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The best things to do in Austin this weekend, October 2 – October 4, include the Boo at the Zoo, Austin City Limits Music Festival, and more!
I’ve rounded up the top events and activities happening across the city, from festivals and outdoor fun to live shows and family-friendly picks. Please scroll down for my picks or use the links above to skip to your favorite section!
Weather this Weekend – October 2 – October 4: Austin will feature comfortable early-October weather as afternoon high temperatures drop into the mid-80s accompanied by variable cloud cover and intermittent rain chances.
Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out.
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Check out our recent updates to our guides: Date Ideas in Austin, Things To Do with Teens in Austin, and Best Summer Camps in Austin.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in Austin this Weekend
Live on the Lawn
Rock out to live music on the Central Plaza Lawn at Hill Country Galleria every Friday evening.
The concert features free, family-friendly performances by local musicians. This September 25, Jake Lane will be taking the stage.
So, grab your friends, family, and a blanket to lounge on the lawn while enjoying a bite to eat from one of the Galleria’s amazing restaurants.
Where: Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
When: Friday, October 2, 2026 | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
How Much: Free
Austin Cookie Fest
Austin Cookie Fest brings the city’s best home and cottage bakers together at SPACE512 for an afternoon of original cookies, live music, kids activities, and a friendly community competition where your vote matters.
Sample your way around the room to vote for People’s Choice in the Best Signature Cookie and Best Chocolate Chip categories while a panel of professional bakers and special guests decides the Judges’ Choice, with winners announced during the closing ceremony.
This free community event requires no ticket, so come early to secure free samples of all the cookies before they disappear and purchase a box of your favorites to take home, including unique creations not sold anywhere else in the city.
You can also RSVP on the website to enter a free giveaway featuring amazing prizes like a cookie box containing signature cookies from every baker and a cookie decorating class for two.
Where: SPACE512, 7531 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
When: Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
How Much: Free
H-E-B Free First Sunday: Fall Celebrations
Celebrate the change of seasons and learn all about fall celebrations in the Lone Star State during H-E-B Free First Sunday at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, featuring free exhibit admission and wonderful family activities.
Explore STEM challenges with Girlstart, learn about screen printing with the Mexic-Arte Museum, enjoy fall-time fun activities with Pioneer Farms, experience hands-on projects with the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, and explore the museum’s exhibitions with a fun museum-wide spooky skeleton hunt.
Where: Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
When: Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How Much: Free
Things to Do in Austin this Friday | Weekend Kickoff Events
Weather on Friday: Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and light northeasterly winds, a high of 82°F, a low of 72°F, and a 60% chance of precipitation.
Boo at the Zoo
Image credit: Austin Zoo
Slip into your favorite costume and join an evening out at the Austin Zoo for “Boo at the Zoo!” where the grounds will be fully illuminated and decorated for the Halloween season.
Your ticket includes a scenic Haunted Train pass and unlimited visits to the spooky Haunted House.
Please note that advance reservations are required for train rides and are subject to availability, so call ahead to schedule your ride and purchase tickets.
Where: Austin Zoo, 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736
When: Friday, October 2 – Saturday, October 24, 2026
How Much: $25
Dive-in Movies: Spooky Edition
Celebrate the spooky season under the stars with the Dive-In Movie Spooky Edition, featuring iconic Halloween favorites poolside every Friday night at the Fairmont Austin.
Settle in for a nostalgic cinematic lineup showcasing classics like Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Practical Magic.
Where: Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, October 2, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $25
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Image credit: Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL)
It is that time of year again as the Austin City Limits Music Festival returns for its landmark 25th year to bring the magic of the famed public TV series outside the studio and into Austin’s most beloved park.
Spanning two exciting weekends from October 2 to 4 and October 9 to 11, 2026, the festival features a diverse lineup across nine stages with over 100 incredible performances.
The 2026 lineup boasts phenomenal headliners like Charli XCX, Rufus Du Sol, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, and Skrillex for Weekend 1, Kings of Leon for Weekend 2, and The XX.
Fans can also catch amazing sets from The Chainsmokers, Lola Young, Turnstile, Geese, Bleachers, The War on Drugs, Suki Waterhouse, Steve Aoki, Audrey Hobert, Brandon Flowers, Parcels, and many more.
Where: Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin, TX 78746
When: Friday, October 2 – 4, & October 9 – 11, 2026
How Much: Please check the website for available tickets
Driftwood Fall Festival
Celebrate the crisp autumn season by joining a wonderful new family tradition nestled across a gorgeous 21-acre ranch.
