By Rebecca · Local Austin Expert · Updated October 2026 · 8 min read
Columbus Day weekend falls on October 10 to 12, 2026. In Austin, the day is officially observed as Indigenous Peoples Day following a 2017 Austin City Council vote. Regardless of how you observe the holiday, the long weekend is one of the most genuinely extraordinary Austin weekends of the entire fall season. ACL Fest Weekend Two closes its final day at Zilker Park on Sunday. Austin Oktoberfest runs all day Saturday at the German Free School. Texas Pumpkin Fest opens in Leander. The Gruene Music and Wine Festival runs through Sunday nearby. And Lake Travis is delivering the most beautiful fall afternoons of the entire year. Here is your complete guide to Columbus Day weekend 2026 in Austin.
Quick Answer — Best Things to Do in Austin for Columbus Day Weekend 2026
The best things to do in Austin for Columbus Day weekend 2026 include Lake Travis Zipline Adventures for the best outdoor adventure of the long weekend, ACL Fest Weekend Two final day at Zilker Park on Sunday, Austin Oktoberfest at the German Free School on Saturday, Texas Pumpkin Fest in Leander all weekend, Foxtoberfest at 12 Fox Beer in Dripping Springs, the Gruene Music and Wine Festival, Boo at the Zoo at Austin Zoo, Barton Springs Pool, the Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony, and the UT Austin Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration on Monday.
Why Columbus Day Weekend Is One of the Best Austin Weekends of the Year
Columbus Day weekend in Austin delivers more genuinely extraordinary experiences per square mile than almost any other long weekend of the fall season.
First, ACL Fest Weekend Two is closing out its final day at Zilker Park on Sunday. Additionally, Austin Oktoberfest brings traditional German culture, food, and beer to the German Free School on Saturday. Furthermore, the first fall pumpkin festivals are in full swing. Because the weather in mid-October is genuinely perfect, with highs in the low to mid-70s and cool evenings, every outdoor activity on this list is at its best.
After 30 years in Austin, October long weekends are among my favorites of the entire year. Here is how to make the most of every day.
#1 Lake Travis Zipline Adventures — Best Columbus Day Weekend Adventure
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is the single best thing to do in Austin this Columbus Day weekend. October on Lake Travis is genuinely the most beautiful time of the entire year on the water.
Why October Is the Best Month to Go
The Hill Country is shifting into fall colors. The air is crisp and comfortable at altitude on the ziplines. Moreover, the view from 22 stories above Lake Travis looking out across the amber and gold Hill Country horizon on a clear October afternoon is one of the most genuinely spectacular outdoor moments Austin produces all year.
As someone who has guided zipline tours on Lake Travis, I can tell you that October groups consistently describe the fall experience as even more extraordinary than their summer visit. Because of the fall light and the cooler temperatures, the whole experience takes on a different and more beautiful character.
What to Expect
Your group boards a boat that takes everyone across Lake Travis to Zip Island, about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Then you spend three hours on five world-class ziplines through the Texas Hill Country. Most notably, the Double Barrel Shotgun sends two people side by side over 2,800 feet of cable at speeds up to 65 mph from 22 stories above the lake. After the tour, your ticket includes full-day access to the lakefront property on Zip Island. As a result, the afternoon extends well beyond the zip itself with swimming, hammocks, and Hill Country views in every direction.
The Details
- Tours: 5-Line Zipline Tour and Double Barrel Single-Line Tour available
- Pricing: Check laketraviszipline.com for current rates
- Location: About 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin on Lake Travis
- Best For: Groups, couples, families, all experience levels
- Reservations: Required at laketraviszipline.com
Pro Tip: October long weekend afternoon slots sell out fast. Therefore, book your afternoon tour now at laketraviszipline.com before Columbus Day weekend fills up completely.
Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures before your spot sells out.
Sunday, October 11 — ACL Fest Weekend Two Final Day at Zilker Park
ACL Fest Weekend Two closes its final day at Zilker Park on Sunday October 11. Consequently, this is the last chance to experience the 25th anniversary of one of the greatest music festivals in the world.
Sunday Headliners and Highlights
Kings of Leon headlines the American Express Stage on Sunday night. Simultaneously, The XX closes the T-Mobile Stage. Additionally, Parcels, Young Miko, and Wave to Earth are among the strongest Sunday supporting acts across the nine stages.
Because the Longhorns are playing in Dallas on Saturday October 10 rather than at home, there is no game day traffic layered on top of ACL weekend. As a result, this is one of the most logistically comfortable ACL weekends Austin has produced in years.
How to Get There
Take CapMetro rather than driving. Rides are free after 5 PM during ACL Fest. Shuttle boarding is at Sand Beach Park. The festival runs from noon to 10 PM on Sunday.
The Details
- When: Sunday October 11, noon to 10 PM
- Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin TX 78746
- Tickets: Single-day Sunday tickets from $200 at aclfestival.com
- Best For: Music lovers, anyone who wants to close out the 25th anniversary of ACL Fest
Saturday, October 10 — Austin Oktoberfest at German Free School
Austin Oktoberfest at the German-Texan Heritage Society is the longest-running and most traditional Oktoberfest celebration in Austin. This year it runs Saturday October 10 from 11 AM to 7:30 PM at the German Free School at 507 E 10th Street.
