ASO Season Opener: Brahms and the Nordic Masterpiece
Sept. 11 & 13, The Long Center
Austin Symphony Orchestra music director/conductor Peter Bay concludes a triumphant three-decade run this season, starting with this opener featuring violinist Geneva Lewis performing works by Brahms, Sibelius, and Christopher Theofanidis. Yo-Yo Ma and Joshua Bell appear later in the season.
Texas VegFest
Sept. 12, Fiesta Gardens
Rescheduled from April, this annual free foodie event celebrates a plant-based lifestyle with delicious vegan noms, cooking demos, informative talks, youth activities, and more.
House of Torment
Sept. 12-Nov. 8, House of Torment Haunted House
A quarter-century of scares hasn’t blunted Austin’s most deviously twisted haunted house, now back with two completely new houses: Return of the Abominations and Beyond the Veil.
Viva México 2026
Sept. 12, Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
For their 19th celebration of Mexican culture, ESB-MACC goes all out with live mariachi, local band performances, and folkloric dance. Univision provides bilingual hosts, and Mexican Consulate Humberto Hernández Haddad gives the “Grito de Independencia.”
Pecan Street Festival
Sept. 12-13, Hill Country Galleria
You’re not going nutty; the Pecan Street Fest has moved to Bee Cave, but there’s still tons of live music, vendors, and delicious treats for the whole family to enjoy.
Recovery in the Park
Sept. 19, Fair Market
Born in 2015 at Parque Zaragoza, this celebration of Recovery Month is now a large indoor/outdoor event featuring info booths, guest speakers, live music, wellness activities, recovery resources, carnival games, free food and drinks, and fun for all ages.
Austin Museum Day
Sept. 20, multiple locations
Over 30 museums open their doors free of charge in this citywide celebration of creativity and curiosity. Visit the Bullock, Thinkery, Blanton, and more – including house museums like the CCDC/Hezikiah Haskell House and O. Henry House, and niche displays like Texas Music Museum and History of Medicine Gallery.
Mrs. Doubtfire
Sept. 22-27, Bass Concert Hall
Say “Oh, hell-oooooo” to this famous Scottish nanny during this movie-turned-musical stage show’s Austin visit – just watch out for drive-by fruitings!
HAAM Day
Sept. 22, multiple locations
From Red River to the Lady Bird Lake Trail, H-E-B to BookPeople and even Austin Chronicle HQ, the annual fundraiser for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians fills the streets of the Violet Crown with music for a good cause. Each performance ensures HAAM can provide creatives with health insurance for years to come.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Sept. 25-27, the Long Center
Ballet Austin launches its 2026-27 season with Shakespeare’s comedy about mix-and-match lovers and mischief-making faeries, set to Felix Mendelssohn’s score. Concept and choreography by – who else? – BA legend Stephen Mills.
COTALAND Grand Opening
Sept. 26, Circuit of the Americas
The Circuit of the Americas-adjacent long-awaited theme park officially opens for business with (naturally) a racetrack leitmotif and entertainment pitched at everyone from tiny tykes to fully grown speed junkies. Park attractions include Texas’ only tilt coaster, the country’s first infinity shuttle coaster, a log flume, and a safari adventure park.
Austin Chinese Culture Festival
Sept. 26, Austin ISD Performing Arts Center
The Austin Chinese-American Network presents a free and family-friendly celebration of Chinese heritage and multicultural bonds, timed to coincide with mid-autumn’s traditional Mooncake Festival. Activities include a lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, dance performances, games and activities for kiddos, and loads of delicious eats.
Bat City Scaregrounds
Sept. 26-Oct. 31, Bat City Scaregrounds
Follow the bats to Buda for classic chills and vampiric terrors of Castle Orlock. Scream your way through Slaughter Mall 3D, embrace the darkness of the witchy Ritual, and, if you’ve still got your wits about you, enjoy dark cabaret performances.
