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!
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Zilker Park
Oct. 2 – 4 and 9 – 11
SHOP
Are we ready to dance in the rain? Of course! Let’s embrace the weather, put on our rain boots and enjoy a weekend of ACL Fest for the books.
For two weekends this October, Zilker Park transforms into the most exciting music venue of Austin. ACL Festival is a can’t-miss experience for many Austin music lovers.
Fortlandia
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
October 2 – January 31
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.
Hot Luck
Various locations around Downtown Austin
October 16-17
The brainchild of Franklin Barbecue founder Aaron Franklin, Hot Luck brings together chefs and pitmasters from across the country for a weekend of live-fire cooking, inventive bites and plenty of smoke. Guests can sample dishes from acclaimed culinary talent while enjoying live music and refreshing drinks.
The Very ‘Rary
Laguna Gloria
October 18
This annual event at Laguna Gloria turns the sculpture park into a surrealist playground, with live music, theremin performances, mask-making, costumed creatures, and interactive installations woven through the grounds. Proceeds support The Contemporary Austin’s K–12 education programs.
“Waitress”
Bass Concert Hall
October 21-23
The Broadway in Austin touring production of “Waitress” comes to the UT campus featuring original music and lyrics by Grammy® Award winner Sara Bareilles. The musical tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage.
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
Circuit of The Americas
October 22 – 25
The Formula 1 USGP provides an action-packed weekend that fuses world-class racing with concerts from Maroon 5, Post Malone, and Alesso offering post-race performances.
AIA Austin Homes Tour
Various locations
Oct. 24 -25
Take the self-guided 40th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour, featuring both new builds and newly renovated homes designed by local, best-in-field architects.
RELATED: A Closer Look at Terraluz, East Austin’s Striking Rammed Earth Residence
Viva la Vida Festival and Parade
Mexic-Arte Museum & Congress Avenue
Oct. 24
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. Presented by the City of Austin’s ACME Department, 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. 25
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 for the whole family.
Austin Film Festival
Various locations in Downtown Austin
October 29 – Nov. 5
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.
