The Perfect Austin Food & Wine Festival Weekend
Plan the Perfect Austin Food & Wine Festival Weekend
Planning a trip to Austin for the Austin Food & Wine Festival, November 6–8, 2026? Get ready for a weekend filled with incredible food, local flavor, live entertainment, and the outdoor adventures that make Austin such a memorable destination.
From sampling dishes prepared by talented chefs to exploring the beautiful Texas Hill Country, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your visit. And if you’re looking to add a little adrenaline to your Austin getaway, put ziplining over Lake Travis at the top of your adventure bucket list!
Austin has something for everyone, whether you’re planning a weekend with friends, a romantic getaway, or a trip filled with food and outdoor fun. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.
Friday, November 6: Arrive in Austin & Kick Off the Weekend
Explore Austin’s Food Scene
Start your weekend by checking into your hotel and exploring Austin’s incredible food scene. Whether you’re craving authentic Texas barbecue, tacos, brunch, or a memorable dinner, Austin has something for every appetite.
For barbecue lovers, consider a trip to Lockhart, known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas. The Texas Monthly BBQ Fest takes place November 7–8, 2026, with a free BBQ World’s Fair on Saturday and a ticketed Top 50 Picnic on Sunday.
Learn more about the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest.
Kick Off Festival Weekend
The Austin Food & Wine Festival weekend begins Friday, November 6, with Made in Texas at The Long Center. This evening event celebrates Texas food and cooking traditions, making it a delicious way to start your getaway.
Check the official Austin Food & Wine Festival website for tickets, event details, and the latest schedule.
Saturday, November 7: Festival Flavors & Outdoor Adventure Inspiration
Spend the Day at the Austin Food & Wine Festival
Saturday is the perfect day to immerse yourself in the Austin Food & Wine Festival. Held at Auditorium Shores, the festival brings together chefs, restaurants, winemakers, and beverage makers for a celebration of food and drink.
Enjoy chef demonstrations, guided tastings, bites from participating restaurants, and live fire cooking experiences. It is a fantastic opportunity to discover new flavors and get inspired by the culinary talent that makes Central Texas such an exciting food destination.
Check the official festival website for ticket options and the most up to date schedule.
Make Ziplining Over Lake Travis Your Next Austin Adventure
Austin is famous for its food, music, and nightlife, but the area’s outdoor adventures are just as memorable. If you love experiences that get your heart racing, make a zipline adventure over Lake Travis part of your next visit.
At Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, guests can experience the thrill of soaring above the water while taking in incredible views of the Texas Hill Country. Our Five Line Adventure combines multiple ziplines, a scenic boat ride, hiking, and an unforgettable outdoor experience on our lakefront property.
Ready to fly? Imagine racing across the sky at speeds of up to 65 mph while taking in the stunning scenery around Lake Travis. It’s an adventure of a lifetime and a fantastic addition to an Austin getaway.
Important seasonal note: Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is closed during the November 7–9 weekend and reopens in March. While you can’t zipline with us during this particular festival weekend, it’s the perfect experience to add to a future Austin trip!
Explore our Lake Travis zipline adventures and check seasonal availability as you plan your visit.
Sunday, November 8: More Local Flavor & Hill Country Scenery
Discover More of Central Texas
Before heading home, make Sunday a chance to explore more of the Austin area.
If you haven’t had enough barbecue, head toward Lockhart for the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest Top 50 Picnic. Prefer something different? The Austin Celtic Festival and Highland Games also take place November 7–8 at Pioneer Farms, featuring Celtic music, dancing, cultural activities, and athletic competitions.
Visit the Austin Celtic Festival website for event details.
You can also explore Austin’s local shops, enjoy brunch, stroll around Lady Bird Lake, or take a scenic drive through the Hill Country. If you have extra time, explore the surrounding communities for local restaurants, scenic views, and small town charm.
Save Room for Your Next Austin Adventure
If your ideal weekend includes more than great food and drinks, consider planning a return trip when Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is open. Pair a zipline tour with a day exploring the lake area, local restaurants, and the scenic communities surrounding Austin.
The best trips balance relaxation with experiences you’ll remember long after you get home. Austin makes it easy to do both!
More Things to Do During Austin Food & Wine Festival Weekend
Looking to fill your itinerary with even more local experiences? Here are a few additional ideas to consider while you’re in town.
Explore South Congress. Browse local boutiques, enjoy brunch, and take photos along one of Austin’s best known shopping districts.
Visit a museum. The Bullock Texas State History Museum is a great option for learning about Texas history and enjoying an indoor activity.
Get outside. Walk the Lady Bird Lake trail, explore Zilker Park, or visit the Austin Nature & Science Center.
Take a Hill Country day trip. Venture outside the city for scenic drives, small towns, and local dining experiences.
Explore Austin’s live music scene. Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, so check local venue calendars for concerts and performances happening during your visit.
For more inspiration, visit Visit Austin to discover local attractions, restaurants, and events.
Make Your Next Austin Getaway an Adventure
The Austin Food & Wine Festival is a fantastic reason to visit Central Texas, but it doesn’t have to be the only highlight of your trip. Enjoy the local food scene, discover live entertainment, explore the Hill Country, and start planning your next outdoor adventure.
When ziplining season returns, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is ready to help you experience Austin from a whole new perspective. With thrilling ziplines, incredible views, and an unforgettable setting over Lake Travis, it’s an adventure worth adding to your itinerary.
Ready to plan your next adventure? Visit Lake Travis Zipline Adventures to explore our tours and check seasonal availability.
Helpful Links for Planning Your Austin Weekend
Make the most of your Austin Food & Wine Festival weekend with these helpful event and travel resources.
- Austin Food & Wine Festival: Explore festival details, tickets, participating chefs, and the event schedule.
- Texas Monthly BBQ Fest: Find information about the barbecue festival happening in Lockhart November 7–8, 2026.
- Austin Celtic Festival: Discover Celtic music, cultural performances, and Highland Games.
- Visit Austin: Find local restaurants, attractions, accommodations, and more things to do around the city.
- Texas Hill Country: Explore scenic destinations, small towns, and outdoor experiences throughout the region.
- Lake Travis Zipline Adventures: Explore our zipline tours, learn about the adventure, and check seasonal availability for your next Austin getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Austin Food & Wine Festival in 2026?
The Austin Food & Wine Festival takes place November 6–8, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Visit the official festival website for the latest schedule, location details, and ticket information.
What else is happening in Austin during festival weekend?
Visitors can also explore the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest in Lockhart, the Austin Celtic Festival and Highland Games, local restaurants, live music venues, parks, museums, and Austin’s outdoor spaces.
Can I go ziplining at Lake Travis during November 7–9, 2026?
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is seasonally closed during November and reopens in March. Check our official website for current operating dates and plan your zipline experience for an upcoming open season.
What should I do in Austin if I love food and outdoor adventures?
Austin offers a great mix of food festivals, barbecue destinations, parks, lake activities, live music, and Hill Country scenery. For a future visit during zipline season, add Lake Travis Zipline Adventures to your itinerary for a thrilling outdoor experience.
Is the Austin Food & Wine Festival family friendly?
The festival is restricted to guests 21 and older. Families traveling with younger visitors can explore other Austin attractions, parks, museums, and cultural events during the weekend.
How should I plan a weekend in Austin?
Start by choosing the festival activities you want to attend, then build in time for local restaurants, live music, and outdoor sightseeing. If ziplining is on your bucket list, check Lake Travis Zipline Adventures’ seasonal schedule and plan a return visit when tours are operating.