What to Expect
The event features traditional German food, beer, music, and Gemütlichkeit, the German concept of warmth, belonging, and friendliness that gives every Oktoberfest its essential character. Furthermore, the historic German Free School building and the surrounding Swedish Hill Historic District make it one of the most atmospherically authentic Oktoberfest venues available in Central Texas.
Because admission is just $20 with children under 12 free, it is also one of the most affordable and most family-friendly fall festival options of the entire Columbus Day weekend.
The Details
- When: Saturday October 10, 11 AM to 7:30 PM
- Where: German Free School, 507 E 10th St, Austin TX 78701
- Cost: $20 adults, children under 12 free
- Best For: Families, German heritage enthusiasts, anyone who wants the most authentic Oktoberfest experience in Austin
All Weekend — Texas Pumpkin Fest in Leander
Texas Pumpkin Fest runs all weekend in Leander, just minutes from Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Because of its proximity, combining a morning at Texas Pumpkin Fest with an afternoon at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is the most complete and most genuinely fun fall family day available in the entire Austin area.
What to Do There
The festival features thousands of pumpkins, a corn maze, fall-themed activities, and the kind of genuinely festive atmosphere that makes it one of the most popular family fall destinations in the Austin area. Moreover, the Leander location makes it the most conveniently situated pumpkin festival for visitors heading to or from Lake Travis.
The Details
- When: All weekend October 9 to 12, 2026
- Where: Leander TX, check local listings for specific address and hours
- Best For: Families with young children, the most convenient fall festival near Lake Travis
Saturday and Sunday — Foxtoberfest at 12 Fox Beer in Dripping Springs
Foxtoberfest at 12 Fox Beer in Dripping Springs runs Saturday and Sunday of Columbus Day weekend. This family and dog-friendly Oktoberfest in the Hill Country just 30 minutes west of Austin is one of the most genuinely enjoyable and most dog-inclusive fall festival experiences available in the Austin area.
Why It Stands Out
Because it takes place in Dripping Springs rather than downtown Austin, Foxtoberfest has a more relaxed and more genuinely Hill Country character than the urban Oktoberfest options. Additionally, the craft beer program at 12 Fox is excellent and the outdoor setting is beautiful in mid-October fall light.
The Details
- When: Saturday October 10 and Sunday October 11
- Where: 12 Fox Beer, Dripping Springs TX, about 30 minutes west of Austin
- Best For: Craft beer lovers, families, dog owners, a relaxed and genuinely Hill Country Oktoberfest alternative
Friday through Sunday — Gruene Music and Wine Festival
The Gruene Music and Wine Festival runs October 8 through 11 at Gruene Historic District in New Braunfels, about 45 minutes south of Austin. Because it combines two of the most beloved Texas traditions, live music and Hill Country wine, it is one of the most genuinely enjoyable fall festival day trips available from Austin on Columbus Day weekend.
What to Expect
Gruene Hall, the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas, anchors the festival with live music performances all four days. Additionally, Texas Hill Country wineries pour throughout the festival grounds. Furthermore, the Gruene Historic District itself, with the Gristmill River Restaurant on the Guadalupe River and the charming antique shops along Gruene Road, makes it one of the most complete and most authentically Texas fall day trips available from Austin.
The Details
- When: October 8 through 11, 2026
- Where: Gruene Historic District, New Braunfels TX, about 45 minutes south of Austin
- Best For: Live music fans, wine lovers, a complete Hill Country fall day trip from Austin
All Weekend — Boo at the Zoo at Austin Zoo
Boo at the Zoo at Austin Zoo runs Friday and Saturday nights from October 2 through October 24, including both weekend nights of Columbus Day weekend. The haunted zoo experience features more than 300 rescued animals, spooky decorations, Halloween costumes, train rides, and nighttime activities that make it one of the most family-friendly and most genuinely fun Halloween experiences available in Austin.
Why Families Love It
Because it combines the Austin Zoo’s rescue animal mission with Halloween theming, Boo at the Zoo delivers something genuinely different from standard Halloween events. Moreover, the daytime zoo visit during the day combined with the evening Boo at the Zoo experience turns it into a full family day.
The Details
- When: Friday October 9 and Saturday October 10, evenings
- Where: Austin Zoo, 10807 Rawhide Trail, Austin TX 78736
- Website: austinzoo.org
- Best For: Families with young children, the most family-friendly Halloween experience of Columbus Day weekend
Monday, October 12 — Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration at UT Austin
Monday October 12 is officially observed as Indigenous Peoples Day in Austin following the Austin City Council’s 2017 vote to rename Columbus Day. On Monday, the Native American and Indigenous Studies Program at UT Austin hosts its annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration on campus with a shared feast, storytelling, and cultural activities.
Why It Matters
Because Austin sits on land historically inhabited by the Tonkawa, Comanche, and Lipan Apache peoples, Indigenous Peoples Day is a meaningful opportunity to learn about the full history of this place. The UT Austin event is free, open to the broader Austin community, and one of the most genuinely welcoming community celebrations the university produces all year.
