The 13 Best Fall Events in Austin (Sept, Oct, Nov)
The fall is one of the most active seasons in Austin. From UT football, to Halloween, to Austin City Limits, Austin hosts some of the largest and vibrant public activities. Find both free and priced events great for everyone in this diverse list of festivals that spans a variety of passions and genres. As a largely populated and diverse city, it’s no wonder it boasts a wide range of events. Whether you’re an avid reader, eclectic foodie, or passionate music-lover, you’ll find an event with your kind of people. This is your guide to experiencing the best of Austin during the fall season.
September Events:
University of Texas at Austin Football Season Starts
Sports | Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (Central Austin)
The Longhorns take over the fall season in Austin, bringing the town together for a season of tailgating, parties, and high energy home games. Football is huge in Texas, and it’s no surprise that Longhorn fans are nationally known for their enthusiastic traditions and vibrant tailgates. Hook Em Horns! See the game schedule.
Pecan Street Festival
Art / Music / Food | 6th Street (Downtown Austin)
Held twice every year, The Pecan Street Festival is one of Austin’s best arts and music events. It features a lineup of Austin music artists as well as food vendors, artisan shops, and family-friendly activities. Watch as the festival takes over Sixth Street District in Downtown Austin and make sure to join in on this fun, free event.
October Events:
Hot Sauce Fest
Food | Fiesta Gardens (East Austin)
Hot sauce fans emerge every fall for Austin’s traditional Hot Sauce Fest. Come for hot sauce tastings, live music, spicy eats, and signature Hot Sauce Competition while supporting the Central Texas Food Bank.
Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival
Music | Zilker Park (Central Austin)
Austin City Limits is one of the biggest music festivals in the US. Happening annually in fall at Zilker Park, this three-day, two-weekend festival hosts a huge lineup of top artists from a variety of genres, including Sabrina Carpenter, T-Pain, and The Killers. Along with a back-to-back lineup of performances, the festival also offers a wide selection of food and drink from local vendors and pop-up experiences from brands.
Austin Oktoberfest
Food / Holiday | Red River District
Celebrate this German holiday in Austin’s Red River Cultural District! Austin Oktoberfest, hosted by German-Texan Heritage society, brings people together at the historical German Free School for traditional German music, food, beer, and activities. Buy tickets and celebrate this October!
Viva La Vida Fest
Cultural | Downtown Austin
Happening annually in late October in downtown Austin, Viva La Vida Fest celebrates Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a traditional Latin American holiday that honors family members and friends who have passed. In Latin culture, death is seen as a continuation of one’s spirit. During this holiday, the living invite spirits to revisit their loved ones. Families provide special offerings, favorite foods, and memorabilia. The Viva La Vida Festival starts with a grand procession and afterwards culminates at the intersection of 4th Street and Congress Avenue with art activities, dancers in traditional costume, live music, and Latin foods. Join this lively cultural festival in downtown Austin.
Halloween Pop-Up Bars
Holiday | Multiple Locations
If you’re into Halloween and over-the-top cocktails, you’ll love one of the many Halloween pop-up bars that appear in Austin. Gibson Street Bar, Lefty’s Brick Bar, and Wanderlust Wine Co. are a few of the bars in Austin that will boast immersive decorations, themed drinks, and interactive shows every October.
Austin Film Festival
Business / Film | Downtown Austin (Paramount, State Theatre, hotels)
In an event full of film screenings, awards, parties, and an annual Writers’ Conference, the Austin Film Festival celebrates the art of storytelling in the heart of Austin where film production has been booming for decades. Join to watch panels of celebrated film-makers, screenings of un-released movies, and even networking opportunities.
Formula One United States Grand Prix
Motorsports | Circuit of The Americas (Del Valle / Southeast Austin)
In one of Austin’s largest events, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix comes to the Circuit of the Americas for an internationally-recognized high-speed race. Along with live performances from famous artists, food, and drinks, this race drives visitors from around the globe.
