ART OF THE DEAD
Marcia Lucas, a folk art specialist and owner of El Interior, shares her knowledge of Day of the Dead customs and art.
Fri., Oct. 30, 7-9pm.
El Interior, 1009 West Lynn, 474-8680.
$8.
www.elinterior.com
AUSTIN’S HAUNTED HISTORY EXHIBIT
Learn about the paranormal hotspots around town, or see what the Texas Bigfoot has been up to. There are also two-headed animals, a mermaid, and other curious sights to behold.
Starting Oct. 24.
Museum of the Weird, 412 E. Sixth, 476-5493.
$3 ($1, kids).
www.museumoftheweird.com
BELMONSTER BASH
A costume contest, prizes, and Brooklyn turntabalist DJ Logic help raise money for AIDS Services of Austin.
Sat., Oct. 31, 9pm.
The Belmont, 305 W. Sixth, 457-0300.
$10.
BETHANY LUTHERAN'S PUMPKIN PATCH
Choose from a large pumpkin or several gourds. The weekends also feature storytimes and other crafts for the kids.
Oct, 17-31: Mondays-Saturdays, 9am-9pm; Sundays, 1-6pm.
Bethany Lutheran Church, 3701 Slaughter, 292-8778.
www.blcms.org
BOO AT THE ZOO
Bring a flashlight and break out your costume to check in on the animals after nightfall. Grab your free goody bag and hop on the Haunted Train for more family-friendly thrills (for kids older than 5 years old).
Fridays & Saturdays, Oct. 16-31, 6-9pm.
Austin Zoo, 10807 Rawhide Trail, 288-1490.
$15.
CLASSIC MEXICAN HORROR FILMS
Classic flicks (in Spanish with English subtitles) screen during the Halloween season. Films include The Living Coffin ( Wed., Oct. 21), The Black Pit of Dr. M ( Thu., Oct. 22), The Man and the Monster ( Thu., Oct. 29), and The Vampire ( Fri., Oct. 30).
Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St, 478-6222.
Free.
www.cinelasamericas.org
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
Celebrating its third year at the Mexican American Community Center, this Day of the Dead festival has music and food that could very well bring the dead back to life. Altars, sugar skulls, and other creations made by the community will be on display for the living and dead alike to appreciate.
Sun., Nov. 1, 4-10pm.
Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St, 478-6222.
Free.
www.maccaustin.org
DRAG-O-WEEN
More details on this benefit for Austin Roundup – a nonprofit organization helping members of the LGBT community struggling with addiction – coming soon.
Sat., Oct. 31, 9:30pm.
Ballet Austin Studio, 501 W. Third, 584-6668.
$15.
www.austinroundup.com
EMERALD CITY GHOULISH GIVEAWAYS
On Halloween this temple of joe offers free coffee to anyone in costume. The next day, Día de los Muertos, come dressed like you're dead and get complimentary doughnut holes.
Emerald City Press, 915 N. Lamar, 970-3100.
FARMERS' MARKET TRICK OR TREAT
Little ghouls and ghosts go from stand to stand in search of treats. We hope that tricks won't be necessary.
Sat., Oct. 31, 9am-1pm.
Sunset Valley Farmers Market, Toney Burger Activity Center, 3200 Jones Rd, 443-0143, 280-1976.
www.sunsetvalleyfarmersmarket.org
GEORGETOWN GHOST TOURS
Join one of two docent-led tours of haunted locales in downtown Georgetown with firsthand stories of brushes with the other side.
Fri., Oct. 30, 7 & 8:30pm.
Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown, 512/943-1670.
$10.
caguirre@williamsonmuseum.org
www.williamsonmuseum.org
GHOST TOURS
Take a walking tour to Austin's most famous paranormal hot spots and become a believer. The special Halloween tour takes place Oct. 2-31.
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, 303 Red River, 853-9826.
