Things to do in Austin this Weekend | September 18 – September 20

Last Updated: September 13, 2026

The best things to do in Austin this weekend, September 18 – September 20, include 5th Street Vintage Market, Pumpkin Nights, 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 – September 18 – September 20: Austin will feature pleasant mid-September conditions as daytime highs drop into the lower 90s under bright, open skies and negligible opportunities for rainfall.

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

90’s Car Meet & Market

Rev up your nostalgia and bring out your favorite 1990 to 1999 cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs to compete for prizes and gift cards.

You can also vote for top vehicles, enjoy delicious bites from food trucks, sip on themed drink specials, shop 90s-inspired vendors, and groove to classic 90s hits spun by live DJs.

Where: Ani’s Day and Night, 7107 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
When: Friday, September 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
How Much: Free

Woody Russell

Settle in for an intimate evening of exceptional musicianship as acclaimed solo singer-songwriter and guitarist Woody Russell takes the stage at Fairmont.

Where: Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, September 18, 2026 | 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
How Much: Free

Austin-Taichung 40th Anniversary Celebration

Mark four decades of enduring friendship, cultural exchange, and international partnership between Austin and Taichung, Taiwan, with a free, family-friendly community festival sponsored by the City of Austin.

The afternoon will be filled with live cultural performances, interactive booths, raffle prize drawings, family activities, and authentic Taiwanese street food and boba.

Where: Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
How Much: Free

5th Street Vintage Market

Browse through curated vintage fashion finds, statement jewelry, and unique local goods right in the heart of downtown Austin during this monthly open-air market.

Stop by the in-house cafe, 5th & Brew, for fresh matcha or coffee while enjoying tunes spun by a live DJ.

Where: Austin Visitor Center, 103 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
How Much: Free

Gourdgeous Glass Pumpkin Patch

Discover hundreds of brilliantly handcrafted glass pumpkins created by skilled artisans, perfect for seasonal décor or growing your personal collection.

Watch molten glass transform during spooky-themed live glassblowing demonstrations crafting giant pumpkins, ghosts, witch hats, and glass jack-o’-lanterns, while kids enjoy coloring stations, pumpkin tosses, giveaways, and the Monster Design Contest kickoff.

Where: Wimberley Glassworks, 6469 Ranch Rd 12 San Marcos, TX 78666
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
How Much: Free

Austin Museum Day

Explore a wide array of local culture, art, history, science, and nature as more than twenty museums across Austin open their doors to the public for free.

Discover unique exhibits, family-friendly activities, and guided or self-guided tours during this annual citywide celebration.

Where: Museums across Austin, Austin, TX
When: Sunday, September 20, 2026
How Much: Free

Pup Fest

Bring your furry best friends out to the hills for a tail-wagging afternoon hosted in partnership with Austin Pets Alive!, featuring pup pampering, wellness booths, gourmet dog treats, and local pet vendors.

You can also check out dog-friendly activities, photo opportunities, and a festive pup costume contest at 1 PM.

Where: Hotel Viata, 320 S Capital of Texas Hwy, West Lake Hills, TX 78746
When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 11:00 AM
How Much: Free

Things to Do in Austin this Friday | Weekend Kickoff Events

Weather on Friday: Mostly sunny and warm with light easterly winds, a high of 93°F, a low of 71°F, and an 8% chance of precipitation.

Austin Arte Agave Tequila & Mezcal Festival

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich flavors of Mexico with unlimited tastings of over one hundred varieties of premium tequila and mezcal at Distribution Hall.

Enjoy traditional mariachi music, graceful folkloric dancers, live pop-up entertainment, artisan shopping featuring handcrafted goods, and delicious Mexican bites like tacos, al pastor, birria, carne asada, mole, tamales, taquitos, homemade salsas, and guacamole.

