SEASON 39 | October 2026
The Bloody Ball: Creatures of the Night
October 24, 8:00Pm, 2026
Calling all Creatures of the Night… We know you are lurking out there and invite you to sink your teeth into the hottest Halloween party in Austin.
We’re offering all our Ghoulies, Zombies, and Cryptid Creatures a chance to step into our Dark Carnival of Delights. This decadent and delicious gathering will have you reveling in all things sinfully supernatural—all while supporting Austin’s beloved home for boundary-breaking, alternative theatre. Partying while making a difference? It’s a win-win.
Come thirsty. Come cursed. Come play. 🩸
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
Sinful Sips & Spirits: Sip something red and mingle with fellow night-lovers. Featuring themed cocktails, "blood bags," and the infamous Shot Nuns at the shot luge.
Midway Munchies: Satisfy your monstrous appetite with a Hotdog Bar, fresh popcorn, and cotton candy (included in ticket price).
Luscious Desserts: A decadent dessert platter to satisfy your sweet tooth (included in ticket price).
WICKED ENTERTAINMENT
Blade Rave: Surrender to the beat and dance the night away.
Live Music & Performances: Catch thrilling live music on the Garden Stage and pop-up performances all night.
The Siren's Grotto: Choose your own adventure when you enter this mystical realm to embark on interactive quests, play games, and get lost in enchanting music and stories.
The Sunken Garden: Wander outside to catch thrilling live entertainment and scintillating burlesque performances.
Dark Carnival Arcade: Step right up and test your luck! Our arcade features several games of dice and chance for wandering souls to play.
Costume Contest: Dress as your favorite Creature of the Night or Dark Carnival character. Go as extravagant as your dark heart desires, and strut your stuff before the Creatures’ Court for a chance to win prizes and eternal fame.
All proceeds support The VORTEX's mission to create and present innovative, alternative theatre.
Created by an Undead Dream Team: Melissa McKnight, Jen Rogers, Campbell Duffy, Xander Curiel, Kayce Conville, Blaise Ricin, Alex Cogburn, Tamara Farley, Daniel Hernandez, and the immortal Bonnie Cullum.