Levitation 2026
Sept. 10-13, various locations
In its journey from Psych Fest in 2008 to what they’re now calling “Lev 2026,” the Levitation music festival has taken many forms but maintains their vision “to be a hub for the psych rock scene” even while expanding to include “all manner of independent and underground music.” See stellar shows, pick up some killer vinyl, and take in psychedelic visuals all weekend at main hub Far Out Lounge, with other shows happening at clubs on Red River, near campus, and on East Sixth. – Kat McNevins
Big Queer Weekend
Sept. 24-27, various locations
Nationwide Pride month might be in June, and Austin Pride is in August, but that doesn’t stop us from feeling good about ourselves the rest of the year. Case in point: Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Big Queer Weekend with movie screenings all weekend and an evening of queer-centric live music on Saturday. There’s also networking, an artist marketplace, and more. That should tide you over until next Pride, which is every day if you ask us. – James Renovitch
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Oct. 2-4 and 9-11, Zilker Park
Country and rap – only the biggest genres in American popular music – are conspicuously missing from this year’s lineup, but my friends and my Instagram feed are still buzzing with excitement for Austin’s biggest music festival. Lorde, Lola, and Charli cover the pop girlie contingent, while a range of electronic music – from buzzy young NYC band Fcukers and Detroit duo Snow Strippers to big-time DJs Yousuke Yukimatsu and Skrillex – signals a new era for ACL’s 25th. – Carys Anderson
Austin Studio Tour
Nov. 14-15 and 21-22, various locations
Last year was the great torch passing, with Almost Real Things keeping the flame alive after the exit of gallery Big Medium on Austin’s massive tour of local artists’ spaces. 2025’s numbers are impressive – ART says there were over 700 participants at 317 spots around town – and 2026’s event aims to continue this celebration of Austin artists within studios, galleries, and spaces beyond. Running two weekends, there’s plenty of time to find your new favorite local creator. – James Scott
Texas Book Festival
Nov. 14-15, Downtown Austin
Bookworms unite! Texas’ largest literary event takes over the Capitol and Congress once again this November, featuring 250 authors of recent reads, including award-winning novelist Colson Whitehead, memoirist and fiction writer Dave Eggers, and beloved children’s author Kate DiCamillo. Anyone who says reading isn’t exciting isn’t paying attention to Austin. This year, we loved releases from featured authors Bret Anthony Johnston, Mary Helen Specht, Mary Pauline Lowry, José Skinner, Emeline Atwood, and more. – Caroline Drew
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.
