Things to Do in Austin This Fall: 27 Events Through New Year’s Eve 2026

Fall is the best season to be in Austin. The heat breaks, the patios fill back up and the calendar gets packed from ACL in early October to fireworks over Lady Bird Lake on New Year’s Eve. I’ve lived and worked in this market for 29 years, and every fall I get the same question from clients, friends and people thinking about moving here: what’s going on this year? So here’s the full list for October, November and December 2026, with dates, addresses, prices, links and the practical stuff that makes the day go better.

Every date below was checked against the official event website in late September 2026. Events change, so click through before you buy tickets or drive to Lockhart.

Austin Fall 2026 Events Calendar at a Glance

Things to Do in Austin in October 2026

October is festival month. Two ACL weekends, the F1 race, Día de los Muertos downtown, SEC football on campus and the first real cool fronts of the year.

ACL Music Festival 2026 (25th Anniversary)

• When: Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11, 2026 (two weekends, same core lineup)
• Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78746
• Cost: 1-day GA from $170; 3-day GA from $390 (3-day GA and GA+ are waitlisted as of late September; Sunday 1-day GA was still available)
• Links: Official site | Tickets

ACL turns 25 this year, and the lineup shows it: Charli xcx, Lorde, Twenty One Pilots, RÜFÜS DU SOL and The xx headline both weekends, with Skrillex on Weekend 1 only and Kings of Leon on Weekend 2 only. Turnstile, The Chainsmokers, Bleachers and Austin’s own Asleep at the Wheel round it out.

Clay’s tip: Don’t drive. Take the official shuttle (it drops at Sand Beach Park by the Barton Springs West entrance) or MetroRapid 803. Bags have to be clear and no bigger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, or a small clutch.

Fortlandia at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

• When: Oct. 2, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.). Grand opening party Thursday, Oct. 1, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Closed Nov. 27, Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.
• Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, TX 78739
• Cost: Included with garden admission: adults $15 Mon-Thu / $18 Fri-Sun; youth 3-17 $9 / $12; kids 2 and under free. Opening party $15.
• Links: Official site | Tickets

Season nine brings eight new kid-sized forts built by Austin architects and designers, including an Armadillo Alebrije, Bats in the Attic and Geometry of Play, plus last year’s Prairie Schooner kept as the “Forever Fort.” If you have kids under 12, this is the one to put on the calendar first. It’s right next door to Circle C Ranch.

Clay’s tip: Buy timed tickets ahead and go on a weekday if you can. Weekend parking fills up, so carpool.

Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg

• When: Oct. 2-4, 2026 (Fri 6 p.m.-midnight, Sat 10 a.m.-midnight, Sun 11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
• Where: Marktplatz, downtown Fredericksburg, TX (about 80 miles west of Austin)
• Cost: Adults $15 one day, $20 two days, $25 all three; kids 6 and under free
• Links: Official site

Three days of oompah bands, German food, Texas beer and wine on the Marktplatz. Proceeds fund art scholarships through the Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance. Easy to pair with a Hill Country winery day.

Clay’s tip: Use the Park & Ride shuttle (every 30 minutes, $10 adults). Downtown Fredericksburg parking disappears fast.

Wimberley Market Day

• When: First Saturdays: Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5, 2026, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., rain or shine
• Where: Lions Field, 601 FM 2325, Wimberley, TX 78676
• Cost: Free admission
• Links: Official site

Hundreds of vendors selling antiques, crafts, Texas decor and food, run by the Wimberley Lions Club. The December market is a great early-Christmas shopping trip, and it’s a good excuse to spend the day in Wimberley.

Clay’s tip: Get there before 9 a.m. for parking and the best finds. The website has a searchable vendor map.

Texas Renaissance Festival (52nd Season)

• When: Weekends Oct. 10 – Nov. 29, 2026, plus Friday, Nov. 27; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (no entry after 7 p.m.)
• Where: 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission, TX 77363 (about 2.5 hours east of Austin)
• Cost: About $15-$46 plus tax depending on the date; kids 4 and under free, ages 5-12 free on Sundays
• Links: Official site

The biggest Renaissance fair in the country: 55-plus wooded acres of jousting, costumed performers and artisan shops. Every weekend has a theme, from Oktoberfest (Oct. 10-11) and Pirate Adventure (Oct. 24-25) to All Hallows Eve (Oct. 31-Nov. 1) and Celtic Christmas (Nov. 27-29).

Clay’s tip: Tickets are date-specific. Buy online by the Friday before for the advance price, and consider the $5 exchange insurance if the forecast looks iffy.