Austin Independent Book Fair
Sept. 27, Radio/East
Austin’s independent literary community gathers for a third-annual free, all-ages celebration of local writers and creators. The afternoon features readings, networking opportunities, vendors, and a book swap.
“The European Avant-Garde: From Impressionism to Cubism”
Opening Sept. 27, Blanton Museum of Art
You know the kind of art that doesn’t look quite right but definitely feels right? That’s what’ll be on display with works from Kandinsky, Gauguin, Picasso, Monet, and more coming to Austin’s go-to museum for 19th-20th century European pieces.
University of Texas Football
Sept. 5-Nov. 21, Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
Quarterback Arch Manning and crew open the season at home against Pac-12 newcomer Texas State before hosting top-ranked Ohio State the following week. Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: Athletics Club.”
Fourth Annual Austin Women In Jazz Festival
Sept. 5, Austin PBS
Celebrating 30 years of jazz in Austin, Women in Jazz Association, Inc. showcases performances by Pamela Hart, Kayla Waters, Jazmin Ghent, Althea Rene, and Gerald Albright.
13th Anniversary Party
Sept. 6, the ABGB
To celebrate 13 years of slinging brews, the Austin Beer Garden Brewery Co. offers delicious musical delights from the Latin Dukes, Soda Jerks, Matteoli Family, Billy King and the Bad, Bad, Bad, and the Staff Band.
Levitation 2026
Sept. 10-13, various locations
See stellar shows, pick up some killer vinyl, and take in psychedelic visuals all weekend. Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: Glee Club.”
ArmadilloCon 2026
Sept. 11-13, Holiday Inn Austin Midtown
Sci-fi, fantasy, and horror fans are more than welcome at this convention featuring over 100 events from interviews to panels to gaming sessions as well as an art show and dealers room for shopping.
Fantastic Fest
Sept. 17-24, Alamo South Lamar
The Drafthouse’s own festival returns for its 21st year with signature high strangeness and a heavy emphasis on horror. Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: AV Club.”
Texas Women Songwriters Festival
Sept. 18-20, Downtown Lockhart
A celebration of Texas women songwriters featuring song-swaps, mariachi, and more boasts headliner performances by BettySoo, Patrice Pike, Patricia Vonne, and Susan Gibson. Tish Hinojosa delivers the keynote.
Boeing Boeing
Sept. 18-Oct. 4, TexARTS
Theatre takes flight during this “jet-set comedy” about a bachelor in the swingin’ Sixties navigating his flight schedule and three fiancées.
Paws to the Polls: The Great Pet Election
Sept. 22, ACC Highland
Get information and resources for the Nov. 3 election and enjoy sno-cones, snacks, and activities for kids and grownups. Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: Civics Club.”
The Texas Tribune Festival
Sept. 24-26, Downtown Austin
Gina Hinojosa, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Dolores Huerta all speak at the nonprofit newsroom’s annual conference. Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: Civics Club.”
Allison Krauss & Union Station
Sept. 24, ACL Live at the Moody Theater
The bluegrass and roots icons swing by Austin with support from Jerry Douglas and Theo Lawrence.
Meet the Artist: Anna Ganina
Sept. 24, Art Garage
Meet and learn about local artists like Anna Ganina at these editorial Q&As that dig into the creative process.
Big Queer Weekend
Sept. 24-27, various locations
Festivities include films from aGLIFF and SXSW Film, drag shows, a free queer music showcase, and a maker marketplace from the Austin LGBT Chamber’s Pride In Local Music initiative. Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: Glee Club.”
Austin Opera: Ofrenda
Oct. 1-11, Butler Performance Center
Austin Opera’s first commission makes its world premiere – and at the org’s brand-spanking-new Butler Performance Center, no less. Tickets for the Spanish/English language opera are waitlist-only, but the season’s other offerings, Thaïs, Fellow Travelers, and La Traviata, will be at the larger-capacity Long Center.
