House of Torment, Now-November 9, House of Torment. Austin’s most famous haunted house cracks open the door to terror for the 24th year with its biggest scares yet, and plenty of treats to go along with the tricks. houseoftorment.com.

 

Pumpkin Nights, September 18th- October 31st. 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Pioneer farms, Pioneer Farm Drive. The Pumpkins roll into town starting September 18th and go through October 31st. Join us for a Halloween experience filled with bewitching art, thrilling fire shows, and over 7,500 hand-crafted pumpkin displays.  Born from a passion for local artistry and the ethereal magic of the season, our mission sidestepped the usual gore and scares of Halloween, choosing instead to embrace the warmth and wonder of fall.  At PUMPKIN NIGHTS, you’ll journey through a half-mile trail dotted with the Forbidden City, a Pirate’s Cove, and other lands, all illuminated by over 7,500 meticulously hand-carved real and artificial pumpkins. But the magic doesn’t end there; at The Village, where fall food, fire dancing, and games set the mood for an unforgettable night.

Tickets are limited — get yours today and don’t miss out. Ticket prices vary based on availability. The earlier you buy, the cheaper your tickets will be! https://www.pumpkinnights.com/austin

 

Austin International Drag Festival, Thursday 18 – Sunday 21, Holiday Inn Midtown, Elysium & Valhalla. Ten years of wigs, padding, makeup, and more continue this weekend at the returning Austin International Drag Festival. Despite taking a funding hit earlier this year thanks to the federal government’s continued attacks on diverse arts orgs, the festival welcomes tons of top-tier talent to their stages including headliners like Mistah Aphrodite, Ricky Rose, Buck Wylde, and May May Graves; featured performers like Dr. Fatty Acid and Dotte Com; oodles of drag-centric vendors slinging their wares like Rose Dynasty; and plenty more fabo names and faces that just don’t fit in my word count limit. Support local, national, and international drag this weekend in the most fun way possible. https://www.austindragfest.org/

 

 

 

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/

 

Blue Lapis Light Presents: Urban Dreaming, Sept. 18-21 & 25-28, RBJ Residential Tower (21 Waller) Multiple award-winning ensemble Blue Lapis Light has always taken artistic leaps in their mission to create innovative site-specific dance works that incorporate the surrounding environment. For the immersive movement opera Urban Dreaming, the company’s skilled aerial dancers will leap from Downtown building RBJ Residences, a 16-story senior living complex that sits just east of I-35 near the shore of Lady Bird Lake. Viewers will perch atop an adjacent parking garage for a unique experience of what Blue Lapis Light says is “a call to awaken, to remember our sacred interconnectedness, and to imagine a universe where we move as one.” www.bluelapislight.org

 

 

VIBE Weekend, September 19 & 20, Old Sixth Street. The Downtown Austin Alliance is debuting VIBE Weekend, a new downtown experience celebrating stories of Austin through music, art and culture on the historic 500 block of Old Sixth Street at Palm Door on Sixth and the parking lot at 522 E. Sixth St. Free and open to the public, this two-day event features live and musical performances, art installations and creative experiences for all ages. https://futurefronttexas.org/vibe

 

Quixotic States, Friday 19 – Sunday 21, Zilker Hillside Theater (2206 William Barton Drive).  6:30 PM.The Morgan Mackay Teel-founded nonprofit Dance Waterloo ponders the beauty in the natural via this outdoor performance set during “golden hour.” Here, choreography blends with the Zilker venue’s landscape and the dancers move “like a living mirage – balancing the dreamy with the grounded, the fleeting with the felt.” Accompanying this movement will be a grounding sound bath performed by Andrea Chiba, as well as a post-performance Q&A with the artists

 

 

 

TEXAS WOMEN SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL (Lockhart), Friday-Sunday, Sept. 19-21 Downtown Lockhart, Texas. mCelebrate the inaugural weekend of the Texas Women Songwriters Festival, September 19-21, in historic downtown Lockhart, Texas! Enjoy multi-artist song swaps across nine walkable venues featuring Texas women songwriters you love and powerful new voices in collaboration. FREE and open to the public! Headliner tickets and VIP passes available online. https://twsfest.com/

 

 

Fear Fair: Haunted Carnival Maze at Sign Bar, September 19, 2025 8:00 pm, Sign Bar (9909 FM 969 Bldg 3). Sign Bar will transform into a nightmare-fueled carnival with Fear Fair, a twisted haunted maze with creepy clowns, carnival games, and jump scares at every turn from September 19 through November 2. After braving the maze, guests can wind down with spooky cocktails from Sign Bar’s limited-edition Halloween menu. $6.50 – $14.50

 

Victorian Picnic, Saturday, September 20, French Legation, 802 San Marcos St, Austin.  11 AM – 3 PM. Free grounds admission | $5 program fee for Fare Talk & Activity

Step back in time for a charming afternoon on the historic grounds of the French Legation. Victorian Picnic Day celebrates the 19th-century rise of leisure, music, and (of course) picnics. Pack your own basket and enjoy live folk jams from Austin Friends of Traditional Music, lawn games, and a lively square dance. Learn about Victorian picnic traditions during the Picnic Fare Talk & Activity, and cool off with popsicles from Mom and Pop’s. https://thc.texas.gov/events/victorian-picnic-day

 

 

