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 20, 2026
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 20.
www.austinmuseums.org
—Fall 2026 Pecan Street Festival
September 12 & 13, 2026
One of Austin’s favorite annual festivals returns to Hill Country Galleria with live music, local food, and more than 300 artisan vendors. Families will find plenty to do, from hands-on art activities and dance lessons to a Kids Zone with carnival rides. With free admission and plenty of free parking, it’s easy to spend a few hours or make a day of it.
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 weekebds of September 26 and runs through November 1, 2026.
— Viva Mexico: A Celebration of Independence
September 12, 2026
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican-American Cultural Center will host its annual Viva México celebration on Saturday, September 12th. Get more info here.
— Austin City Limits Music Festival
Weekend One: October 2-4
Weekend Two: October 9-11
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 3
This annual festival features live music, food, beer tastings, kids’ activities, and more. Festive dress is encouraged!
— Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg
October 2-4
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 23-25
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 24
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 6-15
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 14 & 15
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 7 & 8
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 26
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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