$20.
www.hauntedtexas.com
GHOST TRAILS
Walk along the shadowy trails of Pioneer Farms where evil is sure to lurk … and some history too. Learn about some of the first settlers (and the first ghosts) in the area, or just enjoy the games for the kids and fortune-teller.
Oct. 24, 30, & 31, 7-11pm.
Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, 837-1215.
$10 ($8, kids).
www.pioneerfarms.org
GHOULWILL BALL
Dress up as your favorite deceased legend and join your host Professor Griffin for a Ghosts of Graceland celebration at this year's Ghoulwill Ball. Certainly one of Austin's classiest Halloween fêtes, and only a hop away from the rabble on Sixth Street. An open bar, hors d'oeuvres, live music from Blue Finger Disco, and more make it hard to remember that the money goes to Goodwill's job-related programs.
Fri., Oct. 30, 8-11:30pm.
The Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos, 637-7170.
$125.
www.ghoulwillball.org
GIVE BLOOD FOR SCARES
How can you get your hands on tickets to the House of Torment? Bleed! A pint of fresh blood donated to the Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas gets you a free pass to the haunted house and a T-shirt.
Fri., Oct. 23, 7-10pm.
House of Torment, 523 Highland Mall Blvd, 206-1266.
www.inyourhands.org
HALLOWEEN BASH
Live music from The Black and White Years, L.A.X., and others give hipsters a place to don their costumes for a chance at fabulous prizes.
Wed., Oct. 28,.
Mohawk, 912 Red River, 482-8404.
$12 ($10, advance).
www.flipscene.com
HALLOWEEN MONSTER BASH POTLUCK/DANCE
The potluck starts at 7pm followed by a rock & roll cover band with the money going to the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians.
Sat., Oct. 31, 7pm-2am.
Ruta Maya, 3601 S. Congress Ste. D-200, 454-7971.
$6.
www.happypartyguy.com
HALLOWEEN MUSIC CONCERT
Since the orchestra will be in costume, why not wear your own to fit in? The creepy orchestral sounds culminate with J.S. Bach's "Toccata in D Minor."
Mon., Oct. 26, 7pm.
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 100 E. 27th, 472-6736.
Free.
HALLOWEEN STORIES
The Ladies of Lore tell stories for the adults on Friday and for the kids on Halloween. Bring the kids in costume, and they might get a story built around them.
Fri.-Sat., Oct. 30-31, 9-10pm.
Cafe Caffeine, 909 W. Mary, 447-9473.
www.cafecaffeine.com
INDEPENDENT HALLOWEEN
Dance until your costume falls off with NickNack and DJ AV spinning hip-hop, funk, and disco well into the witching hours.
Sat., Oct. 31, 9pm-2am.
The Independent at 501 Studios, 501 N. I-35, 485-3001.
Free.
www.austinindependent.com
MESOAMERICAN DAY OF THE DEAD PANEL
Experts from UT discuss how Día de los Muertos fit into daily life of pre-Columbian culture.
Sun., Nov. 1, 2pm.
Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress, 480-9373.
Free.
www.mexic-artemuseum.org
MIXX MAKE
Get in costume (optional), and head out for a night of music, edible goodies, crafts, and a photo booth.
Sat., Oct. 24, 9pm-2am.
Mixx, 612 E. Sixth.
$8 ($6 with RSVP at www.mixxmake.com).
MONKEYWRENCH HALLOWEEN BENEFIT
Enter the raffle or costume contest and help your local radical bookstore. DJ duo Hoodie Allen supplies the tunes.
Sat., Oct. 31, 10am-3am.
House party, 3007 E. 17th.
MONSTERS, MAHLER, & THE MACABRE
The St. Edward's University Orchestra plays chilling classical tunes and David Thompson and Lucinda Wise spin frightening yarns. Come in costume for free admission.
Sat., Oct. 31, 2pm.
Ragsdale Center, 3001 S. Congress.
