Are you looking for fun and free ways to celebrate Halloween with your family in Austin, Texas? Then look no further! Austin comes alive in October with a magical mix of spooky charm, creativity, and community spirit and there’s no shortage of exciting (and budget-friendly) things to do. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the many free Halloween activities and events taking place all around the city this season.
From ghostly downtown tours and pumpkin patches filled with photo ops to costume parades, fall festivals, and neighborhood trick-or-treat events, Austin offers something for every age and interest. Whether your family loves a little scare or prefers sweet, lighthearted fun, you’ll find plenty of ways to make this Halloween one to remember without breaking the bank. You can stroll through decorated streets in South Congress, catch live music and fall-themed markets in Zilker, or join a community movie night under the stars featuring classic Halloween favorites. Some neighborhoods even host trunk-or-treats and outdoor carnivals that make celebrating safe and family-friendly.
So grab your favorite witch hat, pull out your coziest fall sweater, and get ready to explore the many free Halloween events and activities Austin has to offer. With so many festive options, this October promises to be full of spooky surprises, laughter, and unforgettable family memories!
Dia de los Muertos Marketplace
1540 Satterwhite Rd
Buda, TX 78610
This Día de los Muertos, head to Doc’s Drive In Theatre and Mama Merlot Speakeasy for a vibrant two-day celebration honoring tradition, community, and creativity. Taking place on Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, this free, family-friendly event offers something for every age and interest.
Families can explore a lively local vendor marketplace, enjoy face painting, and watch the kids light up with excitement over balloon art, art stations, and a bounce house, all included at no cost. For those looking to add a bit of mystery to their day, tarot card readings offer a fun peek into the future.
While the kids play, adults can browse, unwind with a signature cocktail in the underground speakeasy, or jump into the indoor karaoke sessions for some musical fun. Live music throughout the event will keep the energy high, while food lovers can indulge in mouthwatering bites from the popular Tejas Birria food truck.
Blending cultural celebration with local flair, this event is more than just a market, it’s a chance to come together, support local makers, and honor Día de los Muertos in a festive and welcoming space. Whether you stop by for an hour or stay for the day, Doc’s Drive In offers the perfect setting to celebrate life, community, and tradition. facebook.com/share/p/1Cmw5xx58o
Halloween Carnival at the NCHM
2310 San Gabriel St
Austin, TX 78705
Step back in time this Halloween at one of Austin’s most charming historic homes! The Neill-Cochran House Museum invites families to its annual Halloween Carnival on Sunday, October 27, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, a free, family-friendly celebration full of festive fun, history, and creativity.
Whether your kids are decked out in full costume, superhero pajamas, or just coming as they are, they’ll be welcomed with open arms to explore the beautiful museum grounds. Young guests can enjoy Trunk-or-Treat, scavenger hunts, classic carnival games, and hands-on crafts throughout the day. Visitors are encouraged to make friendship bracelets with museum staff or create paper flowers to honor Día de los Muertos by adding them to a community ofrenda.
The fun continues inside the museum, where families can tour the historic home and participate in a playful seek-and-find to learn more about Austin’s past. With free access to the lawn and complimentary parking available behind the museum, it’s an easy and enriching way to spend a Sunday leading up to Halloween.
Hosted in collaboration with The Vine, this event blends seasonal celebration with cultural tradition, all in a welcoming and educational setting. Whether you stay for the crafts, the treats, or the history, the Halloween Carnival at Neill-Cochran House Museum promises a memorable day for the whole family. nchmuseum.org/nchm-events/halloween-2025
Trunk or Treat at Hill Country Galleria
12700 Hill Country Blvd
Bee Cave, TX 78738
Get ready for a Halloween event that blends sweet treats with classic cars at the Trunk or Treat celebration happening Sunday, October 26 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave.
Hosted alongside the always-popular Rolling Sculpture Car Show, this family-friendly event invites guests of all ages to come dressed in costume and enjoy a festive stroll down Hill Country Boulevard. Kids can trick-or-treat from decorated trunks and vendors along the way, collecting candy and showing off their Halloween spirit in a fun, safe environment.
While the little ones load up on sweets, car lovers of all ages will enjoy checking out the impressive lineup of vintage, classic, and custom vehicles on display as part of the car show. It’s the perfect combination of Halloween fun and automotive eye candy, all in one convenient location.
With its festive atmosphere, cool cars, and plenty of candy to go around, Trunk or Treat at Hill Country Galleria is a great way to spend your Sunday morning celebrating Halloween with the whole family. hillcountrygalleria.com/event/30861-trunk-or-treat
Spooktacular at the Bullock Museum
1800 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
This Halloween season, science gets a spooky twist at the Bullock Texas State History Museum’s Spooktacular, happening Friday, October 24, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Families are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy an evening of hands-on science fun, all set within the fascinating world of Texas history and innovation.
