Mystery:
Ghost Train—A Halloween Adventure Murder Mystery

Oct. 25 7–10 p.m., Oct. 26 3–6 p.m. The Austin Steam Train Association hosts multiple murder mysteries each year on its trains, but when Halloween rolls around, things get spooky. A seance gone wrong keeps train passengers entertained while they watch skits and gather clues to determine the murderer. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes to the event, which is intendent for patrons 17 and older. A box dinner, beer and wine are included in the ticket price. Ticket prices vary. Austin Steam Train Association, 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park. 512-477-8468. www.austinsteamtrain.org

Picture-worthy:
St. Richard’s Episcopal  Church pumpkin patch

Sept. 27–Oct. 31 According to St. Richard’s Episcopal Church in Round Rock, its pumpkin patch is the largest in Texas—making it a must for pumpkin patch photo enthusiasts. Each year the church brings in 11,000 pumpkins, drawing more than 10,000 visitors. Pumpkins are priced by size. Noon until dark (Sun.–Fri.), 9 a.m.–dark (Sat.). St. Richard’s Episcopal Church, 1420 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. 512-255-5436.
www.saintrichards.org

Music:
Symphony of Terror

Oct. 24 The scariest soundtrack in town is performed at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Led by Peter Bay, the Austin Symphony Society fills Dell Hall with music from movies such as “Halloween,” “Psycho,” “Poltergeist” and “The Exorcist.” All attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite character to accompany the music. 8 p.m. Ticket costs vary. Dell Hall, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. 512-476-6064. www.austinsymphony.org/events/symphony-of-terror

Family fun:
Hawaiian Falls Fall Festival

Weekends Oct. 4-Nov. 2 Hawaiian Falls Water and Adventure Park is embracing the season by celebrating fall each weekend in October in the Adventure Park and Aloha Event Center sections. Visitors can see a pumpkin patch, a Spooky Maze of Fun and a daily Monster Mash Dance Party. Although the festivities run through Nov. 2, Halloween visitors are encouraged to dress up and go trunk-or-treating from 3–9 p.m. on Oct. 31. 3–9 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sat.), 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sun.). Free. Hawaiian Falls, 18500 N. SH 130, Pflugerville. 512-270-6967. www.hfalls.com/pflugerville

A scare for a cause:
Nightmare on Jail Hill

Oct. 24, 25, 31; Nov. 1 7–11 p.m. In 1889 Williamson County opened the doors to its jail and accepted the first inmate that January. It became a holding place for numerous inmates, including serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, and during its tenure it was also the site of five hangings. However, in 1990 the county jail moved to a new building at 508 W. Seventh St., and the old jail, a historical landmark, now serves as an office space for the Williamson County and Cities Health District. Each Halloween, the historic building becomes the backdrop for a 20-minute tour of terror, and all of the proceeds benefit the Brown Santa program for toy purchases during Christmas. $5 (ages 8–12), $10 (age 13 and older). Children age 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, and children younger than 8 are not allowed. Old Williamson County Jail, 312 Main St., Georgetown. www.wilco.org/countydepartments/sheriffsoffice/brownsanta

More in Georgetown

Throughout October

The First United Methodist Church of Georgetown hosts its 18th annual pumpkin patch through Halloween. The church will also host a movie night in the pumpkin patch Oct. 18 at 6:40 p.m., and will have trunk-or-treating Oct. 31 at 4:30–6 p.m. The patch is open daily 9 a.m.–dusk. Pumpkin costs vary. First United Methodist Church, 410 E. University Ave. 512-863-2370.
www.fumcgt.org

Oct. 23 Halloween Festival

The Parks and Recreation Department offers a trick-or-treat village, costume contest and a screening of “ParaNorman.” 5:30–8:30 p.m. Free (admission), $1 (hayride tickets age 4 and younger), $2 (hayride tickets age 5 and older). Georgetown Community Center, 445 E. Morrow St. 512-930-3595.
www.events.georgetown.org

Oct. 25 Boo Run

The Exceptional Georgetown Alliance hosts a fundraiser run benefiting Georgetown special needs students. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes for the 1- or 5-mile race, and there is a costume contest at 4 p.m. for children age 12 and younger.
3 p.m. Registration prices vary. San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St.
www.exceptionalgeorgetown.org

Oct. 30 Special Needs Dance

The Parks and Recreation department hosts a dance for individuals with special needs age 15 and older. A caregiver or a family member must attend. 6–8 p.m. Free (caregivers), $5 (participants). Georgetown Community Center, 445 E. Morrow St.
512-930-3595.
www.events.georgetown.org

Oct. 31 Boo Bash

Listen to live music while the children trick-or-treat around the Square. 5-8 p.m. Free. The Square. 512-868-9892. www.thegeorgetownsquare.com