Wander through a charming boutique pumpkin patch, lose yourself in the haze maze, conquer the hay mountain, and enjoy delightful outdoor games and farm animal petting zoo experiences. You can also grab some local food and drinks while soaking in the festive fall atmosphere with your favorite people!
Where: Vista Brewing, 13551 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX 78619
When: Friday, October 2 – November 1, 2026
How Much: $5 – $15 | Free for babies and kids 3 and under
Pumpkin Nights
Transform your autumn evenings with a magical half-mile journey through nine immersive pumpkin lands, ranging from the glowing Forbidden City to the underwater wonderland of Neon Reef, featuring larger-than-life installations built from over 10,000 hand-carved and custom pumpkins.
Afterward, explore Pumpkin Village for festive food, games for the whole family, and a thrilling live fire show in this celebration of Halloween artistry.
Where: Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, Austin, TX 78754
When: Friday, October 2 – 31, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $12
Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park
Venture into a sprawling wicked Halloween park featuring four bone-chilling haunted houses, including the Mansion of Terror: Coven, Sinister Circus, Lost Pines Asylum, and Encounter.
You can also enjoy the thrilling Hell on Wheels Haunted Hayride. Additionally, you can wander eerie museums, consult on-site mystics, warm up by the fire pit with a drink, and feast on sinister eats amid the park’s dark nightlife energy.
Where: Scream Hollow, 149 Split Rail Ln, Smithville, TX 78957
When: Friday, October 2 – November 1, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $37.83
Clue
Step into a dark and stormy night where an eccentric cast of characters gathers for a very unusual dinner party in Boddy Manor.
Based on the cult classic film and popular board game, you can follow iconic personalities like Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race against time to uncover the murderer before the body count rises.
Throughout the evening, unexpected twists and hidden motives will keep you guessing right up until the final reveal.
Where: Penfold Theatre Company, 2120 N. Mays Street, Suite 290, Round Rock, TX 78708
When: Friday, October 2 – 11, 2026
How Much: Starts at $29
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend | Top Picks Saturday
Weather on Saturday: Overcast to partly sunny with scattered afternoon rain, a high of 81°F, a low of 70°F, and a 40% chance of precipitation.
2026 Hye Steaks Cookout
Join the team at the ranch for the return of the legendary Hye Steaks Cookout, a celebration of bourbon, beef, and big Texas flavor hosted in proud partnership with Nolan Ryan Beef, Bucker Creek Ranch, Wagyu X, Cut Beef, and Key Allegro Oysters.
Grills will be fired up for an unforgettable evening featuring fine Texas steaks, handcrafted bourbon cocktails, generous pours from local winery partners, perfectly paired bites, and one hell of a good time, with all proceeds benefiting the Texas Restaurant Foundation.
This year’s experience features eight action stations where guests can enjoy small bites crafted by some of Texas’ top chefs, each thoughtfully paired with a signature Garrison Brothers bourbon cocktail.
Between bites, stop by the new Cigar Corral where Bariay 1492 will host a cigar lounge with premium cigars available for purchase, and take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to purchase a limited-edition Hye Steaks Cookout Cask Strength Single Barrel available only to event guests.
Your ticket includes food and drink pairings at each station alongside live music and entertainment.
Where: Garrison Brothers Distillery, 1827 Hye-Albert Rd, Hye, TX 78635
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: Please check the website for tickets
Move for Wishes
Join a morning of movement and purpose at the Fairmont Austin in collaboration with Make-A-Wish.
Get your body moving in a high-intensity HIIT class led by an F45 instructor and recharge with exclusive wellness activations featuring cold plunges, Hyperice recovery stations, BRIGHT nutritional supplements, and more.
Where: Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $25
Texas Heat – The Great Chili Throwdown
Get ready for a night of bold flavors, live music, and serious bragging rights as NACE Austin presents Texas Heat: The Great Chili Throwdown at County Line on the Lake.
This inaugural chili cook-off brings together restaurant teams, hospitality professionals, backyard cooks, family recipe keepers, and first-time contenders, all serving up their best chili for a hungry crowd.
Taste your way through the competition, vote for favorites, enjoy live music, grab a drink from the bar, check out giveaways and activations from local hospitality partners, and spend a lakeside evening with friends, family, and fellow food lovers celebrating Austin hospitality.
