Halloween Events 2025 in Austin, TX
Celebrate Halloween on Sixth Street, in the heart of Austin's entertainment district
Dates: late October
As the weather cools in Austin, the city transforms into a vibrant hub of spooky festivities and eerie attractions. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Halloween presents a chance to immerse yourself in both thrilling scares and family-friendly fun. This season is ideal for exploring Austin's haunted sites and uncovering its supernatural lore. From traditional trick-or-treating to parties, festivals, and guided ghost tours, Austin offers a range of experiences that promise to create lasting memories and evoke the spirit of Halloween.
Halloween on 6th Street (October 25-31, 2024)
Austin’s Halloween celebrations are packed with vibrant bar crawls and themed parties. On Halloween Night, thousands flock to 6th Street, the heart of Austin's bar and club scene. As darkness falls, be prepared to meet large crowds in outrageous costumes, with over 100,000 costumed partygoers potentially hopping from bar to bar on the scariest night of the year. The festivities kick off with the Austin Halloween Bar Crawl at The Blind Pig Pub on October 25, offering a night of revelry from $15. Throughout the weekend, revelers can join the Trick or Drink Bar Crawl, running from October 25-31 at Kung Fu Saloon, with multiple sessions available starting at $15.
Rainey Street Bar Crawls on October 30 offer themed fun starting from $35. The action continues with Austin’s Halloween Pub Crawl on October 26 and hilarious events like Stoned vs Drunk vs Sober at Spiderhouse Ballroom. For a unique experience, the Spooky Silent Disco at The Belmont features multiple events, starting from $15. These celebrations, including the Official Halloween Bar Crawl and various silent disco parties, promise an array of lively and spooky activities across the city.
Viva La Vida Fest (October 26, 2024)
Día de Los Muertos is celebrated in Austin on a huge scale! Viva la Vida, Austin’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos celebration, will be co-presented by the Mexic-Arte Museum, the Austin Convention Center, and the City of Austin. This vibrant festival begins with a Grand Procession at noon and continues until 6 pm. The event, featuring a parade that marches down historic 6th Street, includes a diverse mix of traditional and contemporary elements such as costumes, live music, dancers, and floats. Attendees can explore the Education Pavilion, enjoy local art and food, participate in activities like making marigold crowns, and visit the Muertos Mercado.
Celebrating Día de los Muertos, a cultural event blending indigenous traditions with Catholic practices, Viva la Vida is an immersive experience honoring the dead through vibrant altars, music, and festive activities. Mexic-Arte Museum also features the annual Day of The Dead Exhibition, which is typically on display through late November.
Freaky Deaky (October 26—27, 2024)
This two-day celebration features an array of top DJs and electronic music artists across multiple stages, delivering pulsating basslines and a vibrant atmosphere. With festivities running at the Travis County Expo Center, from the afternoon until late into the night, attendees can immerse themselves in a diverse lineup of house, techno, trance, and bass music. Gates open at 2 pm daily, with the event concluding at 11 pm on Saturday and 10:30 pm on Sunday. Tickets for the Austin's premier Halloween dance music event are available at $89.99 for a single day and $159.99 for a two-day general admission pass.
Austin Ghosts
Uncover the eerie side of Austin with Austin Ghosts, where you can explore the city's haunted history and supernatural secrets. Renowned for its quirky charm, Austin also harbors a darker, paranormal past. Austin Ghosts offers to experience an unforgettable night of ghostly encounters and eerie stories that linger long after the tour ends. This ghost tour guides you through Austin's most haunted sites, from the iconic Driskill Hotel to the historic Paramount Theater, each with its own chilling tales and spectral residents. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this tour offers a spine-tingling journey through the city's most unsettling legends.
Scream Hollow Wicked Screampark
For a truly intense Halloween experience, venture to Scream Hollow Wicked Screampark in Smithville, just a short 40-minute drive from Austin. This haunted attraction boasts four spine-chilling experiences: the “Mansion of Terror,” where the ghostly presence of the enigmatic Adella and her dark secrets await; the “Lost Pines Asylum,” a nightmarish journey through a forsaken mental institution; “Wicked Darkness,” a trek through an eerie, cursed forest; and the “Slaughterhouse 2,” a terrifying exploration of a sinister meat-packing plant. Each attraction offers a unique blend of horror, with terrifying figures like Adella haunting the mansion and unsettling scenes throughout the park. Additionally, the park features the “Haunted Museum” with real haunted artifacts, the “Halloween History Museum,” and a variety of entertainment options, including food, drinks, live music, and a gift shop. Scream Hollow is a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable and frightening Halloween experience.
Pumpkin Nights (September 19—October 31, 2024)
Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms offers a delightful Halloween experience for all ages. Located in North Austin, this family-friendly event features a captivating half-mile trail adorned with over 5,000 uniquely decorated pumpkins. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes, but families with children can enjoy additional activities along the way. Highlights include a mesmerizing fire-dancer show, various food trucks, pumpkin carving, and ample photo opportunities. While not a scary event, it’s perfect for enjoying the festive season. The grounds are open from 6 pm to 11 pm. Tickets are priced at $20-22 for adults and $15-17 for kids on weekdays, and $30-32 for adults and $20-22 for kids on weekends. Parking is available for $10 per car. Note that the event is outdoors, so be prepared for potential weather impacts and check for any changes.
Boo at the Zoo (Every Friday and Saturday Night, October 4—26, 2024)
This family-friendly event features a variety of Halloween-themed activities and attractions throughout the zoo. Visitors can enjoy a Haunted Train Ride, where spooky surprises await at every turn, and brave the Haunted Mansion for an eerie experience. The zoo’s animal habitats are adorned with festive decorations, providing an educational twist to the Halloween fun. Guests are encouraged to wear their best costumes and can either enjoy snacks from the zoo’s gift shop or bring their own picnic to the scenic Picnic Grove. The event hours are 5:45 pm - 9 pm and tickets are available for $22.
Halloween Children's Concert (October 20, 2024)
The Austin Symphony Orchestra's Halloween Children's Concert offers a delightful introduction to live orchestral music for children aged 4-11. The concert is held at the Long Center's Dell Hall at 3 pm. The event features a festive, Halloween-themed atmosphere, complete with a decorated concert hall and opportunities for children to come in costume. This year’s concert highlights "The Composer is Dead," a playful and suspenseful collaboration between Nathaniel Stookey and Lemony Snicket, where each orchestra member is a suspect in a musical mystery. Pre-concert activities, starting at 2 pm on the H-E-B Terrace, include crafts, games, and an Instrument Petting Zoo. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the Spooktacular Costume Contest, with prizes awarded for the scariest, most original, and best-dressed dead composer costumes.