Austin FC Home Matches at Q2 Stadium

• When: Sat, Oct. 10 vs. Nashville SC (7:30 p.m.); Sat, Oct. 17 vs. Vancouver (7:30 p.m.); Wed, Oct. 28 vs. Real Salt Lake (7:30 p.m.); Sat, Nov. 7 vs. Portland (6 p.m., Decision Day)
• Where: Q2 Stadium, 10414 McKalla Pl., Austin, TX 78758
• Cost: Ticketed; prices vary by match
• Links: Schedule and tickets

Q2 has one of the loudest atmospheres in MLS. Decision Day on Nov. 7 is the last regular-season match and sets playoff seeding, so that one will have some juice.

Clay’s tip: Take the Red Line to McKalla Station. It drops you at the gate and skips stadium parking altogether.

Texas Longhorns Home Football at DKR

• When: Oct. 17 vs. Florida; Oct. 24 vs. Ole Miss; Oct. 31 vs. Mississippi State (Halloween night); Nov. 21 vs. Arkansas
• Where: Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, 2139 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78712
• Cost: Ticketed
• Links: Schedule and tickets

Four SEC home games and more than 100,000 people on campus each time. Even if you’re not going to the game, game days change how you plan anything near UT or downtown. (The Oct. 10 Red River game is in Dallas.)

Clay’s tip: Kickoff times often aren’t set until 6 to 12 days out. Check before you book dinner.

“Haas Brothers: Uncanny Valley” at the Blanton Museum of Art

• When: Sept. 27, 2026 – Jan. 17, 2027
• Where: Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX 78712
• Cost: Included with admission: adults $15, seniors $12, youth $8. Free every Tuesday.
• Links: Exhibition page

The first mid-career survey of twin artists Nikolai and Simon Haas, who grew up in Austin. Fifteen years of their fur, porcelain, bronze and beaded “creatures” in one place. A good rainy-day or out-of-town-guest pick.

Clay’s tip: Go on a Tuesday when admission is free.

Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at COTA

• When: Oct. 23-25, 2026 (race Sunday, Oct. 25). “Grand PrixView Thursday” fan day on Oct. 22.
• Where: Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin, TX 78617
• Cost: 3-day GA grounds passes are sold out; single-day and grandstand tickets were still available in late September. Thursday fan day from $20.
• Links: Official site | Tickets

The biggest weekend of the year for Austin hotels and restaurants. Practice is Friday, qualifying Saturday and the 56-lap race Sunday afternoon. Every ticket also gets you into the concerts: Maroon 5 on Friday, Post Malone on Saturday and Alesso after Sunday’s race. Thursday’s fan day includes a pit lane walk.

Clay’s tip: Pre-buy parking or take the official shuttle from Waterloo Park downtown ($49+) or the Travis County Expo Center ($34+). Sunday’s last inbound shuttle leaves at 2 p.m. Expect heavy traffic on SH-130 and FM 812.

AIA Austin Homes Tour (40th Annual)

• When: Oct. 24-25, 2026, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days
• Where: Nine private homes across Austin (self-guided)
• Cost: Single-home and all-homes tickets on Eventbrite (the all-nine pass runs about $54 with fees)
• Links: Official site | Tickets

One of the best weekends of the year for anyone who loves houses. You get to walk through nine architect-designed homes in Allandale, Rosedale, Zilker, Bouldin Creek, Travis Heights, Barton Hills, Northwest Hills and more, and see what good design looks like on real Austin lots. If you’re thinking about building or remodeling, go with a notebook.

Clay’s tip: Wear socks. It’s shoes-off, no photos, no food or water inside, no strollers or pets, and there are no restrooms at the homes. Rain or shine.

Viva la Vida Festival & Parade (Día de los Muertos)

• When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, noon-6 p.m. (Grand Procession at noon)
• Where: E. 4th St. and Congress Ave., by the Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
• Cost: Free (RSVP on Eventbrite)
• Links: Official page

Austin’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos celebration, now in its 43rd year. Calaveras, lowriders and a procession downtown, followed by a street festival with art, food and performances. This year’s theme is la ofrenda.

Clay’s tip: The Frost Bank Garage (112 E. 4th St.) has reduced weekend rates. This is also a Longhorns home game day, so give yourself extra time.

Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference

• When: Oct. 29 – Nov. 5, 2026
• Where: Multiple venues in downtown Austin
• Cost: Film Passes are the budget way in; Weekend Badge $340, Conference Badge $480, Producers Badge $710
• Links: Official site

Eight days of premieres, screenings and panels with working film and TV writers. It was the first festival built around screenwriters, and it still draws a great crowd of storytellers every fall.

