The Capital Area Rural Transportation System will offer free rides to and from polling locations in Bastrop, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties on Election Day, Nov. 3.

How it works: Riders can use promo code VoteTexas2026 when booking through CARTS Country Bus or CARTS NOW to receive the free rides, officials announced.

At the polls: Looking for more information before heading to the polls? Visit Community Impact’s Voter Guide for details on local races, ballot measures, polling locations and what voters need to know before casting a ballot.

Bastrop County venues are bringing cult classics and a Disney favorite to the big screen Oct. 30-31.

1. "Night of the Living Dead" (Oct. 30): Playhouse Smithville will screen the 1968 zombie classic followed by an $8 Slow Zombie Contest and Zombie Rave after-party.

2. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (Oct. 30): Film Alley Bastrop will host a costume-friendly screening with a red-carpet photo opportunity, one drink and a commemorative photo included with admission.

3. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (Oct. 31): Playhouse Smithville will offer a free Halloween-night screening followed by an $8 Transylvanian Ball after-party.

4. "Halloweentown" (Oct. 31): Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard will project the Disney Halloween favorite onto a 21-foot inflatable screen during its free family-friendly Halloween event.

What else? Looking for more ways to celebrate Halloween? Check out Community Impact’s roundup of festivals, trick-or-treating and other spooky-season events happening across Bastrop County.

Halloween weekend in Austin means costume parties, crowded bars and late nights. An Integral Care trainer says the safest celebrations start with a plan and a group of friends willing to look out for one another.

How to prepare: Before heading out, Leylee Morris of Integral Care recommended people know who they’re going with and share locations, decide how they’re getting home, pick an emergency contact and keep phones charged.

Downtown Austin: APD expects 80,000-100,000 people downtown. East Sixth Street will close to vehicles between Brazos and Red River streets, and towing begins at 4 p.m. Saturday. No refusal is in effect.

Trick-or-treating: Parents should know their child’s route, carry a flashlight, stick to well-lit homes and inspect all candy before kids eat it, APD Cpl. Jose Mendez said.

Community resources: Morris recommended saving Integral Care’s 24/7 helpline, 512-472-HELP (4357). People should call 911 immediately if someone is unresponsive, unconscious or not breathing, she said.