Where: Distribution Hall, 1500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702
When: Friday, September 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
How Much: Starts at $94.17

Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi

Experience the enchanting melodies of legendary composer Joe Hisaishi brought to life in a breathtaking live, multi-sensory concert illuminated by the gentle, awe-inspiring glow of countless candles inside St David’s Episcopal Church.

Where: St David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, September 18, 2026 | 8:45 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $45

Candlelight: Tribute to Michael Jackson

Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory musical tribute celebrating the iconic hits of Michael Jackson, performed live under the shimmering glow of candlelight inside St David’s Episcopal Church.

The setlist includes timeless anthems like Billie Jean, Thriller, Smooth Criminal, Man in the Mirror, Human Nature, and Earth Song.

Where: St. David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, September 18, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
How Much: Starts at $35.50

She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen

Step back into 1995 for an action-packed theatrical adventure where a young woman dives into her late sister’s Dungeons & Dragons campaign, battling dragons, mischievous fairies, ogres, and unforgettable monsters while discovering the true heart of her sibling.

Directed by Marcus McQuirter and featuring guest artist Amber Quick alongside the St. Edward’s Department of Performing Arts cast and creative team, this heartfelt show blends nostalgia, humor, and high fantasy.

Where: Mary Moody Northern Theatre, 3001 S Congress Ave, Building THAR, Austin, TX 78704
When: Friday, September 18 – 27, 2026
How Much: Starts at $15

Pumpkin Nights

Image courtesy: 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, September 18 – October 31, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $12

Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park

Image credit: Scream Hollow kids

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, September 18 – November 1, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $37.83

Grupo Duelo in concert

Experience an unforgettable evening of romantic norteño music as singer-songwriter Óscar Iván Treviño leads Grupo Duelo in celebrating a 26-year legacy defined by heartfelt lyrics and timeless regional Mexican melodies.

Where: Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live), 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, September 18, 2026 | 8:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $100

Fantastic Fest

Immerse yourself in a thrilling cinematic lineup as Fantastic Fest returns to Alamo Drafthouse with a brand-new collection of hauntingly excellent films!

Detailed event schedules, full film line-ups, and ticket information will be officially announced closer to the event date.

Where: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Mueller, 1911 Aldrich St., Ste 120, Austin, TX 78723
When: Friday, September 18 – 24, 2026
How Much: TBA

Carried By The Winds

Witness a breathtaking aerial dance poem inspired by the chaos of our modern times, where suspended dancers rise and fall like whispered prayers carried by unseen currents!

Dwelling gracefully in the mystery of the unknown toward the light with grace, surrender, and quiet resolve, this stunning performance invites a deep reflection on the enduring possibility of transformation.

Where: One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, AUSTIN, TX 78704
When: Friday, September 18 – 20, 2026
How Much: Starts at $25

Flower Shop

Step into a captivating world where a secret red door at the back of a flower shop leads to an intimate speakeasy cocktail lounge!

Enjoy an up-close world premiere ballet presented by Ventana Ballet alongside live string and piano arrangements from Austin Camerata performing Michael Alec Rose’s original piano quartet,

This is complete with a full bar hosted by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, where guests can meet the artists and composer after the show.

Where: East Side Performing Arts, 979 Springdale Rd Ste 815, Austin, TX 78702
When: Friday, September 18 – 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $30

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: September 18 – October 11, 2026
How Much: Starts at $29

The Yellow Wallpaper

Delve into a deeply psychological and semi-autobiographical theatrical experience inspired by Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s harrowing postpartum struggle under an oppressive rest cure enforced by her husband.

As creative expression and personal autonomy are stripped away by a dismissive doctor, this powerful staging illuminates the terrifying inner turmoil that ultimately sparked a timeless masterpiece of feminist literature.

Where: Trinity Street Playhouse, 901 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, September 18 – 20, 2026 | 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $25

And Then There Were None

Step into a gripping theatrical mystery as ten strangers with dark, hidden pasts are summoned to a remote island, only to find themselves marked for murder according to the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme.

