Austin, TX — Halloween weekend brings a little bit of everything around Austin: a neighborhood that goes all-in on spooky decorations, monarch butterfly releases, and two Día de los Muertos celebrations. Here are a few ideas.

All weekend: McGarity Halloween display in Kyle

Want a little Halloween fright without stepping into a haunted house? Head to McGarity Street in Kyle’s Plum Creek neighborhood. The family behind McGarity Holiday Fun has transformed its display every year since 2022, bringing characters from classic horror movies to life. Several nearby homes join in with their own spooky decorations.

And once the Halloween decorations come down, Christmas decorating begins. The family expects its holiday display to be ready by December 1.

Saturday, October 31: Monarch releases at Zilker Botanical Garden

Trade the spooky sights for a butterfly sighting at Flutter Through the Forest, part of Austin’s Roots & Wings Festival. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Road. Monarch releases are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

There’s more to explore throughout the day, including a 9 a.m. bird-sighting walk, a 10 a.m. pollinator walk, kids’ tree climbs from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., guided nature walks on the hour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Singing Zoologist performances at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Family activities and food vendors will also be on site.

Sunday, November 1: Día de los Muertos at the ESB-MACC

The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center hosts its 19th annual Día de los Muertos celebration from 1 to 6 p.m. at 600 River St. Admission is free, and the event is family-friendly and alcohol-free.

Visitors can explore community ofrendas and art installations, enjoy music and dance, and take part in activities. Guests are welcome to bring a photo or small item to add to the community altar.

Planning to drive? The MACC says general parking won’t be available at its lot. A free shuttle will run from the Sanchez Elementary parking lot from noon to 7 p.m.

Sunday, November 1: Día de los Muertos at Waterloo Park

Keep the celebration going Sunday evening at Moody Amphitheater in Waterloo Park. Waterloo Greenway’s free Día de los Muertos event runs from 4 to 8 p.m.

The celebration features community altars—including a main ofrenda and a pet altar, plus live music and dance, family-friendly art and cultural activities, and the Mercado y Más artisan market. Food will be available for purchase. Guests can bring photos or mementos to contribute to the main ofrenda.