Where: County Line on the Lake, 5204 FM 2222, Austin, TX 78731
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $40
Austoberfest
Image credit: Austin Saengerrunde
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Scholz Garten by dressing in your finest lederhosen and getting ready for a day packed with live music, free sausage, stein-holding competitions, beer samplings, and dedicated activities for the kids.
Where: Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: $40 | Free for kids
Haunted Shores: Family Halloween Walkthrough
Looking for a family-friendly Halloween event or a unique haunted attraction near Austin? Come experience Haunted Shores: The Abandoned Waterpark at Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark on Lake Travis.
Explore a spooky Halloween walk-through filled with haunted scenes, creepy characters, ghostly encounters, unexpected scares, and plenty of Halloween fun designed for kids, teens, parents, and adults alike.
Come early for dinner at Beachside Billy’s, the attached restaurant, where you can simply grab an open table, scan the QR code, and have your order delivered right to your table.
Where: Volente Beach Waterpark, 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769 Suite D, Leander, TX 78641
When: Saturday, October 3 – 31, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $10
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt
When the Moody family takes a weekend trip to Artichoke Island, third-grader Judy and her little brother Stink encounter a real pirate who sends them on a high-stakes treasure hunt racing against rivals Tall Boy and Smart Girl.
Come see if they can find the hidden clues, crack secret codes, and solve tricky puzzles before time runs out in this funny, adventurous play for young audiences based on the popular books by Megan McDonald.
Where: Austin Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W 18th St., Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 3 – November 1, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
How Much: $24 for adults | $17 for children | Free for kids under 2
HealthFest
The Engage & Heal Foundation invites the community to come together for HealthFest, an inspiring day dedicated to holistic wellness, meaningful connection, and personal growth.
Explore mental health education, practical resources, music, movement, books, family activities, and wonderful opportunities for meaningful connection.
Where: Star Hill Ranch, 1500 Hamilton Pool Road, Austin, TX 78738
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $10
Monster Truck Wars
Image credit: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
America’s fastest-growing monster truck series is bringing action-packed family entertainment back to Austin for an unforgettable weekend at Luedecke Arena.
Come witness car-crushing monster trucks, intense quad wars, and exciting kids powerwheel races. Make sure to catch the pre-show pit party and take advantage of the special opportunity to ride inside a real monster truck.
Where: Travis County Exposition Center, 7311 Decker Ln, Austin, TX 78724
When: Saturday, October 3 – 4, 2026
How Much: Starts at $45
Uhland Fall Fest
Immerse yourself in autumn cheer at the second annual Uhland Fall Fest, featuring fall-inspired activities, food, games, live music, foam parties, a Wild West spectacular, magic shows, and butterfly releases across multiple festive weekends!
Where: UHLAND FALL FEST, 2400 Cotton Gin Rd, Kyle, TX 78640
When: Saturday, October 3 – November 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM
How Much: Starts at $15
Bat City Scaregrounds
Enter a fully immersive, 15-acre entertainment complex dedicated to all things Halloween and horror with a trip to Bat City Scaregrounds in Buda!
Explore three highly detailed haunted houses, including the brand-new Ritual for 2026, Castle Orlock, and Slaughter Mall 3D, alongside live performances, music, and seasonal food.
Where: Bat City Scaregrounds, 14101 S Turnersville Rd, Buda, TX 78610
When: Saturday, October 3 – 31, 2026
How Much: Starts at $33.37
Traitors – killer improv comedy
Enjoy a high-stakes, fully improvised murder mystery game where Austin’s sharpest comedians assume secret roles as Faithfuls or Traitors in a hilarious spin on reality television.
Watch as the cunning players scheme to uncover and banish the culprits before the secret saboteurs steal the final prize.
Where: Fallout Theatre, 616 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 2 – 17, 2026 | 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $10
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend | Sunday Funday
Weather on Sunday: Filtering sunshine with lingering clouds and cooler breezes, a high of 79°F, a low of 66°F, and a 15% chance of precipitation.
Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm
Explore a massive 4.5-acre themed corn maze and a Texas-sized pumpkin patch featuring over 40 unique varieties of pumpkins at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm.
Your admission covers more than 30 farm-themed activities, including daily pig races, a petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides, apple cannons, and spectacular fireworks displays on Friday and Saturday nights in October.
There will also be weekend shows like the Ember Fire Show, Sky Kings Falconry, and Zoofari.
Where: Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E State Hwy 29, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Sunday, October 4 – November 8, 2026
How Much: Starts at $16
House of Torment
Venture into three terrifying haunted attractions where cutting-edge special effects and original horror storylines collide to test your absolute courage.
