Seasonal & Holidays
Austin Halloween 2019 Guide For Grownups
Let's creep it real, boo: Many grownups enjoy Halloween too, especially when there's alcohol involved. Here are some events.
AUSTIN, TX — Halloween isn't just for the kiddos anymore. What once was the exclusive domain of children — costumed juveniles eager to collect candy and, some equally enthusiastic about the potential to throw raw eggs on non-receptive households or throw rolls of toilet paper in trees — is now an occasion for all ages to enjoy.
As a result, there is a bevy of activities scheduled as Halloween draws near where full-fledged adults donning costumes can gather. Alcoholic spirits (as in drinks, no pun intended) are involved in many of these decidedly grown-up Halloween events. So you won't be saying "boo" as much as you'll be joyously exclaiming "booze!"
Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
710 West Cesar Chavez St.
No booze here, but a spooky, scary learning extravaganza for grown-ups inside the Central Library. A celebration (and exploration) of the mystical, esoteric, unusual and spooky is scheduled for the nextAPL After Dark — a quarterly, themed Friday night where adults can learn and play.
Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Here's some of what's in store for those attending this event scheduled Friday, Oct. 25, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.:
- Explore Mysterious Planchette's antique (and unique!) collection of ouija boards and seance tools, and meet the man behind the collection.
- Learn about the art and mystery of Tarot with Typewriter Tarot.
- Learn about paranormal investigation and local hauntings with folks from The Night Owl Podcast, Austin's best podcast on true tales of the paranormal.
- Talk with ufologists UFO Jane and Robert Powell.
- Prep your Halloween make-up at our crafting station with make-up artist Sylba Everett.
- Share or hear a ghost story at our indoor campfire.
- Get spooked in a fun VR experience!
- Sport your spooky (or hilarious) Halloween costume.
21+ only. Ticket sales support the APL After Dark program. Presented by The Library Foundation and the Austin Public Library.
This spooky shindig will be on the 20th floor of the Westin Austin Downtown hotel at 310 East 5th St., taking fun to new heights. Dubbed the Halloween Costume Party featuring Fire & Ice, the event welcomes those wearing their best fangs and brooms who are ready to dance, drink and enjoy Halloween. The witch, monster, wizard wearing the best costume will win two tickets to Formula 1 United States Grand Prix with admission to the concert series. This all goes down on Oct. 31, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. To get tickets, click here.
The immensely popular "Halloween with Edgar Allan Poe," a dramatic presentation by Lucien Douglas, is scheduled on Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. in The Gallery, Chez Zee American Bistro. It's a fun-filled, spooky evening of macabre and mysterious poems and stories by the enduring American writer, editor and literary critic. The passion and palpable fears conveyed by Poe in his writings will come alive via actor Douglas's performances of such classics as "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Raven." Quoth the raven: There's food and drink too. The event will feature Chez Zee's signature desserts, coffee and "Raventini" cash bar. Attendees also can enjoy dinner at Chez Zee prior to show time by making reservations here or by calling (512) 454 2666.
Doors open at 7:15 pm. Curtain at 8 PM. No early or late entry please! The show last 45 minutes. Those wanting to get into the spirit (pun intended) of things can come in their Halloween costumes. Seating is communal, with round tables seating 8 to 10 per table. As a special treat, those attending will be able to meet the actor after the show.
Email events@chezzee.com for more information, or call (512) 454-2666. This event sells out fast each year, so make sure to reserve your seats early.
About Lucien Douglas
Lucien Douglas has enjoyed an extensive career as an actor on Broadway, Off-Broadway, film, and television. He has received critical acclaim in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Backstage, and Women's Wear Daily. Currently the associate professor of acting at UT-Austin, Douglas is a recipient of the 2014 Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award, as well as a College of Fine Arts Distinguished Teaching Award, the Department of Theatre and Dance Teaching Excellence Award, and the Texas Exes Teaching Award for College of Fine Arts.
