WTF Should I Be for Halloween?

Your Best Halloween Costume Might Be Waiting at the ATX Theatre Halloween Costume & Thrift Sale!

It’s a known fact in my circle that I am obsessed with dressing up for whatever reason. And as a theatre junkie, my ears perked up and my heart skipped a beat when I learned about Austin theatre community's Halloween Costume & Thrift Sale. OHMYGOD what?!

Let me get this straight. There are 80+ theatre companies in Austin, and some of the local costume designers come together every year to upcycle retired costumes and other wearable theatrical goods? Yes, please! Organized by ATX Theatre, this is not your typical smashed costume in a plastic bag hanging with a piece of orange clown hair tangled in the hanger. No no. At this event, you may find carefully selected garments curated or created by professional costume designers. Think garment bag, not plastic bag.

There will be “500 historical period sewing patterns, beautiful materials, and gorgeous handmade hats.” You might see “period pieces made by hand for The Archive Theater to cool modern togs seen in Walking Shadow Shakespeare shows, as well as a vintage-forward collection from Fashion Love Affair.” Look for “Halloween-themed jewelry from the founder of Shrewd Productions, and even crafty, adorable gifts from a local theatre critic!” The description goes on to say, “there are always wild last-minute additions to this sale.”

Jennifer Davis is an award-winning costume designer and producing artistic director of The Archive Theater. I recently saw one of their plays where Davis also served as costume designer, and let me tell you. The wardrobe was gorgeous. 

"We want to ensure that the wardrobe and costuming items that our film and theatre industry uses have extended life after their good service in the arts,” Davis says. 

These aren’t just pieces of fabric. They have stories. They’ve been loved. They’ve been meaningful parts of theatre history. These authentic-looking costumes exist because they convinced audiences that the characters in them were real. 

“As more film and TV projects make their way back to Texas, we’d love to continue to grow this thing into a year-round thrift store someday," she hopes. This event started in her driveway four years ago. In her driveway! And now the theatre community has press releases and ticket tiers for it. It has surely grown.

The release states, “thrifters seeking the weird and wonderful can expect racks of custom costumes, plus vintage treasures and everyday clothing.”

ATX Theatre’s founding executive director and native Austinite Sharron Anderson says fondly, “This sale rolls out a festive, local vibe. Think funky pop-up thrift store mixed with Austin’s beloved Lucy in Disguise costume shop — R.I.P., Lucy’s!”

There will be snacks and beverages for sale at the entrance (in case you skipped breakfast to get there early). Expect to receive a map at the entrance that shows all the vendor zones. Shoppers browse one zone at a time. Vendors are in charge of the sales in their zone.

So, if you're in need of a Halloween costume or just love dressing up like I do, and you appreciate quality costumes while supporting sustainable fashion, then get your FREE tickets ASAP. This is a very popular event, and people swarmed like Austin bats to get to last year’s sale.

DATE + TIME 
Saturday & Sunday, October 10 & 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

TICKETS
There are three ticket tiers—VIP, free, and walk-up. The first two hours on Saturday require paid VIP tickets.

VIP ENTRY - $5
First day only: Saturday, October 10
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Limited availability, get yours now!

FREE GENERAL ENTRY + WALK-UP
Saturday: 12 p.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Those who show downloaded FREE tickets get priority entry before walk-ups starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 10. 

Get your VIP + free tickets at ATXtheatre.org

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
If you want to meet and mingle with the theatre community or love costumes as much as I do, here's a chance to see what's available before the public! Volunteer to help vendors for three hours with sale preparations! Sign up here! 

VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES
If you have something seasonal to sell, snag a vendor opportunity! Spots go fast! Creatives with Halloween-themed goods should act soon as vendor space is filling up fast. Sign up here!

VENUE
Sterling Stage Austin
6134 E Hwy 290
Austin, TX 78752

ABOUT ATX THEATRE
On a foundation of collaboration with affiliates and partners, ATX Theatre activates multifaceted connections between live theatre, creative communities, and Austin’s vibrant public. For more information about this grassroots, community-centric arts services organization, visit ATXtheatre.org. 

Becoming a member of ATXtheatre.org is always FREE, and entitles members to the weekly theatre guide that includes performance calendars, ticket links, audition notices, accessibility information, and more, straight to your inbox! Sign up here!