Austin, TX \u2014 Love a good scare? Austin is getting three days of horror movies, supernatural thrillers and behind-the-scenes filmmaking experiences just in time for Halloween.<\/p>\n
The Ethereal Horror Fest<\/a> returns to downtown Austin for its seventh year, taking over Violet Crown Cinema from October 16\u201318.<\/p>\n The festival celebrates independent horror filmmaking, bringing together filmmakers, actors and horror fans for screenings, special guests, live competitions and discussions about the art of making scary movies.<\/p>\n More than just scary movies<\/p>\n This year’s festival features independent feature films and shorts from Texas, across the country and around the world.<\/p>\n The lineup includes psychological thrillers, supernatural mysteries, dark comedies and experimental films.<\/p>\n Among the featured movies:<\/p>\n Marrow: A psychological thriller starring Jessica Dawn Willis, Danielle Harris and Michael Ironside. Horror actress Danielle Harris is expected to attend the opening-night screening and participate in a live Q&A.<\/p>\n Hollow Lake: A horror film following newlyweds whose secluded lakeside getaway takes a terrifying turn.<\/p>\n -The Ritual of Huasao: A supernatural thriller exploring the aftermath of a spiritual cleansing in Peru.<\/p>\n Filmmakers compete to pitch their scariest ideas<\/p>\n One of this year’s new attractions is a live competition called “Pitch or Perish!”<\/p>\n Six filmmakers will take the stage to pitch their original horror movie ideas to a panel of industry judges and guests.<\/p>\n The competition takes place Friday, October 16, beginning at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n The festival also includes filmmaker Q&A sessions, industry discussions, networking opportunities and a conference exploring the creative and business sides of independent filmmaking.<\/p>\n Celebrating diverse voices in horror<\/p>\n The festival will also feature Pride of Terror, a showcase highlighting LGBTQ+ filmmakers and storytelling within the horror genre.<\/p>\n Other programming includes a screenplay competition, a live table reading of selected work and an awards ceremony on Sunday, October 18.<\/p>\n Organizers say the goal is to give independent filmmakers opportunities to connect with audiences, share their work and explore new approaches to storytelling.<\/p>\n How to attend<\/p>\n What: Ethereal Horror Fest 2026<\/p>\n When: Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 18<\/p>\n Where: Violet Crown Cinema, 434 W. Second St., Austin<\/p>\n Tickets: Day passes are listed at $25, with weekend passes at $40. Check the ticketing page for current pricing and availability.<\/p>\n For tickets, film information and festival updates, visit: https:\/\/www.etherealhorrorfest.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n