Planning your October in Austin? From world-class music at the ACL Festival to vibrant pumpkin patches, lively Oktoberfests, and spooky Halloween nights, Austin’s fall calendar is not only packed with events but is also a celebration of the unique culture and community spirit of this city. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the best October events in Austin 2025, ensuring you don’t miss out on the seasonal fun. With so many October events in Austin, there’s something for everyone!
Major Events & Festivals
Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival
October 3–5 & October 10–12, 2025 | Zilker Park
This is the big one: ACL returns for two across multiple stages, big names and rising stars alike.
Wicked Oaks Festival
October 25–26, 2025 | Carson Creek Ranch
A brand new immersive festival combining EDM, art, and experiential elements.
Austin Film Festival
October 23–30, 2025 | Various Downtown Venues
A favorite among cinephiles, AFF highlights screenwriters, films, panels, and networking.
Austin Oktoberfest & AustOberfest
October 11 (German Free School) & October 25 (Scholz Garten)
Celebrate German traditions with live music, beer, food, and family‑friendly fun.
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
October 17–19, 2025 | Circuit of the Americas
Not just racing — the USGP includes a “Super Stage” with headline music performances.
Night Market (Asian Culture Fest)
October 18, 2025 | Lakeline Park
An evening market with food, music, cultural showcases, and vendor booths.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the amazing October events in Austin this year. Whether you’re into music, food, or family activities, the October events in Austin cater to all interests.
The Night Market, part of the Asian Culture Fest on October 18 at Lakeline Park, is an enchanting evening filled with diverse food stalls, live performances, cultural showcases, and local vendors. It’s a snapshot of Austin’s multicultural scene and a delightful way to experience the flavors and traditions of various Asian communities.
The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix takes place from October 17–19 at the Circuit of the Americas. This thrilling event is not just about the races; it also features a “Super Stage” with performances from top artists, ensuring that even non-racing fans find something to enjoy. With its spectacular displays of speed and skill, it’s a highlight of the fall season. Additionally, the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix is just one of the thrilling October events in Austin that highlights the excitement of the season. If you’re a fan of fast cars and live music, this is a must-attend!
For those looking to celebrate German culture, Austin Oktoberfest and AustOberfest are fantastic options. Happening on October 11 at the German Free School and October 25 at Scholz Garten, these festivals feature traditional German music, delicious food, and, of course, plenty of beer. They offer a family-friendly atmosphere with activities for all ages, making it a perfect outing for both adults and kids alike.
The Austin Film Festival, running from October 23–30 across various downtown venues, is a must-attend event for cinephiles. The festival not only showcases a stunning array of films but also emphasizes the craft of screenwriting through panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. If you’re passionate about film or storytelling, this festival will provide invaluable insights and inspiration. The Austin Film Festival offers a unique perspective on storytelling and filmmaking, making it a standout among October events in Austin for cinema lovers.
Wicked Oaks Festival, occurring on October 25–26 at Carson Creek Ranch, is a new addition to Austin’s event lineup, merging the electrifying worlds of electronic dance music (EDM) and immersive art experiences. Attendees can expect engaging performances along with visual art elements that create an unforgettable atmosphere. This festival is perfect for those looking to experience something fresh and exciting in Austin’s vibrant music scene.
The ACL Festival, taking place from October 3–5 and October 10–12 at Zilker Park, is a monumental event that attracts music lovers from all around. With dozens of artists performing across multiple stages, festival-goers can enjoy a diverse lineup that includes both established stars and emerging talent. Additionally, the festival is known for its local food vendors, craft beer, and art installations, making it not just a music festival but an all-encompassing cultural experience. If you’re a fan of live music, this is the event you cannot miss! The ACL Festival is a highlight among October events in Austin, featuring an incredible lineup of artists and local food vendors that make it a cultural experience.
Family-Friendly & Fall Favorites
Family-friendly activities are abundant, with several notable October events in Austin designed for kids and parents alike.
The Sweet Eats Fall Festival, running until November 7 in Georgetown, is a delightful experience for families. It offers a plethora of activities, including a pumpkin patch, apple cannons, animal encounters, and fun slides. The festival focuses on creating lasting memories with family, especially for children eager to enjoy the fall season. Sweet Eats Fall Festival is another popular choice among October events in Austin, where families can enjoy numerous activities together
Sweet Eats Fall Festival
Through Nov. 7 | Georgetown
Loads of pumpkin patch fun, apple cannons, animal encounters, and slides.