Lucien has been a guest director at The Juilliard School,New York University, North Carolina School of the Arts, Penn State University, and South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, among others. On the concert stage, Lucien Douglas narrates the dramatic presentation of Enoch Arden by Tennyson and Strauss with Dean Emeritus Robert Freeman at the piano; he also performs his solo production of A Dream Within A Dream: Performing the Life and Works of Edgar Allan Poe.
The accomplished thespian earned a PhD in Theatre from Michigan State University, a BFA in Dramatic Arts from the University of Connecticut, and a certificate of professional training from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London.
In other words, Douglas has got some real acting chops.
Courtesy photo of Lucien Douglas.
The Met Gaga scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 9 p.m. offers a chance to get dressed up and head to what is arguably the best dive bar on the east side’s best dive bar, Drinks Lounge. Dance the night away to the music of DJ Girlfriend who'll bring the party vibe with tunes from Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston and other divas. Dress scary, crazy, elegant, dress to impress — whatever you want — for this Halloween bash. It's 21+ only, and a small donation benefiting Out Youth will be requested at the door with cash or Venmo accepted. RSVP at the Facebook event page.
Hitchcock Halloween at The Upside | Oct. 31 from 8 p.m. to midnight: Looking to have a bloody good Halloween? Head over to East Austin Hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge, The Upside, on Halloween night for an evening of tunes by DJ CASS&RA and happy hour specials all night long, including: $2 off appetizers, $2 off house cocktails & wines by the glass, $1 off draft beer, plus, $5 Norman Bates cocktails, a spookified version of the bar’s Chilicano Buck available for a limited time October 28-31. Come dressed to impress and participate in the costume contest for a chance to win a gift card valid at any of East Austin Hotel’s three restaurants & bars!
"It's spooky season and the perfect time to conjure up our favorite spirits — as in cocktails!" a press release writer wrote in alerting us to special, Halloween-inspired drinks at La Condesa, winning our hearts what with the puns. Here are a couple of seasonal drinks being offered:
Dia de los Muertos #2 (Day of the Dead Number 2):
- Boo-zy mezcal cocktail to raise your spirits and the dead.
- Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Cointreau, Lillet blanc, lemon.
- Available at La Condesa ($12).
Dia de los Muertos #2 available at La Condesa for $12. Courtesy photo.
- La Bruja (this means "the witch," our Spanish-challenged friends):
- Bewitching tequila cocktail.
- El Jimador blanco, Broker's London dry gin, lemon, angostura, agave nectar, fresh fresno pepper.
- Available at La Condesa for $12.
There's no need to fear this bruja being offered at La Condesa. Just kick back and let her put a spell on you. Courtesy photo.
FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR
320 East 2nd St.
A majestic evening awaits you, restaurant officials promise, and it's dramatically named "Masquerade: A Wine Dinner Event." Fleming's officials expound: "Experience true decadence with our five-course wine dinner event featuring world-renowned wines and exquisite fare, exclusive only to this event." The chef will be preparing a five-course meal featuring seared sea scallops, filet mignon with a savory mustard demi-glace, a rich chocolate bread pudding and more. Price: $105 per Guest. "Make an entrance with a mask if you dare," restaurant officials added. For more information, click here.
DATES: Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, at 6:30 p.m.
RESERVATIONS: 512-457-1500.
Image courtesy of Fleming's.
Halloween Yappy Hour | Oct. 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Round up your best costume and pups for Lone Star Court’s Halloween Yappy Hour on Friday, Oct. 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The spooktacular night will feature live music in The Pavilion by The Rewinders, a dog costume contest with prizes including a one-night stay at Lone Star Court, and pop-up shops from some of Austin’s best dog boutiques and artists, including Kathy Phantastic, The French and I, Pets Domain and Bow Wow Bones Food Truck who will serve complimentary dog ice cream and treats to the first 25 dog attendees! Don’t worry, pawrents won’t be left out as the property’s Southern eatery The Water Trough will also feature food and cocktail specials.