Wicked Oaks Festival
Music, Camping, Holiday | Carson Creek Ranch (Southeast Austin)
For a mystical October weekend of music, camping, and art, brace yourself for Wicked Oaks Festival. Located southeast of downtown Austin along the Colorado River at Carson Creek Ranch, this horror music festival summons your Halloween spirit to the fullest extent. Embrace spooky soundtracks at this 105-acre historic amphitheater under the starry night – right before Halloween weekend.
November Events:
Texas Book Festival
Art / Literature | Texas State Capitol (Downtown Austin)
The Texas Book Festival is one of the nation’s largest literary events. Located in Downtown Austin around the Texas State Capital, you’ll find tents with book sales, author panels, and signings. Engage with some of the 300 authors present at the festival, introducing yourself to new genres, writers, and fellow readers.
Austin Food + Wine Festival
Food | Auditorium Shores (Downtown Austin)
Indulge in food from the city’s top chefs and restaurants, from BBQ, Tex-Mex, artisanal dishes, and cuisines from around the globe at the annual Austin Food + Festival. Happening early November, the festival also includes Chef Demos, live-fire cooking, hands-on grilling, and experiences Austin foodies won’t want to miss!
Austin Studio Tour
Art | East & West Austin
In an event that celebrates and provides an opportunity for local Austin artists to showcase their work, The Austin Studio Tour is free to the public and a perfect way to connect the local community with local artists. Experience live music performances, hands-on art activities, exhibitions from the artisans, and more. Located all throughout east and west Austin over two weekends in November.
Austin Celtic Festival and Highland Games
Culture | Pioneer Farms (North Austin)
Celebrate and learn about Celtic traditions at the Austin Celtic Festival and Highland Games, happening in November at Pioneer Farms! Perfect for families and friends, attendees will experience a variety of rich traditions from the Celtic Nations (including Ireland, Wales, and Scotland), through live performances of Celtic music and dance, sport competitions, history workshops, animal showcases, and food vendors.
Miracle at 5th Street
Holiday | The Eleanor (Downtown Austin)
Eager to begin the holiday cheer? Miracle at 5th Street opens November 14th, 2025. This captivating holiday-themed pop-up bar will be located at The Eleanor in Downtown Austin, serving up themed Christmas cocktails, all-out decor, and festive staff. Get your tickets now and better yet – when you enter, come dressed in holiday gear!
Texas Craft Brewers Festival
Drink | Fiesta Gardens (Downtown Austin)
Love craft beer? This is the event for you. Located at Fiesta Gardens along Lady Bird Lake, the Texas Craft Brewers Festival features 75+ craft brewers and 200+ craft beers, along with a lineup of delicious Texas food vendors. This event is organized by the Texas Craft Brewers Guild, so your attendance supports both small and independent Texas breweries. Attend this November.
ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Fundraising, Holiday | Downtown Austin
Join the annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving in downtown Austin! Choose from a 5-mile, 1-mile, or Kids’ K for this family friendly event. 100% of the proceeds go to Caritas of Austin, a non-profit with the mission to end homelessness in Austin.
Peppermint Parkway
Holiday | Circuit of the Americas (Southeast Austin)
Returning November 2025, Peppermint Parkway turns Austin’s famous Circuit of the Americas race track into a roadway of holiday delight. Drive your vehicle through immersive displays that are comparable to Buddy’s journey from the North Pole while enjoying the presence of familiar Christmas characters, dazzling lights, and the end, a “Peppermint Plaza” of family-friendly amusements. This is not only a fantastic holiday experience, but the only time you can drive on this famous track.
415 Colorado: Living in the Heart of the Austin Action
Which event will you choose to attend this fall? Take advantage of what you can while living in Austin! Diverse, vibrant, and traditional activities are just around the corner. If you’re looking to live in the heart of the city where the action happens, take a look at 415 Colorado. Our luxury apartment community is in downtown Austin on the corner of W 5th Street and Congress Ave. When you live with us, attending the big Austin events is only a walk or quick metro ride away. Get the ultimate vantage point of the city’s treelined streets’ changing colors from your high-rise balcony at 415 Colorado, and connect with residents like you to join in Austin festivities. Explore our desired downtown location.