You can navigate the deadly realm of Jason Universe: Survive The Night, fight your way through the post-apocalyptic mutant tribes of Return of the Abominations, uncover forbidden secrets in Beyond the Veil, and enjoy extra thrills like axe throwing and the Nocturne Sanctum Secret Bar.
Where: House of Torment, 2632 Ridgepoint Dr, Austin, TX 78754
When: Sunday, October 4 – November 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $19.99
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend with Kids – Family-Friendly Events
Boo at the Zoo
Slip into your favorite costume and join an evening out at the Austin Zoo for “Boo at the Zoo!” where the grounds will be fully illuminated and decorated for the Halloween season.
Your ticket includes a scenic Haunted Train pass and unlimited visits to the spooky Haunted House.
Please note that advance reservations are required for train rides and are subject to availability, so call ahead to schedule your ride and purchase tickets.
Where: Austin Zoo, 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736
When: Friday, October 2 – Saturday, October 24, 2026
How Much: $25
Dive-in Movies: Spooky Edition
Celebrate the spooky season under the stars with the Dive-In Movie Spooky Edition, featuring iconic Halloween favorites poolside every Friday night at the Fairmont Austin.
Settle in for a nostalgic cinematic lineup showcasing classics like Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Practical Magic.
Where: Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, October 2, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $25
Driftwood Fall Festival
Celebrate the crisp autumn season by joining a wonderful new family tradition nestled across a gorgeous 21-acre ranch.
Wander through a charming boutique pumpkin patch, lose yourself in the haze maze, conquer the hay mountain, and enjoy delightful outdoor games and farm animal petting zoo experiences. You can also grab some local food and drinks while soaking in the festive fall atmosphere with your favorite people!
Where: Vista Brewing, 13551 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX 78619
When: Friday, October 2 – November 1, 2026
How Much: $5 – $15 | Free for babies and kids 3 and under
Live on the Lawn
Rock out to live music on the Central Plaza Lawn at Hill Country Galleria every Friday evening.
The concert features free, family-friendly performances by local musicians. This September 25, Jake Lane will be taking the stage.
So, grab your friends, family, and a blanket to lounge on the lawn while enjoying a bite to eat from one of the Galleria’s amazing restaurants.
Where: Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
When: Friday, October 2, 2026 | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
How Much: Free
Pumpkin Nights
Transform your autumn evenings with a magical half-mile journey through nine immersive pumpkin lands, ranging from the glowing Forbidden City to the underwater wonderland of Neon Reef, featuring larger-than-life installations built from over 10,000 hand-carved and custom pumpkins.
Afterward, explore Pumpkin Village for festive food, games for the whole family, and a thrilling live fire show in this celebration of Halloween artistry.
Where: Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, Austin, TX 78754
When: Friday, October 2 – 31, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $12
Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park
Venture into a sprawling wicked Halloween park featuring four bone-chilling haunted houses, including the Mansion of Terror: Coven, Sinister Circus, Lost Pines Asylum, and Encounter.
You can also enjoy the thrilling Hell on Wheels Haunted Hayride. Additionally, you can wander eerie museums, consult on-site mystics, warm up by the fire pit with a drink, and feast on sinister eats amid the park’s dark nightlife energy.
Where: Scream Hollow, 149 Split Rail Ln, Smithville, TX 78957
When: Friday, OCtober 2 – November 1, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $37.83
Austoberfest
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Scholz Garten by dressing in your finest lederhosen and getting ready for a day packed with live music, free sausage, stein-holding competitions, beer samplings, and dedicated activities for the kids.
Where: Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: $40 | Free for kids
Haunted Shores: Family Halloween Walkthrough
Looking for a family-friendly Halloween event or a unique haunted attraction near Austin? Come experience Haunted Shores: The Abandoned Waterpark at Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark on Lake Travis.
Explore a spooky Halloween walk-through filled with haunted scenes, creepy characters, ghostly encounters, unexpected scares, and plenty of Halloween fun designed for kids, teens, parents, and adults alike.
Come early for dinner at Beachside Billy’s, the attached restaurant, where you can simply grab an open table, scan the QR code, and have your order delivered right to your table.
Where: Volente Beach Waterpark, 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769 Suite D, Leander, TX 78641
When: Saturday, October 3 – 31, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $10
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt
When the Moody family takes a weekend trip to Artichoke Island, third-grader Judy and her little brother Stink encounter a real pirate who sends them on a high-stakes treasure hunt racing against rivals Tall Boy and Smart Girl.
