As the summer months wind down, we can only hope the hot weather gets the memo and follows suit. After all, fall is the season for temperate days, chilly evenings, and festive celebrations. From longstanding traditions to fresh additions, this year’s lineup of fall events offers plenty of opportunities to explore somewhere new.
Austin City Limits
Weekend 1: Oct 2-4, Weekend 2: Oct 9-11, Zilker Park
One of Austin’s most iconic annual events, Austin City Limits will celebrate its 25th anniversary this fall with a stacked lineup featuring names like Charli XCX, Skrillex, Lorde, and Twenty One Pilots. With two weekends to choose from, you may find yourself torn between the two. The combination of live music, Austin-favorite eats, and large-scale festivities makes ACL a beloved tradition and a highlight of the fall season.
Austin Zoo’s “Boo at the Zoo”
Weekends of Oct 2-24, Austin Zoo
Come dressed in your Halloween best for the Austin Zoo’s annual “Boo at the Zoo” celebrations throughout October. With a “Spooky Train,” haunted house, and plenty of space to relax if you’ve brought along a picnic, the event offers a fun blend of seasonal festivities and zoological education — a combination the Austin Zoo does particularly well.
Austoberfest
Oct 3, Scholz Garten
For a chance to immerse yourself in German culture and tradition, look no further than Austoberfest. Hosted by Austin Saengerrunde, the event features activities including a stein-holding contest, yodeling, tracht, and a bratwurst competition. In between events, visitors can enjoy live music, local beer, and even bowling.
Austin Oktoberfest
Oct 10, German Free School
Held at the headquarters of the German-Texan Heritage Society, Austin Oktoberfest celebrates the city’s German heritage with an emphasis on traditional food, music, and community. Billed as the “most authentic Oktoberfest game in town,” the event invites guests to enjoy the Gemütlichkeit alongside wurst, pretzels, live performances, and plenty of activities for children, including pumpkin painting.
Hot Luck Festival
Oct 16-17, Downtown Austin
Close your eyes and imagine a citywide potluck hosted by some of Austin’s finest chefs, accompanied by live music and the sights and sounds of downtown. If that sounds like your kind of evening, look no further than Hot Luck. Founded in Austin by James Beard Award-winning chef Aaron Franklin, the festival has expanded beyond the city but returns home this fall. For a large-scale food experience with plenty of variety and personality, Hot Luck makes a delicious addition to your fall calendar.
Austin Symphony Orchestra’s Halloween Children’s Concert
Oct 18, Long Center’s Dell Hall
If you have a child interested in the orchestra — or one who simply enjoys a good story — the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s Halloween Children’s Concert is worth checking out. This year’s program features “Peter and the Wolf,” with pre-concert activities to enjoy before the performance. Throw on your costumes, arrive early, and settle in for an evening of festive musical storytelling.
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
Oct 23-25, Circuit of the Americas
Austin has been home to the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix since 2012, when the Circuit of the Americas brought the race to the city. This fall promises another high-energy weekend of racing, entertainment, and festivities. For fans of motorsports, big crowds, and an electric atmosphere, the Grand Prix is one of Austin’s signature fall events.
Austin Film Festival
Oct 29-Nov 5, Various Austin Theaters
Celebrating the television writers, artists, and filmmakers whose work continues to inspire audiences and fellow creatives, the Austin Film Festival brings together film lovers, industry professionals, students, and aspiring storytellers. With eight days of screenings and four days of conference programming featuring notable panelists, the festival offers plenty of opportunities for discovery and inspiration.
Austin Celtic Festival
Nov 7-8, Jordan-Bachman Pioneer Farms
Every year, the Austin Celtic Foundation and Celtic Cultural Center of Texas host the Austin Celtic Festival, a two-day celebration featuring live performances from Celtic bands and artists, Highland games, Celtic arts workshops, and even an animal parade featuring Celtic dog and horse breeds. If you’ve ever been curious about Celtic culture, the festival makes for a lively and family-friendly weekend outing.