Clay’s tip: If you just want to watch movies, skip the badge and buy a Film Pass. It covers screenings after badge holders are seated.

Hometown Halloween in Downtown Round Rock

• When: Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, 3-7 p.m.
• Where: 100-200 blocks of E. Main St., Round Rock, TX 78664
• Cost: Free
• Links: Event page

Kids trick-or-treat at downtown businesses, with face painting, balloon art, live music and train rides. About as small-town as it gets in the metro. More on the area in our Round Rock guide.

Clay’s tip: Come right at 3 p.m. The popular shops run low on candy by the end.

Things to Do in Austin in November 2026

November slows down just enough to enjoy it. Food, books, barbecue, art studios and the Turkey Trot, then the holiday lights start going up across the Hill Country.

Austin Food & Wine Festival (15th Anniversary)

• When: Nov. 6-8, 2026. Friday is the evening “Made In Texas” event at The Long Center (7-9:30 p.m.); the main festival is Saturday and Sunday, 1-5:30 p.m.
• Where: Auditorium Shores, 800 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78704
• Cost: Saturday from $205, Sunday from $200, Weekender from $280, VIP from $750. All tiers were on waitlist in late September. 21+ only.
• Links: Official site | Tickets

More than 80 chefs, including Andrew Zimmern, Richard Blais, Lorena Garcia and Tim Love, on the lawn at Auditorium Shores with the skyline behind them. Tim Love also does a hands-on grilling session Saturday morning.

Clay’s tip: If you don’t have tickets yet, join the waitlist now. Walk or rideshare in. There’s very little parking at the Shores.

TM BBQ Fest: Top 50 Picnic in Lockhart

• When: Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, 1-4 p.m. (VIP from noon)
• Where: Lockhart City Park, 504 E. City Park Rd., Lockhart, TX 78644 (about 35 minutes south of Austin)
• Cost: GA $135, kids 6-12 $40, 5 and under free. VIP is sold out. All tastings included.
• Links: Event page and tickets

More than 30 joints from Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ list in one park, in the barbecue capital of Texas. Proceeds go to Feeding Texas food banks. If you’ve been meaning to try the Top 50 without driving all over the state, this is the day.

Clay’s tip: Buy the $20 parking pass ahead of time. You can bring one tray (up to 12″ x 16″), but no coolers. The ground is grass and uneven, so wear good shoes.

Texas Book Festival

• When: Nov. 14-15, 2026 (daily schedule and venue map come out in October)
• Where: Downtown Austin around the Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
• Cost: Free (a couple of headline author events are ticketed)
• Links: Official site

More than 280 authors on the Capitol grounds, including Colson Whitehead, Hernan Diaz, Patrick Radden Keefe, Kate DiCamillo, Dave Eggers and Elizabeth Acevedo. There are cooking demos, a big children’s area, programs in English and Spanish, and a Saturday-night Lit Crawl.

Clay’s tip: Bring a tote for signings and take CapMetro or park in a downtown garage. Congress Avenue gets packed.

Austin Studio Tour

• When: Nov. 14-15 and Nov. 21-22, 2026, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Where: Hundreds of artist studios and galleries citywide
• Cost: Free
• Links: Official site and map

The citywide version of what used to be the East Austin Studio Tour. Walk into working studios, meet the artists and buy straight from them. It’s also one of the best ways I know to get a feel for a neighborhood before you buy there.

Clay’s tip: Use the online map to cluster stops by neighborhood, and save some for the second weekend.

ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot (36th Annual)

• When: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. Timed 5-mile at 8:30 a.m., untimed 5-mile at 9:15 a.m., 1-mile at 9:50 a.m., Kids K at 8:15 a.m.
• Where: Start near The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78704 (north end of the First Street Bridge)
• Cost: Timed 5-mile $30 and untimed $25 through Sept. 29, then $35 and $30. 1-mile $22, Kids K $12.
• Links: Event info | Register

An Austin Thanksgiving tradition with about 26,000 people, and 100% of proceeds go to Caritas of Austin. Last year it raised $615,000. Run it, walk it or push a stroller in the back. Costumes are welcome.

Clay’s tip: Register before Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m. to lock in the lower price, and pick up your packet early. Shirts aren’t guaranteed on race morning.

Lights Spectacular in Johnson City

• When: Nov. 27, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027, dusk to midnight nightly
• Where: Blanco County Courthouse square and Main St., Johnson City, TX (about an hour west of Austin)
• Cost: Free
• Links: Official site

More than 2 million lights on the historic courthouse square. It’s the best holiday-lights drive in the Hill Country, and it’s worth pairing with dinner in Johnson City or Fredericksburg.

