Halloween is just around the corner and if you’re anything like most college students, you’re looking for a last-minute costume idea right about now. You could go basic— maybe a witch or a ghost?
No! Austin is full of unique, fun inspirations that you can easily convert into an amazing costume. Here are five ideas you can make at home.
1. Bat
Why: Austin is famous for the 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. It’s the largest urban bat colony in the world. So, what better way is there to celebrate our winged friends than dressing up as them on Halloween night (and donating to help them)?
What you need: An all-black outfit with a set of wings. If you can’t find any convincing bat wings at the store, you can make your own.
2. Tourist
Why: More than 30 million tourists visit Austin every year and they aren’t hard to spot. You can use Halloween to connect with your inner tourist and have some fun.
What you need: A pair of too-hot-for-Texas jeans, a UT or “Keep Austin Weird” shirt and a fake sunburn. Bonus points if you show up on a Lime scooter or with an Austin map and Austin City Limits pass.
3. Violet Crown
Why: Did you know the color of the west hills and sky during sunset have been called Austin’s “violet crown?” You can pay homage to this idealistic view and make a simple, punny halloween costume out of it.
What you need: An all violet outfit and a crown or tiara.
4. Domino
Why: Domino is amongst the most loved felines in all of Austin. He freely roams the UT campus and has belly scratches and food galore at his paw-tips. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to be him?
What you need: Some black and white clothes, drawn-on whiskers and a pair of cat ears.
5. Jo’s Coffee “I love you so much” mural
Why: This is an iconic SoCo spot. You see recreations of it on mugs, socks and ornaments throughout Austin. So, why not a Halloween costume?
What you need: A light green shirt, a red sharpie and the ability to write in cursive.
No matter what you dress up as for Halloween, Austin is a great place to celebrate the holiday. So, go forward and have a safe and fun Halloween!