This annual event is packed with slimy, spooky, and surprising STEM activities for all ages, thanks to the museum’s continued partnership with Girlstart, a leading nonprofit that empowers young girls through STEM education. From glowing experiments to interactive challenges, there’s no shortage of curious and creepy fun.
During the event, families can explore the museum after hours while participating in a spooky scavenger hunt, or stop by a Día de los Muertos-themed activity hosted by MathHappens, where math meets culture in a creative and engaging way. Guests will also have a special chance to dive into the museum’s newest special exhibition, T.rex: The Ultimate Predator, offering a thrilling look at one of history’s most fearsome creatures.
Spooktacular is free with museum admission and is supported in part by H-E-B, helping bring this fun and educational evening to life for the community. As always, contributions and memberships support the museum’s mission to educate and inspire through meaningful experiences, exhibits, and programs.
Whether your family loves dinosaurs, STEM activities, cultural traditions, or just dressing up and having fun, Spooktacular at the Bullock Museum promises a unique and memorable way to celebrate Halloween in Austin. thestoryoftexas.com/visit/calendar/programs/spooktacular-20251024
StrawFest at Umlauf Sculpture Garden
605 Azie Morton Rd
Austin, TX 78704
Celebrate the spooky season in one of Austin’s most scenic settings during UMLAUF’s Halloween Family Day, happening on Sunday, October 26 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This free event offers a full afternoon of festive fun for families, with creative activities and entertainment for kids of all ages, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum.
Costumes are highly encouraged, so bring your little ghouls and goblins dressed in their Halloween best! The day will feature a costume parade, interactive games, fall-themed crafts, and playful adventures like a straw pit and spider web maze. Kids can enjoy face painting, meet their favorite characters during live performances, and take home their very own decorated pumpkin.
Other highlights include caricature drawings, educational stations, and seasonal goodies provided by H-E-B, making this a perfect way to enjoy autumn in Austin. With so much to see and do, it’s a festive celebration the whole family will enjoy.
UMLAUF is located at 605 Azie Morton Road, just steps from Zilker Park. While parking is available for free at Wright Field across the street, attendees are encouraged to carpool, ride share, or use public transportation when possible to help ease congestion in the area.
Whether you’re crafting, playing, or simply enjoying the beautiful garden setting, Halloween Family Day at UMLAUF is a magical way to spend your Sunday. https://www.umlaufsculpture.org/programs/strawfest
Trick or Treat Trail in Georgetown
445 E Morrow St
Georgetown, TX 78626
Get a head start on your Halloween festivities with an evening of free, family-friendly fun at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown on Thursday, October 23. From 5:00 to 7:00 PM, the park transforms into a spirited celebration with candy, costumes, games, and more, perfect for families with kids of all ages.
Kick off the night with the Trick-or-Treat Trail, where little goblins and ghouls can fill their buckets with sweets from local vendors and community partners. Costumes are strongly encouraged, and this year’s costume contest, hosted by Just Add Magic Entertainment, gives kids a chance to show off their Halloween best. Age groups will take the stage at staggered times throughout the evening, offering a fun and festive moment for every young trick-or-treater.
After the trail winds down, the fun continues with a free outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus at 7:00 PM under the stars at the Legacy Pavilion. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and settle in for a family-friendly Halloween classic. To keep everyone fueled for the fun, several local food vendors will be on site, including Ricky B’s Concessions, Hungry J’s Pizza, Frios Frozen Pops – Georgetown, and TrayMendous Platters.
With games, treats, costumes, and a movie night all rolled into one, this event is a great way to enjoy the magic of the season without spending a dime. Just bring your Halloween spirit and enjoy an unforgettable night in the park! parks.georgetown.org
Witches Ride
105 Cross Creek
Lakeway, TX 78734
Take flight in the most magical way with the annual Witches Ride and Carnival on Saturday, October 18, an evening full of fun, movement, and community spirit. The festivities begin at 5:30 PM at the Live Oak Golf Course Driving Range, where participants gather for a whimsical pre-parade meetup. Whether you’re on a bicycle, scooter, unicycle, golf cart, or just bringing your walking shoes, everyone is welcome to join the flight. Don’t forget your costume, and a stash of candy to share with excited spectators lining the route.
At 6:00 PM, the parade takes off, following a roughly one-mile path down Lakeway Drive to the Activity Center. It’s a vibrant, energetic procession where families roll, ride, and stroll through town in festive flair. If you’re not participating in the ride, come out and cheer on the parade from the sidelines – there will be plenty of candy flying through the air, courtesy of the City of Lakeway.
Once the parade winds down, the fun is far from over. From 6:30 to 9:00 PM, the Lakeway Activity Center parking lot transforms into a full-blown Halloween carnival. With food and drink vendors ready to fuel the fun, families can enjoy an evening packed with attractions and games. Expect spooky giveaways, carnival booths, and activities like a Velcro wall, euro-bungee, 360 photo booth, sports toss, and even a relaxing outdoor movie to unwind after the excitement.