Clay’s tip: Walk the square, then drive past the PEC headquarters display on the way out. Weeknights are much less crowded.

Bastrop River of Lights

• When: Nov. 27, 2026 – Jan. 4, 2027. Tree lighting Nov. 27 at Fisherman’s Park; Wassail Fest downtown Nov. 28.
• Where: June Hill Pape Riverwalk along the Colorado River, downtown Bastrop, TX
• Cost: See the event page for 2026 pricing
• Links: Event page

A half-mile walk along the river through hundreds of light displays, part of Bastrop’s Lost Pines Christmas. Pair it with Wassail Fest downtown on Nov. 28. Thinking about a move east? Here’s our Bastrop guide.

Clay’s tip: For the easiest access, use the fully accessible entrance at Fisherman’s Park on Willow St.

Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting

• When: Lighting ceremony Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026 (music at 5:15 p.m., lighting at 6 p.m.). Lit nightly Nov. 29 – Jan. 1, 6-10 p.m.
• Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78746
• Cost: Free
• Links: City of Austin page

The 155-foot tree made from the old moonlight tower is Austin’s official start to the holidays. Spinning in circles underneath it is a rite of passage for Austin kids.

Clay’s tip: Go on a weeknight after the lighting if you want the spin-under-the-tree moment without the crowd.

Things to Do in Austin in December 2026

December is all about lights, gifts and family traditions, from the Nutcracker at The Long Center to the Trail of Lights and the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Sights & Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos

• When: Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12, 2026, 5:30-11 p.m.
• Where: San Marcos Plaza Park, downtown San Marcos, TX (about 35 minutes south of Austin)
• Cost: 2026 prices not posted yet (2025 was $10 a night; kids 12 and under free)
• Links: Official site

A full holiday carnival by the San Marcos River: Ferris wheel and rides, ice skating, a petting zoo, Santa and thousands of lights. Great for families with young kids.

Clay’s tip: Rides and food run on “Magic Money” wristbands, so load them ahead. Clear bags only.

Georgetown Christmas Stroll (45th Annual)

• When: Dec. 4-6, 2026: Fri 4-9:30 p.m. (lighting), Sat 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (parade at 10 a.m.), Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Where: Historic Downtown Georgetown square, Georgetown, TX 78626
• Cost: Free
• Links: Official page

More than 200 artisan vendors, two music stages, Santa’s Village and falling snow on Saturday, all around one of the prettiest squares in Texas. About 72,000 people came last year. Read more in our Georgetown guide.

Clay’s tip: Saturday is the busiest day. Go Friday evening for the lights with smaller crowds.

Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker

• When: Dec. 4-23, 2026 (16 performances; evenings at 7:30 p.m., matinees at 2 p.m.)
• Where: Dell Hall at The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78704
• Cost: Ticketed; buy direct from Ballet Austin or call the box office at 512-476-2163
• Links: Show page | Tickets

About two hours with the Austin Symphony Orchestra playing live. Opening weekend (Dec. 4-6) adds free holiday photos, character meet-and-greets and selfie stations.

Clay’s tip: Weekend matinees go first. Buy only from Ballet Austin. Resale sites mark these up.

Austin Trail of Lights

• When: December 2026. Official nightly dates haven’t been posted yet (tickets go on sale this fall). The Trail of Lights Fun Run is Saturday, Dec. 5, 6-8 p.m.
• Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX
• Cost: Historically, about half the nights are free general admission (7-10 p.m.); ZIP Fast Pass and Platinum tickets get early 6 p.m. entry. Kids 5 and under free.
• Links: Official site | Fun Run registration

A walk through Zilker Park past holiday light displays, food vendors and the famous tunnel of lights. It’s the one holiday outing almost every Austin family makes.

Clay’s tip: Parking passes have to be bought online ahead of time, even on free nights. The shuttle from Toney Burger Activity Center is the easiest way in.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

• When: Dec. 12-21, 2026, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (Fri and Sat until 9:30 p.m.). VIP hour opening day from 10 a.m.
• Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
• Cost: Tickets on sale Oct. 20. Day tickets have been about $12 plus fees with a $60 season pass; kids 12 and under free.
• Links: Official site | Tickets

Fine art and handmade gifts, full bars and three live bands a day for ten days. This is where I’d send you for a one-of-a-kind gift that was made by someone in Texas.

Clay’s tip: Your wristband lets you leave and come back the same day. Palmer garage is $10; One Texas Center has overflow parking on nights and weekends.

