By Rebecca | Local Austin Expert | 8 min read
The best things to do in Austin this weekend November 13 to 15 include a PGA Tour golf event, the Texas Book Festival, and the Austin Studio Tour. Meanwhile, Lake Travis is still open for ziplining before our season ends. The weather is cool and the crowds are small. As a result, this is one of the easiest weekends of the fall to plan. Here is everything happening.
Quick Answer: Things to Do in Austin This Weekend, November 13 to 15
The best things to do in Austin this weekend include ziplining at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, the Good Good Championship PGA Tour event at Omni Barton Creek, the free Texas Book Festival downtown, the Austin Studio Tour, and the opening of the Blue Genie Art Bazaar. Wurstfest in New Braunfels also wraps up on Sunday. Book an afternoon zipline tour now, because our season ends soon.
1. Start With Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Why Mid-November Is Special
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is the best way to spend a fall afternoon. The summer crowds are gone. The air is crisp, and the Hill Country is deep gold and amber. Therefore, the view from 22 stories above the lake is at its best.
We are about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Your group rides across the lake to reach the ziplines. Then you fly high above the water.
Two Tour Options
We offer two tours, so you can pick the one that fits your weekend.
The 5-Line Tour is our full adventure. You fly five ziplines, including the Double Barrel Shotgun. That ride sends two people side by side over 2,800 feet at up to 65 mph.
The Double Barrel Single-Line Tour is a shorter option. It centers on the Double Barrel Shotgun, our signature ride. As a result, it works well when you want one big ride and more time for other plans.
Lake Access After the Tour
Both tours include full-day lake access. After your tour, head back to the lakefront. Then stay as long as you like before returning to Austin.
Before You Book
Riders must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. We recommend an afternoon tour, because the light is golden and it fits well around weekend plans. Reservations are required. Check laketraviszipline.com for current rates and times.
Our season ends soon, and we are closed December through February. Therefore, this weekend is one of your last chances.
2. The Best Things to Do in Austin This Weekend November 13 to 15
Good Good Championship at Omni Barton Creek
The PGA Tour returns to Austin this weekend. The Good Good Championship runs November 12 to 15 at the Fazio Canyons Course at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa. It also appears on some listings as the Austin Championship.
The field includes 120 professional players. The event is open to the public all four days. General admission is listed at $90 on Friday, $120 on Saturday, and $100 on Sunday. Additionally, kids 12 and under attend free with a ticketed adult. Confirm current details at goodgoodchampionship.com.
Texas Book Festival
The Texas Book Festival takes over downtown Austin on Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15. This is the 31st year. Authors speak and sign books at the Texas State Capitol and nearby venues.
Admission is free. In addition, the festival offers family activities, food, and live music. On Saturday night, Lit Crawl Austin continues the festival into the evening. Plan your day at texasbookfestival.org.
Austin Studio Tour
The Austin Studio Tour runs November 14 to 15 and again November 21 to 22. Local artists open their studios to the public. You can meet makers and see works in progress. Furthermore, it is a great way to find a holiday gift that no one else has.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar Opens
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar opens Friday, November 13. It runs daily through December 24. Shoppers find handmade jewelry, art, and home goods from independent makers. Check bluegenieartbazaar.com for hours.
Wurstfest in New Braunfels
Wurstfest ends its run this Sunday, November 15. The festival offers German food, live music, dancing, and carnival rides in Landa Park. New Braunfels is about an hour south of Austin. Therefore, Sunday afternoon works well for a final day trip. Visit wurstfest.com for details.
Longhorns Fans
The Longhorns play at LSU on Saturday, November 14. There is no home game this weekend. Kickoff time was not set when I wrote this, so check texaslonghorns.com. Many Austin bars host watch parties. Meanwhile, the next home game is Arkansas on November 21.
3. Free Austin Favorites
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs stays about 68 degrees all year. A cool November day makes it a calm, quiet visit. The surrounding Zilker Park is also lovely in fall.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Greenbelt is a free hike through limestone canyons. Cooler weather makes the trail comfortable. As a result, it is a good Saturday morning plan before the afternoon zipline tour.
Lady Bird Lake Trail
The trail wraps around the lake near downtown. It is flat and easy to walk. Additionally, it connects many of the weekend’s downtown events.
4. A Sample Weekend Plan
Friday
First, book an afternoon tour at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. After lake access, head back to Austin. Then browse the Blue Genie Art Bazaar on opening night.
Saturday
Start with a walk on the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Next, visit the Texas Book Festival downtown. Finally, catch the Austin Studio Tour or the golf tournament in the afternoon.
Sunday
Visit the Studio Tour or the final round of golf. Alternatively, drive to Wurstfest for its last day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to do in Austin this weekend?
Ziplining at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is a top pick. The fall colors and cool air make mid-November a beautiful time to go.
Is the PGA Tour in Austin this weekend?
Yes. The Good Good Championship runs November 12 to 15 at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa. It is open to the public.
Is the Texas Book Festival free?
Yes. Admission is free on November 14 and 15 in downtown Austin.
Is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures open this weekend?
Yes. Our season ends soon, and we are closed December through February. Book your afternoon tour at laketraviszipline.com.
What tours does Lake Travis Zipline Adventures offer?
We offer the 5-Line Tour and the Double Barrel Single-Line Tour. Both include full-day lake access.
How far is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures from downtown Austin?
About 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin.
What are the weight requirements for ziplining?
Riders must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds.
Make the Most of This Weekend
This weekend packs in golf, books, art, and one of the last chances to zipline this year. Start with your afternoon tour. Then fill in the rest. Book now at laketraviszipline.com before spots fill.
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.
For more ideas, see Best Things to Do in Austin in the Fall, Best Things to Do in Austin TX, and Best Things to Do on Lake Travis.