Local Life

Date Night Ideas for Autumn in Austin

Fall in love with these unique and seasonal suggestions for spicing up your next night out

By Heidi Okla
October 19, 2023

(photo courtesy of Pecan Square Cafe)

Treat your special someone to something out of the ordinary on your next date night. From drinks in a wine cave to mysterious concerts in the woods, posh picnics, or quartets by candlelight. We’re sharing a mix of simple yet elegant ways to add some sparkle and romance to your next night out.

Wander into a Wine Cave

At Wanderlust Wine Co., you can delve deep under their perfectly pink and airy upstairs lounge to enter a candlelit cavern space for their signature Speakeasy Wine Cave Tasting Experience.

Your reservation includes a curated wine and food pairing in this intimate underground atmosphere. Wanderlust’s sommelier will guide your tasting journey that features eight wines coupled with eight Spanish-inspired small bites. The wine cave has seatings at 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. on Sundays. Be sure to make your reservations well in advance.

Listen to a Sweet Serenade at Sunset

Strings in the Woods offers a perfect pairing of live acoustic music and the beauty of green spaces. From the Barton Springs Greenbelt to Bull Creek and more, Strings in the Woods are small gatherings that start with a short guided nature walk accompanied by solo violin, followed by a 1-hour concert at sunset showcasing a special guest artist.

There’s a little bit of mystery that comes with planning your Strings in the Woods experience. First, you need to send a text to (512) 379-5934 to subscribe to find out about the events. You can then see the event location, map, and ticket links. All are welcome to bring beverages, a picnic, and a blanket or camp chairs to enjoy the concert.

(photo courtesy of Strings in the Woods’ Instagram)

Plan a Pizza Picnic at Pecan on the Lawn

West Austin’s charming Pecan Square Café is hosting fall picnics on their lawn from 4-7 p.m. during the last Sunday of every month. Enjoy their delicious gourmet pizza, seasonal salads and bottles of featured wines. You can even groove along to tunes from their guest DJ. To make your experience even easier, they provide the picnic blankets for you and your date.

Pecan on the Lawn (photo courtesy of Pecan Square Cafe)

Hear a Concert by Candlelight

For the dreamiest date night, dress to the nines and enter a beautiful historic mansion that is decorated with hundreds of glowing candles. The drama and romance of such a setting will sweep your date off their feet. But there is more to enjoy than just this alluring ambiance. You’ll be delighted to hear a lovely string quartet perform a live concert featuring a variety of music styles. At a Candlelight Concert, you can choose your concert tickets based on musical theme from such choices as The Beatles, Ella Fitzgerald, even Halloween tunes, too.

(photo courtesy of Candlelight Concerts)

Snuggle Up for a Movie Under the Stars

Austin Parks Foundation once again brings the best bargain date night option around. Movies in the Park is back this year, hosting a series of free films in parks all over Austin. Bring your blankets and picnics for a fun and relaxing evening under the beautiful Austin night sky. Check out this year’s film & location line up.

APF Movies in the Park (photo by Maggie Boyd)

Rent a Retro Boat for a Lakeside Ride

Take your date on a cruise around Lady Bird Lake in style. Retro Boat Rentals ATX offers vintage boats that are a perfect fit for two. These colorful, mid-century boats feature beautiful details and have been restored with electric motors so that they are quiet and environmentally friendly, allowing for easy conversation with your sweetie. Let the beauty of Austin’s skyline impress your date as you travel along the water.

(photo courtesy of Retro Boat Rentals ATX)

Get Smitten Over S’mores

Enjoy an ooey gooey time at Halcyon Coffee and Cocktail Bar where you can make tableside s’mores for two. Choose from their Mueller or downtown location and enjoy coffee or cocktails as you create your perfectly toasted marshmallow and chocolate sensation. As soon as the first chill is in the air, this makes for an optimal seasonal date night destination.

Settle in for Smooth Jazz

There are several wonderful jazz clubs in Austin that we simply adore, but this fall, there’s a new cat in town. Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, known for their lovely lakeside patio and wildly popular Christmas light show, is now home to a Wednesday night jazz club. The ultimate date night evening experience takes place in their cozy grotto where you can enjoy their delicious desserts or charcuterie plates. As a bonus, this is a BYOB destination so you can bring your date’s favorite drink of choice. Reserve your tickets and choose from alternating local jazz performers.

(photo courtesy of Mozart’s Coffee Roasters)

Indulge in Champagne & Caviar

For a decadent date night, book your reservation for Room 725 at the Fairmont Hotel. On the 7th floor, you’ll find this semi-private lounge that offers the ultimate indulgence of Champagne, caviar and a rare selection of Pre-Embarago Cuban cigars. Plus, you cannot beat the gorgeous skyline views. Room 725 is open from Fridays and Saturdays from 6 – 11 p.m.