October Curated: Top Austin Events This Month
With so many fall festivals, concerts, race track action, and a parade, too, we're here to help you plan a fabulous October in Austin
October is packed with some of the most exciting annual events you will find in Austin! From fall festivals, to performing arts, to thrills on the racetrack and family-friendly events, too, we’re highlighting the top can’t-miss activities to add to your calendar this month.
Of course, there are far more than ten amazing events to enjoy this month, and you can browse our online event calendar for even more ideas on things to see and do this October in Austin!
Starlight Soirée
The Domain
Oct. 2
Enjoy an evening of dining, dancing, and fun at the annual Starlight Soirée at Century Oaks Terrace, benefiting an Austin treasure, the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum. This unforgettable evening features some of Austin’s finest restaurants, live music, dancing, shopping, unique experiences, giveaways and much more.
Fortlandia
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Oct. 4 – Feb. 1
The Center’s popular Fortlandia exhibition is back for another year featuring with unique forts created by local artists, architects and designers. The exhibition aims to connect people of all ages to the environment by evoking a sense of childhood play and wonder.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Zilker Park
Oct. 3 – 5 and 10 – 12
For two weekends this October, Zilker Park transforms into the most exciting music venue of Austin. With more than 140 musical acts on eight stages, ACL Festival is a can’t-miss experience for many Austin music lovers.
RELATED: Get to Know 8 Local Bands Playing ACL Music Festival This Year
German-Texan Heritage Society’s Oktoberfest
German Free School
Oct. 11
For a true Austin tradition, visit the German Free School for the annual festival hosted by The German-Texan Heritage Society. You’ll find plenty of beer, live music and authentic German food at this outdoor celebration.
RELATED: Top Oktoberfest Celebrations Around Austin
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
Circuit of The Americas
Oct. 17 – 19
The Formula 1 USGP provides an action-packed weekend that fuses world-class racing with concerts from Kygo and Garth Brooks offering post-race performances.
“The Outsiders”
Bass Concert Hall
Oct. 21–26
The Outsiders, winner of the 2024 Tony Award® for Best Musical, comes to Bass Concert Hall, presented by Texas Performing Arts as part of Broadway in Austin. Based on S.E. Hinton’s classic novel, the musical follows Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, and their Greaser family as they navigate friendship, belonging, and the fight to be accepted in 1960s Tulsa.
Austin Film Festival
Various locations in Downtown Austin
Oct. 23 – 30
Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the country, you can catch indie as well as premiering top-billed premieres at this annual festival. Keep an eye on their website for the lineup of film premieres, panelists, and parties that span the festival’s eight days.
AIA Austin Homes Tour
Various locations
Oct. 25 -26
Take the self-guided 39th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour, featuring both new builds and newly renovated homes designed by local, best-in-field architects.
Viva la Vida Festival and Parade
Mexic-Arte Museum & Congress Avenue
Oct. 25
Mexic-Arte Museum hosts the annual Viva La Vida Festival and Parade that features a grand procession followed by a street festival. This is Austin’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event. Co-presented by the Austin Convention Center and the City of Austin, this year’s festival includes hands-on art activities, traditional foods, local artists and retail booths, a low-rider exhibition, and live performances throughout the day.
StrawFest
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
Oct. 26
Enjoy your afternoon at this free fall festival in the beautiful UMLAUF Sculpture Garden. At StrawFest visitors of all ages can enjoy pumpkin decorating, carnival games and more activities to be announced soon.
More Autumn Adventures:
- Meet the 2025 TRIBEZA Curators & Join in Celebration
- Best Central Texas Pumpkin Patches
- Top Austin Art Shows to See This Fall
- Austin’s Fall Gala Guide: Upcoming Fundraising Events
- Best Fall Festivals in Austin
- Garden Conservancy Hosts Fall Tour of Private Austin Gardens
- Glow in the Park 2025
- Party for the Parks