The Austin Fall Bucket List: 20 Ways to Make the Most of the Season
Explore our list of must-do autumn outings in and around Austin
Fall in Austin may arrive slowly, but the calendar fills up fast. Football Saturdays return, pumpkin patches open and cooler days make a Hill Country hike or weekend trip all the more appealing. Whether you’re planning a family outing or simply looking for an excuse to spend more time outside, consider this your checklist for the months ahead.
Lean into fall traditions
Go to a spooky-themed bar
Austin bars are getting into the Halloween spirit with themed cocktails and decor. Gibson Street Bar goes all in on a “Twisted Carnival” theme, while Eastside bar King Bee becomes the dimly lit “Black Lagoon,” with cocktails by award-winning bartenders Kelsey Ramage and Erin Hayes. For a different kind of Halloween outing, Nickel City turns into “The Simpsons” hangout Moe’s Tavern, serving Duff beer, Krusty Burgers and drinks such as the Flaming Moe and Spicy Marge margarita.
Watch a UT football game
In Austin, a sea of burnt orange is a more reliable sign of fall than changing leaves. Spend a Saturday cheering on the Longhorns at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, join a tailgate or find a neighborhood bar showing the game.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
German heritage runs deep in Central Texas, and Oktoberfest brings plenty of chances to raise a stein close to home. Austin breweries, beer gardens and other venues host celebrations from late September into November, with German beer, food and live music on the calendar.
Attend a fall festival
There’s a festival nearly every weekend in Austin during this time of year, whether you’re into live music, film, food or art. ACL Fest, Levitation and the Austin Food & Wine Festival are among the season’s biggest draws. Check out our full list of fall festivals favorites for more ideas on what to get tickets for.
Run the Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot
Start Thanksgiving morning alongside thousands of runners and walkers at the annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot. The route through downtown ends at Auditorium Shores with a view of the skyline, and all event proceeds benefit Caritas of Austin. It’s a chance to get moving before the holiday meal while supporting a local nonprofit.
Outdoor activities in and around Austin
Visit a pumpkin patch
Picking a pumpkin is only part of the outing. At patches around Central Texas, you can wander through a corn maze, pick wildflowers, sip cider and get a few photos while you’re at it. See our picks for the best pumpkin patches within an hour of downtown Austin.
Go camping
Cooler nights make fall a great time to sleep under the stars. Pitch a tent at Inks Lake State Park, Pace Bend Park or Emma Long Metropolitan Park, all within reach of Austin. Check each park’s website for campsite availability and reservation details before you go.
Hike Enchanted Rock
Challenge yourself to climb Enchanted Rock’s massive pink granite dome for sweeping Hill Country views, or follow a trail around its base for a longer hike. Weekend entry can fill up, so reserve a day pass before you go.
Explore McKinney Falls
Head to McKinney Falls State Park, about 30 minutes south of downtown Austin, for a fall day outdoors. Follow trails past limestone ledges and along Onion Creek, stop to see the upper and lower falls, or bring a fishing rod and cast a line. If you’d rather stay longer, book a campsite or cabin and make a weekend of it.
Watch the sunset from Mount Bonnell
Climb the steps to Mount Bonnell for a view of Lake Austin, the surrounding hills and the city as the sun goes down. It’s an easy outing for a cooler fall evening, especially if you arrive early enough to find a spot and take in the view before sunset.
Fall outings for families
Explore Fortlandia
Fortlandia returns to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center on Oct. 2 for its ninth year, bringing a new collection of forts designed by local architects, artists and designers to the Family Garden. Kids can explore the structures, find a favorite hideout and build their own fort with materials provided on site.
Walk through Pumpkin Nights
Pumpkin Nights turns Pioneer Farms into an after-dark adventure, with hundreds of illuminated jack-o’-lanterns arranged into creatures and elaborate displays. Follow the trail through eight themed realms from Sept. 17 through Oct. 31, and book tickets for your preferred evening.
Visit Boo at the Zoo
The Austin Zoo gets a Halloween makeover for Boo at the Zoo. Dress up for an evening of animal encounters, a Haunted Mansion and a 10-minute train ride through the Hill Country. This family-friendly event runs Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 2–24.
Spend a day at Uhland Fall Fest
Make a full family outing of Uhland Fall Fest, formerly the Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival. Pick out a pumpkin, try some of the more than 50 fall-themed games, browse the marketplace and catch live music. Check online for the full schedule of unique weekly activities.
Ride the attractions at COTALAND
New this fall, COTALAND opens Sept. 26 next to the Circuit of the Americas with rides for all ages. Families can make a day of the attractions, then add a round of mini golf, a race at COTA Karting or a ride on the Soaring Eagle Zip Line.
Make a day trip of it
Browse the Round Top Antiques Show
Round Top hosts antique shows in both fall and winter, drawing shoppers from around the world. This year’s fall show runs Oct. 25–31. Spend a day browsing vintage furniture, art and unexpected finds, with stops for food and live music along the way.
Tour Fredericksburg wineries
A fall drive to Fredericksburg is reason enough to get out of town. Add a few winery stops, take your time over a tasting and leave room to wander Main Street for shopping and bites before heading home.
Visit Wurstfest
New Braunfels goes all in on German food, beer and music for Wurstfest, running Nov. 6–15 this year. Admission is free Monday through Thursday; online tickets cost $15 on Fridays and Sundays and $25 on Saturdays. Kids 12 and younger get in free every day.
Feast on BBQ in Lockhart
Lockhart is close enough for lunch and has enough barbecue history to make a day of it. Kreuz Market, Smitty’s Market and The Original Black’s Barbecue are three classic stops, whether you choose one or sample a little at each. The downtown square is a pleasant place to walk between meals.
Shop local art and boutiques in Wimberley
Take a day trip to Wimberley and wander the Square, a walkable cluster of locally owned shops and art galleries. Browse for something you won’t find back home, then stop at a cafe, wine room or restaurant when you’re ready to take a break.