Austin Food and Wine Festival
Nov 7-9, Auditorium Shores
For a weekend dedicated to stylish sips and perfectly paired bites, the Austin Food + Wine Festival is a natural destination for local foodies. Guests can sample dishes from chefs across the country while enjoying activities such as guided tastings and hands-on grilling. Set against the Austin skyline, it’s a celebration of food, drink, and the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Nov 13-Dec 24, 6100 Airport Blvd.
Featuring handmade work from hundreds of talented artists and makers, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a market built around supporting local creatives. Although the organization has expanded to include an online store, part of the charm is still in browsing the market in person. Visitors can also enjoy family-friendly activities such as scavenger hunts and Saturday card painting — and you’re sure to find something new to love along the way.
Austin Studio Tour
Weekend 1: Nov 14-15, Weekend 2: Nov 21-22, Various Studios & Galleries in ATX
Keeping art lovers on speed dial, the Austin Studio Tour is a free, citywide event inviting participants to explore the galleries and studios of hundreds of artists throughout Austin. Visitors can browse and purchase locally made work while getting a behind-the-scenes look at artists’ creative processes. It’s a celebration of local talent that offers artists a chance to connect with the community and art lovers plenty of opportunities to discover something new.
Fall Concert Series
Oct 4, Lakeway Activity Center
On select Sundays, the Lakeway Activity Center is host to free, live concert performances from local musicians. This fall, they’ll be featuring a piano program with a trio and a quintet, as well as violin and cello duos and soloists. If you enjoy live instrumentals and would like to show up for local musicians, it’s definitely an event to check out.
Witches Ride
Oct 17, Lakeway Dr. & Lakeway Activity Center
Join up with your local community for a night of costumed Halloween fun. Dress up (or come as your scary self,) grab your scooter, bike, or walking shoes, and prepare for a “flight” down Lakeway Drive towards the activity center, where a festive carnival will be waiting. Free and perfect for kiddos, enjoy a bite from one of the food stands, participate in games and spookily-fun activities, or sit down and take a load off at the movie screening. Don’t forget to bring some sweets to hand out to parade-watchers 🍬
ArtWALK
Nov 6-8, Touring Locations
Art lovers in Lakeway can explore local studios and galleries during ArtWALK, presented by the City of Lakeway and Lakeway Arts Committee. The event celebrates the cultural arts of the Lakeway area while highlighting talented local artists, musicians, and craftspeople. With home galleries and featured arts centers spread throughout the area, it’s a great way to discover local talent and creativity.
Westcave Star Party
Oct 9, Nov 7, Westcave Preserve
Located about 40 miles west of Austin, Westcave Preserve hosts monthly star parties that take advantage of its 76 acres of protected land — and, perhaps most importantly, its remarkably dark skies. With a mission centered on wilderness conservation, the star parties offer visitors the chance to learn about and appreciate the night sky while experiencing the preserve after dark.
Uhland Fall Festival
Sept 26 - Nov 1, 39 Dairy Rd. Uhland, TX
For a large-scale fall festival experience, the Uhland Fall Festival offers more than 50 games and activities for visitors to enjoy. With something for animal lovers, pumpkin-patch fans, live music enthusiasts, foodies, and everyone in between, UFF has plenty to keep visitors entertained throughout the season.
Dripping Springs Farmers Market
Every Wednesday, Dripping Springs Ranch Park
While it isn’t exclusively a fall event, the Dripping Springs Farmers Market is sure to have plenty of fresh seasonal produce as the weather cools down. Held every Wednesday at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, the market is a great place to browse local offerings and keep an eye out for fall favorites like squash, pumpkins, apples, and pears.
Make the Most of Fall
At Moreland, we know that between holiday preparation and a ramping-up workload, fall can be a busy season. Whether your favorite autumn activities involve shopping, celebrating, exploring, or tasting your way through the city, we hope this list gives you more than a few ways to slow down, discover something new, and enjoy the season.
