October 12th, 2012 
Halloween approaches and the excitement has already descended on the city. Many people, both young and old, still consider this to be their favorite holiday. For the young ones, it is an eagerly anticipated night for enjoying all of Halloween’s delightful treats. Look below for five top Halloween events in Austin being hosted by local non-profits.
Young ones can get all dressed up and see Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary at night when many animals are active. The ticket price also includes a ride on the haunted train which takes riders around the zoo and into the spooky grounds beyond.
WHEN: Weekends, October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27, 7-9 p.m.
WHERE:
Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary
10808 Rawhide Trail
Austin, TX 78736
Ph. 512-288-1490
TICKETS: $12.50 per person, includes train ticket
2. I Spy Pie!
Creative Action (formerly Theatre Action Project) is bringing Austin a pie eating contest and 
Halloween themed event at Central Market North. Local bakeries participating will include Central Market Bakery, Central Market Cooking School, Jeffrey’s and Texas Pie Kitchen. Judges Jim Swift, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, and Nina Seely will determine which pie will win “Judge’s Favorite” while attendees can select their favorite for the “Audience Favorite” category.
WHEN: Saturday, October 20, 12-3 p.m.
WHERE:
Central Market North
4001 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78756
Ph. 512-206-1000
TICKETS: $5 tasting ticket buys a sample of each pie and a vote for your favorite
3. Spooktacular
(Photo Credit: thestoryoftexas.com)
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is hosting Sangre Del Sol in a Halloween themed show. Fire and light will dazzle costumed participants, as will ghost stories, experiments and games. All the family can enjoy a fun evening and amazing performance in the spirit of this ghoulish holiday.
WHEN: Friday, October 26 6-9 p.m.
WHERE:
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701
Ph. 512-936-4649
TICKETS: Free
4. Halloween Children’s Concert
Austin Symphony Orchestra returns once again with its annual Halloween Children’s Concert. Guest conductor Irv Wagner will lead the ASO in All Hallow’s Eve themed songs and other musical joys for families of all ages. This year’s concert will center around the story of “Little Red Riding Hood” but will also include “Night on Bald Mountain” and selections from “Phantom of the Opera.” All attendees are encouraged to dress in costumes for the occasion.
WHEN: Sunday, October 28, 2:00 p.m.
WHERE:
The Long Center
701 W Riverside Dr
Austin, TX 78704
Ph. 512-474-5664
TICKETS: General Admission is $8 for Children, $12 for Adults
5. Goblins in the Garden Family Festival
Last Year’s Goblins in the Gardens (Photo Credit: John Irwin)
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center presents their annual Goblins in the Garden festival. To honor the Butterfly Garden’s ten year anniversary, the theme this year will be insect costumes and all are encouraged to dress up for the costume parade. Kids can trick or treat on the grounds, visit the Punkin’ Patch and participate in a scavenger hunt.
WHEN: Sunday, October 28, 4-7 p.m.
WHERE:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Ave
Austin, TX 78739
Ph. 512-232-0100
TICKETS: $9 adults, $7 seniors/students, $3 children 5 – 12, members and children under 5 free
Great list of family events in the Austin area this October!