$8 ($5, students & seniors).
academic.stedwards.edu
MUERTOS AT LA PEÑA
More than 15 artists show their representations of Día de los Muertos accompanied by the music of Silvia Palacios.
Reception: Fri., Oct. 30, 6-8pm; exhibition: Oct. 30-Nov. 21.
La Pena Gallery, 227 Congress, 477-6007.
Free.
www.lapena-austin.org
MURDER, MAYHEM, & MISADVENTURE WALKING TOUR
Every half hour, Save Austin's Cemeteries starts a tour of this historic graveyard, telling stories of untimely deaths, murders, and other tales to get you in a macabre mood.
Sat., Oct. 31, 10am-4pm.
Oakwood Cemetery, 1601 Navasota, 478-7152.
Free (donations appreciated).
www.sachome.org
MUSIC AND A SCARY MOVIE
As part of the Dismember the Alamo Festival, P. Kellach Waddle and friends perform a live (or perhaps undead) score to a screening of Night of the Living Dead.
Thu., Oct. 29, 10pm.
Alamo Drafthouse Lake Creek, 13729 Research, 219-5408.
$12.
www.drafthouse.com
PAPIER MÂCHÉ SKELETON CRAFT
Help prepare for Día de los Muertos by making paper skeletons and Guatemalan kites. Take some home and leave some for the celebration in November.
Sat., Oct. 24, 10am-2pm.
Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St, 478-6222.
$5.
PENDARK'S MUSEUM OF THE MACABRE
Magic, mysticism, and tales of the macabre are just a portion of this interactive theatre experience. E-mail for more details.
Fridays & Saturdays, 9-10:30pm.
Austin Drama Club, 1612 E. Seventh.
japhyfernandes@live.com
www.myspace.com
PET COSTUME CONTEST
A portion of your food/drink bill goes to Emancipet, so get the pet all dolled up for a good cause.
Sat., Oct. 31, 2-5pm.
Shuck Shack, 1808 E. Cesar Chavez, 472-4242.
www.emancipet.org
PLANET K FIREWORKS
Nothing wakes up the dead better than fireworks in the evening. Expect explosions in the sky, but keep an eye on the ground for the perturbed undead.
Sat., Oct. 31, 9pm.
Behind Kreig Fields, 517 S. Pleasant Valley Rd.
Free.
www.planetktexasfireworks.com
REST IN PEACE TOUR
Tour the statehouse corridors and learn about those who have met an untimely death within the Capitol halls.
Through Oct. 29: Mon.-Fri., 11am & 2pm; Sat.-Sun., 1pm. Oct. 30: 11am, 1, & 2pm. Oct. 31: 11am & 1pm.
Texas Capitol, 1100 Congress, 305-8402.
Free.
www.tspb.state.tx.us
ROWING DOCK PUMPKIN PADDLE
Get in costume, jump in your kayak, and earn your treats by paddling to costumed stations set up around the lake. Arts & crafts await the landlubbers.
Sat., Oct. 31, 10am-2pm.
Rowing Dock, 2418 Stratford Dr., 459-0999.
$10-15.
www.rowingdock.com
SALADO’S HALLOWEEN FRIGHT TRAIL
This Hill Country walking trail will be haunted by the ghosts of literature past. Everyone from Macbeth to Frankenstein to the Invisible Man will be on hand as your tour guide ensures you follow the plot.
Sat.-Sun., Oct. 24-31, 7:30-10:30pm.
Tablerock Walking Trail, Salado, 254/947-9205.
$5 ($3, kids).
SOUTH AUSTIN MONSTER MASH
with the Fireants and Nakia & His Southern Cousins.
Sat., Oct. 31, 7pm.
Jovita's, 1619 S. First, 916-4988.
$10.
SPOOKTACULAR! AUSTIN GHOST TOUR
Meet at the Texas State History Museum for a ghost tour of the surrounding buildings before getting your face painted to match your costume. What better way to increase your chances of victory in the costume contest? Reservations are necessary for the ghost tour.
