Guide to Annual Halloween Activities in Austin, TX and Surrounding

"Keep Austin Weird" is only one of the sayings here. There is also "Don't Mess with Texas", and "Austin-Live Music Capital of the World". Visit and decide for yourself. Home of the University of Texas, and the Texas Longhorns, Austin has quite a history, and reputation; the most infamous being Sixth Street and live music. For this Halloween, check out these sites, you will not be disappointed:

Wild Basin's Haunted Trails - this major treat is staffed and put together by all volunteers, of which my partner and myself participated about 4 years ago. It is awesome, and my most recommended haunted treat. It is an interactive, haunted trail through the hill country of Texas. It is approximately a 60-90 minute hike through the woods, rocks, hills, etc., so make sure to wear comfortable shoes, clothes, and be in good health. The park itself is a nature conservation area, and this is one of its main fundraisers for the year. Tickets go quickly, once on sale, so grab them early. They range in price from $25-$40. No one under the age of 13 is admitted, and 13-16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Don't be surprised if you are pulled aside to play a role in the interactive spook. A great spooktacular time and worth the money. www.haunted-trails.com

Ol' Cactus Jack's Trail of Fright - this is another of great fun, but more so if you are not into walking or hiking. Offers a hayride through haunted trails. Do not wear good or expensive clothing. We did this one about eight years ago. One of our friends was wearing a leather jacket, and got very upset at the blood dripping from trees (onto her coat). Ghouls and such drop from the trees, come out of the woods, etc. Lots of outdoor fun. If it is cold/cool, hot chocolate is served. They now offer a "Crypt" - haunted house, as well. Last year, the tickets were $7.00 each for the hayride or Crypt, but a combo ticket was $10.00.
Located outside of Austin, on Hwy 71W. Call 512-263-2388 for directions, dates and prices.

Austin Ghost Tours - offers 90-minute walking tours through Austin's most haunted areas, and is narrated with stories by the tour guide. Another one to wear comfortable shoes while touring. The website offers four different tours at $15.00 each, but during the month of September, only two are offered; the Ghosts of the Capitol and Ghosts of the Warehouse District. I imagine that the Servant Girl Annihilator and Haunted Sixth Street will be added in October, as business picks up for Samhein (All Hallows Eve). www.austinghosttours.com
While I have not gone on this tour, I have written a 35-page manual of haunted Austin places called "Capitol Haunts", which details almost 40 sites in, and around Austin, and includes history. See my other articles for details, or email me to purchase a copy. You could take your own tour.

House of Torment - located behind Highland Mall, across from Foley's, this house offers scares before you even enter. Zombies will approach from above, underneath and behind you, while you wait to enter the house. Was $5.00 last year.

Mansion of Terror - enter this house to visit murderous haunts. You will swear that some of the actors are actually figures from a wax musuem, until..... the music also adds an eerie ambiance to your visit. Located inside Northcross Mall on W. Anderson Lane, you can choose from two different scares, or both, if you are up to it.

Sixth Street (downtown) - saving the best for last. More than 100,000 party goers converge on Sixth Street every Halloween. Sixth Street is infamous for its live music and clubs; one of the most festive places to be on Halloween. Almost all are in costume, so wear yours as well. The cross streets are closed early in the evening, and the traffic consists of soley pedestrians. Come walk the cobblestone streets, visit the Driskoll Hotel (one of the most haunted places), as well as several of the bars in the area. A word to the warning, police patrol on bikes and horses, and are also in costume visiting the bars to ensure no underage service, so beware. Many of the UT students and Longhorn fans will be found here on Halloween, since the college is very close by.

Happy Haunting!