Best Kids Events in Austin in October 2026 for Fall Family Fun

Jump To: October 2 – 4 | October 9 – 11 | October 16 – 18 | October 23 – 25 | October 30 – November 1

October in Austin is a month of adventure, where the city comes alive with a vibrant mix of summer festivals, fun outdoor events, and family-friendly fun. From new shows and food festivals to exciting cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

This guide will help you navigate the best kids’ events and activities happening in Austin throughout October 2026. Get ready to embrace the summer season and create unforgettable memories with your family!

This month’s highlights include Boo at the Zoo, Pumpkin Nights, and more. Events are grouped by date range for easy browsing and quick planning.

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Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

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Kids Events in Austin on October 2 – 4, 2026

Boo at the Zoo – Dress in your favorite Halloween costume and explore the zoo after dark at Boo at the Zoo, featuring a Haunted Train, scary Haunted House, and illuminated Halloween decorations throughout the zoo. 

21st Annual Bluegrass & Folk Festival – Enjoy two evenings of live bluegrass and folk music at the Mason Homestead, with food vendors and a fun zone adding to the festivities.

Pumpkin Nights – Explore Halloween through art and creativity along a half-mile path featuring nine immersive pumpkin lands, from the fiery Forbidden City to the electric underwater world of Neon Reef. Expect more than 10,000 hand-carved and custom-designed pumpkins, plus festive food, a live fire show, and family games in Pumpkin Village.

Austoberfest – Celebrate Oktoberfest at Scholz Garten by dressing in your lederhosen and enjoying live music, free sausage, stein-holding competitions, beer samplings, and activities for kids. 

History Surrounds – Step into Austin’s past at Wooldridge Square and explore its history through augmented reality storytelling, oral histories, archival materials, live music, and community programming. 

Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt – Follow Judy and her little brother Stink on an adventurous treasure hunt after a trip to “Artichoke” Island leads them to a pirate and a race against rivals Tall Boy and Smart Girl. 

Monster Truck Wars – Get ready for car-crushing Monster Trucks, Quad Wars, Kids Powerwheel Races, and a pre-show Pit Party at Monster Truck Wars. You can even ride in a real Monster Truck.

Texas Heat – The Great Chili Throwdown – Taste your way through a fiery chili competition featuring restaurant teams, hospitality professionals, backyard cooks, family recipe keepers, and first-time contenders. You can even vote for your favorites.

SMA Bear Run 5K/1K – Hit the ground running at the family-friendly SMA Bear Run on the scenic San Marcos Academy campus, with 5K and 1K options supporting SMA students. After the race, stick around for OctoBEARFest, the school’s largest Student Life fundraiser.

CAVERN BAT FEST – Enjoy the beauty of fall at Natural Bridge Caverns with outdoor attractions, Texas Hill Country scenery, live music, kids’ activities, and special Halloween fun during the final weekend. 

Sundrop Springs Presents: Fall Festival – Make fall a family tradition at Sundrop Springs with a full day of entertainment and seasonal fun. Take a hayride, explore the pumpkin patch and mazes, enjoy delicious food, and discover more fall attractions throughout the season.

Oktoberfest at Marktplatz – Celebrate Fredericksburg’s German heritage with food, drinks, artisans, Kinderpark, souvenirs, and music across four stages, plus festive contests and activities for the whole family. 

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Kids Events in Austin in October 9 – 11, 2026

Austin Oktoberfest – Put on your Lederhosen or Dirndl and celebrate the 22nd annual Austin Oktoberfest with live Oktoberfest-themed music, kids’ activities, and plenty of German food and drinks.

Legacy on a Plate – Celebrate the culinary and musical traditions of the African Diaspora at this festival featuring African, Caribbean, and Texas Soul food alongside live Afrobeat, Caribbean, R&B, Hip Hop, and Zydeco. 

Fall Native Plant Sale & Monarch Festival – Enjoy a monarch obstacle course, lifecycle games, photo ops, tagging games and demonstrations, plus information about the Texas Pollinator Bioblitz as you browse plants for your own butterfly garden.

Sundrop Springs Presents: Fall Festival – Make fall a family tradition at Sundrop Springs with a full day of entertainment and seasonal fun. Take a hayride, explore the pumpkin patch and mazes, enjoy delicious food, and discover more fall attractions throughout the season.

Grape Stomp – Roll up your pants and jump into a barrel for an unforgettable grape-stomping tradition inspired by old-world winemaking. Get a commemorative T-shirt to capture your grape-stained footprints, then enjoy wine, lively music, laughs, and photos.

Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt – Follow Judy and her little brother Stink on an adventurous treasure hunt after a trip to “Artichoke” Island leads them to a pirate and a race against rivals Tall Boy and Smart Girl. 

Pumpkin Nights – Explore Halloween through art and creativity along a half-mile path featuring nine immersive pumpkin lands, from the fiery Forbidden City to the electric underwater world of Neon Reef. Expect more than 10,000 hand-carved and custom-designed pumpkins, plus festive food, a live fire show, and family games in Pumpkin Village.

