Austin Highlights: September 28 To October 1

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The best free and fun events in Austin, September 28 – October 1, include Driftwood Fall Festival, Magical Mind Mysteries, 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, September 28, 2026

21+ Crafty Happy Hour: Painted Rocks

Unwind with a relaxed and colorful evening of creativity at Make at Rosie’s monthly Happy Hour and Craft-Along!

Drop in anytime to transform smooth stones into mini works of art using vibrant acrylic paints, markers, and fun mixed media techniques, or bring your own favorite handicraft like knitting or crochet.

Where: Make at Rosie, 8711 Burnet Rd Ste F 72, Austin, TX 78757
When: Monday, September 28, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
How Much: $0 – $15 | Pay what you can

Queer Two-Step Night!

Image credit: neonrainbowstx

Kick up your boots and join a lively, welcoming community for an incredible evening of dancing and live music at Sagebrush!

Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced dancer, drop into the handy lessons at 7:15 PM or 7:45 PM, no partner or prior experience necessary. Stay for the fantastic live tunes from Ed West and Rosie & the Ramblers, and enjoy a night filled with great company and confidence-building fun.

Where: Sagebrush, 5500 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745
When: Monday, September 28, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
How Much: $10

Fall Festival

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, September 28 – November 8, 2026
How Much: Starts at $16

Esquina’s Fall Youth Dance Classes

Ignite your child’s passion for movement with Esquina’s Fall Youth Dance Classes, titled “La Juventud”!

Designed for ages 7 to 11, these vibrant sessions feature exciting weekly rhythms including Ritmos Latinos on Mondays, Samba on Wednesdays, and Tango on Thursdays, leading up to a special performance opportunity on Saturday, October 17.

Snacks are provided, so remember to bring water and secure your spot by adding your child as a family member through your Wellness Living account.

Where: Esquina Tango, 209 Pedernales Street, Austin, TX 78702
When: Monday, September 28 – October 15, 2026 | 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM
How Much: Free

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 September 28 – November 2, 2026 | 6 pm
How Much: Free

Amster Maker Studio — Walk-In Pottery Painting & Craft Bar

Choose from simple DIY projects or try your hand at walk-in pottery painting, with all basic tools and materials provided for project-based creating. Friendly staff is ready to help first-timers get started during a low-pressure afternoon of making, connecting, and trying something new.

Where: Inspired Minds Art Center, 121 Main St, Buda, TX 78610
When: Monday, September 28 – 30, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
How Much: $45

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Tuesday Twilights feat Anna La Mare

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, September 29, 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

Cool to Care Pre-ACL Clothing Swap

Refresh your wardrobe sustainably and get ready for festival season with a fun community clothing swap at Lustre Pearl East!

Bring ten clean, high-quality items you no longer wear, like tops, shoes, purses, jewelry, or skirts, and take home ten fresh pieces to love.

Pay at the door, browse fantastic pre-loved outfits for the upcoming weekends, and stick around for a chance to win a free Saturday weekend one festival wristband!

Where: Lustre Pearl East, 114 Linden St, Austin, TX 78702
When: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
How Much: Free entry

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: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – October 31, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: $40

Ways of Seeing: A Smartphone Photography Workshop

Slow down, notice the world around you, and explore the outdoors through a fresh creative lens on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.

Join FreshAIR founder Cecelia Parker Schoening for an interactive workshop where you will use your smartphone to capture the colors, textures, and tiny details often missed in everyday life. Conclude your walk with optional journaling and mindful reflection surrounded by beautiful public art and nature.

Where: Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, Austin, TX
When: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
How Much: Free

Pumpkin Nights

Image courtesy: 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, September 29 – October 31, 2026 | 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $12

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Wednesday, September 30, 2026

The VORTEX presents Magical Mind Mysteries

Prepare to be amazed by the delightfully eccentric and charming Magical Mystical Michael as he brings a wonderfully unconventional magic show to The VORTEX.

Blending sharp wit, clever illusions, and a delightfully unique perspective, this performance plays tricks on your eyes, hands, and mind.

