As we say goodbye to summer (at least in spirit if not with change of weather), we can look forward to many awesome upcoming events this fall. It’s time to pull out your calendars and save the date for some exciting family fun.
—Austin Museum Day
September 21, 2025
Organized by the Austin Museum Partnership, this special day features free exhibitions and activities at participating Austin-area museums and cultural institutions across the city. Austin Museum Day is held on the penultimate (second-to-last) Sunday of September, and this year, it falls on September 21.
www.austinmuseums.org
—Fall 2025 Pecan Street Festival
September 13 & 14, 2025
The Pecan Street Festival has a new home at the Hill Country Galleria, bringing a weekend full of live music, tasty eats, and more than 300 artisan vendors. Families will find plenty just for kids, too. From hands-on art workshops to a whole block of carnival rides and even dance lessons. With activities for all ages, it’s a free community tradition that continues to celebrate Austin’s creative spirit. Plus, there’s tons of free parking, so you can easily come and go throughout the day.
www.pecanstreetfestival.org
— Pumpkin Patches, Fall Carnivals & Halloween Events!
You can count on dozens and dozens of fun seasonal events for kids in October. Each year, Do512 Family creates epic lists of all the area pumpkin patches and Halloween events. Please check back with us in late September for this info. We won’t leave you hanging without at least a little sneak peek, though: Uhland Fall Fest begins September 27 and runs through November 2.
—Round Rock Arts Festival
October 3,4 & 5
Round Rock’s annual Arts Festival transforms the streets into a vibrant outdoor gallery, showcasing hundreds of artists, vendors, and performers. Enjoy live music, theatrical performances, and delicious food and drinks while you explore colorful chalk art and creative works of all kinds. It’s a full weekend of art, entertainment, and community fun for all ages.. Get more info here.
— Viva Mexico: A Celebration of Independence
TBD for 2025
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican-American Cultural Center will host its annual Viva México celebration at the Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center on Saturday, September 13th, with location and time TBD. Get more info here.
— Austin City Limits Music Festival
Weekend One: October 3-5
Weekend Two: October 10-12
Held in Zilker Park, this is one of the country’s largest celebrations of music. The six-day festival features more than 130 musical acts on eight stages over two weekends.
www.aclfestival.com
— Boo at the Zoo
Friday and Saturday nights in October
Bring the kids in full costume to Boo at the Zoo (Friday and Saturday nights in October), where they can experience the Austin Zoo in a whole new way: in the dark. Train rides, musical entertainment, and unlimited Haunted House visits are also included in the fun.
austinzoo.org
— AustOberfest
October 25
This annual festival features live music, food, beer tastings, kids’ activities, and more. Festive dress is encouraged!
— Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg
October 3 & 4
A true celebration of German heritage in the Polka Capital of Texas. Oompah at its Best! Music! Dancing! Food and drink GALORE! Artisans, children’s area, and family fun.
— FORMULA 1 United States Grand Prix @ COTA
October 17-19
Check out the International event as drivers compete in the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas track. This year includes headlining performances by Kygo, Garth Brooks, and Turnpike Troubadours.
—Viva la Vida Festival & Parade
October 25
Viva la Vida is Austin’s largest and longest-standing celebration of the Day of the Dead, co-hosted by the Mexic-Arte Museum and Austin Convention Center. The event includes a big parade and festival commencing at 4th Street and Congress Avenue.
mexic-artemuseum.org
—Wurstfest
November 7-16
Held in New Braunfels, you’ll get your fix of German food & beer, music, carnival rides, and games, and lots of Alpine and Bavarian-style entertainment.
www.wurstfest.com
— Texas Book Festival
November 8 & 9
The Texas Book Festival has one of the premier literary events in the country and hosts about 250 authors each year, held at the Texas State Capitol. More than 40,000 book lovers of all ages attend the Festival annually, enjoying readings, panel discussions, signings, cooking demonstrations, live music, local food, YA authors, children’s activities, and exhibiting vendors from across the state.
www.texasbookfestival.org
— Austin Celtic Festival
November 8 & 9
This annual festival held at Fiesta Gardens is also the largest gathering of Celts in Central Texas. The event is home to four stages of Irish, Scottish, and Breton music, dance, sports, storytelling, workshops, and more.
www.austincelticfestival.com
— Fossil Fest
First weekend in November
Kids of all ages can attend the annual Fossil Fest at Old Settlers Heritage Association in Round Rock to meet scientists, dig for fossils, check out specimens from around the world, and participate in family-friendly workshops
www.austinpaleo.org
— Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot
November 27
ThunderCloud Subs’ annual 5-mile run/1-mile walk that starts at the Long Center is a great way to work up a Thanksgiving-sized appetite. Bring the kids for a family Thanksgiving tradition.
www.thundercloud.com
Looks like we’re all going to keep busy this fall, y’all! We’ll keep you updated on even more festivals, children’s theatre, craft shows, and other special events soon.
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