Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so Austin gets a full weekend of it. Whether you’re trick-or-treating with little ones or heading out in costume after dark, here are our favorite picks around town.
Friday, Oct. 30: Kick Off the Weekend
B Scene: Monster Ball at the Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton’s after-hours party takes place inside the Haas Brothers: Uncanny Valley exhibition, which fits the night perfectly.
- When: Friday, 7 to 11 PM
- What: DJ set and live music from Golden Dawn Arkestra, a monster-themed print pop-up, a scavenger hunt, clay creature making, and a costume contest
- Parking: $15 event parking at UT’s Brazos Garage
- Tip: Costumes are encouraged, so check the museum’s costume guidelines before you go
Dive-In Movies: Spooky Edition at Fairmont Austin
A Halloween movie by the pool downtown. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Family-Friendly Fun
Spookydale and St. HELLmo at St. Elmo Brewing (Springdale)
This free, all-ages party runs from 2 to 10 PM and has something for every age.
- 2 to 4 PM: Kids’ haunted house by the playscape, candy and spooky kid drinks
- 2 to 5 PM: Face painting
- 3 PM: Kids’ costume contest
- 4 to 10 PM: Austin Witches Market
- 8 PM: Adult costume contest
Halloween Party with Mariachi Amor at the Little Walnut Creek Branch Library
A free celebration with live mariachi music, open to all ages, at 1 PM.
BookPeople’s Trick-or-Read
Austin’s favorite indie bookstore hosts a free Halloween event, which is great for young readers in costume.
Morning tip: Start the day at the SFC Farmers’ Market at Republic Square (9 AM) to grab pumpkins, treats and coffee.
Pumpkin Trails and Fall Festivals
- Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms (final night is Saturday, Oct. 31): A half-mile path through nine themed pumpkin lands built from more than 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins, with food, games and a live fire show. It’s creative and colorful rather than scary.
- Central TX Pumpkin Fest at Robinson Family Farm (weekends through Nov. 1, from noon): A classic pumpkin patch day trip.
- COTALAND at Circuit of the Americas (through Nov. 1): Rides and family fun on the south side.
- Austin’s Roots and Wings Festival (through Nov. 1): Programming at parks across Austin.
Saturday Night: Costumes and Live Music
- Twilight on Halloween at The ABGB, 6 PM
- The Peterson Brothers at The Continental Club, 8 PM
- Ghostland Observatory Halloween Show at Buck’s Backyard, 8 PM
- Madeon at ACL Live at The Moody Theater, 8 PM
Quick Halloween Safety Tips
- Carry a flashlight or add reflective tape to costumes
- Walk on sidewalks and cross at corners
- Check candy before little ones dig in
- Leave your porch light on if you’re welcoming trick-or-treaters
Bonus reminder: Daylight saving time ends at 2 AM on Sunday, Nov. 1. Set your clocks back one hour and enjoy the extra sleep.
The Bottom Line
From a monster ball at the Blanton to pumpkin trails and porch-to-porch trick-or-treating, Halloween weekend shows what makes Austin neighborhoods special. Streets fill up, neighbors meet, and communities come alive. If you’re thinking about finding a neighborhood your family will love for many Halloweens to come, I’d love to help. Reach out anytime with questions about buying or selling in Austin.