Check utexas.edu for the 2026 schedule and specific location on campus.
The Details
- When: Monday October 12, 2026
- Where: UT Austin campus
- Cost: Free
- Best For: Anyone who wants to honor Indigenous Peoples Day with a genuine community celebration
All Weekend — The Austin Essentials
After 30 years in Austin, these are the October experiences I recommend without hesitation regardless of what else is happening.
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs stays at 68 degrees year round. Because October air temperatures have dropped into the comfortable 70s, a midday swim at Barton Springs on Columbus Day weekend feels genuinely extraordinary. The surrounding Zilker Park trees are turning color. Crowds are smaller than summer. Entry is under $10 and free before 8 AM.
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Colony
The bat colony is still producing nightly emergences in mid-October before the migration south accelerates. Because emergence times vary nightly, check batrefuge.org for the current schedule before you go. Every evening this weekend delivers a genuinely beautiful bat colony emergence above the Colorado River.
The Perfect Columbus Day Weekend Itinerary
Here is how to build the most complete Columbus Day long weekend in Austin.
Friday October 9: Lake Travis Zipline Adventures in the afternoon for the best fall outdoor adventure in Austin. Book your afternoon tour now at laketraviszipline.com. Then ACL Fest Weekend Two Friday evening sets at Zilker Park for the Charli XCX headliner.
Saturday October 10: Texas Pumpkin Fest in Leander in the morning. Then Austin Oktoberfest at the German Free School from 11 AM to 7:30 PM for the most traditional Oktoberfest experience in Austin. Then Boo at the Zoo at Austin Zoo Friday or Saturday evening.
Sunday October 11: Foxtoberfest at 12 Fox Beer in Dripping Springs in the afternoon for the most relaxed and most Hill Country fall festival experience of the weekend. Then ACL Fest Weekend Two final day at Zilker Park with Kings of Leon and The XX closing the 25th anniversary at Zilker. Congress Avenue Bridge bats at sunset between the afternoon and evening sets.
Monday October 12: UT Austin Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration on campus. Then the Bullock Museum for the Becoming Texas Indigenous history exhibit. Finally, a walk on the Barton Creek Greenbelt to close out the long weekend on the land.
Frequently Asked Questions — Columbus Day Weekend Austin 2026
When is Columbus Day 2026?
Columbus Day 2026 falls on Monday October 12. In Austin, the day is officially observed as Indigenous Peoples Day following a 2017 Austin City Council vote. Because it falls on a Monday, it creates a genuine three-day long weekend for most Austin residents and visitors.
What is the best thing to do in Austin for Columbus Day weekend?
The best thing to do in Austin for Columbus Day weekend is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. October is the most beautiful time of the entire year on Lake Travis with the Hill Country in fall colors. The Double Barrel Shotgun zipline runs over 2,800 feet at 65 mph from 22 stories above the lake. After the tour your group gets full-day access to the lakefront property. Book now at laketraviszipline.com before the long weekend sells out.
Is ACL Fest happening on Columbus Day weekend 2026?
Yes. ACL Fest Weekend Two runs October 9 to 11, 2026 at Zilker Park. Sunday October 11 is the final day of the 25th anniversary festival with Kings of Leon and The XX as headliners. Single-day Sunday tickets are available from $200 at aclfestival.com.
What is Austin Oktoberfest 2026?
Austin Oktoberfest 2026 is the longest-running and most traditional Oktoberfest celebration in Austin, hosted by the German-Texan Heritage Society at the German Free School at 507 E 10th Street. It runs Saturday October 10 from 11 AM to 7:30 PM with traditional German food, beer, and music. Admission is $20 for adults and free for children under 12.
Does Austin observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day?
Austin officially observes Indigenous Peoples Day. In 2017, the Austin City Council voted to rename Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day, making Austin one of the first Texas cities to do so. Texas as a state does not officially observe either as a paid holiday.
Make the Most of Columbus Day Weekend in Austin
Columbus Day weekend delivers one of the most genuinely extraordinary three-day weekends Austin produces all fall. ACL Fest closing night. Austin Oktoberfest. Texas Pumpkin Fest. Foxtoberfest in the Hill Country. Boo at the Zoo. The Gruene Music and Wine Festival. Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations. And the most beautiful fall afternoon of the year waiting for you on Lake Travis.
Start by locking in your outdoor adventure. Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures now at laketraviszipline.com and secure your afternoon slot before Columbus Day weekend sells out.
For more Austin inspiration check out our guides to the Best Things to Do in Austin TX, Best Things to Do in Austin in the Fall, and Things to Do in Austin for Indigenous Peoples Day.
About the Author
Rebecca is a 30-year Austin resident, UT Austin alumna, and outdoor recreation and tourism professional who has spent her career in the Austin adventure tourism industry. She has guided zipline tours on Lake Travis and worked in outdoor recreation tourism through the University of Texas, where she studied marketing and business. When she is not writing about Austin, she is out on the lake.