Longhorn City Limits- Bowling for Soup,  Saturday, September 20, 2025   Texas Athletics is proud to announce pop punk pioneers Bowling For Soup will headline Longhorn City Limits presented by Hollister on Saturday, September 20 prior to Texas Football’s non-conference game versus the Sam Houston Bearkats.  Located on the LBJ Lawn, Van Full of Nuns will kick off LCL at 3:30 p.m.  Admission is FREE for Longhorn City Limits concerts all season long. Prior to that, Van Full of Nuns will take the stage at 3:30 p.m.  Formed in 2019, they bring the high-energy nostalgia of pop-punk and emo to the stage, delivering explosive shows packed with both fan-favorite covers and their own hard-hitting originals. The fan-favorite postgame silent disco returns to LCL on September 20 following the Longhorns’ game versus the Bearkats.  Featuring three live DJs, fans who attend will receive a pair of wireless headphones and the ability to choose between three different channels. Fans will once again enjoy signature experiences at Longhorn City Limits. Located upon entry onto the LBJ Lawn, the Tito’s Tailgate at Longhorn City Limits is free to the public for fans 21 and older. Enjoy refreshing Tito’s cocktails on tap for purchase, shaded views of the stage performances, and misting stations that provide the perfect spot to hang and stay cool while tailgating in real Texas fashion. Stop by for a chance for exclusive Tito’s x Texas bandanas while supplies last, tailgating games and more! Fans attending Longhorn City Limits can get award-winning barbecue at Pinkerton’s BBQ on gamedays.  Recognized by Texas Monthly as a “Top 50 BBQ Joint” from 2017-2025, the LCL location is Pinkerton’s first satellite location in Austin. Concert goers can also enjoy pregame happy hour pricing featuring select $5 domestic and $6.50 premium beers at Longhorn City Limits.  Admission is FREE for Longhorn City Limits concerts all season long.

 

Texas Football vs. Sam Houston State, September 20, Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns wrap up their nonconference slate with a home tilt against the Bearkats. UT should win this contest comfortably, but star linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and the rest of Texas’ defense will still need to be wary of SHSU dual-threat quarterback Hunter Watson. texaslonghorns.com/sports/football.

 

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.

 

Live Oak Brewing Co. Oaktoberfest, September 20. Live Oak Brewing’s Oaktoberfest is back Saturday, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Expect stein-hoisting competitions all day, their classic Märzen Lager on tap, and live music by Dead Music Capital Band (2–4 p.m.) and Austin Polka Band (4:30 p.m.). Food trucks include The Black Forest and Texas Drip BBQ. The day also features the Paul McBeth Foundation’s Throw For More disc golf fundraiser and a special event with Another Round ATX. UT fans can catch the game in the taproom—wear burnt orange for $1 off drafts.

 

Opening weekend of The Harvest of Fall at Sweet Berry Farms (Marble Falls) Open Regular Hours September 20th thru November 2nd, Open Weekends ONLY November 8th – November 30th. Sweet Berry Farms (1801 FM 1980

Marble Falls, ), The Harvest of Fall Fun is at Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls

is the original (24 years), biggest (152 acres), and best laid out Central Texas Strawberry and Pumpkin Patch! Texas Maze, Pick-Your-Own Flowers, Barrel Trains, Berry Bounce, Goat Racers, Candy Corn Maze, Paint-a-Pumpkin, Hayrides, and much more.

 

Summer’s Gone Fest, Saturday 20, Sunny’s Backyard (3526 E. 7th Street). Many of us are still in denial that summer is over. (Or coming to a close? Um, the autumnal equinox isn’t until Sept. 22.) Anyway, it feels functionally over, and that seems cause for mourning or celebration, depending on your seasonal preference. The indoor/outdoor Eastside bar is throwing a vinyl release party of “Good Timin’” for Thanks Light…, and the Loveshakers will go on at 8pm. Vending of vintage clothing will take place along with food pop-ups. Doors at 7pm, and it’s free. https://www.sunnysbackyard.com/

 

Oita Japan Festival, Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 12 pm – 6 pm.  The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Come immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Japan at the Oita Japan Festival! Enjoy live performances by the Bamboo Boys from Oita, J-POP idols, and traditional dancers, or get up close with exciting martial arts like kendo and jujutsu.

If you get hungry, explore the flavors of Japan with delicious food and drinks, or find unique treasures in the artisan marketplace.

You can also witness a one-of-a-kind Shinto ceremony and a live bluefin tuna breakdown demonstration by Chef Take’ Asazu from Kome restaurant. He’ll be flying in a Japanese bluefin tuna just for the event, which will be turned into fresh Bluefin Temaki. Make sure to pre-order your temaki rolls as they are expected to sell out quickly!Starts at $31https://www.austinoita.org/2025-oita-japan-festival

 

 

Art Erotica, Saturday 20, Distribution Hall. Ah: The perverted nature of art finally pays off! This art auction put on by volunteer org the Octopus Club features sensual works from multiple different artists in multiple different styles and utilizing multiple different mediums, all of which you can bid on. That money you lay down for these sexy pieces directly helps Vivent Health’s Paul Kirby Emergency Fund, which allows the sexual health clinic to assist their clients in dire straits. Buying a big erotic artwork and knowing it’ll help someone in need get their groceries, pay their utilities or rent, and refill their prescriptions? Now that’s just the kind of care I like my freaky creative communities to facilitate.

 

 

 

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/

 

Austin FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC, September 21, Q2 Stadium. Get into your Verde best and cheer on the home team as they take on Washington’s major league footballers. austinfc.com.

 

 

JOHN CLEESE AND THE HOLY GRAIL AT 50, Sunday, Sept. 21, ong Center. Celebrate 50 years of Monty Python and the Holy Grail at the Long Center on Sept. 21, with the one and only John Cleese! This once-in-a-lifetime event features a special screening of the beloved cult classic, followed by an uproarious conversation and audience Q&A with Cleese himself. https://thelongcenter.org/

 

The Austin Flea, Sun., Sept. 21, Meanwhile Brewing Co. (3901 Promontory Point). The always family- and dog-friendly Eastside brewery will be hosting local artists and creators to fill what can be mid-Sunday slump hours. Peruse their craft beer selection and take the kids to lunch at one of the several top-tier food trucks. You’re likely to find a quite happily surprising myriad of one-of-a-kind art, textiles, jewelry, soaps, ceramics, homewares, vintage clothes, and more. No need to get a ticket; the market is free to enter. fb.com/austinflea

 

 

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

 

Tuesday Twilights Featuring Kelsi Creek, September 23 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Lady Bird Wild Flower Center.We’re staying open late on Tuesdays, September 16 – November 11, to make more hours for wildflowers! Make it a date night, a picnic with friends, or come for some solo solace in nature. Each evening will feature live music from local musicians, a rolling lineup of Austin’s favorite food trucks, and take-and-walk adult beverages for purchase. Start your evening in the Courtyard with the soulful sounds of Tuesday Twilights fan-favorite Kelsi Creek. Blending alt-pop melodies with introspective lyrics, she sets the tone for a relaxed night with music that’s both heartfelt and atmospheric.

