visiting a haunted house is an eagerly anticipated tradition. Whether you're seeking spine-chilling thrills or family-friendly spooks, Austin has something for everyone. Here's a curated list of the best haunted attractions in the area:
2023 Halloween Events in austin:
1. Flores Market: Halloween 2023
Date & Time: Sat, Oct 14 from 11 am to 3 pm
Location: 1204 Salina St, Austin, TX 78702
Details: Enjoy complimentary Austin Eastciders, live theremin music, a unique tintype photobooth, delicious food pop-ups, and more. Costumes are encouraged!
Age: All Ages
Tickets: Free event
2. FREAKY DEAKY
Date: October 28-29, 2023
Location: Travis County Exposition Center, 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724
Details: Dance the night away with a diverse lineup of music genres. Tickets are available now.
Price: $79-$359
3. Halloween Bar Crawl - Austin (6th Annual)
Date: Fri, Oct 27 & Sat, Oct 28, 2023, from 4:00 pm-11:59 pm
Location: Parlor & Yard, 601 W 6th St, Austin, TX
Details: A two-day bar crawl adventure with drink specials, food offers, and a grand prize costume contest.
Price: $9.00
4. Austin Zombie Crawl - Halloween Bar Crawl
Date: Sat, Oct 28, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Location: Blind Pig Pub, 317 E 6th St, Austin, TX, 78701
Details: Join over 300+ guests for a zombie-themed bar crawl with exclusive drink specials and freebies.
5. Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Location: The Mansion
Details: Experience Halloween-inspired music in a unique candlelit setting. The program includes classics like "Thriller" and "Beetlejuice Theme."
Age Requirement: 8 years and above
6. Austin Halloween miniFEST
Date: Sun, October 29, 2023, from 4:45 pm - 11:45 pm
Location: Vulcan Gas Co., 418 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Details: An evening of music, art, and community in a festival-style atmosphere.
Price: $20.00 online, $30.30 on the day of the show
2023 Top Haunted Houses in Austin for This Halloween
Scream Hollow
Nestled within 20 acres of thick, secluded woods in Bastrop County, Scream Hollow offers visitors a choice of five distinct haunts. From the eerie Mansion of Terror Coven to the disorienting Wicked Darkness: The Maze, guests are in for an adrenaline-pumping experience. The attraction challenges visitors to navigate their surroundings, ensuring a memorable adventure. Ticket prices vary depending on the number of haunts you dare to explore.
Location: 149 Split Rail Lane in Smithville, Bastrop County
Details: Five distinct haunts spread across 20 acres of dense forest.
House of Torment
Recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the nation's most terrifying haunted houses, House of Torment has been a staple of Austin's Halloween scene for over 20 years. Located at Ridgepoint Drive, this massive 40,000-square-foot attraction boasts a haunted manor, a chilling penitentiary, and a nightmarish carnival. With a blend of talented actors and state-of-the-art animatronics, the experience is genuinely hair-raising. For those seeking additional entertainment, there are escape games, axe throwing, and a tavern on the premises. Various ticket options, including fast passes, are available.
Location: 2632 Ridgepoint Drive
Details: A 40,000-square-foot attraction with a haunted manor, penitentiary, and carnival.
Scare for a Cure
Marrying frights with philanthropy, Scare for a Cure is a volunteer-driven haunted adventure that donates its proceeds to local cancer charities. Past themes have included the post-apocalyptic Mutant Wasteland and the eerie Curse of the Blood Demon. The venue, J. Lorraine Ghost Town in Manor, adds to the ambiance. Visitors are advised to dress appropriately as the interactive experience might require crawling or climbing, and there's a chance of getting "splattered" with faux blood or slime. After the scares, guests can unwind with burgers and beverages at the on-site bar.
Location: J. Lorraine Ghost Town, Manor
Details: A volunteer-run haunted adventure that donates its profits to local cancer charities.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
For a magical twist on Halloween, head to Little Elm Park for an enchanting journey through a wizarding forest. This immersive experience allows guests to traverse a trail of illusions, encounter creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series, and conclude their adventure in a village brimming with themed food and drink stalls. Due to its popularity, it's advisable to book tickets well in advance. The event continues until January 2024.
Location: Little Elm Park
Details: An enchanting journey through a wizarding forest with interactive trails and themed stalls.
Bat City Scaregrounds
A mere 15 miles from downtown Austin, Bat City Scaregrounds is a sprawling entertainment hub dedicated to Halloween and horror. The venue features three elaborately designed haunted houses, live music on Saturdays, theatrical performances, and a variety of seasonal treats. Entry tickets start at $30, with options to upgrade for faster access or avail group discounts. The attraction is best suited for those aged 12 and above.
Location: 15 miles from downtown Austin
Details: Three haunted houses, live music, performances, and seasonal treats.
Price: Tickets start at $30
Boo At The Zoo
The Austin Zoo, known for its animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts since 1990, joins the Halloween spirit with its Boo at the Zoo event. Attendees can enjoy a spooky train ride and unlimited access to a haunted house set up in the zoo's transformed Peacock Barn. The experience is tailored to the preferences of each group, ensuring an appropriate scare level for all ages. This year, visitors can also look forward to a special animal-themed show. Guests are encouraged to come in costumes and bring along picnics.
Location: Austin Zoo
Details: A haunted train ride and house, with a special animal-themed show.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just looking for some family-friendly fun, Austin has a plethora of Halloween events and haunted houses to choose from. Make sure to book your tickets in advance and enjoy the spooky season to the fullest!