Halloween in Austin 2009
Updated: October 01, 2009
Our town has an intense Halloween scene. Some dress the garage as a killing floor to entertain truckloads of trick-or-treaters touring the 'hood for candy, others dress up and attend super fun parties, some subject themselves to a potentially pants-wetting tour of a haunted house. Austin has a more than a few highly nationally ranked attractions designed to scare the snot out of those brave or foolish enough to walk through the doors. Whether it's finding a costume, showing off your getup at a club or stepping into the most heart-racing haunted spots, we've got you covered this Halloween in Austin.
On this page:Costumes, Haunted Houses, Parties/Clubs.
Costumes
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Nightmare Factory
Write a reviewPO Box 1181, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (map)
Running around from store to store in this town, what with parking and traffic, is rarely fun, so why not simply browse online and let them ship the perfect costume from not-that-far-away Dripping Springs? Then, dress up and trick out the garage and scare trick-or-treaters and annoy/outdo the neighbors. Costumes from vampire to Star Trek to downright horrifying are available, as are novelties like flash pots, magic tricks and novelties, and books and videos. Oh, and lots and lots of fake blood.
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Spirit Halloween
Write a review9333 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78759 (map)
Order costumes (for kids, couples, groups, mascots) or a slew of animatronic props and decorations (including body parts) online or stop in to have your mind blown. The selection is vast, and the spirit? Spooky but fun.
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Lucy In Disguise With Diamonds
Read Reviews1506 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 (map)
Year-round this fantastic shop offers rentals and discounts for any items that are to be worn onstage. At Halloween, expect a darker, more macabre bent. Fun stuff is always here, from kooky, kitschy hard-to-find items like wigs or noses to a fabulous head-to-toe costume.
Haunted Houses
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House Of Torment
Read Reviews523 E Highland Mall Blvd, Austin, TX 78752 (map)
Industry trade mag Hauntworld.com called this the 6th best haunted attraction in the United States. With brilliant set design and a very creepy cast, one wants to admire the handiwork--if that's the case, go through twice, for lingering can result in the firing up of a chainsaw. The ghosts will touch, or at the very least, blow in your ear.
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Mansion of Terror
Read ReviewsBehind the Walgreen's in Sky Ridge Plaza, Austin, TX 78681 (map)
This terrordome (not an actual dome) has garnered two awards: 8th best in the U.S. from the Travel Channel, and another from Lions Gate Films (makers of Saw), which dubbed MOT the number one haunted house in the nation. Scared yet? This is a no-contact house--unless you touch the monsters first. Two tours of gore are available here: Blood Frenzy and Death Asylum. No running nor refunds, and yes, you may get spattered with (washable, fake) blood so don't forget to grab a rain poncho at the door if you're concerned about ruining your outfit. Visit Goodwill, Halloween Express and Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas locations for $2 off coupons (valid until Oct. 15).
Parties/Clubs
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Elysium
Read Reviews705 Red River, Austin, TX 78705 (map)
At this, the gothiest club in town, the zombie proms and Bauhaus posters come year round. But on Halloween, expect ... more of exactly that. The 2009 Halloween pre-parties look good, too: Black Widow Burlesque will put on a show on Oct. 29; Venetian Snares and Wisp will play on Oct. 30.
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Scoot Inn
Write a review1308 E Fourth St, Austin, TX 78702 (map)
On this eve, the 60s checkerboard-colored dance party Fuzz Club gets a zombie treatment. Come dressed to eat brains; best shuffling wins a prize. The Thunderchiefs (plus specials guests), The Texreys, and DJ Sue will entertain and terrify.
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Emos Austin
Write a review603 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
Guess what: Austin has fun cover bands with chops, stage presence and (thank god) senses of humor. If being downtown on 6th Street sounds bearable, Ghoul's Night Out 4 will gnaw at your funny bones with Children in Heat (Misfits cover band), Big Mess (Devo cover band), and The Belgraves (Cramps cover set).
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