10/03/2025
Austin City Limits Music Festival
October 3 - 5 & 10 - 12
The Austin City Limits Music Festival takes over Zilker Park for two weekends in October, bringing some of the biggest names in music to the heart of Austin. This iconic festival features more than 100 live performances across multiple stages, showcasing genres like rock, pop, indie, country, hip hop, and electronic. Festivalgoers can also enjoy local food vendors, art installations, and family-friendly activities, making ACL a must-attend event for music lovers in Austin.
Diwali at the Domain
October 4
Celebrate Diwali in Austin at The Domain with an evening full of color and culture. This free community event features traditional dance performances, live music, and vibrant light displays that bring the spirit of the Festival of Lights to life. Enjoy authentic Indian food, shopping, and family-friendly activities as you take part in one of Austin’s most popular cultural celebrations.
Pumpkin Nights
September 18 - October 31
Experience Halloween magic at Pioneer Farms during Pumpkin Nights, running September 18–October 31. Stroll a half-mile trail filled with more than 7,500 hand-carved pumpkins across themed lands like the Forbidden City and Pirate’s Cove, then enjoy food trucks, games, and a nightly fire show in Pumpkin Village. Tickets start at $18 and must be purchased online in advance. Parking is $10 per car.
Boo at the Zoo
Weekends in October
Celebrate Halloween at the Austin Zoo with Boo at the Zoo, held on Friday and Saturday nights in October. Families can enjoy a haunted train ride through the zoo, explore a spooky haunted house, and see animal habitats decorated with festive lights and pumpkins. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes and bring trick-or-treat bags for a fun evening of Halloween activities in Austin.
USMNT vs. Ecuador
October 10
Catch the U.S. Men’s National Team when they face Ecuador in a high-energy international soccer match at Q2 Stadium in early October. This major event in Austin football features competitive international play under stadium lights, creating an exciting night out for soccer fans and visitors alike. Part of a broader lineup of fall sports and entertainment, it’s a standout activity to add to your October calendar in Austin.
Austin Oktoberfest
October 11
Hosted by the German-Texan Heritage Society, this festival offers authentic German beer, traditional food, and live music throughout the day. Families can enjoy kid-friendly activities like pumpkin painting and games, while adults celebrate with steins of Märzen and other seasonal brews. Guests are encouraged to wear Lederhosen or Dirndls and experience German culture, music, and community in one of Austin’s most lively fall festivals.
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
October 17 - 19
Austin hosts the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas, where fans can experience three days of racing, live concerts, and festival fun. The weekend schedule features practice sessions, sprint racing, qualifying, and Sunday’s main Grand Prix, with entertainment that includes performances by Kygo, Garth Brooks, and Turnpike Troubadours, plus food trucks, fan zones, and interactive exhibits.
Night Market
October 18
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, Lakeline Park in Cedar Park will host NightMarket.fun from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, bringing together a lively celebration of Asian food, art, music, and culture. Visitors can explore more than 120 food and artisan vendors serving dishes like ramen and bao alongside unique crafts and handmade goods. The event also features live performances, family-friendly areas, mystical Fortune Alley, market games, and a wellness Empress Lounge.
Austin Film Festival
October 23 - 30
Celebrates storytelling through screenings, panels, workshops, and networking events that spotlight writers, filmmakers, and creators across film and television. The Festival includes a conference where attendees can learn from industry professionals in sessions on screenwriting, directing, producing, and more. The Festival showcases film premieres, independent features, shorts, Q&A panels, and unique programming that highlight Austin’s role as a hub for film and creative storytelling.
Austoberfest
October 25
Austoberfest at Saengerrunde Hall brings the spirit of Bavaria to downtown Austin with a full day of German food, beer, and live entertainment. Guests can enjoy traditional sausages, pretzels, and plenty of local and imported brews while dancing to polka bands and watching cultural performances. The celebration also features games, family-friendly activities, and a welcoming atmosphere where dirndls and lederhosen are highly encouraged.
Viva La Vida Festival and Parade
October 25
Viva La Vida Fest is Austin’s largest Day of the Dead celebration, featuring a lively downtown procession with costumes, floats, and performers. The festival continues with art activities, family workshops, vendor booths, food, a lowrider exhibition, and live music and dance that blend tradition with contemporary culture. It is a vibrant community event that highlights Austin’s connection to Mexican heritage and the rich traditions of Día de los Mu***os.
Wicked Oaks
October 25 - 26
Wicked Oaks is a new music, art, and camping festival taking place October 25–26 at Carson Creek Ranch. The event brings together Freaky Deaky, Summoning, and ILLfest for a weekend of electronic music, interactive art, workshops, and forested stages. Festivalgoers can camp in tents, RVs, or glamping setups, enjoy more than 50 DJs, explore art installations, and take part in late-night performances that light up the ranch with music and creativity.
Austin Coffee Festival
October 25 - 26
Austin Coffee Festival is a celebration of coffee culture featuring specialty roasters, local cafés, and artisan vendors sharing unique beans, creative brews, and tasting experiences. The event offers live music, interactive workshops with coffee experts, and plenty of opportunities to explore new flavors and brewing techniques while connecting with Austin’s vibrant coffee community.
Austin Record Convention
October 25 - 26
The Austin Record Convention is the largest sale of recorded music in the United States, held at the Palmer Events Center. The event fills 40,000 square feet with millions of records, CDs, cassettes, posters, and music memorabilia from more than 300 dealers traveling from across the country and Europe. The next show takes place October 25–26, 2025, offering collectors and music fans a one-of-a-kind chance to explore rare finds and classic favorites.
Halloween Children's Concert
October 26
The Austin Symphony’s Halloween Children’s Concert offers a spooky musical adventure with pieces like Pirate Dance, the overture to The Flying Dutchman, the theme from Jaws, and selections from Pirates of the Caribbean. Families can enjoy pre-concert fun with crafts, games, and an instrument petting zoo at Dell Hall, and costumes are encouraged for kids and parents alike.
