Paramount Summer Classic Film Series, This summer. The Paramount Theatre. Flashing marquee lights. Buttery popcorn. Colossal screen. It’s that movie palace atmosphere, an air-conditioned oasis. THIS is how movies were meant to be seen. The 49th Annual Paramount Summer Classic Film Series presented by CapMetro returns in May. New films will be announced each month.

 

Selena – featuring a pre-show performance by Selena Tribute Band Bidi Bidi Banda, The Paramount Theatre, Sunday, August 17, 2025 (originally scheduled for Aug 19) Doors & Music: 6:30pm, Film: 7:30pm

 

Legally Blonde + Clueless (Double Feature) The Paramount Theatre, Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Doors: 6pm Legally Blonde: 7pm, Clueless: 9pm Double Feature: This ticket gets you into both films, but you are also welcome to attend just one. The second film will screen after a brief intermission.

 

Giant Love Author Julie Gilbert  In Conversation with William Broyles + GIANT screening, The Paramount Theatre, Sunday, August 24, 2025.
Doors: 1pm, Film: 2pm, Discussion: 5:30pm. Join us for a conversation with Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Julie Gilbert in celebration of her latest book, Giant Love: Edna Ferber, Her Best-selling Novel of Texas, and the Making of a Classic American Film! Julie will be in conversation with Oscar-nominated screenwriter William Broyles (APOLLO 13), preceded by a screening of the epic screen adaptation of GIANT. Signed books will be available for purchase at the event, courtesy of our friends at First Light Books.

 

Shampoo 50th Anniversary! The Paramount Theatre, Sunday, August 24, 2025. Doors: 7pm, Film: 7:30pm

The Natural, The Paramount Theatre, Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Doors: 6:30pm, Film: 7:30pm

 

You’ve Got Mail + Empire Records – Double Feature, The Paramount Theatre. Thursday, August 28, 2025. This screening, originally scheduled for Friday August 15, has been moved to Thursday August 28. We apologize for any inconvenience. Doors: 6pm, You’ve Got Mail: 7pm, Empire Records: 9:20pm, Double Feature: This ticket gets you into both films, but you are also welcome to attend just one. The second film will screen after a brief intermission.

 

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Presented by Fangoria, The Paramount Theatre, Friday, August 29, 2025. Doors: 8pm, Film: 9pm

 

Grey Gardens 50th Anniversary! The Paramount Theatre, Saturday, August 30, 2025. Doors: 2:30pm, Film: 3:30pm

 

Cabaret presented by Hyperreal Film Club in 35mm, The Paramount Theatre
Saturday, August 30, 2025. Doors: 6pm, Film: 7pm

 

The Sandlot The Paramount Theatre, Sunday, August 31, 2025. Doors: 2pm
Film: 3pm

 

Kill Bill Vol 1 + Vol 2 Presented by Robert Rodriguez, The Paramount Theatre
Sunday, August 31, 2025. Doors: 6pm, Kill Bill Vol 1: 7pm, Kill Bill Vol 2: 9:15pm

Robert Rodriguez joins us in person to introduce a double feature of his favorite classics, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the filmmakers and cast! Double Feature: This ticket gets you into both films, but you are also welcome to attend just one. The second film will screen after a brief intermission.

 

 

Zilker Summer Musical – Bring It On: The Musical, 8/14/25 – 8/16/25. Zilker Hillside Theater at 8:15. Pack a picnic and come enjoy the free, annual musical at the Zilker Hillside Theater. The outdoor theatre troupe will host live performances Dates for accessibility performances, including ASL interpretation, sensory-friendly shows, and audio description, are coming soon. Free admission, donations encouraged! https://zilker.org/

 

Fitness in the Park: Summer Series with Habitat, Recurring every Friday, August 8 – 29, 2025. 7 am – 8 am. Zilker Metropolitan Park. Kickstart your Fridays in Austin with Austin Parks Foundation’s Fitness in the Park Habitat Summer Series. Head to Zilker Park at 7 am for a 45-minute yoga session suitable for all levels, then dive into the refreshing waters of Barton Springs for a cold plunge.  Free.

 

 

The Wizard of Oz, August 13 – September 21, Zach Theater. Buckle up for a reimagined journey over the rainbow! Zach’s uniquely Austin staging of this iconic story features a Dust Bowl-era cowboy band, a glittering mirror ball experience, and plenty of chances to get in on the action. Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, a kid, or just a kid at heart, follow the yellow brick road into The Topfer for this spectacular musical, a timeless reminder that there’s no place like home.