Come see if they can find the hidden clues, crack secret codes, and solve tricky puzzles before time runs out in this funny, adventurous play for young audiences based on the popular books by Megan McDonald.
Where: Austin Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W 18th St., Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 3 – November 1, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
How Much: $24 for adults | $17 for children | Free for kids under 2
HealthFest
The Engage & Heal Foundation invites the community to come together for HealthFest, an inspiring day dedicated to holistic wellness, meaningful connection, and personal growth.
Explore mental health education, practical resources, music, movement, books, family activities, and wonderful opportunities for meaningful connection.
Where: Star Hill Ranch, 1500 Hamilton Pool Road, Austin, TX 78738
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $10
Monster Truck Wars
America’s fastest-growing monster truck series is bringing action-packed family entertainment back to Austin for an unforgettable weekend at Luedecke Arena.
Come witness car-crushing monster trucks, intense quad wars, and exciting kids powerwheel races. Make sure to catch the pre-show pit party and take advantage of the special opportunity to ride inside a real monster truck.
Where: Travis County Exposition Center, 7311 Decker Ln, Austin, TX 78724
When: Saturday, October 3 – 4, 2026
How Much: Starts at $45
Uhland Fall Fest
Immerse yourself in autumn cheer at the second annual Uhland Fall Fest, featuring fall-inspired activities, food, games, live music, foam parties, a Wild West spectacular, magic shows, and butterfly releases across multiple festive weekends!
Where: UHLAND FALL FEST, 2400 Cotton Gin Rd, Kyle, TX 78640
When: Saturday, October 3 – November 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM
How Much: Starts at $15
Bat City Scaregrounds
Enter a fully immersive, 15-acre entertainment complex dedicated to all things Halloween and horror with a trip to Bat City Scaregrounds in Buda!
Explore three highly detailed haunted houses, including the brand-new Ritual for 2026, Castle Orlock, and Slaughter Mall 3D, alongside live performances, music, and seasonal food.
Where: Bat City Scaregrounds, 14101 S Turnersville Rd, Buda, TX 78610
When: Saturday, October 3 – 31, 2026
How Much: Starts at $33.37
Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm
Explore a massive 4.5-acre themed corn maze and a Texas-sized pumpkin patch featuring over 40 unique varieties of pumpkins at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm.
Your admission covers more than 30 farm-themed activities, including daily pig races, a petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides, apple cannons, and spectacular fireworks displays on Friday and Saturday nights in October.
There will also be weekend shows like the Ember Fire Show, Sky Kings Falconry, and Zoofari.
Where: Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E State Hwy 29, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Saturday, October 3 – November 8, 2026
How Much: Starts at $16
Austin Cookie Fest
Austin Cookie Fest brings the city’s best home and cottage bakers together at SPACE512 for an afternoon of original cookies, live music, kids activities, and a friendly community competition where your vote matters.
Sample your way around the room to vote for People’s Choice in the Best Signature Cookie and Best Chocolate Chip categories while a panel of professional bakers and special guests decides the Judges’ Choice, with winners announced during the closing ceremony.
This free community event requires no ticket, so come early to secure free samples of all the cookies before they disappear and purchase a box of your favorites to take home, including unique creations not sold anywhere else in the city.
You can also RSVP on the website to enter a free giveaway featuring amazing prizes like a cookie box containing signature cookies from every baker and a cookie decorating class for two.
Where: SPACE512, 7531 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757
When: Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
How Much: Free
H-E-B Free First Sunday: Fall Celebrations
Celebrate the change of seasons and learn all about fall celebrations in the Lone Star State during H-E-B Free First Sunday at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, featuring free exhibit admission and wonderful family activities.
Explore STEM challenges with Girlstart, learn about screen printing with the Mexic-Arte Museum, enjoy fall-time fun activities with Pioneer Farms, experience hands-on projects with the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, and explore the museum’s exhibitions with a fun museum-wide spooky skeleton hunt.
Where: Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
When: Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How Much: Free
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend for Adults
Austin City Limits Music Festival
It is that time of year again as the Austin City Limits Music Festival returns for its landmark 25th year to bring the magic of the famed public TV series outside the studio and into Austin’s most beloved park.
Spanning two exciting weekends from October 2 to 4 and October 9 to 11, 2026, the festival features a diverse lineup across nine stages with over 100 incredible performances.
The 2026 lineup boasts phenomenal headliners like Charli XCX, Rufus Du Sol, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, and Skrillex for Weekend 1; Kings of Leon for Weekend 2, and The XX.