Scare for a Cure
Oct. 2-30, Old Town Market, Manor
Think that haunted houses are just about giving you a good fright? This Halloween tradition puts the “care” into “scare,” raising over $500,000 for cancer charities, education causes, and food banks since it first cracked open the crypt in 2007.
Austin Oktoberfest
Oct. 10, German Free School
Enjoy all the food, culture, music, and gemütlichkeit of Germany without the pricey airfare thanks to the German-Texan Heritage Society’s long-running authentic Oktoberfest celebration. Lederhosen not required.
Lone Star Zine Fest
Oct. 10-11, Blue Genie Art Bazaar
It’s a self-publishing soiree at the 10th anniversary of this event organized by Austin Zine Friends. From tons of zine-hawking tables to make-your-own-zine crafting stations, there’s something for every zinester.
Hot Luck
Oct. 16-17, Franklin Barbecue and Assembly Hall
Now owned by prolific publishers People Inc., this beloved food and music festival moves down the calendar from spring to fall. So far, we know the chefs behind Canje, Comadre Panadería, Paprika, and more bring bites to Assembly Hall and Aaron Franklin’s barbecue empire; Afro-Appalachian folk singer Mon Rovîa plays at Mohawk Friday.
Eastside Kings Festival
Oct. 17-18, East Austin
Blues, soul, and zydeco find a fitting home in historic East Austin, on the corner of 12th and Chicon. Vocalist and pianist Joe Barr plays, along with harmonica player and singer Andrew Alli, local soul singer Tish Eubanks, soul group Tomar & the FCs, and many more.
The Austin Margarita Festival
Oct. 17, Sign Bar
You know it’s still gonna be hot enough for a marg in October – where better to stumble around on tequila than this flashy far East bar? A tasting contest, live DJ, food vendors, a beer garden, and a giveaway trip to Mexico makes our never-ending summer taste oh so sweet.
5th Annual Austin Coffee Festival
Oct. 17-18, Palmer Events Center
Roasters from Austin and around the country set up shop at Palmer for a day jam-packed with all things java. Expect coffee convos, live music, and endless sips.
The Chicks
Oct. 20, Bass Concert Hall
Maybe it’s the cool breeze carried on Natalie Maines’ voice, their permanent association with Fleetwood Mac, or maybe it’s the exact dose of Blue Texas hopium Austin needs two weeks before Election Day. Either way, the Chicks make a perfect Texas fall.
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
Oct. 23-25, Circuit of the Americas
This F1 season is the first under new technical regulations, a set of changes 20-year-old Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has best handled en route to the World Drivers’ Championship lead. Another first: Come early to catch F1 Academy during Grand PrixView Thursday.
Viva la Vida Festival & Parade
Oct. 24, Mexic-Arte Museum
Lest the dead be forgotten, head to the corner of Fourth & Congress for art activities, food, artists, a lowrider exhibition, and performances. It’s their 43rd year doing it, so you know they have a hookup with the other side.
Austin Record Convention
Oct. 24-25, Palmer Events Center
Another Austin institution celebrating the big 4-5: one million – literally – 78s, 45s, LPs, CDs, cassettes, posters, collectibles, and music-related memorabilia populate the Palmer for one weekend only. A five-dollar ticket gets you in both Saturday 24 and Sunday 25, while $30 lets you shop early on Friday as the dealers load in.
Behind the Scream With David Arquette
Oct. 28, Bass Concert Hall
Justice for Dewey! Celebrate 30 years of Wes Craven’s masterpiece of meta-horror with one of the franchise’s stars as David Arquette sits down for a moderated interview and Q&A about his experiences on set.
Austin Steel Guitar Fest
Oct. 1-3, Austin Marriott South
Enjoy two days of performances across two stages as well as the induction of three musicians into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. Indoors and all ages.
Boz Scaggs
Oct. 1, Bass Concert Hall
On his Rhythm Review 2026 tour, this singer/songwriter and guitarist comes to Austin continuing on his 57 year-long solo career.
