*Top Photo via Zilker Botanical Garden
Austin families can celebrate fall with a little fresh air and a lot of community spirit during the Roots & Wings Festival, happening throughout the city from October 18 to November 2. This citywide celebration invites everyone to get outside and connect with nature through free, family-friendly events in parks, gardens, and green spaces all across town.
Coordinated by the City of Austin’s Climate Action & Resiliency Urban Forestry Team, the festival features public events hosted by local community groups, neighborhoods and libraries who share a love for Austin’s outdoor spaces. Over 80 schools will also take part in things like nature crafts, butterfly tagging, tree climbing, planting parties, and guided garden tours, or simply exploring local parks and enjoy time together outside.
You’ll find something for every age, from hands-on art projects and storytimes to volunteer days and family birding walks. All events are free! Check the full schedule at rootsandwingsfest.com, as well as some hand-picked events below.
Saturday, October 18
Pollinator Tour along Shoal Creek
9 am to 11 am | Seiders Springs Park
Join Shoal Creek Conservancy and beekeeper Katie Ortiz for a hands-on look at pollinators with bee hotel building, honey tasting, and nature giveaways. Register here.
Roots & Wings: Festival Awakening
10 am to 2 pm | North Austin Community Garden @ YMCA North
Kick off the Roots & Wings Festival with a free outdoor celebration full of hands-on fun for kids. Families can make seed balls, meet beekeepers for honey tastings, and watch a live butterfly release. Enjoy garden tours, nature crafts, and booths from Austin Nature & Science Center, Bat Conservation International, and more. Free parking is available at the YMCA and Little Walnut Creek Library. Facilities are limited, so bring water, sunscreen, and weather-friendly clothes.
Saturday, November 1
“Bee” a Friend To Pollinators
10 am to 2 pm | Austin Nature & Science Center
Celebrate the Roots & Wings Festival at Austin Nature & Science Center with a day buzzing with fun. Families can enjoy guided hikes, nature crafts, storytime with the Beevo Beekeeping Society, and live insect presentations from The Bug Safari Lady. Parking and admission are free, making this an easy, hands-on way for kids to learn about pollinators and nature in the heart of Austin.
Family Birding: A Roots & Wings Festival Event
8 am to 10 am | Pease Park
Take your little nature lovers on a relaxed birding walk led by Travis Audubon and Pease Park Conservancy, specially designed so families can enjoy birdwatching together. After the walk, kids get to build their own paper birds and talk about bird features (like beaks and wings) in a hands-on craft session. Binoculars will be available, and the pace will be gentle, so everyone can keep up. Bring comfy shoes, water, and get ready to spot Austin’s feathered friends! RSVP for FREE here.
Planting Party: It’s My Park Day / Roots & Wings Festival
9 am to Noon | Locations across Austin
Celebrate ten years of community and growth at Festival Beach Food Forest with a day of planting, music, and family fun. Families can join a morning workday helping plant and care for trees, then stick around for free food, live music, and hands-on activities in the forest. Kids can make seed bombs, enjoy puppet storytime with Austin Bat Cave, explore nature play areas, and take part in ASL and STEM activities. Costumes are encouraged, and everything is free. Tools and guidance are provided; just bring water, sunscreen, and a willingness to get a little dirty! Register here.
More Roots & Wings Events:
- Grow Together: Pollinator Gardens & Plant Swap @ Windsor Park | Nov. 1
- Roots & Wings Festival @ Dottie Jordan Park | Nov. 2
- Patterson Park Fall Festival | Nov. 1