 

 

Summer Backyard Barbecue Series, August 15, 2025 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Meanwhile Brewing Co. (3901 Promontory Point Dr) Meanwhile Brewing Co. and Uptown Sports Club bring back their popular Summer Backyard Barbecue Series, a four-part, family-friendly culinary celebration combining live music, craft beer, local vendors, and world-class barbecue. Proceeds from the series benefit The Community Foundation of the Hill Country’s Flood Relief Fund.

The series runs Fridays from 6–10 p.m. on July 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, and Aug. 15 at Meanwhile Brewing (3901 Promontory Point Drive). Each evening features a different barbecue theme with menus by celebrated chefs including Aaron Franklin, Damien Brockway, Laura Sawicki, and more. Meanwhile Brewing debuts a special small-batch beer for each night, paired to the menu.

Guests can also enjoy live performances from local bands, desserts from Austin favorites, and pop-ups by makers like Howler Brothers and The Green Room ATX. Children under 12 eat free with RSVP, and all-access pass holders receive exclusive merch discounts.Tickets $63.14+

 

 

6th annual POP Cats Aug 16 and Aug 17, 11:00 am at Palmer Events Center (900 Barton Springs Rd) At the event visitors can immerse themselves in artistically designed environments, workshops, a Punk Cats Cattoo Parlor, and more. They can explore the POP Cats Experience – a fusion of Cat City and a market featuring local cat-inspired artists and makers, find unique products celebrating our feline friends, and, most importantly, support cat organizations and adopt a cat on-site. https://popcats.co/cat-convention-pop-cats/austin2025/

 

 

The Austin Empty Bowl Summer Concert August 16th, Episcopal Church of the Resurrection (2200 Justin Ln) The concert will feature performances by Terry Klein, Hardened and Tempered, and Jenny Reynolds. All proceeds from the concert benefit the Kids Cafe program of the Central Texas Food Bank and the Meals for Kids program of Meals on Wheels Central Texas.

Austin Empty Bowl Project is a volunteer-run organization led by the pottery community dedicated to fighting hunger in Central Texas.

https://www.austinemptybowl.org/summer-concert/

 

City Wide Vintage Garage Sale, August 16-17, 2025, Palmer Events Center (900 Barton Springs Road) , SATURDAY 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. SUNDAY  11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The City-Wide Vintage Sale was born and bred in south Austin, Texas. We have been an incubator for small businesses since 1977. We have had some stellar folks and crazy characters with us throughout the years. We would be nothing without or amazing, hard-working vendors. We invite you to come check out this eclectic event and share in the excitement of this long-standing Austin tradition. Join us in celebrating the past while embracing the future – let the treasure hunt begin!

 

 

 

True Texas Tunes Concert Series at H-E-B SoCo (SoCo H-E-B, 2400 S. CONGRESS AVE.), August 16, 2025 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. H-E-B has launched True Texas Tunes, a new monthly concert series in partnership with Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers (HOME). Held on the third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the South Congress H-E-B’s True Texas BBQ patio, the series features performances from local musicians, with proceeds benefiting HOME’s mission to provide housing support for aging Austin artists. The series kicks off May 17 with a performance by Marcia Ball’s Boogie Trinity featuring Floyd Domino and Nick Connolly. Upcoming acts include Shelley King, Carolyn Wonderland, Midnight Snack, Sister Golden Hair, and others. Admission is free.

 

 

Grand Opening of Barkhouse Social, Aug. 16, 5 p.m., (5020 E. Cesar Chavez St.) Calling all two-legged and four-legged friends! Barkhouse Social is officially opening its doors this weekend. Grab your pups and enjoy music, prizes, vendors, and cocktails (for the humans) at this new community-focused social dog bar. https://www.instagram.com/p/DNRKJ4Zt7G6/?hl=en

 

 

Beat 4 Beat presents 10 Year Anniversary Party, Saturday, August 16th, 6pm,  Meanwhile Brewing (3901 Promontory Point Dr). Music education nonprofit Beat 4 Beat is heading out to Meanwhile Brewing on Saturday to celebrate its 10-year anniversary. Of course, live music is on the bill: catch Nakia, Deer Fellow, and DJ Marc Fort while enjoying food, drinks, games, and more. The party itself is free, but donations are appreciated and there will be a silent auction. https://austin.culturemap.com/eventdetail/beat-4-beat-presents-10-year-anniversary-party/

 

NATIONAL AIDS QUILT EXHIBIT, August 16-24, 4th Floor Gallery.

Experience the power of remembrance and reflection at the National AIDS Quilt Exhibit, on display August 16–24, at the 4th Floor Gallery, 901 Trinity St., Austin, TX 79701. This is the largest showing of the National AIDS Memorial Quilt ever held in Texas, honoring lives lost and raising awareness through moving visual storytelling. The exhibit features special installations, community events, and dedicated spaces for education and reflection.