- Free Admission | Link to Eventbrite HERE.
Pluckers Wing Bar will host a Halloween-themed Wednesday night Live Team Trivia on Oct. 30 and Thursday night Pluck Hunt on Oct. 31 at all locations. Guests get bonus points if they come dressed in Halloween costumes. Every Wednesday, Pluckers hosts Live Team Trivia starting at 7:30 p.m., and the winning team receives a Pluckers gift card. Round up your team for an evening featuring 10 questions in each round: sports, nerd, movie lines, movie quotes, name that tune, random, and more! During Wednesday's Live Team Trivia, guests will also be able to enjoy specials such as $6.75 34 oz. Mother Pluckers Mugs of Miller Lite and other specials. Every Thursday, Pluckers hosts Pluck Hunt starting at 9:00 p.m., where guests can participate in a scavenger-hunt style game in their seat. The host will ask teams to complete fun challenges and search for objects on their phones. The top 2 scoring teams and 1 randomly chosen team get to roll our giant dice for gift card prizes, including:
- Highest Roll = $100 gift card.
- 2nd Highest Roll = $50 gift card.
- Random Participating Team = $25 gift card.
The popular Thai food Sway restaurants — already clinching the title of having the best happy hour in Austin, according to their website — will be rolling out a special drink for the Halloween time period. Judging from the description, it sounds pretty groovy:
- Same Same Tonic
- Enchantingly beautiful, color changing cocktail at Sway. Made with Butterfly Pea Gin, the gin is brewed for 24 hours, turning it into a tinted lavender color.
- gin, galangal, lime, tonic.
- Available at Sway ($9).
Same Same Tonic at Sway. Looks good good, eh? Courtesy photo.
The popular chain of Tex-Mex fare will be celebrating with $3 Witches’ Brew in a limited-time only glow-in-the-dark cup (while supplies last), $3 draft beer (12 oz.) and $3 lime margaritas (12 oz.). These spooky good offers will only be available on Thursday, Oct. 31, for adults ages 21+ (in-restaurant only).
Image courtesy of Taco Cabana.
If you're like us, you order way too much candy in preparation for the envisioned hordes of kids descending on your home for Halloween, only to see ample leftover treats once the last trick-or-treaters leave the porch. By one measure, 73 percent of adults report purchasing more candy than they’ll need for trick-or-treaters — on purpose, mind you, so they can have the extra themselves. Michael Echeveste, resident beer expert at the Yard House, has come up with a novel — and decidedly boozy — solution. Muah ha ha.
Echeveste has developed a list of ten unique beer and Halloween candy pairings he says are to die for. Customers can trick-or-treat themselves by washing that Halloween candy down with a broad range of beers that pair perfectly with the distinctive flavor profiles of those Halloween treats, the expert explains. Among the special offerings at Yard House during all-day Happy Hour are ½-priced pizzas and select appetizers, $2 off draft beer, wine, spirits and cocktails. Note: alcohol offer valid until 11 p.m. Hours vary per location, so visit yardhouse.com for more information.
At this point, you're doubtless intrigued by these unique pairings. Wonder no more, readers, as Echeveste emailed us descriptions:
- Pink Strawberry Starburst pairs well with Angry Orchard Rosé Cider. The elegant but fruity nature of the rosé complements the sweet pop of the strawberry Starburst. The Pink Strawberry Starburst is the epitome of a playful, fruity and fun candy. The cider highlights that playfulness and elevates it in a refreshing and polished way.
- Temper the spice of a Hot Tamale with Modelo. Hot Tamales leave your mouth with an intense, sweet and warm cinnamon flavor. Modelo, refreshing and crisp, immediately cleans it up with its hint of malty elements that complements the warmness of the cinnamon. When you breathe this combination out, it tastes exactly like fall.
