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A Spooky October at Pioneer Farms

If you went to school in Austin or the surrounding area, there's an excellent chance that you may have visited Pioneer Farms on a field trip as a child. Or perhaps you were a fan of the PBS children's music show the Biscuit Brothers which filmed a portion of their episodes there. Either way, you might not recognize today's Pioneer Farms which has continued to grow over the years, adding more buildings and programs to the original Jourdan-Bachman farm.

Today Pioneer Farms is a living history park and museum focusing on the diverse cultures of nineteenth-century Central Texas. From a Tonkawa encampment to a turn-of-the-century rural village, visitors can explore and experience a slice of Texas history with volunteer interpreters in costume as well as special programs, classes in Texas folk arts, and visits with farm animals.

October at Pioneer Farms is filled with special events to celebrate the spooky season of Halloween. Pumpkin Nights, Night Spirits Ghost Tours, and a Samhain Full Moon Tour are scheduled through the end of the month. There are also monthly Hands-on History programs, archery classes, and many more offerings throughout the year!

Pumpkin Nights

Pumpkin Nights Halloween Lights Festival is becoming a favorite holiday outing for families. The half-mile walking trail is filled with spectacular themed displays with thousands of pumpkins. Tickets are available online only through October 31st.

Day of the Dead Exhibit

Pioneer Farms also has a new exhibit showcasing the rich history behind Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. The exhibit is open during the day through November 5th and in the evenings during the Pumpkin Nights festival through October 31st and is located at the Sprinkle Corner entrance village. 

Night Spirits Ghost Tours

Pioneer Ghost Tours is a regular program at the Farms. They take place on the third Saturday of the month. On October 21st, Austin Ghost Tours explores haunted sites, shares testimony from eyewitnesses and investigates the claims. Pioneer Farms is known for sightings of night spirits, and the land itself has stories dating back hundreds of years. All tours are led by a highly qualified and trained tour guide who leads the group through the haunted landscape and buildings. Ghost Tours are for participants 12 years and older. 

Samhain Full Moon Ceremony

Saturday, October 28th is the Samhain Full Moon. Samhain is the Gaelic name of the holiday marking the time between summer and winter when darkness returns and the forces of life retreat into the Earth and the Otherworld. Join in the ritual lighting of the Samhain fire on this special night when the veil between the worlds grows thin, an opportunity to connect with our ancestors and receive guidance for the new year

Pioneer Farms offers special programs all year long, so be sure to check their website for the latest listings. If your October is already booked up, make a note to add some of the farms' events to your 2024 schedule!