HAUNTED TRAILS AT THE BASIN is no mere walk in the woods. While Britannia Manor has been purged of its haunting inhabitants this year, Lord British (aka Richard Garriott) — the undisputed king of haunted houses — has ordered his masses of ghouls and goblins (and probably some good guys) to haunt the trails of the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. Keith Ewing, the director of this eerie event, says, “My goal is to frighten people on every level, from the cerebral to the visceral. I won’t consider Haunted Trails at the Basin a success unless you have nightmares afterwards.” Some pretty hefty words, though if the trails compare to the masterpieces created at Britannia Manor, My Lord Keith should live up to his goals. And like we said above, this is no mere walk in the woods — participants should be prepared for a strenuous outdoor hike in the dark along the basin’s trails, and patrons must be able to climb steep stairs and walk continuously for one hour (be sure to wear appropriate footwear!). Please note that this is not for the kids — no one under the age of 13 will be admitted, and those between the ages of 13-16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $27.50 and available at Star Ticket Outlets (get them now, as they’ll sell out quickly). Tickets are sold by pre-assigned time slots and space is limited. Proceeds will benefit the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve and its programs. Highly recommended. Four nights only, Oct 28-31. 469-SHOW.
THE NIGHTMARE FACTORY, the largest haunted house in Central Texas, is now open for its 10th Halloween season. The Factory has more than 6,000 square feet of terrifying trails and mystifying mazes, complete with graphic scenes and the latest special effects. Scenes include deathly graveyards, a gruesome funeral parlor, Frankenstein’s lab, and more! Admission is $7 general, $5 on Sundays, $1 discount coupons at all Thundercloud Subs. The factory is located at 2101 W. Ben White. Web address: http://www.nightmarefactory.com. Daily through Nov 1; Sun-Thu, 7:30-10:30pm; Fri-Sat, 7:30pm-midnight. 858-5063.
PIONEER FARM continues its annual tradition of offering fun and exciting Halloween activities for the whole family. On Sun, Oct 26, the farm will warm everyone up for Halloween with a special Sunday Afternoon Halloween Party. The program is geared toward young children, featuring a hayride and pumpkin patch in addition to its regular Sunday programs. Oct 24, 25, & 31, the more formal (but not-too-scary) programs will be held. Activities include hayrides, scarecrow building, storytelling, a pumpkin patch, games, refreshments, a Haunted Barn, fortune-telling, the Mad Scientist, Dr. Botz, and more! The farm is located at 11418 Sprinkle Cut-Off Rd. Admission is $4 adults, $2 children (with an additional charge of $2 per person for the hayrides). Oct 24-31. 837-1215.
BOO! AT THE ZOO is a special Halloween program offered for youngsters at the Austin Zoo, 10807 Rawhide Tr. The event features a 1.5-mile-long train ride on the Rawhide Rocket, the Zoo’s miniature train, which will take passengers on a spooky and ghoulish trip through the hills of Southwest Austin. The highlight of the journey will be a Halloween Train Robbery, where in a surprising twist of fate, the “bandits” will stick up the passengers to pass out treats and goodies! Also of interest are the many creatures that begin to stir in the evening hours at the zoo. Says executive director Cindy Carrico, “As the sun begins to set, the zoo comes alive with sounds of the jungle — the birds begin calling, the New Guinea Singing Dogs begin howling, and Damien, our black-crested mangabey, often joins in with his own `call of the wild’.” And don’t forget the lions, tigers, and bears — oh my! Admission for Boo! is $5 adults, $4 for children 2-12. The program runs Oct 23-Nov 1, dusk-9pm. 288-1490.
LASER QUEST’S HAUNTED MAZE will feature an alternative to trick-or-treating and Sixth Street. Activities include free unlimited Lazer Quest games, a haunted maze, free food and drinks, free candy, monster mash dancing, a costume contest, prizes, and more! Cost is $22.50 advance (or first 100 people); $32.50 at the door; $20 per person for groups of 50 or more. Lazer Quest is located at 523 Highland Mall. Oct 29-31, 6-11pm. 459-5400.
OL’ CACTUS JACK’S 7TH ANNUAL TRAIL OF FRIGHT will feature a haunted hayride and “The Tomb,” a special haunted house. Ol’ Cactus Jack is a family oriented recreational ranch that is open year-round, and they present the “Trail of Fright” each year during the Halloween season. Their theme is, “If you can’t scare ’em, make ’em laugh!” Sounds like fun! Oct 24-26 & 30-31. 263-2388.
BEN HUR SHRINE TEMPLE will present special Halloween activities for the whole family, including a hayride, a haunted house, a visit with Frankenstein, and more! The whole visit takes approximately 30 minutes. Admission is $5 per person for ages 5 and up. Oct 24-31, beginning at 7pm and running late. 327-3810.
SCREAMS claims the title of the world’s largest Terror Park, covering over 50 acres! Created by the folks at Scarborough Faire, the park features a maze of terror, haunted hayrides, and a haunted house and castle. The festivities also include games, a live stage show each night, food and drink, and hundreds of ghastly performers meandering through the “town.” It sounds impressive, but you’ll have to do a bit of traveling if you want to participate — Screams is located right outside of Waxahachie, 1.6 miles west of FM66 off N. I-35 (near Dallas). Open through Oct 31 (except Mondays), beginning each night at 7pm. 888/3SCREAMS.