Austin’s New Year at Auditorium Shores

• When: Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026 (2026 performers to be announced)
• Where: Auditorium Shores (Vic Mathias Shores), 800 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78704
• Cost: Free
• Links: City of Austin page

The city’s free, family-friendly New Year’s Eve party on the lake: live music, a drone show and fireworks over Lady Bird Lake at midnight. Last year’s gates opened at 7 p.m. with the drone show at 11:40.

Clay’s tip: Last year CapMetro was free after 5 p.m. with rail running late. Bags are searched, and there’s no outside alcohol, glass or sparklers.

Visiting Austin This Fall and Thinking About Staying?

A lot of people who end up buying here first came for ACL, a UT game or the holidays. Fall is a great time to look at neighborhoods, because you see them the way locals live in them. If you’re coming to town for one of these events and want to drive a few areas while you’re here, start with our Relocating to Austin guide and Area Guide, then reach out. We’ll help you make decisions now that you’ll be thankful you made years from now.

Austin Fall 2026 Events FAQ

What are the biggest events in Austin in fall 2026?

The biggest are ACL Music Festival (Oct. 2-4 and 9-11 at Zilker Park), the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas (Oct. 23-25), the Austin Food & Wine Festival (Nov. 6-8), the Texas Book Festival (Nov. 14-15), the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot (Nov. 26), the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park in December and Austin’s New Year at Auditorium Shores on Dec. 31.

When is ACL Fest 2026 and who is headlining?

ACL Music Festival 2026 is Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11 at Zilker Park. It’s the festival’s 25th anniversary. Headliners include Charli xcx, Lorde, Twenty One Pilots, RÜFÜS DU SOL and The xx, with Skrillex on Weekend 1 and Kings of Leon on Weekend 2. One-day GA starts at $170, and most 3-day passes are on waitlist.

When is the 2026 Formula 1 race in Austin?

The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix is Oct. 23-25, 2026, at Circuit of The Americas, with the race on Sunday, Oct. 25. A Thursday fan day on Oct. 22 starts at $20. Race tickets include concerts by Maroon 5 (Friday), Post Malone (Saturday) and Alesso (Sunday). Three-day GA passes are sold out.

When is the Trail of Lights 2026 in Austin?

The Trail of Lights runs at Zilker Park in December 2026. The Trail of Lights Foundation hasn’t posted the 2026 nightly dates yet, and tickets go on sale this fall. The Trail of Lights Fun Run is confirmed for Saturday, Dec. 5, 6-8 p.m. Historically about half the nights have free general admission.

When is the Zilker Holiday Tree lighting in 2026?

The Zilker Holiday Tree lighting ceremony is Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026, with pre-show music at 5:15 p.m. and the lighting at 6 p.m. The tree stays lit nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1. It’s free.

What free events are in Austin this fall?

Free events include the Texas Book Festival (Nov. 14-15), the Austin Studio Tour (Nov. 14-15 and 21-22), Viva la Vida Festival & Parade (Oct. 24), the Zilker Holiday Tree (Nov. 29 – Jan. 1), Austin’s New Year (Dec. 31), Hometown Halloween in Round Rock (Oct. 30), the Georgetown Christmas Stroll (Dec. 4-6), Wimberley Market Day, Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular and free nights at the Trail of Lights. The Blanton Museum is free on Tuesdays.

What is the busiest weekend in Austin this fall?

Oct. 23-25 is the busiest. The Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix, the AIA Austin Homes Tour, Viva la Vida and the Longhorns vs. Ole Miss game all land on the same weekend, and hotel prices and traffic peak. ACL weekends (Oct. 2-4 and 9-11) are close behind.

What are the best holiday light displays near Austin?

The Trail of Lights and Zilker Holiday Tree in Austin, the Lights Spectacular in Johnson City (Nov. 27 – Jan. 3, free), Bastrop’s River of Lights (Nov. 27 – Jan. 4), Sights & Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos (Dec. 3-5 and 10-12) and the Georgetown Christmas Stroll (Dec. 4-6).

Is the Texas Monthly BBQ Festival on Nov. 7 or Nov. 8?

TM BBQ Fest: Top 50 Picnic is Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, 1-4 p.m. at Lockhart City Park. General admission is $135 and VIP is sold out.

Event details, prices and availability were gathered from official event websites on Sept. 26, 2026, and can change. Confirm with each organizer before you buy tickets or travel. Photos are credited to and courtesy of each event organizer. Byrne Real Estate Group is not affiliated with and does not endorse any event listed.