  • Grab something savory and delicious from Konfusedesi or CraigO’s.

  • Craving something sweet? Sweet Frida has you covered!

  • If you’ve been admiring wildflowers for at least 21 years, cocktails will be available for purchase.

  • Parking is limited, even with some extra options on La Crosse Avenue and in the streets of the nearby neighborhood. We suggest carpooling or using a rideshare to help keep the chill vibes of the evening going.

  • Please refrain from bringing in alcoholic beverages. There will be a bar on site for your convenience.

  • Things start winding down around 7:30 p.m., so be sure to get here at the top of the hour for our later ticket holders.

 

Ezov Meze Mash Up Series: Holiday, September 24, 2025 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Ezov (2708 E Cesar Chavez St.). Join Ezov, the Eastern Mediterranean restaurant from the award-winning Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, as they continue their Meze Mash Up monthly series with standout guest chef collaborations. On Wednesday, September 24, Ezov is thrilled to welcome Chef Peter Klein of the Holiday. Each guest chef will collaborate with the Ezov team to serve up exclusive, one-night-only dishes, in addition to Ezov’s regular dinner menu.

Reservations for Ezov’s Meze Mash Up dinner are available on OpenTable from 5-10 p.m. For more information on the series and to stay up-to-date on additional chef announcements, please visit www.ezovatx.com or follow along on Instagram at @ezovatx.

 

Comal County Fair And Rodeo (New Braunfels) , September 24 – 28, 2025. 701 E. Common St.The Comal County Fair, held annually in New Braunfels, Texas, is a cherished tradition that brings the community together for a celebration of culture, fun, and family. As the largest county fair in Central Texas, it features an exciting lineup of events, including rodeos, livestock shows, parades, live music, carnival rides, and a wide array of food vendors offering local favorites. Visitors can explore arts and crafts exhibits, enjoy thrilling competitions, and experience the vibrant spirit of Texas heritage. With something for everyone, from kids’ activities to evening concerts under the stars, the Comal County Fair offers a unique opportunity to make unforgettable memories in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Join us this year and see why it’s a must-visit event! https://comalcountyfair.org/

 

 

Banger’s Oktoberfest, September 25-27. Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden. Don your lederhosen and head to Banger’s for a three-day-long celebration of Oktoberfest. Bring the whole family (don’t forget your pup!) and celebrate with games and live music accompanied by authentic German food and beer available only at this annual celebration.

Thursday, September 25th

4:00pm: The Oompahs

8:00pm: Isaak Klaus & Lederhosen Junkies

Friday, September 26th

12:00pm: Mackenzie’s Good Time Polka Band

4:00pm: The Oompahs

8:00pm: Chansons Et Soulards

Saturday, September 27th

12:00pm: JD Casper

4:00pm: Mackenzie’s Good Time Polka Band

7:00pm Michael Hoffer & The Austin Attitude

https://www.bangersaustin.com/

 

 

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/

 

Zilker Sessions, Sept 25 Cosmic Coffee Pickle Road, 6:00pm – 11:00pm. Join us Thursday, September 25th for this year’s edition of Zilker Sessions! We’ll be at Cosmic Pickle on South Congress putting on live music from some of our favorite artists: the Lowdown Drifters (7-8:30) and Nether Hour (9-11)! Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the venue.No cover, but capacity is limited. There is limited parking, so we highly recommend using a ride share. https://www.zilkerbelts.com/pages/zilker-sessions

 

 

Next Stage – Free Concerts benefiting various local charities, Fridays 9/26-12/5) Central Machine Works. 12 free concerts on their renovated stage w/ 1200 capacity. Artists include Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas, Jade Bird, Rattlesnake Milk, Wild Child and more). https://www.cmwbrewery.com/

 

 

91st Annual St. Elias Mediterranean Festival,Friday, September 26, 2025 – Sunday, September 28, 2025 – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ENJOY DELICIOUS MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE-The renowned foods of Lebanon, Palestine, Greece, Eritrea and Russia. Gyros, Kibbee, Baklava, Spanakopita and Arabic Coffee are only the beginning as you feast outdoors on delicacies from the Mediterranean world. SHOP IN THE FESTIVAL’S MARKETPLACE-

A diverse bazaar with henna drawing, jewelry shopping, merchandise, and much more will have you spinning and turning for the best souvenirs to take home with you from this year’s wonderful Mediterranean festival.

KID FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES- Treat your children to games in the Festival’s Kids’ Oasis, along with face painting, a bouncy house, sweet treats, popping popcorn and swirling cotton candy. DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY- Dance the night away to Arabic, Greek, Romanian and many other songs from different cultures while enjoying the festival. https://www.austinmedfest.com/

 

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.

 

 

KUTX Rock the Park: The Tiarras + Joe McDermott, Sep 26, 2025. Mueller Lake Park Amphitheater.  6:30 – 8:00 P.M. Family-Friendly, Free Event, Rock the Park. KUTX’s Rock the Park – presented by Dell Children’s Medical Center, part of Ascension Seton – returns for the fall season with music from Joe McDermott at 6:30 P.M. and The Tiarras at 7:15 P.M. Free and family-friendly! Get all the details at the link below.

 

2025 Texas Fruit Festival, September 26 · 5pm – September 28 · 10pm. Casa de Luz Village (1701 Toomey Road Austin)

Enjoy being a part of one of the largest raw vegan events in the world! Unlimited fresh fruit, speakers, activities & amazing connections. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-texas-fruit-festival-tickets-1083343071289?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

 

Meanwhile Brewing Co. Oktoberfest, September 26-28.Meanwhile’s Oktoberfest runs Sept. 26–28 in Southeast Austin with steins of Oktoberfest and Märzen lagers, live polka bands, food specials, and games like all-ages stein hoisting and a pretzel toss. Music kicks off Friday with Yes Ma’am Brass Band and Big Wy’s Brass Band, continues Saturday with Comal Community Band and Dead Music Capital Band, and wraps Sunday with The Oompahs and Austin Polka Band. Taproom specials start at 8 a.m. Friday–Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday, with food truck specials available until sold out. Free and all-ages.

