2007: No Dripping Screams this year

For the most fun and fright-filled haunted house experience in 2006, make the drive to the edge of town and experience the Dripping Screams Deathmare. This "Halloween Party" benefitting the Lions Club of Dripping Springs is not for those who are afraid of the dark -- and I'm not talking about semi-darkness -- it's pitch black and you're never sure whether or not you're alone in that darkness.

Dripping Screams in Dripping Springs

We were apprenhensive about making the drive to just outside Dripping Springs for a haunted house that we'd heard very little about. Would it be worth the time, we wondered. No wondering now. A return trip is definitely planned. The house (in a really big tent) is huge, the special effects are great, the creatures inhabiting this "haunted candy factory" do a superb scare job, and the journey keeps going and going and going.

You'll find Dripping Screams: In a huge tent behind behind the Nutty Brown Cafe -- 5 miles East of Dripping Springs (US 290 & RR 12) on U.S. Hwy. 290:
12225 W Highway 290
Austin, TX

From North Austin, take Mopac/Loop 1 South to 290 West and just keep going towards Dripping Springs til you see the Nutty Brown Cafe on the left. Drive to the parking area behind the cafe. You'll see the haunted house back there.

Total Darkness and Displays of Death in Dripping Screams

Darkness is a major player in this haunted adventure -- definitely not recommended for young kids. You truly must feel your way along the walls through much of the attraction. But do it carefully because that hand you grab to lead you through might not be the person you think. And when you do reach a room with some lighting, there is usually something that sends you plunging back into the dark and twisted hallways. You're likely to encounter angry ghosts, murderous clowns, disembodied voices, blasts of air, and unseen "things" that brush against you in the dark.

Your journey takes you past some elaborately set up rooms full of the dead, half-dead, and living dead. You'll even stroll through the middle of a grave yard. If you have the chance (that's a big if), take a moment to admire the handiwork. But be careful not to wake the inhabitants. They don't like to be disturbed. When you do encounter enough light to see where you're going it's not always apparent where to go. Those strobe lights make you want to run away -- but which way? Wait the room is shrinking...

Be Careful Where You Step in Dripping Screams

More so than other area haunted houses, do be mindful of what you wear on your feet. You'll be walking on a dirt floor much of the time. There's also straw and some wooden flooring in places. I've seen guests wearing high heels and dresses at some haunted houses. I'd definitely recommend against that here.

So, come prepared in appropriate attire and with the right mindset -- no wimps who can't handle the dark or unknown and no party-poopers who like to nitpick everything or boast about how no one can scare them. Come prepared for a frightfully good time.

Admission to Dripping Screams in Austin Texas for 2006

Visit their Website for complete details.

General Admission:
$10.00 per adult 15 and up with additional trips $4 each
$7.00 for 14 & under

Hours of Operation:
October 13, 14, 15 (6-10 pm)
October 19 (7-10pm)
October 20, 21 (7-midnight) (not open Sunday October 22)
October 27, 28 (7-midnight)
October 29, 30, 31 (7-10pm)