 

Austin Shorts Fest,  Saturday, August 16, 2025 | 1 pm – 8 pm, Hyperreal Film Club, (301 Chicon St Suite A, Austin, TX 78702). Get ready for a spectacular cinematic experience this weekend, featuring an incredible lineup of short films from talented Texas filmmakers and across the country. Grab some popcorn, mingle with other film enthusiasts, and cheer on your favorites to celebrate the best in filmmaking at the can’t-miss awards ceremony. $20 https://austinshortsfest.com/

 

 

Luck on the Lawn: A Hill Country Benefit Concert, August 17, 2025 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Hotel Magdalena (1101 Music Lane).   On Sunday, August 17, Bunkhouse Hotels, Luck Reunion, and Arlyn Studios will host a benefit concert at Hotel Magdalena in support of flood recovery efforts in Kerr County. The event will feature performances by Lyle Lovett, Los Lonely Boys, and other special guests, with 100% of ticket sales ($30 each, limited to 300 tickets) going to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

Additional fundraising efforts include a silent auction featuring luxury hotel stays, concert passes, and VIP experiences; a $5,000 VIP Terrace Suite package with catered meals and pool access; a pop-up vinyl sale by Breakaway Records; and a cocktail bar by Equipment Room, with all proceeds benefiting the relief fund. Tickets  $33.15+

 

Last DayDinos in the Wild, Sunday, August 17  Lady Bird Johnson WildFlower Center. Dinos in the Wild is open for its final days at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The family-friendly experience features a variety of life-sized, scientifically accurate dinosaurs throughout the center’s outdoor space. Visitors can interact with the animatronic dinos, discover native Texas plants with ancient histories, and learn more about the lives of these colossal reptiles. Exhibition admission is free with a museum ticket. Dinos in the Wild continues through August 17.

 

Support Flood Relief at Band Together Texas, Aug. 17, 7 p.m., Moody Center (2001 Robert Dedman Drive). Catch the likes of Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Lyle Lovett, Randy Rogers Band, and Ryan Bingham at this incredible benefit concert. All proceeds go toward The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas Community Foundation. In addition to all the musical acts, the show will feature appearances from Texas stars like Matthew McConaughey, Roger Clemens, and Vince Young.

 

**Tickets are now on sale for Austin Chronicle’s 35th Annual Hot Sauce Festival Sunday, September 7**

 

Wednesdays on the Water: ’70s and ’80s Night, Wednesday 20, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. You don’t really need an excuse to head to the notable Lake Austin views at Mozart’s around sundown, but for those with an itch for nostalgia, there’s every reason to head west. Musician Carly Wascom will be covering all the hits from the Seventies and Eighties with a set dedicated to each decade (in case you don’t like your guitars and synths to mingle). In between those sets are trivia and prizes. Step up the atmosphere by renting a paddleboard or floater chair to enjoy the show from the water. All the usual drinks and goodies will also be available, because all of that harkening back takes it out of you

 

 

Coming Soon:

 

PBR Team Series – Gambler Days 8/22/25 – 8/24/25, Moody Center
An action-packed team bull riding competition features the most exciting 8 seconds in sports featuring some of the world’s best bull riders and the local Austin Gamblers.  https://www.ticketmaster.com/austin-gamblers-tickets/artist/3101664

 

Austin Train Show Saturday, Aug. 23-Sunday, Aug. 24 Times vary Palmer Events Center, $8+ Explore 25,000+ sqft of vendors, model trains, rides, clinics, and prizes. https://austintrainshow.org/

 

 

Austin Pride Parade & Festival, 8/23/25. Fiesta Gardens. Celebrated during Austin Pride Month each August, don’t miss this giant parade down Congress Avenue during the largest annual LGBTQI advocacy and fundraising event in Central Texas. https://austinpride.org/pride-2025/

 

Le Garage Sale, August 23 & 24, Palmer Events Center. This semi-annual Austin event features top fashion and accessories from Austin’s independent boutiques and local labels under one roof for a two-day shopping event. At Le Garage Sale, you can expect an expertly curated mix of 100+ local businesses.

