The Weekenders: Events for Austin Families, October 31-November 2, 2008
R.L. Stine’s Halloween Party- Put your kids in their costumes early and head out to hear R.L. Stine read from his new book, Goosebumps HorrorLand: Dr. Maniac vs. Robby Schwartz. Stine will be there in person signing copies of his book and leading a communal ghost story where the kids get to add in the spooky details! The event is FREE but is limited to 350 people, so please plan to get there early. Friday, 3:30-6:30. Austin Children’s Museum, 201 Colorado Street.
Halloween Carnival- Games, costume contest, scary Halloween Camacho movies. FREE! Friday, 6:00pm. Camacho Activity Center, 34 Robert Martinez Jr. St.
Halloween Haunted House and Kiddy Korner- You never know what might be around the corner. All ages are invited to experience the fear and terror of dark hallways, scary characters, and spooky music. The C.C. will host the Kiddy Korner in a controlled environment for younger guests not quite ready for a scare. Expect to experience silly characters, games, prizes, candy, and an entry-level “haunted house”. Friday 6:00-9:00pm. Wells Branch Annex, 14611 Wells Port Dr.
Halloween on Main Street- Bring the kiddos out to trick or treat safely in downtown Pflugerville. Kid friendly activities sponsored by local Pflugerville businesses. Friday, 6:00-7:00pm. Main Street, downtown Pflugerville.
Mall-o-Ween- Children can scour the mall and its retailers for candy. FREE and open to the public. Parents and children are encouraged to arrive early. Friday, 6:00-8:00pm. Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr.
Hallow’s Eve at the Old Legation- Austin’s oldest home will open its iron gates to visitors (living or otherwise) for a special evening of music, stories, games, and fun. Ghost tours of the home will be offered at regular admission prices at 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, and 4:00pm. The museum will then host an exciting community gathering from 6:00-9:00pm filled with music by Austin’s own David Lutes , stories of neighborhood ghosts, bobbing for apples, candlelight viewings of the historic home and Victorian mourning practices, and other FREE family fun. Grown-ups and young adults are invited to stay and watch an outdoor movie at 9:00pm in front of the historic home for just $5. Picnics are welcome! The French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos Street.
Fall Fun Fest/ Halloween Carnival- A fun, spook-free event geared towards toddlers and preschoolers with carnival games including: Haystack Hunting, cookie stacking, spider ring toss and hayrides. Bring your trick or treat bags! Each participant will receive a goodie bag and a free book. Admission is FREE but you are encouraged to bring a canned food item for donation. Costumes encouraged. The theme this year is Dr. Seuss! Friday, 9:00am- Noon. Old Settler’s Park, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd.
25th Annual Dia de los Muertos- A traditional Mexican holiday when family and friends gather to honor and remember loved ones. Booths, traditional food and drink and entertainment. Activities for the family during the day and live music in the evening. There will also be a costume contest for the best dressed Chihuahua, Frida Kahlo look- alike and Guanajuato Mummy. The procession begins at 5:00pm at the Plaza Saltillo in East Austin. Saturday 2:00-10:00pm. FREE from 2:00-6:00pm, $5 Adult, $2 Kid admission after 6:00pm. 5th Street between Congress and Brazos.
Austin State Fair- Food, a petting zoo, car show, NasKart Races, Bustling Midway with over 35 rides for adults and kids, Central Texas Motocross Shoot Out and a Sea Lion Show are just some of the exciting things to do this year! Appearances by Dora the Explorer and Sponge Bob Squarepants. Friday 5:00-11:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-11:00pm and Sunday Noon-10:00pm. $8 Adults, $5 Kids, 4 and under free. Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane.
Texas Book Festival- A book fair featuring nearly 200 authors with panels and readings by some of your favorites. There will also be children’s activities, including live music, readings by children’s authors and activities to keep the little ones occupied. FREE and open to the public. Be sure to check the website for times as there is too much to list here. Saturday and Sunday. State Capitol Building.
17th Annual Austin Pow Wow- American Indians from all over America will be here celebrating the traditional dances, songs and storytelling. Hundreds of dancers will be in full Regalia competing to win. Grand Entry is at 10:00am, 1:00pm and 6:00pm. There will also be some 100 booths outside for food and shopping, including pottery, jewelry, clothes, baskets and more. FREE!! Saturday, 10;00am- 10:00pm. Toney Burger Center, 3200 Jones Rd.
12th Annual Austin Celtic Festival- Music, dance performances, storytelling, Highland games, a Viking invasion, Welsh ponies, a Celtic dog parade, miniature horses, vendors and food booths. Saturday and Sunday, 11:00am-8:00pm. Tickets, $12 at the door, $10 online. Children 12 and under free. Fiesta Gardens on the Shores of Ladybird Lake.
The Art of American Indian Music and Storytelling- Experience and join in a lively celebration of American Indian drumming, singing, dancing, and storytelling. Drummers and singers, plus some winners of the dance competition at the Austin Powwow, will perform Northern and Southern drumming traditions. Learn about the significance of the dances and participate in the circle dance. Storytellers will also delight you with animal tales, and stories filled with humor and parody. Sunday, 1:30-3:30pm. FREE!! The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave.























March 19th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Does anyone else have any experience with this?