October Curated: Top 10 Austin Events This Month
With so many fall festivals, concerts, plays, and a parade, too, we're here to help you plan for 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 NEW online event calendar for even more ideas on things to see and do this October in Austin!
SIX The Musical
Bass Concert Hall
October 3 – 8
Texas Performing Arts and Broadway in Austin bring the hit show SIX to Bass Concert Hall. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the six wives of Henry VIII remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power.
Fortlandia
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
October 6 – February
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
October 6-8 & 13 – 15
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
October 14
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: 10 Ways to Celebrate Oktoberfest Around Austin
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
Circuit of The Americas
October 20 – 22
The Formula 1 USGP provides an action-packed weekend that fuses world-class racing with music stars The Killers and Queen with Adam Lambert offering post-race performances.
Art From the Streets’ Annual Show & Sale
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
October 21 & 22
Art from the Streets presents their 31st Annual Show & Sale, a celebration of art, creativity and community. At this two-day event, attendees will have the opportunity to browse from thousands of pieces of artwork created by unhoused or at-risk individuals, meet the artist themselves and purchase their artwork.
30th Annual Austin Film Festival
Various locations in Downtown Austin
October 26 – November 2
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
October 28 & 29
Take the self-guided 37th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour, featuring nine homes crafted by renowned local architects. This years program showcases the work from award-winning architecture firms, including Furman + Neil Architects, Bercy Chen Studio LP, and Matt Fajkus Architecture.
40th Annual Viva la Vida Festival and Parade
Mexic-Arte Museum & Congress Avenue
October 28
Mexic-Arte Museum hosts the 40th 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
October 29
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 Highlights from the Tribeza Calendar:
Music for the Mind Benefit Concert