 

 

The Science of Sports & Movement, Saturday | September 27 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.

 

Ninth Annual Recovery in the Park, September 27, Fair Market. Combining inspiring stories of recovery with live music, this event features local community orgs coming together to share resources while having fun and enjoying free food. recoveryinthepark.com.

 

St. Jude Walk, September 27, PopStroke @ The Pitch -13000 Harris Ridge Blvd, If cancer can suck an egg then childhood cancer can suck a baker’s dozen eggs. Gather a team or just become a one-person donation-collecting machine while walking with some like-minded haters (of cancer, that is). stjude.org.

 

 

 

Uhland Fall Fest (Uhland), September 27, 2025 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Uhland Fall Fest (2400 Cotton Gin Rd.). The second annual Uhland Fall Fest returns Sept. 27–Nov. 2, taking place Saturdays and Sundays on a nearly 100-acre historic farmstead just 25 miles from Austin. Spanning 15 acres of shaded grounds, the family-friendly festival features fall-themed activities, games, food, live music, and attractions for all ages. Single-day tickets are $15 through Sept. 26 ($20 after) and multiday passes are $35 for access to all 12 days. Seniors 65+ and children 3 and under receive free admission.

 

Bat City Scaregrounds (Buda), September 27-November 1, Buda. “The best haunt house in Texas” returns for frightful performances and three horrifying haunted houses that are open to all ages. Beware of electrifying strums from live music performances by the Immortalz, Ghstflsh, and Tricie and the Phantom Punks. batcityscaregrounds.com.

 

H-E-B Free Fourth Sunday @Texas Science and Natural History Museum, Sunday, September 28, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The University of Texas at Austin campus at 2400 Trinity Street. Enjoy FREE museum admission all day during H-E-B Free Fourth Sundays, held the fourth Sunday of every month. Explore the story of life in the natural world in Texas from the formation of our planet, through the age of the dinosaurs, into our current environment. See fascinating fossils and examples of Texas wildlife, touch real meteorites, and walk beneath the 33-foot wingspan of a pterosaur and tyrannosaur!

The museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays (last admission is at 4:30 p.m.). https://sciencemuseum.utexas.edu/

 

October 2025

World Coffee Fest, October 1-5, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. At this caffeine lover’s paradise, celebrate everything coffee with samples from countries around the world, music and performances that span genres and cultures, and a variety of family-friendly activities. mozartscoffee.com.

 

Starlight Soiree, October 2nd, at The Domain,  Join the Domain and UMLAUF for an evening of dancing, shopping, dining and fun as we kick-off the season with our annual Starlight Soirée benefiting an Austin treasure, the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden Museum. General Admission tickets include: Unique Food Samplings from 20 Domain and Austin-area Restaurants  Complimentary Beer, Wine, and Bubbles from BOXT Wine, Red Horn Brewery, and Richard’s Rainwater Live Music & Entertainment from Plush Party Band  ‘Instagrammable’ Photo Opps  Raffles & Giveaways All Night Long  Surprise Activations starlightsoiree2025.splashthat.com

 

***October is Austin Legacy Business Month and this is one of my favorite things to do in October – Pick up your passport and check out all the fabulous legacy businesses!!****

 

2025 Legacy Business Month Kick-Off Party, Thursday, October 2, 2025, 6:00 PM  9:00 PM, Zilker Taproom (1701 East 6th Street). Legacy Business Month is back, y’all! October has been *officially* designated as Legacy Business Month by the City of Austin, and we’re celebrating once again! Join us at Zilker Brewing Company for the launch of Preservation Austin’s third annual celebration of the classic businesses that have been keeping Austin cool for over 20 years.

The kick-off party will feature:

  • Free LBM passports available for pickup! Preservation Austin staff will be on site to answer questions about this innovative program.

  • “Longtime Legacy,” a limited-edition fruited-sour beer crafted by Zilker Brewing Co. with custom can art from GRZ Monsters – it’s the official beer of Legacy Business Month! A portion of the proceeds will go to PA.

  • A passport photo-booth. Personalize your LBM passport with your picture – dress to impress!

  • Tasty food available for purchase from Spicy Boys.

We’re so grateful to our partners at Zilker Taproom who are generously donating a portion of the proceeds from the beer sales to Preservation Austin. And we’ll be joined by some of this year’s featured legacy business owners, which means you can grab a “Longtime Legacy” beer with some longtime legends! This event is free and open to the public, so come on over and join the party!

 

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/

 

Wild Waterloo: The Science of Sports & Movement, Friday, October 3 at 6 – 10 PM. Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. Presented in partnership with Families in Nature. This will be a celebration of all things moving! Learn new skills and show off your talents 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.

 

Oktoberfest (Fredericksburg), October 3-5, Fredericksburg. Polka and Western swing; German tacos and classic Kraut dogs; Hi-Striker competitions and lederhosen – it’s Oktoberfest at the Marktplatz in a mainstay of German Texas history. Drink, dance, and shop at this three-day festival in the heart of Fredericksburg. oktoberfestinfbg.com.

 

 

Round Rock Arts Fest (Round Rock) October 03, 2025 – October 5th. Centennial Plaza (301 W Bagdad Ave). Round Rock Arts Fest is an annual celebration of creativity in all of its forms, with live performances, food and drink, vendors of all kinds, visual artists, interactive art and music experiences, and more! Some of that “and more” includes a fun Oktoberfest with Bluebonnet Beer Company! This three day event is for families, residents, and visitors to Round Rock, and admission is free! Round Rock Arts Fest takes place at Centennial Plaza, in Downtown Round Rock, and is hosted by the City of Round Rock Arts and Culture.  Free https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/event/round-rock-arts-fest-2/

 

Oktoberfest on Main Street (La Grange),October 4, La Grange. You gotta love the description on La Grange’s web page of its annual Oktoberfest celebration: “Oktoberfest is Saturday, October 4th.” Other sources confirm the event will be held under the oaks on the town square, with over 60 craft beers to sample, authentic German wurst, and music from live bands. cityoflg.com/tourism/oktoberfest.