Watch the tension rise as severe weather cuts the group off from the mainland and the gruesome bloodbath unfolds one terrifying victim at a time.

Where: Doug Smith Performance Center, 206 W 2nd St, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Friday, September 18 – 20, 2026
How Much: Not stated

Things to Do in Austin this Weekend | Top Picks Saturday

Weather on Saturday: Generous sunshine throughout the afternoon with mild evening air, a high of 92°F, a low of 70°F, and a 3% 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: Saturday, September 19 – November 8, 2026
How Much: Starts at $16

Get Out Girl Surf & PaddleJam

Image credit: Get Out Girl Surf and Paddle Jam

Join an empowering all-female water weekend designed for women and girls of all experience levels to connect, laugh, try something new, and support female first responders, military personnel, and nurses.

Spend Saturday surfing and Sunday paddling on the water at Lake Austin while building community, courage, and joy.

Where: Lake Austin – Steiner Ranch Lake Club, 12300 River Bend, Austin, TX 78732
When: Saturday, September 19 – 20, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $150

Golden Harvest Half Marathon & 5k/10k

Image credit: runsignup

Challenge yourself on race day with a supportive, inclusive community event offering distances ranging from a kid’s dash and 1-mile fun run to a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon.

Every registration includes chip-timed live results, custom medals, designer shirts, free race photos, and delicious finish-line snacks.

Where: Marble Falls High School, 2101 Mustang Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
How Much: Starts at $17

DAMARU – DUALITY – A Dance production

Experience a deeply mesmerizing Bharatanatyam dance theater production conceived and choreographed by artistic director Vidhya Subramanian, featuring the eight-member Sparsha Dance Ensemble.

Where: Dell Fine Arts Center, 5901 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, TX 78735
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $50

Love Your Neighbor 5K

Lace up your running shoes for a scenic 5K course winding directly through the inspiring tiny home community at Community First! Village.

Afterward, enjoy face painting, food trucks, balloon art, a welcome home card-making station, and exclusive opportunities to tour model homes on the expansion property.

Where: Community First! Village, 9301 Hog Eye Rd Suite 950, Austin, TX 78724
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
How Much: $40

Something Like a Trail Ride

Celebrate the rich cultural history and underrepresented traditions of Black and Brown cowboys and trail-riders in Central Texas through storytelling, cowboy talks, and community sharing.

There will also be local food vendors serving handmade fried pies and tea cakes, a gallery art exhibition by Avery Ross, and a lively country DJ with line dancing in the food court.

Where: Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, 1156 Hargrave St, Austin, TX 78702
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $1

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, September 18 – October 17, 2026 | 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $10

You Me She Festival

Immerse yourself in Texas’s largest annual women-only festival, a full-day takeover celebrating sisterhood, self-love, and music with standout female artists, heart-opening workshops, and a curated women-owned marketplace.

Where: Rancho Moonrise, 20117 Lockwood Road, Manor, TX 78704
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $35

Things to Do in Austin this Weekend | Sunday Funday

Weather on Sunday: High fair-weather clouds mixing with sun, keeping temperatures modest, a high of 91°F, a low of 69°F, and a 5% chance of precipitation.

Sip & Sculpt Pottery Workshop

Unwind in a relaxing studio setting with a drink in hand as you learn hand-building basics to shape clay into a custom smiley pot, trinket dish, or vase. The beginner-friendly class is designed for solo creatives, friends, or a unique date afternoon.

Where: Stargazer, 979 Springdale, Suite 130, Austin, TX 78702
When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
How Much: $60

The Great Cake Exchange

Indulge your sweet tooth inside a vibrant East Austin wine hall by sampling six incredible desserts crafted by talented local bakers, accompanied by a complimentary welcome glass of wine.

Where: Wanderlust Wine Co. (Shady Lane), 702 Shady Lane, Austin, TX 78702
When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
How Much: $30

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, September 13, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $19.99