Bat City Scaregrounds 2025 (theme park)

Oct 28

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to visit the horror-based theme park Bat City Scaregrounds, and — as expected — it was an absolute blast! From the many vendors, to the live music, to the main attractions themselves — the haunted houses! You get a lot of bang for your buck, so if you’re itching for a Halloween experience that offers more than just the haunts themselves, the Scaregrounds is worth your time!... Granted, only if you live in or are passing through Texas, but hey — that's just schematics, and who has time for that nerd-stuff anymore?

The Haunts

CASTLE ORLOCK

The first haunt in line is Castle Orlock — presented as the home of the infamous nosferatu where many strange inhabitants welcome guests, from the expected undead servants roaming the halls, to some stranger tenants from beyond the stars. Overall, it’s a good sample platter for what to expect, and gives you a little taste of everything.

ANCIENT EVIL

This one was a bit more cohesive with its theme, being the first main course after the previous haunt’s appetizer. Guests travel through the domains of many bygone terrors, trekking through long forgotten caves and buried lost tombs, encountering the monsters dwelling within. While not as varied as Castle Orlock, Ancient Evil’s higher commitment to its motif gives a more consistent experience as far as vibes go.

SLAUGHTER MALL 3-D

The last haunt on the docket is Slaughter Mall 3-D, which is — as you probably already guessed — a demented, technicolor mall that’s also 3-D. Guests are given a pair of 3-D glasses and are sent through such places as an arcade and “Hot Toxic,” welcomed by their twisted employees and hapless victims — er, customers. This one was my favorite! It’s incredibly creative, and the 3-D aspect really makes the sets pop.

The Midway

The hub of the theme park is the midway, where there’s a gift shop, a snack bar, food trucks, and plenty of vendors selling art and merchandise, such as:

Doctor Abominable: “Paul Russel — aka Doctor Abominable — draws portraits of famous monsters from your favorite movies!”

Check out his digital business card right here!

Ancient Mystic Metaphysics: “Ancient mystic is Austin's premier metaphysical boutique! We aim to provide you with all the supplies you need to tap into your inner god/goddess! We work hard to bring you unique products; from Handmade wands, ritual kits, candles, ritual bath salts, resin altar ware and more! Catch us at an event to buy in person or simply purchase online!”

Check out their Linktree right here!

Nova’s Curios: “Nova's Curios is owned and operated by Austin artist Kelli Nova. She specializes in resin casting, illustration, painting, taxidermy art and jewelry.”

Check out her Linktree right here!

Sinister Hand Studios: “Juan Martinez — collector of oddities, creator of monstrosities, professional human curiosity. Artist, illustrator, and sideshow performer based in Austin, Texas.”

Check out his portfolio right here!

All Eyes Live Boutique Inc.: "Jewelry and fashion accessories, right here in Texas!”

Check out their Facebook page right here!

Dark Clown Studios: “Psychological stories that will play with your mind and alter your sense of reality.”

Check out their Instagram page right here!

Anomaly Forge: “Austin local makers with a passion for handcrafted oddities. Specializing in custom laser engraving.”

Check out their Linktree right here!

Allison Eve Art: “Fine artist, photographer, and model in the Austin area.”

Check out her Linktree right here!

Caravan of Curiosities: “Curia Arcanum's House of Curiosities is an immersive experience into the curious and unusual. Specializing in rare and strange items, artisan designed and antique jewelry, wet specimens, books, magical tools, t-shirts, and more. This eclectic shop is also home to our own method of Cartomancy divination, illustrated by the Curator himself. See you soon!”

Check out their website right here!

Brenna Greenwell: “Brenna Greenwell is a Texas based sleaze queen who is obsessed with vintage Playboy, pulpy horror, and Catholic iconography. She graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2019 with a BFA after creating a satanic porn chapel in the back of a trailer. When she's not in the studio drawing or painting, she can be found at horror events around ATX slingin' art and getting covered in blood for various reasons.”

Check out her Linktree right here!”