 

 

Sacred Springs Powwow (San Marcos), October 4-5, Meadows Center, San Marcos. Nonprofit Indigenous Cultures Institute organizes this two-day celebration featuring over 50 arts & crafts vendors, traditional drums and dancing, and a Native Cultures Tent featuring storytellers, musicians, and educational programming. sspowwow.com.

 

LA GRANGE OKTOBERFEST, Saturday, Oct. 4, 3-7p, Downtown La Grange, Texas. Oktoberfest on the square brings the best of fall fun to Historic Downtown La Grange! Set beneath the beautiful live oaks, this family-friendly celebration features kids’ games and activities, authentic German food, two live bands under the event tent along with over 60 craft beers to sample. GET TICKETS

 

 

H-E-B Free First Sunday, October 5, 2025 10:00am – 5:00pm. Dig your way through Texas history during a special day with the Texas Archeology Fair at the Bullock.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.

The Texas Archeology Fair showcases how archeology can be used to teach across cultures and disciplines.

Activities:

Watch flintknapping and atlatl hunting spear throw demonstrations

View clay pinch pots created by local elementary students and get a chance to create your own

Explore activity booths throughout the Museum hosted by archeologists, historians, tribal representatives, and cultural institutions

2 p.m. Purchase tickets to a special screening and filmmaker panel of The Stones Are Speaking

https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/

 

Panic at the Paramount Presents: Re-Animator Turns 40: A Screening and Conversation with Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton. Monday, October 6, 2025, Doors: 6pm, Show: 7pm. The Paramount Theatre

 

UMLAUF After Dark: Vibe Check, October 7, 2025 Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum | 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin. Keep the ACL energy going at UMLAUF After Dark: Vibe Check—a celebration of local sound, style, and soul. Immerse yourself with music, art, and energy that showcases the best of Austin’s creative scene. Whether you’re easing into the music marathon or just soaking up the atmosphere, Vibe Check sets the tone for an experience to remember.

Itinerary:

  • Community Partners

  • Specialty Cocktail

  • Immersive Music Performance

  • Karaoke

https://www.umlaufsculpture.org/

 

 

The Rocky Horror Picture Show, October 9, the Long Center. Ready your corsets and slices of toast because this 50th anniversary screening features not only the original unedited movie but Magenta herself, Patricia Quinn, joins the show with the DASH cast (Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston). thelongcenter.org.

 

 

Coming Soon:

 

Austin Horror Film Festival, October 9-11, 29th Street Ballroom

Head to the underground for three dark, dark nights of cutting-edge indie horror, curated into themed blocks that will stretch your nerves to breaking point and take a stab at your funny bone. austinhorrorfilmfestival.com.

 

 

USMNT vs. Ecuador, 10/10/25. Q2 Stadium. Head to Q2 Stadium to watch the U.S. Men’s National Team face off against Ecuador on October 10th. This exciting matchup, hosted by US Soccer, is a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring both the community’s cultural heritage and their passionate support for the U.S. team.

 

 

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.

 

Lone Star Zine Fest, October 11-12, Blue Genie, Stapled, sewn, folded, and scanned: There’s every type of zine under the Texas sun at the ninth annual event dedicated to DIY creativity. Shop over 100 vendors, participate in a comics jam and zine-making, and maybe snag a cool door prize or two. lonestarzinefest.org.

 

Outdoor Movie Night—The Wild Robot, Oct. 11:  Texas Science & Natural History Museum | The University of Texas at Austin (2400 Trinity St).Join us for an outdoor screening of the family-favorite movie “The Wild Robot” on Saturday, Oct. 11!

Bring blankets for the lawn or camp chairs for the patio. Snacks are welcome (no glass).

Your ticket includes museum admission plus the movie. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; film begins at 7:30 p.m., so come early to explore and grab your spot. Museum members get free admission!

 

Panic at the Paramount Presents:Pet Sematary + Hausu, Presented by Louisianna Purchase. w/ Preshow Drag Performance, Saturday, October 11, 2025, Doors: 6pm,  Event: 7pm The Paramount Theatre

 

Scarecrow Festival (Chappell Hill),  Saturday, October 11th, & 12th Enjoy the magical land of scarecrows, 400 vendors, food, live music, and family-friendly fun in Downtown Chappell Hill! Free admission, parking $10. https://www.facebook.com/ChappellHillScarecrowFestival/

 

 

Fossil Identification: National Fossil Day, Wednesday, October 15, 10 a.m. to noon; 2 to 4 p.m. Texas Science & Natural History Museum (The University of Texas at Austin 2400 Trinity St.) Celebrate National Fossil Day™ on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Texas Science & Natural History Museum! Bring your fossils for in-person identification by a paleontologist (between 10am-noon and 2pm-4pm). If you don’t have a fossil, bring your questions, and get hands-on with real specimens at our touchable fossils table. Check out amazing fossils throughout the museum as well, including a 33-foot cast replica of a full tyrannosaur skeleton and a wide assortment of paleontology specimens, and get a visual overview of over 600 million years of life in the region we now call Texas. Scouts can complete badge requirement 6a of the Earth History option.

All activities are included with the purchase of museum admission.

National Fossil Day, established by the National Park Service, is an annual celebration held to highlight the scientific and educational value of paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. Texas Science & Natural History Museum is excited to join other participating institutions in our 15th year of celebrating National Fossil Day!

 

Panic at the Paramount Presents:Keep off the Moors: An American Werewolf in London, Screening and Q&A with David Naughton, Thursday, October 16, 2025, Doors: 6pm, Show: 7pm. The Paramount Theatre

 

 

 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

 

Eastside Kings Festival, October 17-19, Multiple Eastside locations

Eastside Kings Foundation presents headline performances by Darrell Nulisch, Omar Coleman, Veronika Jackson, Jai Malano, and Mel Davis and the Blues Specialists, plus many more at their three-day extravaganza of blues, jazz, and gospel concerts by local and traveling artists on four East 12th stages. eastsidekingsfest.com.

