Austin Highlights: October 19 To October 22

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The best free and fun events in Austin, October 19 – October 22, include The Chicks in Concert, Forever Dolly: The Music of Dolly Parton, and more!

Austin turns up the energy long before the weekend hits, and this list rounds up the can’t-miss events keeping the city buzzing all week long. Explore what’s happening from September 28 to October 1, and keep your weekdays packed with Austin’s signature spirit and creativity!

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 Things To Do this Summer in Austin.

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Monday, October 19, 2026

Make It! Wear It! Parade It!

Image credit: Print Austin

Join PrintAustin and Mexic-Arte Museum for a free, hands-on mask-making workshop with nationally recognized artist Dennis McNett (Wolfbat).

Known for his bold relief prints, intricately carved imagery, masks, puppets, and larger-than-life creatures, McNett transforms printmaking into immersive, communal experiences.

Participants will work with Dennis to create wearable masks inspired by his distinctive prints and the spirit of celebration and collaboration, requiring no previous printmaking or art experience.

Evening pop-in opportunities are available Wednesday through Friday at another location for those needing more time, keeping in mind that a mask may take 8-12 hours to create.

While participants do not need to commit to all workshop hours, they must commit to wearing their creations and joining PrintAustin, McNett, and the community in Mexic-Arte Museum’s Viva La Vida Parade to transform their studio artwork into a vibrant public procession.

Where: Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, October 19 – 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Drop-in available Oct 19-20 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Parade on Oct 24 at 12:00 PM)
How Much: Free entry

Staind in concert

Staind comes to Austin as part of their Break The Cycle 25th Anniversary Tour, celebrating their 2001 breakthrough album.

The rock band has released eight albums throughout their career, most recently dropping Confessions of the Fallen in 2023. They will be joined on stage by supporting acts Seether, Hoobastank, and Hinder.

Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Monday, October 19, 2026 | 6:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $107

Davy Jones’ Locker Haunted Tiki Takeover

Step into a spooky nautical realm as Davy Jones’ Locker rises from the dead for a thrilling Halloween pop-up experience.

The Copperhead Club transforms its space with shipwrecked surroundings, flaming specialty drinks, and plenty of eerie mysteries lurking beneath the surface.

Gather friends for a chillingly fun night out and explore the depths of this immersive seasonal takeover. The locker is ready to reopen. Are you brave enough to enter?

Where: The Copperhead Club, 2120 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
When: Monday, October 19 – 31, 2026
How Much: Free entry

Fall Festival

Image credit: Sweet Eats Fruit Farm

Explore a massive 4.5-acre themed corn maze and a Texas-sized pumpkin patch boasting over 40 unique varieties of pumpkins.

Your ticket includes daily pig races, a petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides, apple cannons, and over 30 exciting farm-themed activities, alongside thrilling fireworks displays every Friday and Saturday night in October.

There will also be weekend shows like Ember Fire Show, Sky Kings Falconry, and Zoofari.

Where: Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 14400 E State Hwy 29, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Monday, October 19 – November 8, 2026
How Much: Starts at $16

Yoga & Sound

Re-center your mind and body amidst the natural beauty of Waterloo Park with a revolving series of energizing vinyasa flows, gentle yoga, mindful movement, and restorative sound experiences!

Open to all ages and abilities, with beginners and experts welcome, modifications are offered throughout each class to help every participant move, breathe, connect, and unwind.

Bring a yoga mat, water, and friends to enjoy this community-supported wellness program presented at no cost.

Where: Waterloo Park, 500 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Every Monday from October 19 – November 2, 2026 | 6 pm
How Much: Free

Austin Psycho

Suit up in blood-splattered gear and release your inner action star by smashing your way through a late-night thriller homage at Rage Room Austin.

Grab your friends and dive right into the heart-pounding scene for an unforgettable adrenaline rush!

Where: Rage Room Austin, 1716 E Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78747
When: Monday, October 19 – 31, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: $40

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Mon Laferte: Femme Fatale Tour

Five-time Latin GRAMMY winner Mon Laferte brings her Femme Fatale Tour across the U.S. this fall.

Known for her raw songwriting, powerhouse vocals, and unforgettable live performances, the artist moves effortlessly between alternative rock, bolero, jazz, cabaret, and Latin balladry.

Where: Moody Amphitheater, 1401 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 8:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $44

The Chicks

Image credit: The Chicks

Thirteen-time Grammy Award winners The Chicks have announced their return to the road with the Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour in celebration of their record-breaking studio album Taking the Long Way.

Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 8:30 PM
How Much: Please check website for tickets

F1 Children’s Book Signing with Andy Amendola

Bring the little ones to the Austin Visitor Center to grab a fresh copy of ABCs of Racing: My First Guide to Formula 1 before heading into F1 weekend.

Young racing fans can also enjoy a special storytime and meet author Andy Amendola at BookPeople. Admission is free, with a book or qualifying purchase required to participate in the author signing.

Where: Austin Visitor Center, 103 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701
When: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
How Much: Free

Sombr in concert

Talented singer-songwriter Sombr comes to Austin to perform live in support of his 2025 debut album, I Barely Know Her. Catch his heartfelt vocals and engaging performance live on stage for an incredible evening of music.

Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $84

Tuesday Twilights

Spend a peaceful evening surrounded by stunning blooms as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center stays open late every Tuesday this fall. Make it a charming date night, pack a relaxing picnic with friends, or enjoy some quiet solo time soaking in the beauty of nature.

Every single visit features delightful live music from local artists to serenade your stroll through the gardens.

Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 – November 10, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
How Much: $15 for adults | $12 for seniors | $9 for kids 3 – 17 | Free for kids 2 and under

Pumpkin Nights

Skip the traditional scares and step into a stunning Halloween art experience as you follow a half-mile path through nine immersive pumpkin lands, ranging from the fiery Forbidden City to the electric underwater world of Neon Reef.

They all feature larger-than-life installations built from over 10,000 hand-carved and custom-designed pumpkins. The journey continues in Pumpkin Village with festive food, a live fire show, and games for the whole family to enjoy.

Where: Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, Austin, TX 78754
When: Tuesday, October 20 – 31, 2026 | 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $12

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Counter Culture Grand Opening Party!

Join in celebrating the reopening of Counter Culture with a groovy night of vinyl, vegan comfort food, and good company.

DJ Jake Garcia from The Black Angels and The Ugly Beats, alongside DJ Marc Fort from KOOP and KUTX Radio, will be spinning records all night long. Attendees can also enjoy food and drink specials and merchandise giveaways inside the new mid-century diner.

Where: Counter Culture Restaurant, 5812 Berkman Drive, Austin, TX 78723
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: No cover

Waitress

Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage.

Pouring her heart into her creations, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life, such as The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie and Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.

When a baking contest in a nearby county and a satisfying encounter with someone new show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it, realizing change is on the menu as long as she can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness.

Brought to life by a groundbreaking creative team, this hilarious hit Broadway musical features original music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Sara Bareilles, a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, original choreography by Lorin Latarro, and original direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus.

Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Wednesday, October 21 – 23, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $73

Haunted Shores: Family Halloween Walk-Through

Explore a spooky water park transformed into a thrilling Halloween walk-through filled with haunted scenes, creepy characters, and ghostly encounters!

You can come early for delicious dinner options, spooky cocktails, and themed snacks by the water before embarking on a family-friendly adventure designed for all ages. Stick around after your walk for even more seasonal fun and thrills.

Where: Volente Beach Waterpark, 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769 Suite D, Leander, TX 78641
When: Wednesday, October 21 – 31, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $10

Two-Step Lessons at Sagebrush: Beginner + Intermediate

Step onto the dance floor and learn Austin’s signature honky-tonk two-step style with drop-in classes hosted by Double or Nothing Two-Step.

Whether arriving solo, as a couple, or with a group, no partner or prior experience is required to join the beginner lesson at six in the evening or the intermediate class at seven.

Your partners will rotate throughout the session, and your admission covers both the instruction and the live country music that follows.

Where: Sagebrush, 5500 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745
When: Wednesday, October 21 – November 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
How Much: $10

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: Wednesday, October 21 – November 1, 2026
How Much: $5 – $15 | Free for babies and kids 3 and under

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Thursday, October 22, 2026

Formula 1 United States Grand Prix

The pinnacle of motorsports returns to Texas for a new four-day celebration of speed and sound, providing an action-packed experience that fuses world-class racing with major championship implications.

There is no shortage of star power off-track as superstar headliners hit the Super Stage with post-race performances each night, featuring concerts from Maroon 5 on Friday and Post Malone on Saturday at Germania Insurance Amphitheater.

Visitors can also check out the all-new Grand PrixView event on Thursday, October 22nd, featuring on-track action from the all-female F1 ACADEMY race series, fan villages across the property, first access to the F1 Fan Zone, a Formula 1 Pit Lane Walk, merchandise shopping, and the option to experience COTALAND before the weekend fills up.

Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617
When: Thursday, October 22 – 25, 2026
How Much: Starts at $150

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

Experience a candlelit tribute to Coldplay and Imagine Dragons, featuring fan favorites like Viva La Vida, Fix You, Believer, and Demons.

Surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight, attendees can enjoy an evening of emotional ballads, anthemic hits, and memorable melodies celebrating the music of two beloved bands.

Where: St David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 8:45 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $35.50

Forever Dolly: The Music of Dolly Parton

Join us for a night celebrating the incredible career of country music legend Dolly Parton. Experience her iconic songs like 9 to 5 and Jolene, performed live by the talented Yesenia McNett, accompanied by a five-piece band.

Where: Penfold Theatre Company, 2120 N. Mays Street, Suite 290, Round Rock, TX 78708
When: Thursday, October 22 – 23, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $36

UNDEAD. Haunted House of Dances

Image credit: Ventana Ballet

Step into the shadows of the night where only the undead gather in an immersive, adults-only Halloween show directed and choreographed by AJ Garcia-Rameau with assistant direction by Navaji David Nava.

Described by Sarah Somerville of Nerd News Social as an evening of unearthly elegance where mischief unhinges the mortal realm, this production features local professional theater and dance artists across multiple disciplines.

Where: East Side Performing Arts, 979 Springdale Rd Ste 815, Austin, TX 78702
When: Thursday, October 22 – 31, 2026
How Much: Starts at $35

ESPERANZA by Rupert Reyes

Experience the world premiere of a compelling new play written and directed by award-winning Austin playwright, artistic director, and actor Rupert Reyes at Trinity Street Playhouse.

The story follows Mercedes, an undocumented immigrant arriving from Mexico who finds work in the home of a grieving affluent couple still reeling from a devastating loss, setting off a chain of hidden secrets, a failed romance, and an impulsive betrayal.

When Mercedes reveals her pregnancy, longing and desperation collide in a powerful exploration of how far people will go to claim a child.

Where: Trinity Street Playhouse, 901 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Thursday, October 22 – 24, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: $25 for GA | $20 for students and seniors | $35 for VIP

Already planning for the weekend? Browse our latest picks for Friday through Sunday in Austin — concerts, food festivals, date ideas, and more await!