Boo at the Zoo – Dress in your favorite Halloween costume and explore the zoo after dark at Boo at the Zoo, featuring a Haunted Train, scary Haunted House, and illuminated Halloween decorations throughout the zoo. 

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Kids’ Events in Austin from October 16 – 18, 2026

Hot Luck Live Food & Music Festival – Dig into a chef-driven celebration of fire, food, music, and camaraderie inspired by tailgates, family reunions, get-togethers, and potlucks. Enjoy open-pit cooking, a wide variety of food and music events, and an eat-with-your-fingers picnic.

Be Like Blippi Tour – Join Blippi and Meekah for an interactive adventure packed with high-energy music, surprises, and fan-favorite songs including “The Excavator Song,” “Monster Truck,” “Dino Dance,” and “Curious Like Me.” 

Buda Arts Festival – Spend the week exploring art through outdoor plein air competitions, busking musicians, artist demonstrations, artisan markets, gallery exhibits, artist meet-ups, kids’ activities, films, and live theater performances.

Art From the Streets Show and Sale – Support Austin artists experiencing homelessness while browsing more than 1,000 original artworks across a variety of budgets and genres. Meet the artists and chat with them about their work.

Chrome & Chandeliers Car Show – Check out 20 classic cars and 20 Harley-Davidsons while exploring the historic Chateau Bellevue next door during its morning tours. Cast your vote for the winners, enjoy complimentary water and popcorn, and bring the kids for family-friendly activities.

Heidi Little Featured at WE The World ORIGINS Concert at AWKN – Spend the day at the WE THE WORLD TOUR and ORIGINS Unity Concert at AWKN Ranch with live music, workshops, wellness and healing experiences, a community kitchen and dinner, nonprofit networking, and a marketplace. 

Marbridge Fun Fest – Bring the whole family to Marbridge Fun Fest for a free celebration featuring games, live entertainment, delicious food, and activities for all ages. 

Spooky Sprint – Get moving at the Spooky Sprint with a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, 1 Mile race, or an untimed Kids Dash for children ages 10 and under. Enjoy race-day swag, custom medals, chip timing and live results, free photos, and snacks.

Eastside Kings Festival – Enjoy soul food, blues, jazz, gospel, and performances from national musicians and local artists across five walkable venues near East 12th Street and Chicon. 

Halloween Children’s Concert – Celebrate Halloween with a musical adventure as the Austin Symphony brings Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf to life, following a brave boy, a mysterious wolf, and his animal friends through an exciting tale where each character is represented by a different orchestral instrument. 

The Very ‘ Rary 2026 – Join The Contemporary Austin for an afternoon of art and amazement celebrating five years of The Very ‘Rary. Explore a 14-acre sculpture park filled with hands-on artmaking, wearable design, interactive installations, electric performances, and eco-futuristic discoveries.

Sundrop Springs Presents: Fall Festival – Make fall a family tradition at Sundrop Springs with a full day of entertainment and seasonal fun. Take a hayride, explore the pumpkin patch and mazes, enjoy delicious food, and discover more fall attractions throughout the season.

Dia De Los Muertos Festival New Braunfels TX – Celebrate Hispanic culture while enjoying kid activities, live music, dancing, food trucks, arts and crafts, face painters, vendors, shopping, and more.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe – Step through the wardrobe and into Narnia, a frozen world filled with magic, adventure, and Turkish delight. Watch two actors bring an entire kingdom to life as the Pevensie siblings and the noble lion Aslan battle the White Witch to break her curse on Narnia.

Batman in Concert – Experience Tim Burton’s Batman on the big screen as the Austin Symphony Orchestra performs Danny Elfman’s iconic score live. 

Pumpkin Nights – Explore Halloween through art and creativity along a half-mile path featuring nine immersive pumpkin lands, from the fiery Forbidden City to the electric underwater world of Neon Reef. Expect more than 10,000 hand-carved and custom-designed pumpkins, plus festive food, a live fire show, and family games in Pumpkin Village.

Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt – Follow Judy and her little brother Stink on an adventurous treasure hunt after a trip to “Artichoke” Island leads them to a pirate and a race against rivals Tall Boy and Smart Girl. 

Boo at the Zoo – Dress in your favorite Halloween costume and explore the zoo after dark at Boo at the Zoo, featuring a Haunted Train, scary Haunted House, and illuminated Halloween decorations throughout the zoo. 

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Kids Events in Austin from October 23 – 25, 2026

10th Annual Diwali Festival – Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Central Texas’s largest Diwali Festival of Lights at Centennial Plaza, featuring more than 60 live traditional and modern music and dance performances, a Bollywood fashion show, and an open dance floor with live DJs. 