 

 

2025 Austin Gem and Mineral Show, October 17–19 at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, Texas.The Austin Gem & Mineral Society (AGMS) is thrilled to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2025, marking three-quarters of a century dedicated to the education, appreciation, and preservation of the earth sciences. To honor this milestone, the Society proudly announces its Diamond Jubilee—a radiant theme that will headline this year’s Gem Capers show, taking place October 17–19 at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, Texas.

 

Austin Card Show, October 17 – 19, Palmer Event Center. Central Texas’s Largest Card show. https://www.austincardshow.com/

 

Fest of the Senses, Oct. 17:  Texas Science & Natural History Museum | The University of Texas at Austin (2400 Trinity St) Join Texas Science & Natural History Museum for an after-hours sensory celebration in which all five senses will come alive! At Fest of the Senses, you’ll taste, touch, see, smell and hear your way through an unforgettable evening of science, discovery and fun.

Enjoy live music in the Great Hall
Discover the Odornet—the aromas that surround us, embed memories and influence our behaviors with Dr. Molly Ogorzaly
Learn about light, color and depth perception—and how scientists use spectroscopy to see beyond what the eye can
Get hands-on with fossil specimens in the museum’s Discovery Center
Savor a coffee tasting experience with Texas Coffee Traders, exploring how roast levels and processing affect flavor
Make your own tie-dyed bandana in our outdoor classroom
Treat your tastebuds with creative cocktails at our cash bar and delicious bites for purchase from the Yapa Empanadas food truck

Mingle with other festgoers, explore museum exhibits and enjoy a night designed to stimulate curiosity—and every one of your senses. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience! $25 general admission.

. https://sciencemuseum.utexas.edu/events/fest-of-the-senses/

 

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

 

Deutschen Pfest, (Pflugerville), Friday, Oct.17 | 5-10 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 18 | 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.  Pfluger Park (515 City Park Rd) Guten Tag, Y’all! Deutschen Pfest is held every year in Pfluger Park! The Pfestival schedule is always bursting with pfun beginning on Friday with the event’s opening, children’s games and activities, shopping booths, competitions, live music, and pfun all weekend long! https://deutschenpfest.com/

 

11th Annual Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival (Dripping Springs) October 17-19, multiple locations. Celebrate the art of songwriting with 70 shows by more than 35 up-and-coming songwriters in historic downtown Dripping Springs, all for free. destinationdrippingsprings.com.

 

 

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/

 

Art From the Streets Show and Sale, October 18-19, Blue Genie. Aiming to provide a safe space for those experiencing homelessness to create and share their art, Art From the Streets presents their 33rd annual showcase. Featuring over a thousand artworks, many of the AFTS artists will be on hand to discuss their pieces as well. artfromthestreets.org.

 

 

No Kings Rally, October 18, location TBD. Consider this your “save the date” for the next national day of action led by No Kings, a coalition of groups like the ACLU, American Federation of Teachers, MoveOn, 50501, and more dedicated to peaceful protest pushing back on Trump’s authoritarian moves. www.nokings.org.

 

 

Diwali Festival of Light, October 18, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. Celebrate Diwali on the lake with holiday-inspired drinks, traditional snacks, cultural performances, activities for every age, and a dazzling light show. mozartscoffee.com.

 

Roots & Wings Festival, October 18 – November 2, multiple locations

Connect with your local ecosystem and neighbors during this eighth annual celebration of nature by finding a community-led event in a neighborhood near you. rootsandwingsfest.com.

 

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

 

The School-tastic Book Fair for Grown-ups, October 19, Baker Center. Spend a Sunday feeding your nostalgia for childhood book fairs of yore while enjoying the independence and buying power that comes with being the Awesome Adult Bibliophile you are today. Bonus: You’ll be supporting Austin independent booksellers and publishers, enjoying throwback jams and book-themed flash tats, and benefiting the AISD Literary Fund. instagram.com/schooltastic_bookfair.

 

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/

 

Hogeye Festival (Elgin) October 23-25, Downtown Elgin. We’ll spare you the pig puns, but rest assured they will be abundant at this swine soiree in the sausage capital of Texas. Thursday has a stroll and hog-calling contest, Friday brings the dance floor to the downtown streets, and Saturday features vendors, live music, and more. elgintexas.gov/191/Hogeye-Festival.

 

 

Austin Film Festival, October 23-30, multiple locations. Anybody can host a film festival. AFF is unique for its focus on the art and craft of screenwriting in its film lineup, writers conference, and awardees, which this year include Rian Johnson (Knives Out), Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar (Sing Sing), and producing legend Christine Vachon (Kids, Past Lives). 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/

 

Porsche Oktoberfest, October 25, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. Classic cars & fresh Bavarian pretzels! Mozart’s hosts a free classic car show mixed with iconic fall flavors and croissants. mozartscoffee.com.

 

Austin Record Convention, October 25 & 26, Palmer Event Center (900 Barton Springs Rd,). The Austin Record Convention is the largest sale of recorded music in the USA. From the 78’s of the 1930s, to CDs (and probably even a few 8-track tapes!), there are over one million 78s, 45s, LPs, CDs, cassettes, posters, collectibles and music-related memorabilia available here than at any one time, anywhere else in the country.

Over 300 different dealers from all over the U.S.A. and Europe are spread out over 40,000 square feet of floor space. The show is so big that to see everything takes most of the weekend! https://www.austinrecords.com/

 

Austin Coffee Festival, October 25 & 26, Palmer Event Center (900 Barton Springs Rd,) an immersive coffee experience. Enjoy the best specialty roasters and coffee shops with unique beans, delicious snacks, and live entertainment, during this one-of-a-kind coffee culture experience. https://www.austincoffeefestival.com/

 

 

Straw Fest! October 26, 2025. Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum | 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin Put on your best costume and join the UMLAUF for a FREE family day of games, fall crafts, a costume parade, straw pit, spider web maze, face painting, character performances, caricatures, educational activities, pumpkin decorating, goodies from H-E-B and more! https://www.umlaufsculpture.org/

 

Austin Symphony Orchestra Presents: Halloween Children’s Concert Sunday, October 26, 2025 3:00PM 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/

 

 

Panic at the Paramount Presents:Halloween (1978) + Mystery Film!

