By: Anna Krowlikowski

Everyone has their own Halloween traditions that they have with their families, whether that’s tricking, treating, or curling up with a good movie on the couch. Most of us, however, are far away from our families here at Southwestern, but there is still plenty of activities and events here in Georgetown and down the highway in Austin that can fulfill all of your Halloween needs this October.

House of Torment Haunted House (Austin, Ongoing)

Looking for a good scare this Halloween? Austin’s House of Torment Haunted House is one of the city’s most famous and popular, with three separate haunted houses on the large property. Each house has its own distinct theme and is guaranteed to give you a unique fright. While waiting outside you can enjoy refreshments and pictures with the actors. The House of Torment is open throughout October and into November. Tickets can be bought ahead of time online.

Movie Night in the Pumpkin Patch (Georgetown, October 8)

Want to add a bit of nostalgia to your Halloween fun? The San Gabriel Presbyterian Church is hosting a Movie Night in the Pumpkin Patch where they will be showing Charlie Brown & The Great Pumpkin and Monsters, Inc. The event is free of charge and movies will start at 6:30 p.m.

Community Halloween Carnival & Haunted House (Austin, October 20)

The Metz Recreation Center is hosting a Community Halloween Carnival & Haunted House with games, prizes, music, and more. This event is family friendly, so don’t expect anything too scary, but there’s sure to be candy and a fun haunted house for just $1.

Ghosts on the Square Tours (Georgetown, October 21-22 and 28-29)

Offered by Williamson Museum, tours will start at 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, and 9:00 on both Friday and Saturday and will explore Georgetown’s ghostly past. It is recommended that you purchase your tickets for these tours ahead of time, either in the museum or by phone, since they quickly sell out.

Georgetown Halloween Festival (Georgetown, October 27)

Georgetown will be hosting its 22nd Annual Halloween Festival this year, with carnival games, pumpkin decorating, and costume

contests. There will also be a free movie in the park (Hotel Transylvania) starting at 6:45 p.m. Hayrides will also be available for $2 starting at 5:30 p.m.

A Ghoulish Night of Tricks ‘n Treats (Georgetown, October 29)

Wolf Ranch will host an evening of tricks, treats, and fun. The event is free of charge and guests will enjoy music, candy, magic and light shows, costume contests, a Haunted Trail Ride, Goblin Hall, and  more! The event goes from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to drop in and join in the fun.

EGA Boo Run (Georgetown, October 29)

Looking for a way to support a worthy cause this Halloween season? The Exceptional Georgetown Alliance will be hosting its 8th Annual Boo Run, with proceeds funding extracurriculars and activities for children with special needs. The event will feature a 5k at 9:00 a.m. and a 1 Mile Family Fun Run at 10:00 a.m. Registration for the runs begins at 8:00 a.m. that day.

Ghosts of Shoal Creek Walking Tour (Austin, October 29)

For a nice morning Halloween themed hike, try the Ghosts of Shoal Creek Walking Tour. Starting at 9:00 a.m., the tour will be led by certified guide and host Ted Lee Eubanks and will explore Austin’s ghostly past. Registration for this event is free and attendees are encouraged to come in costume!

Spooktacular (Southwestern University)

Looking for some Halloween fun at Southwestern University itself? This year Southwestern University will once again be hosting Spooktacular, an event in which students living in the first year dorms will competitively decorate their halls for the holiday. Children and family members of staff are also invited to trick-or-treat in the dorms, so be prepared for candy!