 

Opening Night Swim at The LINE Hotel Austin,  August 28 from 7-10 pm. Line Hotel (111 E. Cesar Chavez St.).  Poolside set by DJ HoneyPocket and pop-up art exhibit featuring work by Austin-based artists Iris Kwon and Steph Granillo

 

 

 Austin Restaurant Weeks (Aug. 29-Sept. 14) Various locations. You can help by dining out at participating restaurants during Austin Restaurant Weeks, a two-week-long dining extravaganza featuring specially priced lunches, dinners, and cocktails at restaurants throughout the greater Austin area. A portion of the price of each meal goes directly to the Central Texas Food Bank, which can make the most of each dollar due to its purchasing power in the community. https://www.austinrestaurantweeks.org/

 

Independent Music Showcase at Antone’s, August 29 from 7-11 pm. Antone’s (305 E. 5th St.). A blend of contemporary cumbia, conjunto, and experimental acts from San Antonio and Austin-based artists Vanita Leo, Olivia Komahcheet, and Belen Escobedo’s Trio

 

 

 

The Front Fest, 8/30/25 – 9/1/25, Various Locations. The Front Fest is an end-of-summer festival, featuring performances, films and creative experiences putting Texas women and LGBTQ+ creatives of all kinds at the front of our lineups. https://thefrontfest.com/

 

Independent Film Showcase at Laguna Gloria, August 30, 7-11 pm Laguna Gloria (3809 W. 35th St).  A community picnic in the sculpture garden and lakeside amphitheater plus 11 indie shorts by women and LGBTQ+ directors and writers. At 7 pm, there will be an Austin Creative Community Panel, followed by a lakeside sunset performance, and then from 8:40-11 pm, the short film showcase, featuring:

  • The Decades, written & directed by Adam Madge and Marléne Feliz Nina

  • Play Thing, written and directed by Sarah Joy Byington

  • Pizza My Heart, written by Christine Hoang & directed by Elizabeth V. Newman

  • PRINCESS, written & directed by Beverly “Bev” Chukwu

  • Neches, written & directed by Katy McCarthy

  • Tiger, written by Abbey Weber & directed by Katie Mack

  • Vestal Virgin Vengeance, written & directed by Virginia L. Montgomery

  • Our First Haunted Home, written by Mase Kerwick & directed by Elizabeth Mims

  • Behind The Strings: Amplifying Black Feminism in Guitar Culture, written by Jess Garland & directed by Judah Agbonhinka

  • SOMBRAS, written and directed by Sofia Alejandro Barrios

  • Circle of Return

 

 

 

3rd Annual Austin Women in Jazz Festival, Saturday, August 30, 2025

Austin, Austin PBS, Pfluger Keller Community Soundstage Building 3000 (at Wilhelmina Delco & Clayton Lane, Austin, TX 78752).  Get ready for the most electrifying jazz celebration of the year!

Back by popular demand, this year’s festival all-star lineup will feature:

Pamela Hart – Austin’s First Lady of Jazz

Jazmin Ghent – Soulful, smooth, and sensational

Jeanette Harris – Queen of Sax with fierce energy and style

Chelsey Green – A powerful fusion of jazz and soul violin

Doors Open: 5:00 pm, Showtime: 6:00 pm. All Reserved Seating. Cash Bar Service, Merchant Vendors, Complimentary Lite Snacks. Parking is available in open lot and in the parking garage. https://womeninjazz.org/event/festival2025/

 

2025 Texas Roller Derby | Sunday, Aug. 31 | 6 p.m. | Palmer Events Center | $34 | It’s the Calvello Cup Championship between the Cherry Bombs and the Rhinestones at this bout. https://txrd.com/

 

 

September 2025

 

FIA World Endurance Championships (Lone Star Le Mans),  9/5/25 – 9/7/25. Circuit of The Americas. Watch as the most extreme, top-performing cars go head to head in a six-hour long endurance race at Circuit of The Americas. This event is the only World Endurance Championships round taking place in North America so you don’t want to miss this race. https://circuitoftheamericas.com/event/fia-world-endurance-championship/

 

Bat Fest ,  9/6/25, Congress Avenue Bridge. Celebrate this batty event as the world’s largest urban bat colony (1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats which take up seasonal residence beneath the Ann Richard’s Congress Street Bridge) take to the skies for their nightly flight. Enjoy live music, children activities, a costume contest and more. https://www.roadwayevents.com/event/bat-fest/

 

3rd Annual Teresa Lozano Long Community Day,  Saturday, September 6, The Long Center (701 W. Riverside Drive) They are flinging the doors open for another FREE block-party bash featuring hosts of community partners, activities, and performances all over the building. Look forward to KIDosky crafts & games with Creative Action, BubblePalooza presented by H-E-B, live music, food trucks, and more! Make sure you’re following us @longcenter on social media so you don’t miss a thing. The Long Center is always yours, but especially on Teresa Lozano Long Community Day! RSVP recommended. https://thelongcenter.org/events/teresa-lozano-long-community-day-2/

 

University of Texas Football Season – UT vs San Jose State -9/6/25 11am game. D.K.R. Memorial Stadium. Cheer on the University of Texas Longhorns at one of their home games at D.K.R. Texas Memorial Stadium on select Saturdays from September to November. For the first year ever, the Longhorns will compete in the Southeastern Conference(SEC), and go head-to-head with some of the top teams in the country.

