By Rebecca · Local Austin Expert · Published October 13, 2026 · 8 min read
This is the biggest Austin weekend of the entire fall. The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix runs all three days at Circuit of the Americas. Maroon 5 headlines Friday night. Post Malone headlines Saturday. Alesso closes Sunday after the race. The Viva La Vida Dia de los Muertos parade fills downtown on Saturday. The Longhorns host Ole Miss at DKR on Saturday morning. And Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is delivering the most beautiful fall afternoons of the year. Here is everything happening in Austin this weekend.
Quick Answer — Best Things to Do in Austin October 23 to 25
The best things to do in Austin this weekend include Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, the Formula 1 US Grand Prix at COTA, Maroon 5 on Friday night, Post Malone on Saturday night, Alesso on Sunday, the Viva La Vida Dia de los Muertos Festival and Parade on Saturday, the Longhorns vs Ole Miss at DKR, Boo at the Zoo on Friday and Saturday evenings, and Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms.
Start the Weekend at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is the best way to start this weekend. October afternoons on Lake Travis are genuinely spectacular right now.
Why This Weekend Is Perfect for It
The Hill Country is in peak fall color. The air is crisp and comfortable on the ziplines. Moreover, the view from 22 stories above the lake is one of the most beautiful outdoor experiences Austin produces all year.
Because F1 weekend brings massive crowds to COTA, an afternoon on Lake Travis is a genuinely peaceful alternative. Your group gets a world-class adventure without the race day traffic.
What to Expect
Your group takes a boat to Zip Island, about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Then you spend three hours on five world-class ziplines. The Double Barrel Shotgun sends two people side by side over 2,800 feet at up to 65 mph.
After the tour, full-day lake access is included. Swim, relax in hammocks, and take the best fall photos of the weekend before heading back to Austin.
Book Now
- Pricing: Check laketraviszipline.com for current rates
- Location: About 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin
- Reservations: Required at laketraviszipline.com
Pro Tip: F1 weekend sells out fast. Therefore, book your afternoon slot now at laketraviszipline.com before it is gone.
All Weekend — Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at COTA
The Formula 1 US Grand Prix runs October 23 to 25 at Circuit of the Americas. It is one of the biggest sporting and entertainment events in the country. Because COTA pairs world-class racing with massive concerts every night, this weekend delivers more live entertainment than any other Austin weekend all fall.
Friday, October 23 — Maroon 5
Maroon 5 headlines the Germania Insurance Super Stage on Friday night. The Grammy Award-winning band kicks off F1 weekend with one of the most anticipated live shows of the fall. Additionally, Friday practice sessions run throughout the day before the evening concert.
Saturday, October 24 — Post Malone
Post Malone headlines Saturday night after qualifying. He is one of the best-selling and most genuinely versatile artists working today. Furthermore, Saturday combines qualifying drama by day with Post Malone by night.
Sunday, October 25 — Race Day and Alesso
Sunday brings the Grand Prix itself. After the race, DJ and producer Alesso closes the weekend on the Germania Insurance Super Stage. As a result, Sunday at COTA delivers the complete F1 experience from start to finish.
The Details
- When: October 23 to 25, 2026
- Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin TX 78617
- Tickets: Single-day and 3-day passes at circuitoftheamericas.com
- Best For: Racing fans, music fans, the biggest event in Austin this fall
Pro Tip: Use the COTA shuttle from downtown Austin. Parking is extremely limited. Additionally, plan your day around the concert headliner you want most.
Saturday, October 24 — Viva La Vida Festival and Parade
The 43rd Annual Viva La Vida Festival and Parade is Austin’s largest Dia de los Muertos celebration. It takes place Saturday October 24 at 4th Street and Congress Avenue. Because it is completely free and draws 20,000 attendees, it is one of the most genuinely extraordinary downtown events Austin produces all year.
What to Expect
The Grand Procession begins at 12 PM on historic Sixth Street. Artist-commissioned ofrenda components are carried through the parade and assembled at the festival stage. Additionally, large-scale moving sculptures and mojigangas fill the route with spectacular visual energy.
After the procession, activities run until 6 PM at Mariposa Plaza. The Muertos Mercado brings together over 20 Dia de los Muertos-inspired artists and vendors. Furthermore, hands-on art activities, traditional foods, a low-rider exhibition, and live performances fill the afternoon.
The Details
- When: Saturday October 24, Grand Procession at 12 PM, activities until 6 PM
- Where: 4th Street and Congress Avenue, downtown Austin
- Cost: Free
- Website: mexic-artemuseum.org
- Best For: Everyone, the most visually extraordinary free event of the fall
Saturday, October 24 — Longhorns vs Ole Miss at DKR
The Longhorns host Ole Miss at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday. This is Ole Miss’s first trip to Austin since 2013. Because it is such a rare matchup, the game day energy will be especially high.