Rockets vs. Spurs
Oct. 22, Moody Center
Cheer on the San Antonio Spurs as they take on the Houston Rockets.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Oct. 2-4 and 9-11, Zilker Park
Austin’s biggest music festival turns 25. Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: Glee Club.”
La Grange Oktoberfest
Oct. 3, Fayette County Courthouse Square
Family fun returns with this celebration of La Grange’s German roots including live music, craft beer, schnitzel & sausage, and kid’s activities.
Glow in the Park Concert & Dinner
Oct. 8, Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park
Support the Waterloo Greenway with an evening under the stars hosted by Melba and Ted Whatley & Geri and Matthew Hooks.
Texas Renaissance Festival
Oct. 10-Nov. 29, 21778 Farm to Market 1774
Hear ye, hear ye: The largest Ren Faire in Texas – and possibly the United States – returns for another season of merriment.
Modest Mouse
Oct. 15, ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Touring new album An Eraser and a Maze, the band performs with support from Caroline Rose.
Austin String Band Festival
Oct. 16-18, Camp Ben McCulloch
The 19th annual version of this family-friendly festival featuring live roots music from Central Texas and beyond as well as dancing, workshops, and kids’ activities.
We Are Family Fest
Oct. 17, Dell Diamond
We Are Blood host a family-friendly community celebration that’s all about the compassionate spirit of Central Texas.
An American Mahjong Social Tournament
Oct. 27, the ABGB
Bring your own vinyls to spin and your own tiles to win for this event from 3 Bee Mahj. Prizes for first, second, and third place.
Austin Film Festival
Oct. 29-Nov. 5, multiple locations
Long-running film festival and writers conference where the art, craft, and business of storytelling is the star attraction. Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: AV Club.”
2026 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game
Oct. 31, H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
The University of North Dakota’s and Michigan State’s hockey teams play in Texas’ first time hosting the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game. Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: Athletics Club.”
Doja Cat
Nov. 3, Moody Center
The versatile rapper/singer makes her Austin return after dropping out of last year’s ACL Fest. Her latest album, Vie, features the Grammy winner leaning into another element of her pop side over Eighties-seasoned production. Fierce Atlanta rapper Latto opens.
A Beautiful Noise
Nov. 3-8, Bass Concert Hall
Sweet Carolines and Cracklin’ Rosies are gonna wanna hightail it to this Neil Diamond-approved jukebox musical based on his life. Part of Texas Performing Arts’ Broadway in Austin series.
Austin Celtic Festival
Nov. 7-8, Pioneer Farms
Curious about the traditions of Celtic nations such as Ireland, Scotland, and Wales? Whether it’s the dancing, music, history, or just powerful folks tossing heavy stuff around, this inclusive festival covers it all.
Wheel of Fortune LIVE!
Nov. 8, ACL Live at the Moody Theater
A few lucky members of the audience will get the chance to get onstage and try their hand at solving those iconic TV word puzzles. There’s no Vanna, but you still have the chance to either make a fool of yourself or go home with $10,000 – maybe both!
Austin Food & Wine Festival
Nov. 7-9, Auditorium Shores
Cooler temps, a classy red in hand, booth-hopping for bites – this fall ritual is heaven for foodies. Experience live-fire cooking, chef demos, and informative sessions from a star-studded lineup including Andrew Zimmern, Esther Choi, Kevin Lee, and Richard Blais.
Texas Monthly BBQ Fest
Nov. 7-8, Lockhart
For the best barbecue in Texas, Lockhart is legendary – no wonder they’re hosting Texas Monthly’s BBQ bonanza. Benefiting Feeding Texas, the BBQ World’s Fair in the town square and Top 50 Picnic at the park offer a smoky ’stravaganza a meathead mustn’t miss.
Blue Genie Holiday Art Bazaar
Nov. 13-Dec. 24, Blue Genie
A holiday tradition returns for another season at Blue Genie, where you’ll find something special for everyone on your list. Artisans bring their handmade works and wares, plus the Genie offers shopping assistance and wrapping services to put a bow on your shopping spree.