Where: The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd #2135, Austin, TX 78722
When: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 7:30 PM
How Much: $15

Wine Down Wednesday Pottery Painting

Unwind with a glass of wine and let your creativity flow during a special pottery painting night at Switchback Coffee and Beer.

Enjoy fantastic wine and beverage specials while painting your very own pottery canvas using specialty underglazes, sponges, and even festive spooky-season pottery tattoos. Leave the glazing and firing to the hosts. Your masterpiece will be ready to pick up safely within a week!

Where: Switchback Coffee and Beer, 220 Ralph Ablanedo Dr, Suite 110, Austin, TX 78748
When: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: $30

Celebrate Día de los Muertos!

Embrace the beauty of tradition and community by joining a special open house workshop celebrating Día de los Muertos at the Christi Center.

Discover gorgeous mini altars created by Ana Beatriz of Altarxito, learn about the rich history behind the holiday, and pick up your own altar kits to build at home.

Where: Christi Center, 2306 Hancock Dr., Austin, TX 78756
When: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
How Much: $30

Music on the Trail Series

Every week, the Rainey Street Trailhead lawn transforms into Austin’s coolest outdoor concert spot featuring a new local musician. Grab a blanket, bring some friends, and let’s make Wednesdays the best night of the week!

This September 9 will feature Jennifer Foster & The Audacity.

Where: Rainey Street Trailhead, Cummings St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – October 14, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
How Much: Free

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, September 30 – November 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
How Much: $10

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Thursday, October 1, 2026

Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End

Image credit: Austin Playhouse

Step into a heartfelt and humorous world as legendary columnist Erma Bombeck takes center stage in this delightful one-woman show at Austin Playhouse.

Follow her frank and witty journey of self-discovery as she looks beyond the roles of wife and mother, proving that everyday family life brings its own wonderful brand of joy.

Where: Austin Playhouse, 405 W 22nd St, Austin, TX 78705
When: Thursday, October 1, 2026 – October 11, 2026 | Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 7:30 PM
How Much: Starts at $25

Ofrenda

Immerse yourself in a moving story of family, heritage, and sacrifice as Día de los Muertos approaches.

Join immigrant mother Macaria and her skeptical daughter Pina in a powerful theatrical journey filled with love, magic, and a fateful encounter with death itself. This touching opera reflects the deep hopes parents hold for their children and the beauty of honoring those who came before you.

Where: Austin Opera’s Butler Performance Center, 5811 Trade Center Drive Austin, TX 78744
When: Thursday, October 1, 2026 – October 11, 2026
How Much: $65

Primary Trust

Settle into a heartwarming story about finding courage and opening your heart to new beginnings.

Kenneth has a comfortable routine with his best friend Bert, a job he loves, and daily visits to Wally’s, but everything changes when he suddenly finds himself unemployed. Come cheer him on as he steps out of his comfort zone, lands a new job at Primary Trust Bank, and learns to face his past to embrace a brighter future.

Where: Austin Playhouse, 405 W 22nd St, Austin, TX 78705
When: Thursday, October 1 – 4, 2026 | Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 7:30 PM
How Much: Starts at $19

SideHustle LIVE: Comedy Game Show for Entrepreneurs

Get ready for a hilarious night where business meets pure comedy! Join local founders and comedians as they pitch wild, completely fake business ideas on the spot while you vote on whether each concept is funny or fundable.

Kick off the evening with a lively happy hour starting at 6 PM, enjoy the interactive game show at 7 PM, and stay late for a fun post-show mixer featuring a full bar and a live DJ.

Where: Pershing Hall, 2415C E 5th St Austin, TX 78702
When: Thursday, October 1, 2026 and October 28, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: $25 for early bird | $35 for GA

Driftwood Fall Festival

Image credit: Vista Brewing

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

Riley Green in concert

Get ready for an incredible night of country music as Riley Green takes the stage for his Cowboy As It Gets Tour in support of his latest album, That’s Just Me.

Sing along to your favorite country anthems and enjoy fantastic opening performances by special guests Randy Houser, Kashus Culpepper, and Hannah McFarland.

Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $47

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