 

H-E-B Free First Sunday at The Bullock Museum, September 7, 2025 10:00am – 5:00pm. Bullock State History Museum (1800 Congress Ave.)

Defy gravity with out-of-this-world family fun at the Bullock Museum.

Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Activities are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore the Story of Texas through three floors of exhibitions that showcase and tell the history of artifacts from around the state.

Activities:

  • 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a space-themed storytime and craft with Austin Public Library

  • Learn about space missions through demonstrations, information, and activities with NASA Ambassador Russell Glenn

  • Participate in a Solar System Walk and create a bracelet with Starry Sky Austin on the Museum plaza

  • Learn about the study of stars with representatives from the McDonald Observatory

  • Explore a mobile planetarium with Texas State Astronomy Club

https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/

 

 

Austin Chronicle’s 35th Annual Hot Sauce Festival Sunday, September 7, Far Out Lounge and Stage 3pm to 9pm . Attendees will get to sample sauces from 25 commercial bottlers, discovering new favorites and electing winners for the 2025 People’s Choice Awards. Get ready to sample dozens of tasty hot sauces and spicy goods, enjoy live music, sip cold drinks, and dig into local eats, all while supporting the Central Texas Food Bank!

$15 Pre-sale | $20 Day-of. A portion of every ticket sold benefits the CTFBDon’t miss the fiery showdown as we present awards for the festival’s friendly Hot Sauce Competition during the event, with top places for commercial bottlers, local restaurants, and bold, individual creations. https://tickets.austinchronicle.com/events/the-austin-chronicle-35th-annual-hot-sauce-festival-presented-by-eastvillage-9-7-2025

 

¡VIVA Mexico! 9/13/25. Oswaldo Cantu Pan Am Recreation Center
The Mexican-American Cultural Center will host its annual Viva México celebration to showcase visual art, dance and musical performances that explore Mexico’s history through cultural art traditions. https://www.austintexas.gov/page/viva-mexico

 

Fall Pecan Street Festival, 9/13/25 – 9/14/25. Hill Country Galleria
The Pecan Street Festival is a free, bi-annual juried music, arts and crafts festival. Visitors will experience a lively street fair with vendors, artists, musicians, food, drinks and more. https://pecanstreetfestival.org/

 

UT vs UTEP Sep 13 (Sat) 3:15 p.m. CT D.K.R. Memorial Stadium. Cheer on the University of Texas Longhorns at one of their home games at D.K.R. Texas Memorial Stadium on select Saturdays from September to November. For the first year ever, the Longhorns will compete in the Southeastern Conference(SEC), and go head-to-head with some of the top teams in the country.

 

 

Fantastic Fest , 9/18/25 – 9/25/25. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Fantastic Fest is the largest genre film festival in the U.S., specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, action and just plain fantastic movies from around the world. https://www.fantasticfest.com/

 

UT vs Sam Houston Sep 20 (Sat) 7 p.m. CT D.K.R. Memorial Stadium. Cheer on the University of Texas Longhorns at one of their home games at D.K.R. Texas Memorial Stadium on select Saturdays from September to November. For the first year ever, the Longhorns will compete in the Southeastern Conference(SEC), and go head-to-head with some of the top teams in the country.

 

Live from New York: The Lorne Michaels Collection September 20, 2025, Harry Ransom Center (The University of Texas at Austin, 300 West 21st Street).  This offers an unprecedented look behind the scenes of the early career of Lorne Michaels, his groundbreaking work on Saturday Night Live, and his wide array of iconic film and television productions. “Visitors to this exhibition will rediscover memorable moments that have shaped television and film history over the past fifty-plus years,” said Stephen Enniss, Director of the Harry Ransom Center. “The Lorne Michaels Collection will be an enduring resource for understanding the creative alchemy he mastered, while also illuminating the broader cultural currents that have defined his, and our, life and times.” Featuring materials from the Lorne Michaels Collection, a landmark donation to the Ransom Center that was announced in January 2025, the exhibition spans more than five decades of comedy, satire, and cultural commentary. Visitors will encounter annotated scripts, production notes, rare photographs, as well as props and costumes on loan from NBC Universal, Paramount Pictures, and others.

Highlights include:

  • Michaels’s early outline for Saturday Night Live.

  • The iconic Cowbell and Five-Timers Club jacket.

  • The torn photograph of Pope John Paul II from Sinéad O’Connor’s SNL musical guest appearance.