Texas Pumpkin Fest, occurring from October 3 to November 1 in Leander, provides a larger pumpkin patch experience with picture-perfect photo ops, thrilling rides, live music, and a vibrant festival atmosphere. Families can enjoy making memories while participating in a range of exciting activities that celebrate the fall season.
Texas Pumpkin Fest
October 3 – November 1 | Leander
Bigger patch, photo ops, rides, live music, and festival energy.
The Round Rock Pumpkin Festival and Pumpkin Patch, held from October 3 to 31 at Old Settlers Park, is another family favorite. Featuring bounce houses, corn pits, and various yard games, this festival aims to create an enjoyable day out for families, filled with laughter and fun. Round Rock Pumpkin Festival & Pumpkin Patch is just one of many October events in Austin that provide fun for the whole family.
Round Rock Pumpkin Festival & Pumpkin Patch
October 3–31 | Old Settlers Park
Bounce houses, corn pits, yard games, family fun.
Uhland Fall Fest
Weekends (Sept 27 – Nov 2) | Uhland, TX
Over 50 attractions, live music, plentiful pumpkins, and zones for all ages.
Boo at the Zoo, happening on Friday and Saturday nights throughout October at the Austin Zoo, transforms the zoo into a Halloween wonderland. Children can enjoy trick-or-treating through zoo exhibits, experience spooky lighting, visit a haunted house, and ride on a train, making it a perfect Halloween outing for families. Boo at the Zoo transforms the zoo into a Halloween wonderland and is among the most exciting October events in Austin.
Boo at the Zoo
Friday & Saturday nights in October | Austin Zoo
Trick‑or‑treating through zoo exhibits, spooky lighting, haunted house visits, and train rides.
Bonus Picks & Notables
Round Rock Arts Festival (October 3–5) — art vendors, performances, outdoor creativity.
Austin Coffee Festival (October 28) — tastings, demos, workshops at Palmer Events Center.
House of Torment — horror attraction with haunted houses, zombie escapes, axe throwing.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics (Oct 30) — classical music meets spooky themes.
Don’t forget to check out the bonus picks and other special October events in Austin that add to the festive atmosphere.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics on October 30 combines classical music with spooky themes, offering a unique and hauntingly beautiful experience for music lovers and Halloween enthusiasts alike. House of Torment, known for its thrilling horror attraction, features haunted houses, zombie escapes, and even axe throwing. It’s a must-visit for those seeking adrenaline and a good scare this October.
The Austin Coffee Festival on October 28 at the Palmer Events Center invites coffee enthusiasts to engage in tastings, demonstrations, and workshops. This festival is ideal for anyone who loves coffee and wants to learn more about brewing techniques and coffee culture.For coffee lovers, the Austin Coffee Festival is one of the must-attend October events in Austin that you won’t want to miss!
The Round Rock Arts Festival takes place from October 3–5, featuring a wide array of art vendors, live performances, and opportunities for outdoor creativity. It’s an excellent way to appreciate local art and culture while enjoying the beautiful fall weather. The Round Rock Arts Festival is must attend during October event in Austin, enriching your experience of the season.
Pro Tips for attending October Events in Austin
Pro tips will help you navigate the many October events in Austin, ensuring you maximize your enjoyment.
- Plan ahead for multi‑weekend festivals like ACL and the Pumpkin Festivals.
- Family days vs. adult nights: some events lean toward adult audiences as the sun goes down.
- Bundle your weekends: pair a music festival with a pumpkin patch or film screening.
- Map your zones: use ZIP targeting in marketing to push hot events near neighborhoods.
- Stay flexible: event times may shift, so double-check official sites before going.
Lastly, consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services to navigate the city during busy event weekends. This can save you the hassle of parking and give you more time to enjoy the October events in Austin.
Don’t forget to explore the local eateries and food trucks during events. Austin is known for its diverse culinary scene, and many food vendors participate in the festivals, showcasing the city’s unique flavors. It’s a perfect opportunity to try something new while enjoying the festivities.
Planning ahead for multi-weekend festivals like ACL and the Pumpkin Festivals is crucial to ensure you make the most of your time in Austin. Consider family days versus adult nights, as some events may focus on adult audiences as the evening approaches. To maximize your experience, bundle your weekends by pairing a music festival with a visit to a pumpkin patch or attending a film screening. Make sure to map your zones and use ZIP targeting in your marketing to push hot events near neighborhoods. Lastly, stay flexible; event times may shift, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the official sites before heading out.
With careful planning, you can enjoy all the incredible October events in Austin that the city has to offer, from music festivals to pumpkin patches.