Halloween Events
FUR covers the skin of Citrona — the thick black fur of a beast. But that doesn’t stop Michael from wanting her. And it doesn’t stop Citrona from wanting Nena. Michael loves Citrona loves Nena loves Michael — it’s playwright Migdalia Cruz’s very modern, very sexual spin on Beauty and the Beast. Stephanie Swenson, Martin Burke, and Elaine Williams star in this VORTEX Repertory Company production. Barry Pineo directs. Mature audiences only. Through Nov 1, Thu-Sat, 8pm, at Planet Theatre, 2307 Manor. Tickets: $6.50 Thu;
$12 Fri & Sat. 454-TIXS.
THE CENCI: A RITUAL OF CRUELTY endeavors to give life to the oft-discussed but rarely staged work of Antonin Artaud, proponent of the “Theatre of Cruelty.” This production takes us to 16th-century Italy, where the cruel Count Cenci torments his family and peers. Can they defeat his evil with good, or must evil be used to fight evil? Eric Love directs. Oct 23-Nov 8, Thu-Sat, 8pm, at Synergy Studio, 1501 W. Fifth. 292-1201.
DRACULA is risen from the grave… this time in Austin! For the centenary of the publication of Bram Stoker’s novel, The Public Domain mounts a new production of the chilling tale, adapted by Steven Dietz. Director Robi Polgar’s last effort, The Duchess of Malfi, was in a similar, er, vein, which bodes well for the suspense and sensuality of this show. Through Nov 8, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Oct 26 & Nov 2, Sun, 5pm, at The Public Domain, 807 Congress. Tickets: $5 Thu; $12 Fri/Sat ($10 seniors, students, ACoT); Pay What You Wish on Sun. 474-6202.
THE 13TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-TREAT PATH and Carnival of the Northwest Recreation Center will be held at the center, 2913 Northland Dr. The event is a delightful evening of safe Halloween fun for children ages 18 months to eight years. Participants may walk down an indoor path and receive candy and prizes from friendly costumed characters. Children will also enjoy a variety of old-fashioned carnival booths and games. Admission is only $2 per child (parents free). Carnival tickets are 25cents each. Fri, Oct 24, 6-8pm. 458-4107.
TOAD HALL CHILDREN’S BOOKSTORE will offer several Halloween activities for the kids this season at their location, 1206 W. 38th St., Suite 1101. Fri, Oct 24, 6:30-8pm: “Late Night at Toad Hall.” Children can put on their costumes and join the fun. Activities include spooky crafts, a storytime, refreshments, and a special Halloween Treat ($6; RSVP). Sat, Oct 25, all day: “Not So Scary Halloween.” Activities include pictures with Nancy Whitworth, trick-or-treating in the 26 Doors Shopping Center (where the store is located), Halloween storytelling, and guest animals from Crowes’ Nest Farm. Fri, Oct 31 (no time given): Walter the Giant Storyteller will tell spooky, silly stories. Activities also include refreshments, party games, and a costume review. Oct 24-25 & 31. 323-2665.
A PUMPKIN PAINTING PARTY & PUMPKIN GALLERY, sponsored by the Austin Visual Arts Association (AVAA), will be held at Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar. Several local artists will be painting pumpkins on the Central Market deck, and the public is invited to paint their own masterpieces as well. Painting supplies will be donated by AVAA, and pumpkins will be provided for a nominal cost by Central Market. A painted pumpkin contest will be held, with categories such as: “Scariest,” “Funniest,” and “Best Overall/Original.” Once entered in the contest, pumpkins become the property of AVAA, and will be displayed in the Pumpkin Gallery. Pumpkins will then be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting AVAA (any pumpkins not purchased will be donated to the Austin Children’s Hospital). The event will also feature children’s face painting, a petting zoo, and live music. Sun, Oct 26, noon-6pm. 457-0075.
THE TEXAS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL, known for its elaborate costumes, plans to hold its annual Halloween Costume Contest this weekend. Participants may enter the contest the day of the event at the information booth, and costume judging criteria includes appropriateness to the festival theme of “The Year of Chivalry & Romance,” creativity in design, uniqueness of costume, and originality of presentation. First prize for adults includes airfare for two to London, England; first prize for youth (17 & under) is a mountain bike. General admission is $14.95 adults, $6.95 children 5-12, and free for children four and under. The festival is located along FM 1774, between Plantersville and Magnolia, about 50 miles northwest of Houston. Web address: http://www.texrenfest.com. Sun, Oct 26, 1pm. 800/458-3435.
A WEEK-LONG CELEBRATION OF THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARY SHELLEY’S BIRTH seems like a fitting tribute for the season, slated for Oct 26-30 at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. A Frankenstein film festival and a Mary Shelley “Read-In” will be featured, along with a lecture by scholar Anne Mellor. Oct 26-30, various times. 512/245-2163.