  • Costumes for legendary SNL characters like Matt Foley and Church Lady, as well as from other Lorne Michaels’s projects such as Mean Girls, Wayne’s World 2, A Night at the Roxbury, and 30 Rock.

  • Posters, screenplays, and production materials from ¡Three Amigos!, Portlandia, Tommy Boy, and more.

 

Austin Museum Day, 9/21/25. Various Locations. Organized by the Austin Museum Partnership, this special day features free exhibitions and activities at participating Austin-area museums and cultural sites. https://www.austinmuseums.org/about-austin-museum-day

 

Pride in Local Music Festival, 9/21/25, 3Ten at ACL Live. The Pride in Local Music concert event celebrates local music through the rainbow heartbeat of our great music city, produced by the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. The day features musical performances from local artists at one of Austin’s most iconic venues. https://austinlgbtchamber.com/prideinlocalmusic/

 

HAAM Benefit Day, 9/23/25. Various Locations. The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) hosts an annual, citywide benefit to raise support for local musicians. For one day, hundreds of local music showcases and concerts will take place, featuring many of your favorite local musicians. https://www.myhaam.org/haam-day

 

Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail, September 25 to November 30. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail is coming to Texas for the first time to light up the Wildflower Center from September 25 to November 30. The all-ages event, presented by Texas Performing Arts (TPA), will create an immersive environment where fans can experience the film’s two iconic locales: Halloween Town and Christmas Town. A press release promises “captivating scenes, music, and video projections.”

Austinites who enjoy experiences like the Trail of Lights or Pumpkin Nights will likely also enjoy this installation, which includes 3D-printed statues of characters like Jack Skellington, Zero, Sally, The Mayor of Halloween Town, and Oogie Boogie; fun images projected onto the trail; and a lot of atmospheric sounds. The show covers 8,300 square feet and according to the website, takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete — although online reviews have widened this range from 10 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on how fast you move and whether or not you wait for pictures on a busy night.

Since the experience already debuted at the New York Botanical Garden last year, prospective ticket-buyers can check out walkthrough videos to decide if they want to go. (But beware of spoilers!) The New York and Austin experiences are the only ones running this year.  The Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from “dusk” to 10:15 pm. Entry times will vary by week. Tickets (timed entry is $31 for children and $41 for adults, or flexible entry is $51) will be available starting August 15 at texasperformingarts.org. Texas Performing Arts’ Texas Inner Circle members and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center have pre-sale access as of August 11.https://thenightmarebeforechristmaslighttrail.com/

 

LEVITATION September 25-28 with a stacked four-day lineup and a new central venue home, Palmer Events Center, with nightly venue programming at beloved Red River venues still intact. This is the biggest and best year of this independent festival yet, where there’s something for everyone – all in the central downtown area. https://levitation.fm/

 

American Indian Heritage Day 2025, September 26, 2025 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bullock Museum (1800 Congress Ave). Join the Bullock Museum and the Native American Cultural Center in a celebration of the 13th Annual American Indian Heritage Day!

With House Bill 174, the Texas State Legislature named the last Friday in September American Indian Heritage Day, which recognizes the historic, cultural, and social contributions American Indian communities and leaders have made to the state. The Bullock Museum, in partnership with Native American Cultural Center, celebrates our community’s Indigenous cultures with its special American Indian Heritage Day program.

The day will feature a range of activities, with dancing and drumming performances and interactive experiences for school groups at the Museum.

Program for School Groups and Museum Visitors
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

  • Learn about the diversity and rich legacy of Native Americans living in Texas today.

  • Discover cultural traditions at hands-on activity stations.

  • Enjoy dancing and drumming performances by the Native American Cultural Center in the Museum Grand Lobby.

Performances: 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 12 to 12:30 p.m.

 

 

 

The Science of Sports & Movement, Saturday | September 26 at 6 – 10 pm. Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, This will be a celebration of all things moving! Show off your skills with interactive fitness demos, games on the lawn, and much more! We’ll close the evening with a special screening of the nostalgic classic movie, Little Giants.

October 2025

Austin City Limits Music Festival, 10/3/25 – 10/5/25 & 10/10/25 – 10/12/25, Zilker Park, One of the country’s largest celebrations of music, this six-day festival brings the magic of the famed public TV series Austin City Limits outside the studio and into Austin’s most beloved park with more than 140 musical acts on eight stages over two weekends. https://www.aclfestival.com/

 

Boo at the Zoo, 10/3/25 – 10/25/25 (Friday & Saturday only), Austin Zoo
Bring the kids in full costume to Boo at the Zoo (Friday and Saturday nights in October), where they can experience the Austin Zoo in a whole new way: in the dark. Train rides, musical entertainment and unlimited Haunted House visits are also included in the fun. https://austinzoo.org/

 

 

Austin Oktoberfest, 10/11/25, German Free School (507 E 10th St).The German-Texan Heritage Society hosts this annual festival, the longest and most traditional Oktoberfest in Austin. The event will feature all things German, including food, drinks, music, and Gemütlichkeit (a German word used to describe a state of belonging, warmth, and friendliness). Don’t miss this kid-friendly event.