How to Build the Day Around It
The game runs in the morning. Therefore, the afternoon stays free for Viva La Vida downtown or Post Malone at COTA. As a result, Saturday October 24 is the most stacked single day Austin produces all fall.
The Details
- When: Saturday October 24, check texassports.com for kickoff time
- Where: Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, UT Austin campus
- Tickets: Available at texassports.com and major resale platforms
- Best For: Longhorns fans, a genuinely rare SEC home matchup
Friday and Saturday Evenings — Boo at the Zoo
Boo at the Zoo transforms Austin Zoo into a Halloween adventure every Friday and Saturday in October. The event features over 300 rescued animals, a spooky train ride, haunted areas, and trick-or-treating. Because these are two of the final Boo at the Zoo nights of the season, this weekend is genuinely worth prioritizing.
The Details
- When: Friday October 23 and Saturday October 24, 5:45 PM to 9 PM
- Where: Austin Zoo, 10807 Rawhide Trail, Austin TX 78736
- Cost: $24 per person, free for children under 2
- Website: austinzoo.org
- Best For: Families with young children
All Weekend — Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms
Pumpkin Nights runs nightly through October 31 at Pioneer Farms. The half-mile walk features over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins across nine themed lands. Because Halloween is just days away, the festive energy is at its absolute peak this weekend.
The Details
- When: Nightly through October 31, 6 PM to 11 PM, last entry 9 PM
- Where: Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, Austin TX 78754
- Cost: From $20 at pumpkinnights.com
- Best For: Families and groups, the most visually extraordinary Halloween evening in Austin
All Weekend — The Austin Essentials
These three are worth building into any day this weekend.
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs stays at 68 degrees year round. Because late October temperatures are cooling nicely, a midday swim feels genuinely refreshing. Entry is under $10 and free before 8 AM.
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Colony
The bat colony is still producing nightly emergences in late October. Check batrefuge.org for tonight’s emergence time. It is free and genuinely extraordinary. Build it into any evening this weekend.
South Congress Avenue
South Congress is at its most festive in late October. The street is decorated for fall and Halloween. Additionally, the I Love You So Much mural is always worth a stop.
The Best Plan for October 23 to 25
Here is how to make the most of all three days.
Friday: First, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures in the afternoon. Then Boo at the Zoo in the early evening. Then Maroon 5 at COTA for the Friday night headliner.
Saturday: Start with Longhorns vs Ole Miss at DKR in the morning. Then the Viva La Vida Grand Procession on Congress Avenue at noon. Then Congress Avenue Bridge bats at sunset. Finally, Post Malone at COTA for the Saturday night headliner.
Sunday: Barton Springs in the morning. Then South Congress in the afternoon. Then the Formula 1 Grand Prix at COTA. Finally, Alesso closing the weekend on the Germania Insurance Super Stage.
Frequently Asked Questions — Austin Weekend October 23 to 25
What is the best thing to do in Austin this weekend?
The best thing to do in Austin this weekend is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. October on Lake Travis is the most beautiful time of the year. Book now at laketraviszipline.com before this weekend sells out.
Who is performing at F1 Austin 2026?
Maroon 5 headlines Friday October 23. Post Malone headlines Saturday October 24. Alesso closes Sunday October 25 after the Grand Prix. All concerts are included with race admission. Buy tickets at circuitoftheamericas.com.
What is the Viva La Vida Festival in Austin?
The Viva La Vida Festival and Parade is Austin’s largest Dia de los Muertos celebration. It runs Saturday October 24 at 4th Street and Congress Avenue. The Grand Procession begins at 12 PM. Activities run until 6 PM. It is completely free. Check mexic-artemuseum.org for details.
Is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures open during F1 weekend?
Yes. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is open during F1 weekend. Because F1 weekend brings massive crowds to COTA, an afternoon on Lake Travis is one of the best ways to enjoy a genuinely extraordinary fall adventure away from the race day traffic. Book now at laketraviszipline.com.
What family-friendly activities are in Austin this weekend?
The best family activities this weekend include Boo at the Zoo on Friday and Saturday evenings, Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms nightly, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures in the afternoon, and the free Viva La Vida Festival and Parade on Saturday. Additionally, Barton Springs Pool is a great option for any morning or afternoon.
Make the Most of Austin This Weekend
This is the biggest Austin weekend of the entire fall. Formula 1. Maroon 5. Post Malone. Alesso. The Viva La Vida parade. Longhorns vs Ole Miss. Boo at the Zoo. Pumpkin Nights. And the most beautiful fall afternoon of the year on Lake Travis.
Start right now. Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures at laketraviszipline.com before this weekend sells out.
For more Austin inspiration check out Best Things to Do in Austin in the Fall, Best Things to Do in Austin in October, and Best Things to Do in Austin TX.