Sat., Oct. 31, 2-5pm.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress, 909-1133.
$10 ($5, children).
www.hauntedtexas.com
SPOOKY SHAKESPEARE COME TO LIFE
Austin Shakespeare takes its rightful place at the Globe Theatre replica on the grounds of Richard Garriott's property to present the Bard at his spookiest. Hamlet's father and the witches of Macbeth are just two of the scenes being acted out for your frightful pleasure.
Thu.-Sat., Oct. 29-31, 8pm.
New Brittania Manor, 7400 Coldwater Canyon, 474-8497.
$15 ($10, standing).
www.scareforacure.org
STARS OF BROADWAY HALLOWEEN
Devilish divas Tara St. Stone and Saffire T. Stone host this hairy, scary, spooktaculicious fundraiser for Out Youth Austin and Wright House Wellness Center.
Sat., Oct. 24, 9pm.
Spider House Patio Bar & Cafe, 2908 Fruth, 480-9562.
Donations appreciated.
www.unitedcourtofaustin.org
TRINKET OR TREAT
Bring the kids or just yourself to make your own ghoulish jewelry. Come in costume for 20% off everything in the store.
Sat., Oct. 31, 11am-7pm.
Nomadic Notions, 2426 Guadalupe, 454-0001.
www.nomadicnotions.com
VAMPIRE NIGHT
Dress as your favorite vampire for a night at this underground club. An elaborate themed photo shoot on-site to remember the evening.
Fri., Oct 30, 9:30-11:30pm.
Prague, 422 Congress, Ste. B, 477-2483.
VIVA LA VIDA EXHIBITION
Get in the holiday spirit with Day of the Dead inspired art and community-built altars.
Through Nov. 22.
Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress, 480-9373.
$5 ($1, children).
www.mexic-artemuseum.org
VIVA LA VIDA FEST
Before you celebrate the dead, shouldn't you celebrate life? Mexic-Arte brings Austin together for a grand procession, live music, traditional art and food, and an exhibition of community-built altars.
Sat., Oct. 24, 2-10pm.
Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress, 480-9373.
Free.
www.mexic-artemuseum.org
ZOMBIE BALL
Sustainable Waves – the people that bring you solar-powered concerts all year – hosts this gathering of undead bands playing live music. Bands include Pong, BoomBox, and Spoonfed Tribe, among others.
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 30-31, 9pm.
4715 E. Fifth.
$10-15.
www.zombieball.com
ZOMBIE FUZZ CLUB
The Thunderchiefs, the Texrays, and DJ Sue provide the appropriate tunes for this Sixties-themed dance party.
Sat., Oct. 31, 9pm-2am.
The Scoot Inn, 1308 E. Fourth, 478-6200.
$8.
www.myspace.com
HOUSE OF TORMENT
This is the mother of all Austin haunts. Chosen as one of America's scariest attractions by the Travel Channel, House of Torment gives you an option of two houses of horror: Rise of the Abominations and Illusion Manor. Mr. Creep and Sgt. Graves greet you, and hopefully you bought a ticket online to avoid the crowds. Online tickets are time-specific, like a movie, so get there before your time runs out.
Through Nov. 1, 7pm-12mid.
523 Highland Mall Blvd., across from Macy's.
$15, single attraction; $20, combo pass.
www.houseoftorment.com
SCARE FOR A CURE
Explore Dunstan Manor, the home to vampires, blood-lust, and assorted abominations bent on world domination. Buy a regular ticket or pay a bit extra for the red-level admission. There are also green-level tickets for the wusses. Whichever you choose, it's not recommended for kids younger than 12 years old. Just remember that when your knees are shaking, it's all for a good cause: the Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas.
Through Oct. 31: Fri.-Sat., 7:30-11pm; Thu., 7:30pm-12mid.