 

 The Sculpture Tour Awards + Concert (Georgetown) Thursday, October 16 Georgetown Art Center (816 S. Main St.) The Sculpture Tour Awards + Concert considers works by a new crop of artists on the Georgetown Sculpture Tour — a year-long engagement that just received its last 2025-2026 on August 1. There will be a pop-up exhibit at the Georgetown Art Center (816 S. Main St.), an announcement regarding the winners, and then an outdoor screening of Frankenstein, plus a live performance by the Central Texas Philharmonic. https://visit.georgetown.org/arts/st-awards.php

 

 

 

Formula 1 United States Grand Prix 10/17/25 – 10/19/25 Circuit of The Americas. The pinnacle of motorsports is returning to Texas for a three-day celebration of speed and sound! The Formula 1 USGP provides an action-packed experience that fuses world-class racing with major championship implications. There’s no shortage of star power off-track as superstars headliners hit the Super Stage on with post-race performances each night.

 

The Georgetown Autumn Art Stroll (Georgetown) Friday, October 17.   will cover several blocks in the Downtown Georgetown Cultural District, offering “interactive arts experiences” including live music, artist demonstrations, history exhibits, and shopping. Stroll attendees can also stop by restaurants along the way for special deals. https://visit.georgetown.org/arts/stroll.php

 

Night Market, (Cedar Park) 10/18/25 Lakeline Park (1510 Alexis Dr). The Lunar Foundation and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce have partnered to host Night Market, a celebration of the year of the Wood Snake through an immersive, story-driven experiential event. This event will feature family-friendly programming during the afternoon and heat up with a happening nightlife scene after dark. Night Market highlights the best of the Asian community in and around Austin with vendors, food, live music, onsite activations and more.  https://www.nightmarket.fun/

 

The fourth annual South Main Arts Festival (Georgetown) Saturday, October 18: It is the most familiar arts festival with artist booths, interactive drumming, mural painting, art demos, food trucks, and live music including Shelley King and Carolyn Wonderland.  https://visit.georgetown.org/arts/smaf.php

 

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival (Fredericksburg) | October 22nd – 26th.   The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is a non-profit organization that celebrates, showcases and nurtures our region’s rich agricultural heritage, outstanding culinary experiences and award winning wineries. Through our programs and events, we support charitable organizations in the Texas Hill Country, ensuring prosperity and innovation within our community. Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is the premier culinary and wine experience in the Texas Hill Country, showcasing food, wine, craft beverage and Texas Hill Country culture.  https://www.fbgfoodandwine.com/

 

Austin Film Festival,  10/23/25 – 10/30/25. Downtown Austin
Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the country, this cinematic event shines the spotlight on both top-billed films and indies alike.  https://austinfilmfestival.com/

 

Austoberfest, 10/25/25. Scholz Garten. This year, the Austin Saengerrunde will celebrate the annual Austin Oktoberfest at Scholz Garten, the oldest continuously operating tavern in the state. This festival celebrates German heritage in Texas with beer, sausage, live music and bowling! https://saengerrunde.org/events/austoberfest-2024/

 

Viva la Vida Fest, 10/25/25. Mexic-Arte Museum. Hosted by the Mexic-Arte Museum, the long-running annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) exhibition pays tribute to the tradition that celebrates the return of the dead by their families and friends. https://mexic-artemuseum.org/event/viva-la-vida-2025/

 

Wicked Oaks Festival, 10/25/25 – 10/26/25. Carson Creek Ranch (701 Dalton Ln). Get a jump on Halloweekend at the first-ever Wicked Oaks Festival at Carson Creek Ranch. This new festival brings together three Austin events, Freaky Deaky, Summoning and Illfest, for one packed weekend of EDM music and immersive art displays. https://wickedoaksfest.com/

 

 

Austin Symphony Orchestra Presents: Halloween Children’s Concert Date TBD. Long Center This concert is a wonderful chance for you to introduce your children to the wonders of live orchestral music and also a great opportunity to wear costumes and have tons of fun. The concert hall will be decorated top to bottom to enhance your little one’s concert experience. https://austinsymphony.org/

 

November 2025

UT vs Vanderbilt  Nov 1 (Sat) 11 a.m. CT  D.K.R. Memorial Stadium. Cheer on the University of Texas Longhorns at one of their home games at D.K.R. Texas Memorial Stadium on select Saturdays from September to November. For the first year ever, the Longhorns will compete in the Southeastern Conference(SEC), and go head-to-head with some of the top teams in the country.

