Best Fall Events in Austin, Texas

August 31, 2026/Mallory/

Best Fall Events in Austin, Texas: 13 Things to Do in Fall 2026

Fall is hands-down one of the best times to be in Austin, Texas. The temperatures finally start to cool down, football season is in full swing, and some of the biggest festivals and events of the year take over Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country.

If you’re looking for the best fall events in Austin, you’re in the right place.

From live music and Formula 1 racing to antique shopping, BBQ, food and wine festivals, art tours and one of the biggest football rivalries in Texas, there is something for everyone.

But don’t spend your entire fall indoors.

One of the best ways to enjoy the season is to get outside and experience a little Texas Hill Country adventure.

The Fall Must-Do: Ride the Longest and Fastest Zipline in Texas

Before you fill your calendar with concerts and festivals, make time for one of the most exciting outdoor adventures near Austin: Lake Travis Zipline Adventures.

Just outside Austin, you can soar over Lake Travis on the longest and fastest zipline in Texas.

The Double Barrel Shotgun zipline stretches approximately 2,800 feet and reaches speeds of up to 65 mph. That’s a serious adrenaline rush — and one of the most memorable ways to experience the Texas Hill Country. (ziplaketravis.com)

But the experience is much more than a zipline.

The full adventure includes five ziplines, a guided hike through the Hill Country and a boat ride across Lake Travis, all while taking in incredible views of the surrounding landscape. The full course takes approximately three hours. (ziplaketravis.com)

Why ziplining belongs on your Austin fall bucket list

  • It’s the perfect fall outdoor adventure in Austin.
  • Ride the longest and fastest zipline in Texas.
  • Fly over Lake Travis and take in Hill Country views.
  • Combine ziplining with hiking and a boat ride.
  • It’s a fun experience for families and groups that want to do something different.
  • It’s an unforgettable way to get outside and make fall memories.

If you’re visiting Austin in the fall or looking for a fun family activity near Austin, put this one high on your list.

Plan your Lake Travis zipline adventure

13 Best Fall Events in Austin, Texas

Now that you’ve got your outdoor adventure planned, it’s time to fill the rest of your fall calendar.

Here are some of the best things to do in Austin this fall.

October 1 — US Open Cup Final: Austin FC vs. Nashville

Soccer fans, mark your calendars.

Austin FC takes on Nashville in the US Open Cup Final on October 1. If you’re looking for a high-energy sporting event to kick off the fall season, this is one to watch.

⚽ When: October 1

October 3–5 & 10–12 — ACL Music Festival

It’s not fall in Austin without Austin City Limits Music Festival.

ACL Fest brings two weekends of live music, food, art and thousands of music fans to Zilker Park. With multiple stages and a huge variety of artists, it’s one of the city’s signature fall events.

🎸 When: October 3–5 & 10–12

Whether you’re visiting Austin for the first time or you’ve lived here for years, ACL is a classic Austin fall must-do.

October 4–18 — Round Top Antique Fair

Ready for a road trip?

The Round Top Antique Fair is one of the most famous antique and design events in Texas. Stretching across several towns and venues, it’s a treasure hunter’s dream, with vintage furniture, antiques, art, home décor and plenty of unique finds.

🛋️ When: October 4–18

It’s worth making the drive if shopping, design and vintage finds are your thing.

October 17–19 — Formula 1 at Circuit of The Americas

Start your engines.

Formula 1 at Circuit of The Americas is one of the biggest sporting weekends in the Austin area. The three-day event combines high-speed racing, concerts and a massive festival atmosphere.

🏎️ When: October 17–19

With Kygo and Garth Brooks headlining the entertainment lineup, this is much more than a race weekend.

And if you’re looking for something to do with friends visiting from out of town, F1 is one of those Austin events that makes a weekend out of it.

October 18 — Oktoberfest at Hill Country Galleria

Break out the lederhosen and get ready for Oktoberfest.

The Hill Country Galleria hosts an Oktoberfest celebration on October 18, bringing German-inspired food, music and fall fun to Bee Cave.

🍂 When: October 18

It’s an easy option for families and groups looking for a festive fall activity outside downtown Austin.

October 23–30 — Austin Film Festival

Movie lovers, this one’s for you.

The Austin Film Festival brings filmmakers, screenwriters and movie fans together for a week of screenings, conversations and events throughout Austin.

🎬 When: October 23–30

If you’re a film buff, aspiring writer or simply love discovering great movies, add this one to your fall calendar.