New Brittania Manor, 7400 Coldwater Canyon.
$20-25.
www.scareforacure.org
BETHANY LUTHERAN'S TRUNK OR TREAT
Forget going door to door; go trunk to trunk picking up candy along the way. Put your costume on, stock up on sugar, and enjoy a mildly spooky storytime if the kids aren't too hopped up to sit down.
Sat., Oct. 31, 4-6pm.
Bethany Lutheran Church, 3701 Slaughter, 292-8778.
www.blcms.org
CENTRAL MARKET HALLOWEEN
Bring the wee spooks for in-store trick or treating as costumed folks entertain. All the while, you can get some shopping done.
Sat., Oct. 31, 8am-10pm.
Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar, 474-1501; 4477 S. Lamar, 474-1501.
Free.
www.centralmarket.com
CHAMPIONS DAY CAMP COSTUME CONTEST & FOOD DRIVE
Think your kid has the best costume in town? Prove it and help out a good cause. Entry into the costume contest will cost you a donation to the Capital Area Food Bank. A buffet for the hungry little monsters will be available for a small fee.
Sat., Oct. 31, 4pm.
Travis Room at Lakeway Resort & Spa, 101 Lakeway Dr, 261-7353.
Free (donations appreciated).
www.championsdayatlakeway.com
COLORING CONTEST AT JO'S
Monofonus Press, Boozefox, and Jo's Coffee celebrate Halloween with a coloring contest for the kids ($5), live music, and a raffle.
Sat., Oct. 31, 1-6pm.
Jo's Coffee, 1300 S. Congress, 444-3800.
Free.
DAY OF THE DEAD AT DISCOVERY SCHOOL
Come and see the altar created by Austin Discovery School's students (K-6). The kids follow that up with traditional songs and a short dance performance.
Fri., Oct. 30, 10am.
Austin Discovery School, 8509 FM 969 #200, 674-0700.
Free.
FRIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
Explore Austin's own dinosaur graveyard and see what you find in the Dig Pit. Create your own Frankensaurus, or get your picture taken in the haunted forest. Storytimes to chill the soul take place on the hour.
Sun., Oct. 25, 1-5pm.
Texas Memorial Museum, 2400 Trinity, 471-1604.
Free.
www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org
GIRLSTART SPOOKY SCIENCE EXTRAVAGANZA
Learn about the science behind icky and creepy creations. As if chemistry class isn't scary enough.
Sat., Oct. 24, noon.
Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center, 7500 Blessing, 916-4775.
Free.
www.girlstart.org
GREAT PUMPKIN HUNT
Take a wagon ride to the Christmas tree fields – make sure your kids know that this is the season for candy not presents – and find a minipumpkin hidden in the trees that you can then decorate. Pumpkin-centric activities (e.g., pumpkin golf, pumpkin maze) abound, giving your kid a high without all that sugar.
Oct. 10-31: Saturdays, 10am-5pm; Sundays, 1-5pm.
Evergreen Farms Christmas Trees, 242 Monkey Rd., Elgin, 512/281-4833.
Free (certain events cost $2-4).
www.evergreen-farms.com
HALLOWEEN CHILDREN'S CONCERT
Kids with ages still in the single digits will enjoy the spooky, symphonic sounds of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Parents and children alike are invited to come in costume.
Sun., Oct. 25, 2pm.
Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside, 476-6064.
$19-48.
www.austinsymphony.org
HALLOWEEN SCIENCE
Learn the science and nature of Halloween with a moonlight hike through Zilker Preserve, a mad scientist lab full of spooky experiments, and a few slimy and creepy animals to see and possibly touch.
Sat., Oct. 24, 5-9pm.
Austin Nature & Science Center, 301 Nature Center, 327-8180.
$5 ($3, children).
www.cityofaustin.org
HUNT FOR HISTORIC HAUNTS
Pre-register your kids between the ages of 6 and 11 to learn about the haunted history of the Neill-Cochran House. Collect clues to determine whether there is truth behind the spooky stories.