The best part? All activities are free and open to the public, making this a perfect, budget-friendly way to spend Halloween night with the whole family. Whether you’re rolling in the parade or enjoying the fun from the sidelines, Lakeway’s Witches Ride and Carnival offers a night of festive magic you won’t want to miss. lakeway-tx.gov
Boo-Da Halloween
204 San Antonio St
Buda, TX 78610
Get ready to howl with delight, Boo-Da Halloween is back at Buda City Park, and it’s shaping up to be the most spooktacular celebration of the season! On Saturday, October 25, from 4:30 to 7:30 PM, families from all over Central Texas will gather for an evening packed with Halloween magic, laughter, and community fun.
This family-friendly event is bursting with activities for every little monster (and grown-up ghoul). Kids can fill their buckets during the trick-or-treating bonanza with local businesses and non-profits, show off their creative looks in the costume contest, or join in ghoulishly fun games that guarantee smiles all around. The Buda Public Library will also host a spellbinding story time, perfect for those who enjoy a little Halloween tale before more treats and adventures. And when the cravings strike, a lineup of food trucks will be serving up frightfully delicious eats and drinks to keep everyone fueled for the fun.
To ensure that all guests have a great experience, Boo-Da Halloween will once again offer a Sensory-Sensitive Room, designed as a quiet, comfortable retreat for anyone who might need a break from the excitement. Located backstage in the amphitheater’s two green rooms, this space includes cozy seating, noise-cancelling headphones, soft lighting, fidget toys, and stuffed animals, making it a thoughtful and inclusive addition to the festivities. budatx.gov/580/Boo-Da-Halloween
Creative Halloween Candy Alternatives That Kids Will Love
When it comes to handing out Halloween treats, candy doesn’t have to be your only option. There are plenty of fun, affordable alternatives that kids will enjoy just as much, if not more. Plus, these options cut back on sugar while still keeping the spooky spirit alive.
1. Glow-in-the-dark toys and Bracelets
Glow sticks, bracelets, or glow-in-the-dark stickers are surefire hits for kids of all ages. Not only are these items fun to use in the dark, but they also promote safety by making children more visible during nighttime trick-or-treating. You can find glow-in-the-dark items in bulk at most dollar stores or party supply shops, making them a budget-friendly candy alternative.
2. Stickers and Temporary Tattoos
Kids absolutely love stickers and temporary tattoos, especially when they have fun Halloween themes like pumpkins, ghosts, or witches. They’re inexpensive, easy to hand out, and provide hours of entertainment beyond the sugar rush. This makes them one of the most popular non-candy Halloween treat ideas for parents looking to reduce the sweets.
3. Mini Play-Dough or Slime Containers
Another crowd-pleaser, mini containers of play-dough or slime allow kids to get creative and have fun long after Halloween night ends. You can often find these items in Halloween-themed packaging, making them a festive yet mess-free option for trick-or-treaters.
4. Halloween-Themed Pencils and Erasers
While school supplies may not sound as exciting as candy, you’d be surprised at how much kids love Halloween-themed pencils, erasers, or small notepads. These practical items are fun to use and bring the Halloween spirit into the classroom. Choose pencils with spooky designs like bats, skulls, or skeletons for an extra fun touch.
5. Mini Bubbles
Bubbles are a classic, simple, and inexpensive toy that children always enjoy. Mini bubble containers are available in Halloween designs and can be found at dollar stores or online in bulk. They’re perfect for younger kids and offer an active, sugar-free alternative to candy.
6. Fun Socks with Halloween Designs
Believe it or not, kids love quirky socks, especially if they’re festive! Halloween socks featuring pumpkins, ghosts, or spider webs are not only fun but also practical, especially as the weather cools down. They make a great long-lasting alternative to candy, and you can find these at most discount stores.
7. Healthy Halloween Snacks
If you prefer to give out food-related items but want to avoid the sugar, there are plenty of healthier alternatives to consider. Small bags of pretzels, popcorn, or whole-grain crackers can be a hit with both parents and kids. You could also consider mini granola bars, trail mix, or boxes of raisins, which provide a balance of fun and nutrition without the sugar overload.
A Spooktacular Halloween Awaits in Austin
Austin offers something to suit your family’s needs no matter what type of Halloween fun you’re looking for. From thrilling haunted houses to festive costume contests, there are countless ways to celebrate the season and many of them won’t cost you a dime. Whether your family loves pumpkin patches, trick-or-treat trails, or outdoor movie nights under the stars, Austin has it all.
Keep in mind that many popular Halloween events require advance registration, and some may have limited capacity due to health and safety regulations, so plan ahead to secure your spot. It’s also a great idea to check event pages for updates on hours, parking, and age recommendations before heading out.
No matter which event you choose, you’re sure to make memories filled with laughter, excitement, and maybe even a few goosebumps. From spooky fun downtown to neighborhood festivities, Austin transforms into a Halloween wonderland every October. So grab your costume, round up your crew, and get ready for a frightfully good time that your family will remember for years to come!