Texas Craft Brewers Festival
Nov. 14, Fiesta Gardens
Cheers to another year of more than 80 craft breweries from Texas gathering together 200+ of their quaffable creations with food trucks, samples, and live music as well.
On Cinema Live!
Nov. 16, Bass Concert Hall
On their Certified “Five Bags of Popcorn” Tour, film experts Gregg Turkington and Dr. Newman (Tim) Heidecker offer “movie information and alternative education” worth more than the ticket price.
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 18-Dec. 27, the Topfer at Zach
The classic yuletide story of ghosts, gaiety, and redemption returns to light up Austin once again. “This night?” says the Zach. “Anything but silent.”
Horror for the Holidays
Nov. 21-22, Hilton Austin Downtown
Austin’s Christmas creepfest is back for all your ghoulish gifts, and if you want to give that present a little early, how’s about photo ops with this year’s special guests, including Nightmare on Elm Street stars Heather Langenkamp and Lisa Wilcox.
Austin Powwow
Nov. 21, Travis County Expo Center
Gathering together over 300 dancers and over 100 food, art, and craft vendors, this event celebrates the established and continuing culture of Central Texas’ Native American community.
The Front Market
Nov. 21-22, Moody Amphitheater
Can’t figure out what to get your loved ones for Christmas? Let the gifts come to you. More than 400 local artists, small business owners, designers, and craftspeople exhibit their wares, guaranteeing you find a tchotchke that’s unique and lovingly handmade.
ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Nov. 26, Long Center
Instead of waiting for New Year’s Day, maybe make a resolution to exercise more on our national day of indulgence. The local, beloved sandwich chain hosts this casual 5K run/kids K/1-mile walk – perfect for the whole family to break in their running shoes.
Lake Austin Festival of Lights
November-December, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
If your holiday spirit is lacking, there’s few places as lit (literally and figuratively) as Mozart’s to get your merry meter back in the black. Live music, boat tours, warming beverages, and enough lights to throw your circadian rhythms way off.
Election Day
Nov. 3, locations all around town
Isn’t it just the greatest – voting? Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: Civics Club.”
Austin Polish Film Festival
Nov. 5-8, Location TBD
The Austin Polish Society brings top-notch Polish filmmakers and their work to the Lone Star State. Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: AV Club.”
21st Annual Wine, Dine & Jazz Festival
Nov. 6-7, Horseshoe Bay Resort
With cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and live jazz performances, this weekend starts with a five-course dinner created by three celeb chefs.
Austin FC vs. Portland Timbers
Nov. 7, Q2 Stadium
Regular season closer. Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: Athletics Club.”
Travis Heights Art Trail
Nov. 7-8, Travis Heights
Stroll through the Travis Heights neighborhood and see local artists’ work from pottery to paintings.
Austin Spurs Home Opener
Nov. 8, H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
NBA G League season kicks off with a 14-game tip-off tournament culminating in a December Winter Showcase, followed by a 36-game regular season.
Round Top Film Festival
Nov. 12-15, Round Top
This festival featuring cinematic storytelling with filmmaker conversations, unique parties, and special screenings returns for its third year.
Austin Studio Tour
Nov. 14-15 and 21-22, various locations
Massive celebration of Austin artists within studios, galleries, and spaces beyond. Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: Glee Club.”
Texas Book Festival
Nov. 14-15, Downtown Austin
Bookworms unite at Texas’ largest literary event. Read more in “Fall Events Spotlight: Glee Club.”
Lyle Lovett and His Small Large Band
Nov. 21, ACL Live at the Moody Theater
The singer, composer, and actor brings along his bandmates for a live performance in Central Texas.
Still looking for more things to do this fall? Check out our Events Calendar, updated daily. Want us to know about your own event? Submit it to our online crowdsourced calendar.
This article appears in September 4 • 2026.