Sat., Oct. 24, 4pm.
Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel, 478-2335.
Free.
www.nchmuseum.org
KIDS HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL
The Austin Rowing Club hosts booths, games, and other activities. Perfect for little trick-or-treaters.
Sat., Oct. 31, 4-7:30pm.
Festival Beach, 2101 Bergman.
Free.
www.austinrowing.org
POE’S MYSTERIOUS WORLD
Step into Poe’s mysterious world this Halloween; decide for yourself if it’s a trick or a treat. This interactive theatre workshop is recommended for ages 8-12, but all are welcome.
Sat., Oct. 31, noon.
Harry Ransom Center, 300 W. 21st, 471-8944.
PUMPKIN FEST
Break out the costume, but make sure it's comfortable so you can enjoy the moonwalks, carnival games, costume contest, face painting, petting zoo, and more.
Sat., Oct. 24, 10am-6pm.
Sky Ridge Plaza, 2000 S. I-35, Round Rock, 512/238-0938.
Free.
www.skyridgeplaza.com
SCOOBY'S HAUNTED CARNIVAL
Kids under the age of 11 are invited to meet Scooby and the gang before taking a tour of the nonscary haunted maze. When the little ones are done getting their faces painted, they can decorate a treat bag or try their hands at balloon sculpture. Come dressed for the costume contest. All proceeds go to Texas Hearing & Service Dogs' Child Advocacy Dog Program.
Sat., Oct. 31, 1-6pm.
Texas Hearing and Service Dogs, 4925 Bell Springs Rd., Dripping Springs, 512/891-9090.
$5.
elizabethd@servicedogs.org
www.servicedogs.org
SPOOKTACULAR CREATURES
In addition to the usual beauty of Westcave Preserve, the kids can hike the bat trail and learn about things creepy-crawlie and/or nocturnal. Storytelling, crafts, and activities of the spooky variety also await the brave of heart.
Sun., Oct. 25, 3-6pm.
Westcave Preserve, 24814 Hamilton Pool Road, Round Mountain, 830/825-3442.
$5 ($2, child).
www.westcave.org
SPOOKY SCIENCE EXTRAVAGANZA
Girlstart, the nonprofit that empowers girls in the fields of science and technology, presents an afternoon of spooky science and eerie experiments. Dry-ice bubbles, owl-pellet dissections (ewww), mysterious hand prints, and foaming pumpkins keep the fun-to-learning ratio about even. Come dressed up, and you might win the costume contest.
Sat., Oct. 24, noon-3pm.
Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center, 7500 Blessing, 916-4775.
Free.
www.girlstart.org
STORYBOOK PARADE
Dress as your favorite storybook character, and be ready for contests, games, stories, and more.
Fri., Oct. 30, 10:30am-1:30pm.
Texas Preperatory School, 400 Uhland, San Marcos, 512/805-3000.
Free.
www.texasprep.us
SUGAR SKULL WORKSHOP
They supply the molds and materials, you just bring your hands to decorate. Bring one of your creations home, and leave the rest for the Día de los Muertos festival on Nov. 1.
Sat., Oct. 24, 11am-3pm.
Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St, 478-6222 x232.
Free.
www.maccaustin.org
TRICK OR TREAT TRAIL & CARNIVAL
Kids in the 3- to 12-year-old range are invited to walk a spooky trail on their way to a family-friendly carnival.
Fri., Oct. 23, 7pm.
Northwest Recreation Center, 2913 Northland, 458-4107.
$3/child.
www.cityofaustin.org
YMCA HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
Get in costume so it won't look so strange when you arrive to trick or treat, get your face painted, and do some Halloween crafts.
Sat., Oct. 24, 5-8pm.
YMCA Northwest Branch, 5807 McNeil, 335-9622.
Free.
www.austinymca.org
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