November 1–2 — Texas Monthly BBQ Festival in Lockhart

Few things say Texas quite like BBQ.

Head to Lockhart, the BBQ capital of Texas, for the Texas Monthly BBQ Festival on November 1–2.

🍖 When: November 1–2

Expect plenty of legendary Texas barbecue and an excellent excuse for a day trip from Austin.

November 2 — Quesoff

Cheese lovers, this one’s for you.

Austin’s Quesoff celebrates one of the city’s favorite foods: queso.

🧀 When: November 2

Come hungry, because this is definitely not the event to attend if you’re trying to avoid cheese.

November 7–9 — Austin Food + Wine Festival

Foodies should save November 7–9 for the Austin Food + Wine Festival.

This annual celebration brings together chefs, food makers, wine, cocktails, cooking demonstrations and plenty of opportunities to eat your way through Austin.

🍷 When: November 7–9

It’s one of the best fall food events in Austin and a great choice for a weekend getaway.

November 7–16 — Wurstfest

Want to take your fall fun outside Austin?

Head to New Braunfels for Wurstfest, a 10-day celebration featuring German culture, food, music and plenty of festive entertainment.

🌭 When: November 7–16

It’s one of the most recognizable fall festivals in the Texas Hill Country and makes for a fun day or weekend trip from Austin.

November 8–9 & 15–16 — Austin Studio Tour

Explore the creative side of Austin during the Austin Studio Tour.

The tour gives visitors an opportunity to explore local artists, studios and creative spaces throughout the city.

🎨 When: November 8–9 & 15–16

It’s a great way to spend a fall weekend discovering the artists and makers that make Austin unique.

November 28 — Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M

It’s back.

The historic Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry returns November 28.

🏈 When: November 28

If you haven’t experienced this rivalry in person, fall 2026 is your chance. Expect a huge game-day atmosphere throughout Austin.

Make Time for an Outdoor Adventure This Fall

Austin’s fall calendar is packed.

You could spend October listening to live music at ACL, watching Formula 1 cars race around COTA, hunting for antiques in Round Top and eating your way through Texas BBQ and queso.

But some of the best things to do in Austin in the fall aren’t inside a festival.

They’re outside.

When the weather starts cooling down, it’s the perfect time to explore the Texas Hill Country, get some fresh air and try something you’ve never done before.

That’s why Lake Travis Zipline Adventures belongs on your fall Austin bucket list.

You can hike, ride a boat across Lake Travis and then fly through the air at speeds of up to 65 mph on the longest and fastest zipline in Texas. (ziplaketravis.com)

For families, couples, groups of friends or visitors looking for a little adrenaline, it’s a fall must-do activity near Austin.

And unlike a concert or festival, you’ll actually get outside and experience the Hill Country.

So grab your calendar, pick your events and make this fall one to remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best fall events in Austin?

Some of the best fall events in Austin include ACL Music Festival, Formula 1 at Circuit of The Americas, Austin Film Festival, Austin Food + Wine Festival, Austin Studio Tour and the Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M football game.

For an outdoor adventure, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is a standout fall activity.

What are the best outdoor activities in Austin in the fall?

Fall is a great time to hike, explore the Hill Country, enjoy Lake Travis and go ziplining. For an adrenaline-filled experience, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures offers five ziplines, hiking and a boat ride.

What is the longest and fastest zipline in Texas?

The Double Barrel Shotgun at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is approximately 2,800 feet long and can reach speeds of approximately 65 mph. (ziplaketravis.com)

Is ziplining a good family activity near Austin?

Yes. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is a popular choice for families and groups looking for an active outdoor experience. Participants should review the current age, weight and physical requirements before booking. (ziplaketravis.com)

What is the best month for fall activities in Austin?

October and November are both excellent months for fall activities in Austin. The calendar is packed with festivals, concerts, sporting events, food festivals and outdoor activities.

What are some things to do near Austin in the fall?

Popular fall activities near Austin include visiting Lake Travis, exploring the Texas Hill Country, attending events in New Braunfels, visiting the Round Top Antique Fair and enjoying outdoor adventures such as ziplining.

Is ACL Fest worth visiting?

For music fans, ACL Fest is one of Austin’s signature fall events. The festival takes place over two weekends and combines live music, food, art and the unique atmosphere of Zilker Park.

External Links & Resources

Event dates, performers, locations, admission requirements and schedules can change. Always check the official event website before making plans.

Save this guide for your Austin fall bucket list — and don’t forget to make time to get outside.