Hey, it’s Don.
IF YOU ONLY PICK ONE
My pick: Día de los Muertos at Waterloo Park. Free admission, music, altars and an artisan market make it the easiest plan to say yes to. Go Sunday at 4 PM if you want to catch the 4:15 PM cumbia lesson.
01 / A FREE SUNDAY WORTH SAVING
Previous celebration. Source: Waterloo Greenway.
Día de los Muertos at Waterloo Park
Sun, Nov 1 · 4–8 PM · FREE
Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park · Downtown
Community altars, mariachi, folklórico, live painting and Future Front’s artisan market give you several reasons to stay. My broadest pick for friends, a low-key date or a family afternoon.
The move: Bring a photo or memento to contribute to the community ofrenda. Mariachi starts at 5 PM; Ballet Folklórico Maricruz performs at 7 PM. Admission is free; food and shopping cost extra.
02 / YOUR FRIDAY COSTUME PLAN
Golden Dawn Arkestra. Source: KUTX / B Scene event listing.
B Scene: Monster Ball
Fri, Oct 30 · 7–11 PM · $30 adult / $20 member
Blanton Museum of Art · 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Golden Dawn Arkestra, after-hours galleries, monster art-making and a costume contest. Choose this for a date or friends who want a Halloween night with something to do between drinks.
Before you book: Food and drinks are extra. Regular museum discounts do not apply. Check the museum’s costume restrictions before finishing your look.
03 / HALLOWEEN WITHOUT AN ENTRY FEE
Artist alley at a previous MexAmeriCon. Source: MexAmeriCon.
MexAmeriCon
Sat, Oct 31 · 11 AM–5 PM · FREE · All ages
ESB-Mexican American Cultural Center · 600 River St.
Meet Mexican American and Latinx comic creators, browse the artist alley, play lotería and bring the kids for crafts and costume fun. My Saturday value pick, especially for families and creative friends.
The move: Arrive early for the limited free event parking. Bring a separate budget for comics, art and food. Costumes are welcome.
04 / THE ONE WORTH A DRIVE?
2025 Texas Wienerfest. Photo: ZilkerBark!
Texas Wienerfest
Sat, Oct 31 · 10 AM–5 PM · Listed GA: $19 per person
Sherwood Forest Faire · McDade, east of Austin
Dachshund races, a costume parade and a whole festival devoted to long dogs. This is my wildcard for dog people. Make it your main Saturday outing, since the drive is part of the commitment.
Know first: You don’t need a dog to attend. Non-dachshund dogs must weigh under 45 lb. Parking is free, every human needs a ticket, and re-entry is not allowed. Check checkout for the final total and organizer updates before driving; the listed rain date is Sunday, Nov 1.
05 / A FILM WITH THE PERSON WHO WROTE IT
Film still. Source: Paramount / State Theatre event listing.
Little Miss Sunshine with Michael Arndt
Sun, Nov 1 · 12:30 PM · Doors noon
$29 including fees · State Theatre · Downtown
Austin Film Festival pairs the film’s 20th anniversary with its Oscar-winning screenwriter in attendance. My pick for film lovers who want more than a regular movie outing.
The catch: Advance individual tickets do not guarantee admission. Badge and Film Pass holders receive seating priority. Arrive early, and choose this only if you’re comfortable with that uncertainty.
Researched picks, not firsthand reviews. Details checked October 29. All times are Austin local; check organizer updates before leaving.
Which number is your weekend? Hit reply with 1–5. I’d love to know what you actually choose.
See you out there,
Don
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