Viva La Vida Festival and Parade – Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Mexic-Arte Museum’s 43rd Annual Viva La Vida Festival and Parade, Austin’s largest and longest-running Day of the Dead event. Watch the Grand Procession, then explore Mariposa Plaza for hands-on art activities, traditional foods, local artists, retail booths, a low-rider exhibition, and live performances.

5th Annual Filipino Day Market ATX – Celebrate Filipino American History Month at this free, family-friendly market featuring nearly 45 local vendors, Filipino dishes and pastries, and live traditional Filipino songs, music, and dance. 

Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs – Catch the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs as they face off at Moody Center on October 23, 2026.

24th Annual Pet Fest – Bring the whole family to celebrate responsible pet ownership, shelter pet adoptions, and local rescue groups while raising funds to help pets in need. Enjoy live music, dog races and contests, a silent auction, raffles, local vendors, kiddie crafts, a bounce castle, pet microchipping, and adoption information.

Art Squared: Spooky Edition – Head to the San Marcos Downtown Square for the annual Spooky Market, a Halloween-themed edition of the Art Squared Arts Market featuring local artists and fun, spooky creations. 

Sundrop Springs Presents: Fall Festival – Make fall a family tradition at Sundrop Springs with a full day of entertainment and seasonal fun. Take a hayride, explore the pumpkin patch and mazes, enjoy delicious food, and discover more fall attractions throughout the season.

34nd annual Texas Clay Festival – Explore the work of more than 80 Texas potters and clay artists at the Texas Clay Festival in the Gruene Historical District. Browse and shop a wide variety of pottery, from traditional pieces to sculptural works created by some of the state’s top clay artists.

New Braunfels “Jamboree” Train Show – All aboard for the New Braunfels “Jamboree” Train Show, where seasoned railroad enthusiasts and budding fans of the rails can explore the world of trains and model railroading. 

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival – Savor the flavors of the Texas Hill Country at this premier culinary and wine experience showcasing regional food, wine, craft beverages, and culture. 

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe – Step through the wardrobe and into Narnia, a frozen world filled with magic, adventure, and Turkish delight. Watch two actors bring an entire kingdom to life as the Pevensie siblings and the noble lion Aslan battle the White Witch to break her curse on Narnia.

Pumpkin Nights – Explore Halloween through art and creativity along a half-mile path featuring nine immersive pumpkin lands, from the fiery Forbidden City to the electric underwater world of Neon Reef. Expect more than 10,000 hand-carved and custom-designed pumpkins, plus festive food, a live fire show, and family games in Pumpkin Village.

Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt – Follow Judy and her little brother Stink on an adventurous treasure hunt after a trip to “Artichoke” Island leads them to a pirate and a race against rivals Tall Boy and Smart Girl. 

Boo at the Zoo – Dress in your favorite Halloween costume and explore the zoo after dark at Boo at the Zoo, featuring a Haunted Train, scary Haunted House, and illuminated Halloween decorations throughout the zoo. 

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Kids Events in Austin from October 30 – November 1, 2026

U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game – Watch the University of North Dakota take on Michigan State at the 2026 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. 

USA BMX Texas Nationals – Watch top-level BMX racing at the Texas Nationals in Pflugerville as riders compete at Capitol City BMX in the final national event before the Grand National.

Coffee, Donuts & Dogs – Bring your pup to Easton Bark Park for a Saturday morning dog social where you can enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts while your furry friend plays off-leash and makes new pals.

Farmer Fred’s Harvest Fall Carnival – Get into the fall spirit at Farmer Fred’s Harvest Fall Carnival, where you’ll find ghoulies, ghosties, long-legged beasties, sodas, popcorn, sweet treats, contests, games, and plenty of fall-themed fun.

Sundrop Springs Presents: Fall Festival – Make fall a family tradition at Sundrop Springs with a full day of entertainment and seasonal fun. Take a hayride, explore the pumpkin patch and mazes, enjoy delicious food, and discover more fall attractions throughout the season.

Spooktacular at the Visitor Center – Dress in your best costume and head to Main Plaza for a safe, fun evening of trick-or-treating with the Visitor Center, downtown businesses, city partners, and the New Braunfels community. 

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe – Step through the wardrobe and into Narnia, a frozen world filled with magic, adventure, and Turkish delight. Watch two actors bring an entire kingdom to life as the Pevensie siblings and the noble lion Aslan battle the White Witch to break her curse on Narnia.

Pumpkin Nights – Explore Halloween through art and creativity along a half-mile path featuring nine immersive pumpkin lands, from the fiery Forbidden City to the electric underwater world of Neon Reef. Expect more than 10,000 hand-carved and custom-designed pumpkins, plus festive food, a live fire show, and family games in Pumpkin Village.

Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt – Follow Judy and her little brother Stink on an adventurous treasure hunt after a trip to “Artichoke” Island leads them to a pirate and a race against rivals Tall Boy and Smart Girl. 

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Planning more outings this October? Explore our full list of Austin events and kid-friendly activities to keep the fun going all month long.