Fans can also catch amazing sets from The Chainsmokers, Lola Young, Turnstile, Geese, Bleachers, The War on Drugs, Suki Waterhouse, Steve Aoki, Audrey Hobert, Brandon Flowers, Parcels, and many more.
Where: Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin, TX 78746
When: Friday, October 2 – 4 & October 9 – 11, 2026
How Much: Please check the website for available tickets
Clue
Step into a dark and stormy night where an eccentric cast of characters gathers for a very unusual dinner party in Boddy Manor.
Based on the cult classic film and popular board game, you can follow iconic personalities like Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race against time to uncover the murderer before the body count rises.
Throughout the evening, unexpected twists and hidden motives will keep you guessing right up until the final reveal.
Where: Penfold Theatre Company, 2120 N. Mays Street, Suite 290, Round Rock, TX 78708
When: Friday, October 2 – 11, 2026
How Much: Starts at $29
2026 Hye Steaks Cookout
Join the team at the ranch for the return of the legendary Hye Steaks Cookout, a celebration of bourbon, beef, and big Texas flavor hosted in proud partnership with Nolan Ryan Beef, Bucker Creek Ranch, Wagyu X, Cut Beef, and Key Allegro Oysters.
Grills will be fired up for an unforgettable evening featuring fine Texas steaks, handcrafted bourbon cocktails, generous pours from local winery partners, perfectly paired bites, and one hell of a good time, with all proceeds benefiting the Texas Restaurant Foundation.
This year’s experience features eight action stations where guests can enjoy small bites crafted by some of Texas’ top chefs, each thoughtfully paired with a signature Garrison Brothers bourbon cocktail.
Between bites, stop by the new Cigar Corral where Bariay 1492 will host a cigar lounge with premium cigars available for purchase, and take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to purchase a limited-edition Hye Steaks Cookout Cask Strength Single Barrel available only to event guests.
Your ticket includes food and drink pairings at each station alongside live music and entertainment.
Where: Garrison Brothers Distillery, 1827 Hye-Albert Rd, Hye, TX 78635
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: Please check the website for tickets
Move for Wishes
Join a morning of movement and purpose at the Fairmont Austin in collaboration with Make-A-Wish.
Get your body moving in a high-intensity HIIT class led by an F45 instructor and recharge with exclusive wellness activations featuring cold plunges, Hyperice recovery stations, BRIGHT nutritional supplements, and more.
Where: Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $25
Texas Heat – The Great Chili Throwdown
Get ready for a night of bold flavors, live music, and serious bragging rights as NACE Austin presents Texas Heat: The Great Chili Throwdown at County Line on the Lake.
This inaugural chili cook-off brings together restaurant teams, hospitality professionals, backyard cooks, family recipe keepers, and first-time contenders, all serving up their best chili for a hungry crowd.
Taste your way through the competition, vote for favorites, enjoy live music, grab a drink from the bar, check out giveaways and activations from local hospitality partners, and spend a lakeside evening with friends, family, and fellow food lovers celebrating Austin hospitality.
Where: County Line on the Lake, 5204 FM 2222, Austin, TX 78731
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $40
Traitors – killer improv comedy
Enjoy a high-stakes, fully improvised murder mystery game where Austin’s sharpest comedians assume secret roles as Faithfuls or Traitors in a hilarious spin on reality television.
Watch as the cunning players scheme to uncover and banish the culprits before the secret saboteurs steal the final prize.
Where: Fallout Theatre, 616 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 3 – 17, 2026 | 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $10
House of Torment
Venture into three terrifying haunted attractions where cutting-edge special effects and original horror storylines collide to test your absolute courage.
You can navigate the deadly realm of Jason Universe: Survive The Night, fight your way through the post-apocalyptic mutant tribes of Return of the Abominations, uncover forbidden secrets in Beyond the Veil, and enjoy extra thrills like axe throwing and the Nocturne Sanctum Secret Bar.
Where: House of Torment, 2632 Ridgepoint Dr, Austin, TX 78754
When: Sunday, October 4 – November 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $19.99
Looking for more local fun? Check out our master guide to Things to do in Austin this weekend!
- Things to do in Austin this Weekend | October 2 – October 4 - September 28, 2026
- Austin Highlights: September 28 to October 1 – Food, Music, Arts & More - September 27, 2026
- Kids Events in Austin in November 2026: Thanksgiving, Festivals and Holiday Events - September 27, 2026
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