Austin offers a variety of ways for city-dwellers to dive into the Halloween spirit this week, giving the UT community the opportunity to add a little comedy, roller skating and live music to its Halloween schedule. Here is The Daily Texan’s list of the spookiest ways to spend the week of All Hallow’s Eve.
Thursday
5th Annual Comedy Seance
Spider House Ballroom
Spider House Ballroom is bringing humor to the spooky season. Local comedian Norman Wilkerson started the comedy show, which features stand-up and theatrics, five years ago. This year’s theme, as always, is Satan and his Cavalcade of Celebrity Corpses. The cast, made up of local comedians, all play dead celebrities returning to the earthly realm for a night with Satan.
“They put a fun twist on modern day commentary, talk about hell and general funny stuff,” said Eva Mueller, general manager of the Ballroom. “They are 100 percent in costume and character the entire time.”
According to Mueller, the show has become a traditional Halloween Eve event in Austin and has gained a loyal fan following. The show partnered with Spider House last year and performed to a sold-out crowd. John Merriman, of Moontower Comedy Festival, called the show “Austin’s favorite Halloween-themed comedy show.”
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 or online for $7.
Friday
Costume Contest
Austin Roller Rink
For the second year in a row, Austin Roller Rink will hold a Halloween costume contest. Songs such as “Monster Mash” will serenade decked-out skaters as they weave between other ghoulishly dressed participants. Manager Earlita Hellums said the event is open to all ages.
“We see a mix of teens and adults,” Hellums said. “They skate around in costumes, and we’ll have a photo booth.”
Attendees will have the chance to vote on the best costume of the night, and the winner will receive $50. The event costs $12 to attend, and skates are available for rental.
Since Hellums and her husband opened the rink over six years ago, they have seen skaters who range from beginners to speed skaters and roller derby participants. The Halloween competition, however, has nothing to do with how well competitors skate. According to Hellums, originality and detail are key components in winning the competition.
“Last year, the Katy Perry costume won,” Hellums said. “She really did herself up and looked a lot like her.”
6th Annual Zombie Ball Masquerade
The Moody Theater
For a more modern musical experience, Austinites can head over to The Moody Theater for the 6th Annual Zombie Ball
Masquerade featuring Neon Trees and T Bird and The Breaks. The theater will be decked out with a red carpet and supernatural décor and will also include entertainment such as a burlesque show and an aerial acrobatic routine. A more costly option, this event ranges from $35-$65.
Saturday
Pumpkin Patch
Barton Hill Farms
People can cap off their Halloween weekend experience with a trip outside the city. About 40 minutes away, Barton Hill Farms provides outdoor entertainment, such as live country music, a pumpkin patch, farm animals and a corn maze. The theme for this year’s maze is “Go Horns” and is designed to look like a giant longhorn. Local vendors also sell everything from pumpkin pie and kettle corn to veggie burgers and brisket sliders.
City residents looking for a break from the traffic and noise can find solace among the hills and 100-year-old cottonwood trees. Couples, friends and families can take photos in the picturesque setting or in the pumpkin patch. The farm is also located by the Colorado River, and guests can kayak for $10 per person. General admission to the farm is $10 online and $11 at the gate.
