Kids have it sooo easy during the Halloweek – school Halloween parties and then the big finale, trick-or-treating. Once you pass into the college-age threshold – I still trick-or-treated all through my high school days – the spooky season vibe gets a little more choose-your-own-adventure. And those adventures? They often cost money or require a little pre-planning like buying a ticket.
But here’s us, the Chronicle, to help you think ahead of the game so you’re not stuck in a costume on your couch wondering whaddahell to do. These Halloween events are all upcoming with tickets still available, so read on and see if your frightening fate’s among them.
Dog Pawrty & Costume Contest
Wednesday 29, Meanwhile Brewing Co.
Why let humans have all the fun when pooches can wear a costume just as well? Happy Hearts Dog Rescue partners with venue Meanwhile to offer a dog costume contest with fun prizes, as well as adoptable pups, dog-friendly vendors, Lucky Dog Tarot readings, and a screening of Frankenweenie (2012). meanwhilebeer.com
Panic at the Paramount: Halloween (1978) + Mystery Film
Wednesday 29, Paramount Theatre
This one’s got OUR name on it, aka The Austin Chronicle is the Paramount’s event partner for this screening of the slashic Halloween (1978). Original flavor Michael Myers gets an intro from Austin film fave Robert Rodriguez, who will also screen a secret second picture afterward. austintheatre.org
Howl-O-Weekend
Thursday 30 – Sunday 2, Desert Door Distillery
Awooo to all the creepy canines out there who know Halloween’s an all-weekend affair. Sotol slingers Desert Door run their dog costume contest Thursday through Sunday, with guests getting to vote on who’s got the most canny costume. Humans can enjoy a limited-edition seasonal cocktail during the festivities, with a pup pop on offer for all the good boys and girls. Plus, PAWS Shelter of Central Texas rolls through on Sunday with adoptable dogs. desertdoor.com
OUTsider Monster Bash
Thursday 30, Museum of Human Achievement
Real cool ghouls give back, which is what you’ll be doing by snagging a ticket to this fundraiser for Austin’s very own weird-o transmedia festival OUTsider. In exchange, partygoers can enjoy special performances by queer Chicana singer & composer San Cha as well as OUTsider faves, all hosted by B. Nassty. outsiderfest.org
Haunting at Paggi House
Thursday 30, the Loren
Something’s amiss at the historic Paggi House, and you may be the perfect person to solve the case! This Halloween murder-mystery dinner includes in your ticket purchase hors d’oeuvres, festive food, “eerie twists and hidden secrets,” and the chance to wander through a landmark. Drop an extra $20 on your resy, and you’ll get to play a character in this scary story. thelorenhotels.com/austin
Sister Fisters Resurrection
Thursday 30, Swan Dive
Event copy from those party pros Sister Fisters says “This isn’t a Halloween party *wink wink*,” so make of that what you will. But there will deffo be spine-tingling stage performances from the all-trans cast this Hallow’s Eve as well as spins by DJ Ruby Knight and drag artist Xoy on hosting duties. Dress code? “just come looking like the hottest version of yourself (;” say the Fisters. instagram.com/sisfistatx
Horrorween
Thursday 30, Vigilante Gaming Bar
Delight in the tantalizing and terrifying burlesque from Noxx’s Nightshade Nerdlesque, a local troupe who specialize in cosplay-centric performances from beloved fandom icons to deep-cut creeps. In addition to the show, there’ll be trivia, raffles, and a costume contest. instagram.com/noxxnightshadenerdlesque
Spooky Silent Disco Halloween Costume Party
Friday 31, the Belmont
Groove ’round the grave to one of three live DJs spinning different music genres at this silent disco. Costumes aren’t mandatory, but c’mon. You’re gonna dance the spirits to life in your day clothes? thebelmontaustin.com
Deep Red + Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin Live Score
Friday 31, Paramount Theatre
Take Sargento, shred the S and you’ve got Argento, the grandaddy of giallo. Ol’ Dario’s someone you’ll know quite well after ingesting his visually stunning Deep Red. Hitting its 50th anniversary this year, the film gets screened with composer Claudio Simonetti of Goblin’s live score – tunes so terrifying they’ll stay with you long after the projector’s done rolling. austintheatre.org
Murder! on the Dancefloor
Friday 31, Hotel San Jose
Get in your most boo-tiful looks for this devilish dance, with Queer Vinyl Collective slinging platter spins all night of frighteningly fresh tunes. Queen Cheeki Khant hosts a costume contest, so make sure you slay – but slay responsibly. We don’t want a, well, you know. Murder. On the dance floor. instagram.com/hotelsanjose
Nocturnal Temptations
Friday 31, ColdTowne Theater
Call forth the lost souls of sensual parties past for this totally terrifying burlesque show from Wonderland Burlesque. Afterward, stick around for a spooky shindig featuring a costume contest, raffle, DJ, photo booth, and more. coldtownetheater.com
Yeehawloween
Friday 31, Carpenter Hotel
Ride ’em, cowpunk, and get you and your horse down to the Carpenter for a Neon Rainbows Halloween. There’ll be two-steppin’, costume contest prize gettin’, and more – with DJ Ed West behind the decks and drag artists Travis Randy Travis and Lawrie Bird on hosting duties. instagram.com/carpenterhotel
Bump in the Night
Friday 31, Hyperreal Film Club
Haven’t had that big-screen scream yet? Snag a ticket to local microcinema Hyperreal’s annual Halloween party to get in the macabre mood with themed drinks, snacks, and more. Arrive in costume and you may just win a prize! hyperrealfilm.club
Hallowed Graves Boneyard Burlesque
Friday 31, Sterling Stage Austin
Halloween frights and sensual sights combine at this burly-q bash, where Haus of Brimstone and Velvet Nox Productions combine forces for a show of ghouls, ghosts, skeley-tons, zombies, and other grave performers. Plus, a raffle and vendors. hausofbrimstone.com
This article appears in October 24 • 2025.
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James Scott is a writer who has lived in Austin since 2017. He covers queer events, news, and anything pertaining to Austin’s LGBTQ community. Catch his work writing film essays for Hyperreal Film Club, performing in Queer Film Theory 101 at Barrel O’ Fun, or on his social media platforms: @thejokesboy on Twitter and Bluesky or @ghostofelectricity on Instagram.
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