For some people, October is a time to visit a pumpkin patch, sip apple cider, and enjoy nature. For others, it’s a time to get as many scares as possible—the more terrifying, the better!
Fortunately, in Central Texas we have plenty of attractions to suit both types, from fall festivals to cultural events to haunted houses.
Here are some Austin Halloween events to celebrate the 2022 season! Check out the Scare-o-Meter on each event to find out which events are festive and family-friendly, and which ones will get your heart racing.
Scare-o-Meter
👻 — not scary at all
👻 👻 — a little scary
👻 👻 👻 — SO SCARY!
Visit Barton Hill Farms
The Austin Fall Festival, Pumpkin Patch, and Corn Maze is a fun and family-friendly way to celebrate the season! With a U-Pick Pumpkin Patch and a 5-acre corn maze to solve, this annual event invites adults and families to enjoy a day outdoors under the Central Texas sky.
On October 15th, 22nd, and 29th, we’ll be staying open until 9:00 p.m. to give you the chance to solve the corn maze by flashlight!
Get more details and tickets here!
When: Weekends, October 1st – November 6th, 2022
Scare-o-Meter: 👻
Celebrate Day of the Dead with Mexic-Arte Museum
Austin’s longest-running Dia de los Muertos event is back for the 39th year! This celebration of life includes a parade marching down 6th Street and ending at Mexic-Arte Museum at E. 4th and Congress, as well as a festival near the museum.
The parade will include costumes, dancers, floats, and live music, while the festival will have spots to make flower crowns and monarch butterfly masks, vendors of Mexican art, and the popular Lowrider Lane, showcasing lowrider cars.
When: Saturday, October 29th, 2022
Scare-o-Meter: 👻
Listen to Fine Music at Austin Symphony’s Halloween Children’s Concert
Spend an afternoon at the symphony with the Austin Symphony’s annual Halloween concert. Music will include superhero themes like the Superman March by John Williams and Batman Theme by Danny Elfman, as well as the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Suite. Kids are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume!
When: Sunday, October 23rd, 2022
Scare-o-Meter: 👻
Hit the Candy Crawl at Boo & Brew
The Arboretum’s annual Boo & Brew event is back! This festival-type event includes a Candy Crawl at the retail shops, live music, balloon art, and shopping with local vendors. Adults can sip on alcoholic drinks while they follow after the kids.
When: Saturday, October 29th, 2022
Scare-o-Meter: 👻
Put on Your Dancing Shoes for a Spooky Silent Disco at The Belmont
Looking for some adults-only Halloween fun? Local venue The Belmont is hosting a Spooky Silent Disco. Get dressed up in your finest Halloween costume and let three different DJs vie for your attention. Each guest will get a pair of Quiet Event headphones so they can hear the tunes and flip among the three DJs as they wish. Take your headphones off or lower the volume to chat with friends!
When: Satuday, October 28th, 2022
Scare-o-Meter: 👻
Catch a Flick at the Austin Motel Freaky Floats
Every Wednesday in October, the Austin Motel will be screening a spooky flick on a large blow-up screen out at their pool. Put on your swimsuit and grab a pool float to watch while sipping cocktails from the pool bar.
When:
October 5th: Death Becomes Her
October 12th: Scream
October 19th: Evil Dead
October 26th: Psycho
Scare-o-Meter: 👻👻
Take a Private Hearse Ghost Tour
Explore some of Austin’s most haunted locations…from a hearse.
Haunted ATX is known for their hair-raising tours of the city, but you’ve never seen Austin like this. These real hearses have been converted into limos to take you and up to five friends around the city to spots like the Littlefield House at UT and the Clay Pit, said to be haunted.
Haunted ATX also offers Haunted Van Tours, if you’re not looking for a private experience.
When: Tuesday – Sunday, by reservation only
Scare-o-Meter: 👻 👻
Give Yourself Nightmares at House of Torment
Austin’s legendary House of Torment is celebrating 20 years of terror. Known for jump scares and unique design, House of Torment is the place to go if you want to get your heart pounding.
This year, the attractions include The Abominations, Tormented, and Return to Illusion Manor, each with its own special scares. House of Torment was recently named one of best scary attractions in the country by the Haunted Attractions Association! (Yes, that’s a real thing.)
You can also complete a Mini Escape Game or try your hand at axe throwing!
Recommended for ages 12 and up.
When: October 12th – 31st, and November 4th and 5th, 2022
Scare-o-Meter: 👻 👻 👻