 

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest, Lockhart, Tx 11/1/25 – 11/2/25. Texas Monthly hosts the annual Texas Monthly BBQ Festival just south of Austin in historic Downtown Lockhart, Texas. This two-day event features live music, an artisan market, live cooking demos and some of the best BBQ in the state.

 

Quesoff, 11/2/25, Mohawk. The annual festival and competition celebrating all things melted cheese is not to be missed. Home-cooks, top chefs, friends, siblings and pets all compete in four delicious categories of queso dishes. Attendees have the opportunity to sample award-winning recipes from local chefs, restaurants and Austinites.

 

Austin Food + Wine Festival, 11/7/25 – 11/9/25, Auditorium Shores. Pamper your palate in one of the hippest cities in the country at the Austin Food + Wine Festival. Join top chef talent, sommeliers and winemakers from across the nation and Austin’s own acclaimed gourmet scene for an indulgent, three-day epicurean adventure unlike any other, topped off with live musical performances.

 

Wurstfest (New Braunfels, Tx), 11/7/25 – 11/16/25. Here, you’ll enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German, Texan and domestic beer, special events and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian Style Entertainment. It all happens at Wurstfest!

 

Austin Studio Tour, November 8–9 (1st weekend)  12:00pm – 6:00pm Daily. A FREE CITY-WIDE CELEBRATION OF ART. Since 2003, the Austin Studio Tour has connected artists with art lovers, weaving a strong foundation of community. We first joined the tour in 2016, and it has led to unforgettable memories, lasting friendships and the confidence to fully commit to our creative practice.

 

Austin Celtic Festival, 11/8/25 – 11/9/25. Pioneer Farms. This annual festival returns to Pioneer Farms this November, along with the 2025 Scottish Highland Games World Championships. Check the website for the full schedule of events, music lineup, special guests and more.

 

Texas Book Festival, 11/8/25 – 11/9/25, Texas State Capitol Grounds
The Texas Book Festival has evolved into one of the premier literary events in the country and hosts about 250 authors each year. Join in with other bookworms for readings, panel discussions, signings, cooking demonstrations, live music, local food, YA authors, children’s activities and more.

 

Miracle on 5th Street, 11/14/25 – 12/28/25, The Eleanor. Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in the most festive and nostalgic setting in the city. Featuring wall-to-wall Christmas decor, multiple bars, cheery social experiences and a whole lot of Christmas spirits.

 

Austin Studio Tour, Second weekend Nov 15–16, 12:00pm – 6:00pm Daily. A FREE CITY-WIDE CELEBRATION OF ART. Since 2003, the Austin Studio Tour has connected artists with art lovers, weaving a strong foundation of community. We first joined the tour in 2016, and it has led to unforgettable memories, lasting friendships and the confidence to fully commit to our creative practice.

 

Texas Craft Brewers Festival, 11/15/25, Fiesta Gardens. The Texas Craft Brewers Festival brings together small and independent breweries from around the state of Texas. Taking place in the beautiful Fiesta Gardens outdoor space right on Lady Bird Lake, visitors can expect attendance from more than 70 breweries and a variety of local food vendors.

 

A Christmas Affair, 11/20/25 – 11/23/25, Palmer Event Center. A Christmas Affair is a five-day holiday market benefiting The Junior League of Austin. The annual event hosts 200+ retail merchants and attracts 25,000+ patrons.  As a new tradition started in 2020, The Junior League of Austin has also launched A Christmas Affair Virtual Marketplace.

 

University of Texas Football – UT vs Arkansas Nov 22 (Sat) Flex (2:30-3:30 p.m. or 5-7 p.m. CT) D.K.R. Memorial Stadium. Cheer on the University of Texas Longhorns at one of their home games at D.K.R. Texas Memorial Stadium on select Saturdays from September to November. For the first year ever, the Longhorns will compete in the Southeastern Conference(SEC), and go head-to-head with some of the top teams in the country.

 

University of Texas Football – UT vs Texas A&M Nov 28 (Fri) 6:30 p.m. CT.  D.K.R. Memorial Stadium. Cheer on the University of Texas Longhorns at one of their home games at D.K.R. Texas Memorial Stadium on select Saturdays from September to November. For the first year ever, the Longhorns will compete in the Southeastern Conference(SEC), and go head-to-head with some of the top teams in the country.