Presented by Robert Rodriguez (Double Feature), Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Doors: 6pm, Event: 7pm. The Paramount Theatre

 

Austin Jewish Film Festival, October 30-November 9, Dell Jewish Community Center. Expect film premieres, conversations with cast and crew, and parties aplenty. Can’t make it in person? Select titles will be available virtually Nov. 14-23. austinjff.org.

 

Panic at the Paramount Presents: Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin, Performing the live score to Dario Argento’s “Deep Red”, Friday, October 31, 2025, Doors: 7pm, Show: 8pm. The Paramount Theatre

 

 

November 2025

*** A Personal Favorite***

The 23rd Annual Travis Heights Art Trail, November 1st and 2nd, 11AM-5PM. This free, two-day, interactive art event is a collaborative effort that engages community businesses, schools, artists, and the public in an enriching cultural experience. The walkable tour in this historic Travis Heights neighborhood features arts and crafts from 70 professional Austin artists plus nonprofits. https://travisheightsarttrail.org/

 

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.

 

Día de los Muertos, Saturday, November 1 at 6 – 10 PM & Sunday, November 2 at 6 – 10 PM. Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. Long observed in Mexico to honor departed loved ones, Día de los Muertos is now embraced globally and right here in Austin. Waterloo Greenway will transform the Moody Amphitheater stage at Waterloo Park into a beautiful “ofrenda,” or altar, inviting the community to contribute their own photos, mementos, and traditions. This two-day event will feature inspiring music and dance performances, an artisan marketplace filled with local creatives, and family-friendly hands-on activities including crafts, face-painting, and more!

 

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.

 

Airplane! Unreleased Director’s Cut: Live with David Zucker and Robert Hays, NOV 6, 7:30PM. Long Center. You ever seen a… screening of the greatest comedy to ever hit the skies? Well surely you’ve seen Airplane! – but not like this! We have clearance, Clarence, to screen a never-before-released edit of Airplane! straight from the vault of the legendary film’s co-writer & co-director, David Zucker!

Following the screening (assuming they don’t have the fish for dinner), David Zucker and Robert Hays (“Ted Striker,” himself!) will take the stage for a live discussion and Q&A to share behind-the-scenes stories, insights, and personal memories from working on this genre-defining comedy masterpiece.

So put down that glue, because SURELY this is the wrong week to miss experiencing Airplane! LIVE and on the big screen like never before!

 

Austin Polish Film Festival, November 6-9, AFS Cinema. From nonprofit Austin Polish Society comes a celebration of Polish filmmaking from features to documentaries, shorts to animation, as well as presentations of incredible Polish poster art. austinpolishfilm.com.

 

Round Top Film Festival (Round Top), November 6-9, Round Top. Run by mother-daughter duo Shanna and Skylar Schanen, this film fest aims to bring the cinematic world to the heart of Round top via screenings, panels, and opportunities to connect with visionary filmmakers. oundtopfilmfest.org.

 

 

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!

 

Honky Tonk Fest, Saturday, Nov. 8, Jester King Brewery. Consider this a love letter to the culture that has taken over nightlife in Austin and beyond. On Saturday, Nov. 8, we’re transporting the vibrant neon glow of the capital city’s honky-tonks to an idyllic Hill Country setting at Jester King. Honky Tonk Fest boasts 9 artists on 2 different stages, two-stepping lessons, shopping, art, fashion, and food.

Spin around a dance floor under the Texas stars, sprawl out on blankets, feast on award-winning food, and get lost in an experience that harkens back to a bygone era that has been reinvigorated with electric new energy.

Lineup: Chaparelle, Emily Nenni, Honky Tonkin’ Queens, Aaron McDonnell & the Neon Eagles, Tate Mayeux, Cactus Lee, Paige Plaisance, The Mellows, Amy Wilcox. Programming: Two-step dance lessons, live dance performances, chicken sh!t bingo, art, vendors, vintage shopping, and a sunset goat graze. Food & Drink: Award-winning offerings from Jester King, KG BBQ, and JABS (winner of this year’s Burger Bash)

 

 

 

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.

 

Two-Step Night, Saturday, November 8 at 7 – 10 PM. Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. Presented in partnership with Native Texan Two Step.

Y’all come on out for a boot-scootin’ good time at Waterloo Park! Get ready for an evening of interactive two-step lessons for all levels set to a lively country western playlist, followed by a live band to keep the dance floor moving. Whether you’re a seasoned two-stepper or a first-time dancer, all are invited to enjoy twirling the night away at Waterloo Park! https://waterloogreenway.org/events/two-step-night-2

 

 

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.

 

Panic at the Paramount Presents: Evil Dead in Concert, Sunday, November 9, 2025, Doors: 6pm, Show: 7pm The Paramount Theatre

 

The 50th Annual Garage & Estate Sale, November 5 & 7-9, 2025 at the Palmer Events Center, https://www.settlementhome.org/garage-sale/

 

15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Nov. 13–15 in downtown Austin. Discover how big, bold ideas take shape; meet decision-makers; and get inspired to bring your own ideas to life. TribFest isn’t just another political event — it’s an up-close look at how big, bold ideas are made reality. Step inside the conversations shaping the future of education, the economy, health care, energy, technology, public safety, culture and the arts — with those driving decisions in Texas and across the nation.

 https://festival.texastribune.org/

 

Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 11/14/25 – 12/24/25. Blue Genie Art Bazaar

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a fixture of the Austin holiday season. With in-person and virtual shopping alternatives, shoppers can browse thousands of original works ranging from serious art to fun and kitschy items. A great way to buy hassle-free holiday gifts and support local artists.

 

 

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.

 

Celebrate Opera! A Birthday Celebration, November 15-16, The Long Center. For their 40th birthday, Austin Opera is gifting our town with arias, ensemble vocals, and other music from the likes of Verdi, Puccini, Bizet, Wagner, and more. Don’t worry if you don’t know Italian, French, and German; translated lyrics will be projected for your operatic edification. austinopera.org.

