Looking for a chill and affordable way to spend your time? This roundup focuses on low-key movie-related events that won't break the bank. Most events listed are free or under $25.
Ditch the FOMO and embrace the joy of accessible fun!
From spooky screenings to storytelling workshops there's something for every movie lover in this issue.
online Events
OCT
Oct 24 Horror & Thriller Screenwriting Workshop w/ October Cinema Society | 8PM CST
To celebrate spooky season, OCS is hosting a free screenwriting workshop designed to ignite your creative process w/ Stiles White (The Possession, Knowing, Ouija).
Nov
Nov 13 The Trip w/ Nordic Watchlist Film Club | 1:30PM CST
This live conversation will cover Tommy Wirkola's dark comedy starring Noomi Rapace and Aksel Hennie. Joining the discussion is Gore Things Pod host and horror expert Brad Hanson.
Finding Online Movie Events
Rounding up events like this is tricky because showing movies online can be complicated due to licensing and copyrights. Here are some ideas to help you find movie-related events in your area:
Check your local public library and community center, especially during Halloween. There are often movie screenings (horror and otherwise!).
Host a screening of something yourself. If your house isn't equipped or large enough to accommodate a movie watch party, then you could scope out a local bar that has a projector or TV screens and ask to host it there.
Join a smaller community in Slack or Discord. I've seen countless movie screenings happen over Discord, and some movie-loving Slack communities host them too.
I'm part of the Blankies Discord for the Blank Check Podcast, and they host screenings there. A lot of movie or TV-focused podcasts have online community spaces like Discord, and odds are they're probably hosting screenings or watch parties there too. The Blankies Discord even put together an International Film Festival just for the community this fall!
ATX Events
📽️ Terror Tuesday and Weird Wednesday @
Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar
Dive into the depths of horror with Terror Tuesdays (hosted by Joe Ziemba), where they celebrate everything from classic slashers to undiscovered monstrous mayhem. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, explore the bizarre world of Weird Wednesdays (hosted by Laird Jimenez), showcasing genre-bending films that defy logic and reality.
There's a Facebook page where you can see and connect with other people that are attending.
📽️ Hyper Real Cinema Club hosts screenings almost every week. They cover a ton of different genres and vibes - definitely check them out if you're looking for a cinema-loving community.
Oct
Oct 23 Lady in a Cage screening @ Austin Public Library, North Village | 6:15 to 7:45PM
Catch this tense psychological thriller starring Olivia de Havilland and a young James Caan at the library. What starts as a simple elevator malfunction turns into a claustrophobic nightmare when some uninvited guests show up. If you enjoy vintage horror-thrillers that'll make you think twice about taking the elevator, this screening's for you.
This South Korean movie takes malicious revenge to a whole new level, promising an unforgettable (and possibly disturbing) cinematic experience.
Oct 26 Over the Garden Wall Party @ Austin Public Library, Carver Branch | 1-3PM
Part of Austin's Annual Roots & Wings Festival, this party celebrates a beloved animated series, complete with crafts, activities, and free saplings to take home.
@ We Luv Video | 7PM
Test your horror knowledge and grab some free beer (while it lasts!) at this Fangoria event featuring horror movie trivia followed by a screening of the Japanese horror classic Ringu (aka The Ring). Compete for Fangoria prizes and prepare to be spooked!
Oct 28 Nosferatu (with live score) @ Austin Public Library | 6-8PM
The Austin Public Library is breathing new life into this vampire classic with David DiDonato performing his reimagined soundtrack to Murnau's masterpiece. Here's your chance to experience this cornerstone of horror cinema with a fresh sonic twist.
Storytelling Workshop: Before Page One @ Austin Film Society | 5-9PM
This course covers the foundations of storytelling and brings the class together for a group exercise. Facilitated by Katya Lidsky, a writer, animal advocate, and recovering actress whose work has been featured in The New York Times, Parents, Texas Monthly, and many other publications.
Oct 29 Secret Cinema Showing @ Hyperreal Film Club | Doors open at 7PM
Embrace the mystery! Secret Cinema returns with a special Halloween edition, offering a surprise movie screening for just $5.
Birdemic- Shock and Terror screening @ We Luv Video | 7-9PM
When else will you get to witness murderous CGI birds that look like they were animated on a calculator, all while enjoying craft beer? Thanks to St Elmo Brewery, you can enhance your viewing experience with free beer!
Oct 30 Wait Until Dark screening @ Austin Public Library, North Village | 6-7:45PM
This thriller follows the story of a blind woman who finds herself in a deadly cat-and-mouse game when a heroin-filled doll mysteriously appears in her apartment.
Oct 31 A Slasher Halloween: Final Girls Only w/ ATX Supper Club | 8PM-12AM
All people and costumes are welcome at this immersive Halloween experience complete with a Final Girls-inspired costume contest, spooky cocktails & killer bites.
Halloween Pop Up @ Oddwood Brewing | 5:30-8PM
Oddwood Brewing is transforming into your dream (or nightmare) Halloween destination, featuring DJ sets from Austin Town Hall and We Luv Video. The evening kicks into high gear at 8 PM with a screening of "A Nightmare on Elm Street". Bring your friends, your appetite for scares, and your best Halloween spirit. Just remember – whatever you do, don't fall asleep.
Nov
Nov 1 Practical Magic @ Hyperreal Film Club | Doors open at 7PM
The evening kicks off with a short film, "Visions of a Love," by Myles Garza
Nov 3 Endora Film Fest in Lockhart, TX | 10AM - 9PM
This film festival takes over Lockhart's Baker Theatre with a full day of free film screenings! The schedule includes blocks of kinda-creepy and diverse Lone Star shorts, the feature film Touchy-Feely with accompanying shorts, a selection of short documentaries, and a 30th-anniversary screening of Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused. Several blocks include Q&As with the filmmakers.
📽️ Did you know We Luv Video runs a movie/book club for their members?
The monthly Adaptations Book Club answers the age-old question, was the book truly better?
📽️ Branches of the Austin Public Library also host screenings throughout the year. Check out the list of screenings here.
UPCOMING
The Austin Night of Awareness: Beyond the Bridge Film happens November 21.
A screening of Beyond The Bridge, a documentary exploring homelessness and community solutions, screens at AFS Cinema from 4-9PM. The event also features local organizations fighting homelessness and a panel discussion with experts.
Learn more and reserve a spot. (It's free!)
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