The Spooky Season is Upon Us

By Brittany Anderson
Web Content Contributor

Getting into the autumnal spirit can be hard when you live in Texas. While it seems that the rest of the world is crunching on colored leaves in thick sweaters, you’re still stuck with a few more weeks of sun, warm breezes and between-class humidity. 

Still, as the sun slowly begins to set earlier, fall is (technically) here and the spooky season is starting to creep up on us. Even with midterms looming on the horizon, this is the best time of the year. It’s never too early to start preparing for the Texas autumn and getting into the Halloween mood— here’s a few ideas on how you can get into the spirit (pun intended) of things.

Experience horror films in a new way.

Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive In is a drive-in movie theater in Austin. With three screens (two drive-in screens and their new spooky forest amphitheater), they show everything from new releases, ‘80s classics, scary slashers and more. Showings on Oct. 31 include “Hocus Pocus,” “Beetlejuice,” “Addams Family,” “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and three of the “Halloween” films. 

Or, stay in and watch Netflix instead.

If you like the classics, try “Goosebumps” or “Coraline.”

If you like the supernatural, try “The Witch” or “The Autopsy of Jane Doe.”

If you like psychological thrillers, try “Gerald’s Game” or “American Psycho.”

If you like great writing and acting, try “The Haunting of Hill House” or any season of “American Horror Story.” 

If you’re not into all the blood and screaming that tends to saturate the airwaves this time of year, try “The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell.” It’s a refreshingly creative and spooky-themed DIY show with wickedly talented host Christine and her talking creatures that will have you feeling like the most incapable artist/human being alive— but it’s fun, full of deadpan and leaves you with a haunting cliffhanger. (Unfortunately, it will never be answered since Netflix annoyingly didn’t renew the show for a second season. Still worth the watch). 

Plan a group outing.

There’s so much to do: from a-little-too-real haunted houses or escape rooms, to more laidback ventures like pumpkin patches or wandering through Spirit Halloween. Throw a Halloween party (cool food, drinks and costumes required— don’t be lazy). Buy a Ouija board. Use the Ouija board. Never touch the Ouija board again. 

Take advantage of the cooler evening weather.

The days may be hot, but the nights are about to get cold. Come out to AquaBrew for KTSW’s Third Thursdays, or hit up other local venues like Tantra or Cheatham Street Warehouse. It’s much more fun to get out and enjoy the tunes with a chill in the air. 

Get your kitchen (and belly) ready.

The most criminally-underrated part of the Halloween season: the food. More specifically, all the ways you can satisfy your sweet tooth. Peruse the candy aisle, buy Halloween Oreos (they’re better than the regular ones anyway) or make one of those haunted gingerbread houses. Also, now is the perfect time to bust out the pumpkin pie, caramel apples and cider. 

Splurge on some scents.

Another underrated step in the autumn to-do list. Coming home to cinnamon, spice and everything nice will most certainly give you the cozy autumn realness you need to transition out of summer. Between candles, potpourri, wax melts, diffusers and room sprays, you’re sure to find something that will have you fall time ready

Don’t panic: our time to shine in brisk air and cozy sweaters will be here soon. In the meantime, get excited about the upcoming season by making this month the creepiest, yummiest and most fun and festive one yet. 

Featured image via Creative Commons.