A HALLOWEEN HORROR FESTIVAL will be presented at the Texas Union Theatre on the UT campus. Films include: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tue, Oct 28, 9:30pm ($1); Evil Dead II, Thu, Oct 30, 9:30pm (free);and Scream, Wed, Oct 29, 9:30pm & Fri, Oct 31, 11:45pm (free). 475-6666.
MEXICAN TOYMAKERS IN TRANSITION is a special exhibition of toys, on view for the Halloween and Dia de los Muertos season, at the Texas Memorial Museum, 2400 Trinity. Website: http://www.utexas.edu/depts/tmm. Beginning Oct 29. 471-3551.
ALL ABOARD FOR MURDER, MYSTERY & INTRIGUE! The Austin & Texas Central Railroad has scheduled a Murder Mystery train ride aboard the Twighlight Flyer. The haunting ride will depart Cedar Park at 7pm and return by 9pm. Passengers will be intrigued as the Halloween mystery unravels before their very eyes. The package will also include a box lunch and a beverage. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Ticket prices are $35 and reservations are recommended. Fri, Oct 31, 7-9pm. 477-8468.
THE DRISKILL’S FIRST ANNUAL HALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL will be held at the Driskill Hotel, Sixth & Brazos. Over the past 122 years, Halloween has been a special time at the Driskill — spirits have flowed, sightings have occurred, and once in a while a genuine apparition has appeared. Maybe you’ll get lucky (or is that unlucky?) and actually see a ghost yourself! The hotel’s Halloween package includes an opulent dinner buffet, a host bar, deluxe accommodations, and dancing to Mr. Fabulous & Casino Royale. The package also includes a costume contest with fabulous prizes, along with a special mystery dinner theatre with the Capitol City Mystery Players. Fri, Oct 31. 454-5911.
THE 14TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL of the Waterloo Counseling Center (WCC) will be held at the Omni Austin Hotel, 700 San Jacinto. This year’s event promises to be a “don’t miss” Halloween blow-out, with door prizes, a raffle, costume contests, a snack buffet, and more. Tickets are $15 advance/$20 at the door. Sponsorships are also available for $50-$250. Proceeds will benefit WCC, a non-profit mental health agency which has provided psychotherapy services since 1983 to lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and those living with HIV infection. Fri, Oct 31, 9pm-2am. 444-9922.
A “JUST SAY NO” HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT VILLAGE will be held at the South Austin Recreation Center, 1100 Cumberland Rd. Activities include entertainment, a costume parade, lots of treats, carnival games, carriage rides, and more! Over 40 groups, organizations, and government offices in the village will hand out goodies to the little trick-or-treaters. Cost is only $1. Fri, Oct 31, 6:30-9pm. 444-6601.
THE NINTH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL at Seton Northwest Health Plaza will be held at 11,111 Research Blvd. The event features trick-or-treating, games, refreshments, costume contests, and lots of Halloween excitement. Everyone is invited to bring their children to this free carnival for a safe and fun holiday. Fri, Oct 31, 5:30-8pm. 323-100, ext. 5940.
THE 1925 PHANTOM OF THE OPERA FILM is back for its annual Halloween run at UT’s Bates Recital Hall. Each year the silent classic is screened with live organ accompaniment by UT professor of organ and harpsichord, Frank Speller, who will perform his scary soundtrack on the 24-ton tracker pipe organ. Costumes are welcomed, so don’t be afraid to dress up! Tickets are $10. Fri, Oct 31, 7 & 10pm. 471-1444.
THE SINGLES TRAVEL NETWORK’S HALLOWEEN BASH will be held at Club Max, in the Red Lion Hotel, 6121 N. I-35. The event features fantastic free food, ghoulish games, and spine-tingling prizes in the Red Lion’s own classic cocktail lounge. A costume contest will also be highlighted, as a live DJ playing your favorite songs all night long. Cost is $5 per person. Fri, Oct 31, beginning at 8pm. 323-5466, ext. 4302.
ART-CORE will hold an Open Studio on Halloween night at Patty Puke’s new studio, which apparently is haunted by a recent suicide and maybe some other, older ghosts. A variety of frightening events have been happening since Patty moved in — come hear her tell the tales! Costumes admitted, and there will be plenty of food, art, and drink. 4501 Red River. Fri, Oct 31, 8pm-midnight, 323-0774.
A FAMILY FUN NIGHT will be held at Ski Shores on Lake Austin. Events include a costume contest, a Jack O’Lantern contest, thrills and chills, and live music with Ivan Brown & the Haunted Experience. As well, plenty of good eats from the kitchen at Ski Shores will be available for purchase. Fri, Oct 31, beginning at 6:30pm. 346-5915.
A PUMPKIN SCULPTURE CONTEST will be held at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. (near Zilker Park, off Barton Springs Rd.). All age groups are welcome to participate, and judging will be by vote of museum visitors. Anyone bringing a carved pumpkin will receive free admission to the Garden & Museum, to enjoy the beauty of the garden, waterfall, stream and ponds, and the sculptures of renowed Austin sculptor Charles Umlauf. Sat, Nov 1, 1-4:30pm. 445-5582.
This article appears in October 24 • 1997 and October 24 • 1997 (Cover).