- You can’t eat Snickers without a Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar in your hand. The hazelnut twist on this European brown ale has a natural nuttiness charm, which pairs perfectly with the peanuts found in Snickers. This beer is well structured with a smooth malty finish and goes well with the chocolate coating.
- Delirium Tremens settles the sour in Sour Patch Kids. This beer has an initial floral taste that rolls into an igniting, warming feel on the palate. It’s bold and complex, cutting through the sour flavor of the Sour Patch Kids. This pairing contrasts two extremes, resulting in the sour candy bringing out the sweetness in the beer.
- Combine New Holland Dragon’s Milk and Milky Way Midnight for pure decadence. This beer is dark, but balanced with vanilla and a bourbon sweetness. The nougat found in the Milky Way Midnight picks up the vanilla in the stout, while the chocolate picks up the smoky, charred oak hint. Looking for the most decadent Halloween candy and beer pairing? Look no further.
- Taste the rainbow with Tropical Skittles and the New Belgium Mural. This refreshing and crushable beer is brewed with real watermelon to add a fruity twist – the perfect pair to your favorite Skittles flavors! Additions of watermelon, lime, hibiscus and agave, turn up the flavor on this lighter beer. The fruit-forwardness make it beer that even non-beer drinkers will love, especially when partnered with the exotic flavors included in a Tropical Skittles bag – mango tangelo, strawberry starfruit, pineapple passion fruit and more!
- Reel in Swedish Fish with Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher. This hoppy refresher is a 0.0% ABV IPA-inspired sparkling water that is easy to drink and provides a refreshing experience to those looking for something that’s zero-alcohol, zero-carbohydrates and zero-calorie. The overwhelming sweetness of the Swedish Fish balance out the hoppiness in the refresher. The softness pairs well with the red Swedish Fish in particular.
- Soft intensity with Charleston Chew and North Coast Brewing Old Rasputin. This rich brew pairs well with the creaminess of the vanilla nougat. The beer is intense and finishes dry, but the Charleston Chew helps to soften the taste with its creaminess. It’s confusing to the palate in the best way possible.
- The most iconic candy pairs with an iconic beer: Reese’s Cups, meet Miller High Life. Greatness meets greatness in this pairing. It’s the original. The granddaddy of both the beer and candy world – the forever constant. It’s the only way to finish your Halloween evening when your kids have gone to bed.
- Finally, enjoy the iconic flavors of honey-forward candy corn with Founders Solid Gold Premium Lager. Candy corn has been a symbol for Halloween candy for decades. With sweetness from a touch of honey, the candy corn marries well with the herbal lemon-like aroma of the lager. The drinkable golden lager is brewed with lager yeast and lemon drop hops. Its crisp and satisfying finish teams up nicely with the caramel-like flavors of the candy corn.
Image courtesy of Yard House.
Fright Night | Oct. 31 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.: Boys and ghouls, bring out your spookiest costume for Hotel ZaZa Austin’s first annual Fears & Phobias Halloween Bash on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m at the hotel’s sky lounge bar & restaurant Group Therapy and Cabana Bar. The evening includes passed bites, a welcome cocktail and additional provisions from Belvedere, Veuve, Grey Goose, Patron, Ketel One and more! Plus, live music and spooky surprises for a hair-raising night. Continue the party and book a room at the hottest, new hotel in town. Hotel ZaZa Austin is also featuring a Halloween 2019 room package, including two (2) tickets to the Halloween Bash filled with dancing, bites and drink specials, in addition to a special welcome amenity. Guest room rates start at $309 using the booking code BOO.
- Tickets (21+): $75 | Link to Eventbrite HERE
- Link to Halloween 2019 room package HERE
- To book bottle service, contact David Esquibel at desquibel@hotelzaza.com.
Venue operators: Let's creep it real and give them pumpkin to talk about: Send your events to antonio.cantu@patch.com for inclusion in this compilation. Just do it, zom-boys and ghouls (did you see what we did there?).
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