 

A Christmas Affair, 11/19/25 – 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.

 

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, November 21 – December 21, TexARTS New Facility. Greet the winter season with this charming Christmas classic featuring dazzling dances, lovely costumes, and plenty of yuletide cheer. tex-arts.org/events.

 

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.

 

Austin Powwow, November 22, Travis County Expo Center. Presented by the Native American Cultural Center, this gathering of over 400 Native dancers, arts & crafts vendors, and food booths returns to once again promote traditional knowledge and encourage cultural appreciation. austinpowwow.net.

 

The Front Market: Fall 2025 Season, Nov 22, 2025 – Nov 23, 2025 WATERLOO PARK (WATERLOO GREENWAY), 150+ artists, makers, craftspeople and small business owners 11 AM to 5 PM each day, Amplifying women & LGBTQ+ creatives.  Rain or shine

As always, we’ll be open from 11 AM to 5 PM on November 22 and 23, with an outdoor exhibition and fair, featuring 150+ independent craftspeople, creatives, small business owners, designers & makers across the Texas South.

100% family-friendly. Dog-friendly. Human-friendly. Open-air. Nonprofit-run. Free to the public.

SHOP SMALL. SUSTAIN LOCAL. SHOW UP. https://thefrontmarket.com/

 

Lake Austin Festival of Lights, Starts November 22, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. Mozart’s goes all-out for this annual tradition, with displays featuring over a million twinkling lights to gawk at, live entertainment, and a holiday market to browse before taking a boat ride on the lake. mozartscoffee.com.

 

 

Austin Empty Bowl Project – November 24, Central Texas Food Bank

(6500 Metropolis Dr). This beloved yearly tradition returns — mark your calendar to join us for a day of handcrafted ceramics, tasty soup, live music, and fun for the whole family. The Austin Empty Bowl Project is an effort by Austin area potters to fight hunger. Always the Sunday before Thanksgiving, this annual event donates all proceeds to Kids Cafe, a program of the Central Texas Food Bank, and Meals for Kids, a program of Meals on Wheels Central Texas. Take the bowl home with you to remind you that others have empty bowls.

Potters from all over Central Texas donate bowls of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Thirty restaurants and bakeries donate delicious soups and breads, while musicians donate their time and talent to entertain us. Then, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, friends and families come together to purchase a bowl for $30, have it filled with soup, and enjoy the music. The bowl is yours to keep, as a reminder of those whose bowls are empty. The proceeds go to Meals on Wheels Central Texas’ Meals for Kids, and the Central Texas Food Bank to help sponsor the Kids Cafe Program. Kids Cafe provides a safe, nurturing place where children receive a hot, nutritious dinner, as well as help with homework. http://cafbtx.convio.net/site/R?i=sU7p1kmY7sXsU58xHLSFLYC7EnDtOvG67CnMXt-2Z8bKEpmYgRbCFg

 

 

ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot, November 27th, Downtown. ThunderCloud Subs’ annual 5-mile run/1-mile walk is a great way to work up a Thanksgiving-sized appetite. Compete with the best of Austin or head outside with the kids for a more relaxed holiday jog. https://thundercloud.com/event-info/

 

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.

 

A Nostalgic Night With Macaulay Culkin: Home Alone 35th Anniversary, November 29, Bass Concert Hall. Catch this holiday classic about a boy, wet bandits, and a whole lotta traps on its 35th anniversary. Special for this screening, star Macaulay Culkin pops in for a moderated interview and audience Q&A. texasperformingarts.org.

 

December 2025

Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker”, 12/5/25 – 12/23/25 (select dates). Long Center for the Performing Arts. Ballet Austin will host it’s beloved holiday tradition with the 62nd annual performance of The Nutcracker. The ballet production also includes music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. https://balletaustin.org/performances/the-nutcracker/

 

Downtown Holiday Stroll, 12/6/25  Congress Avenue, between Ninth Street & 11th Street. The stroll returns this December with free, family-friendly activities to celebrate the season. Visit downtown Austin for holiday festivities like the holiday shopping passport, pop-ups, appearances by Mr. & Mrs. Claus, holiday window and light displays and the signature 45-foot downtown tree. https://downtownaustin.com/holiday-stroll/

 

German-Texan Heritage Society Christmas Market, 12/6/25. German Free School of Austin. The German-Texan Heritage Society’s annual market offers shoppers handmade, imported crafts, decorations, ornaments and more. Browse the market, listen to traditional German Christmas music and take home Christmas Stollen made by the New World Bakery and German cookies from Silke’s German Gourmet Cookies. https://www.germantexans.org/christmas-market

 

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, 12/13/25 – 12/21/25. Palmer Events Center. For 45+ seasons, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been a fine art shopping destination featuring national and local award-winning artists alongside live music in a festive, lively atmosphere. This year, Armadillo Bazaar Outside will offer a multi-day shopping event with a festive, family-friendly fine-art scene. Experience a selection of curated artists with works to excite every art lover, collector, or first-time visitor; plus, live local music, surrounded by the sights of the city. https://armadillobazaar.com/

 

Holiday Hootenanny 2025, December 13, 2025 2:00 pm – 10:30 pm, Radio East (3504 Montopolis Dr.). Holiday Hootenanny returns for its second year on Dec. 13 at RADIO/EAST for a one-day holiday-themed music festival presented by Resound, Pooneh Presents, RADIO/EAST and KUTX. This year’s lineup includes Shannon and the Clams, Tune-Yards, Rubblebucket, Improvement Movement and more to be announced. In addition to live music, the event features DJs, a holiday vendor market, rides, games and seasonal activities. $35+

 

 

Austin’s New Year, 12/31/25. Auditorium Shores. Join the City of Austin and Visit Austin for a free and family-friendly evening as Austin welcomes the new year at Auditorium Shores. Austin’s New Year also features a night of entertainment, food trucks and beverage vendors, and a midnight fireworks show.  https://www.austintexas.gov/department/austins-new-year