Last Updated On – 6th October, 2025
Jump to: Free | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Kids
The best free and fun events in Austin, October 10 – 12, include the Austin Horror Film Festival, Cirque du Soleil: OVO, 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!
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.
Free and Cheap Events in Austin
Austin Mystical Market
Find a lively gathering of local artists and artisans whose work brings whimsy and mystical aesthetics to life at the Austin Mystical Market. Visit and directly support a market run entirely by artists, where every vendor is directly involved in producing the fantastic wares they sell.
Where: Buzz Mill, 1505 Town Creek Dr, Austin, TX 78741
When: Friday, October 10, 2025 | 6 pm- 10 pm
How Much: Free
Bobtoberfest at Blue Owl Brewing
Grab your best Oktoberfest gear and immediately score a complimentary beer just for dressing up. Then, take part in classic competitive games like the Stein Holding contest, Sausage Toss, Flip Cup, and a Yodeling Contest to win fantastic prizes, including a limited-edition Bobtoberfest stein and other beer goodies!
There will also be delicious food specials, featuring beer-poached sausage and Veg brats.
Where: Blue Owl Brewing, 2400 E Cesar Chavez St #300, Austin, TX 78702
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 12 pm- 10 pm
How Much: Free
Children’s Day Brazilian Celebration
Celebrate a special day just for children at the Ultura Brasil Austin. The event features everything from a Petting Zoo and Inflatables to classic Games and stimulating Activities.
Additionally, don’t miss the dedicated Toddler’s Area, an energetic Gaga Ball Pit, and plenty of Soccer action. You’ll also find a tempting array of delicious Brazilian foods, including savory salgadinhos, pizza, and delightful Brazilian desserts and goodies available for purchase.
While tickets are free for everyone, be sure to reserve yours right away since space is limited for this amazing celebration!
Where: Brazilian American Cultural, 10613 Ranch Rd 620 N, Leander, TX 78641
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 10 am- 1 pm
How Much: Free
Free and Cheap Events in Austin this Friday, October 10, 2025
Austin Horror Film Festival
Ready for a seriously spooky adventure? Austin is calling you to dive into the Austin Horror Film Festival! Prepare for a thrilling time as this premier horror film festival descends upon the heart of Bat City, ready to showcase the very best in independent horror filmmaking.
Where: 29th Street Ballroom, 2906 Fruth St, Austin, TX 78705
When: Thursday, October 9 – 11, 2025
How Much: TBA
Deaf Film Festival
Get ready to experience a dynamic celebration of Deaf artistry, featuring compelling shorts, full-length features, and vibrant animation, all presented with open captions for total accessibility.
Dive into the heart of the action with a hands-on screenwriting workshop, engage with talented creators during filmmaker Q&As, and make new connections at the networking socials.
The entire event, hosted by The Zankza Project, culminates in an exciting awards ceremony at the Afterparty, followed by a closing brunch that wraps up the festivities.
Where: Texas School for the Deaf, 1102 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
When: Friday, October 10 – 12, 2025
How Much: Starts at $15 | Free for kids 10 and under
Haunted Shores
Dive into the eerie excitement of Haunted Shores: The Abandoned Waterpark and prepare to explore our most massive Halloween transformation to date, featuring several spooky walk-through attractions guaranteed to deliver just the right amount of fright.
After exploring, you can quench your thirst and cravings with unique themed cocktails and treats, then challenge your friends with games for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to relax under the stars during their special outdoor movie nights as well.
Where: Volente Beach Waterpark, 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769, Suite D, Leander, TX 78641
When: Friday, October 10 – 31, 2025
How Much: $15 | $10 for kids 12 and under
Real Housewives of Austin – LIVE!
Catch the Real Housewives of Austin – LIVE! for an unscripted, improvised reality show where dynamic personalities hilariously navigate their friendships, families, and high-stakes businesses right before your eyes.
Where: ColdTowne Theater, 1700 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78702
When: Friday, October 10, 2025 | 9 pm
How Much: Starts at $13.95
Cirque du Soleil: OVO
Step right up and dive into a vibrant, hidden ecosystem bursting with color and life with Cirque du Soleil: OVO, an all-new production where agile insects crawl, flutter, and leap through incredible acrobatics and breathtaking performances.
Celebrate life’s amazing vitality as the show transports you completely into a buzzing world unlike any other.
Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Thursday, October 9 – 12, 2025
How Much: Starts at $62
Boo at the Zoo
Put on your best Halloween costume and prepare for the ultimate “Boo at the Zoo” experience. You can ride the Haunted Train, explore the truly terrifying Haunted House, and wander through the zoo to see the animals after dark.
Your entry includes a pass for the Haunted Train and unlimited access to the Haunted House. The entire zoo will also be lit up and completely decked out in spectacular Halloween decorations.
Be aware, though: train ride spots require reservations and fill up fast, so book yours before you head over!
Where: Austin Zoo, 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736
When: Friday, October 10 – 25, 2025 | 5:45 pm – 9 pm
How Much: $24
Legacy Business Month
You are invited to celebrate Austin’s Legacy Business Month! Discover the true heart of the city by visiting some of our most iconic spots, from legendary music halls to those must-have Tex-Mex joints, which are essential to Austin’s unique culture.
All you need to do is purchase at any of the participating legacy businesses to get your passport stamped, and you’ll be on your way to winning some truly incredible prizes.
This year’s haul includes two 2026 SXSW Music Wristbands, luxurious spa experiences at Ottine Mineral Springs, plus gift cards and cool merch straight from the businesses you love.
Where: Multiple locations across Austin
When: Friday, October 10 – 31, 2025
How Much: Varies by purchase
Sign Bar: Fear Fair
Fear Fair @ Sign Bar is transforming this legendary spot into a terrifyingly fun, professionally designed haunted maze experience presented by ALT. Get ready to navigate twisted corridors, confront your darkest fears, and discover one of the most exciting free and fun events in Austin this fall.
After you make it out of the haunted maze, you can settle your nerves and unwind with expertly crafted cocktails while soaking up Sign Bar’s lively atmosphere. You must be 21+ to enter after 7 pm, and your ticket gets you maze access, with drinks sold separately.
Where: Sign Barn, 9909 FM 969 Bldg 3, Austin, TX 78724
When: Friday, October 10 – November 2, 2025
How Much: $6.50 – $14.50
To Kill a Mockingbird
Experience the electrifying stage production of To Kill a Mockingbird, adapted directly from Harper Lee’s celebrated, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
Prepare to be completely engrossed as the curtain rises on the Great Depression-era South, where lawyer Atticus Finch must defend a young black man, causing violent ripples of prejudice to shake his seemingly quiet town.
Watch as this hard-hitting work explores themes of racial injustice and the courage to seek the truth
Where: Genesis Creative Collective, 1507 Wilshire Blvd, Unit #1, Austin, TX 78722
When: Friday, October 10 – 19, 2025
How Much: Starts at $22.13
Texas Pumpkin Fest
The Texas Pumpkin Fest 2025 is one of the best things for families and couples to do this fall in Austin, with a massive pumpkin patch and tons of activities for everyone.
Discover a variety of seasonal attractions, including live music, a classic train ride, and the “Hall of Monsters” scare zone with high-tech animatronics.
The festival also features a 65-foot super slide, a petting zoo, magic shows, pumpkin smashing, and pumpkin pie-eating contests. For the thrill-seekers, there’s axe throwing, rock climbing, and rides like the pumpkin spinner and Tasmanian devil spinner.
Where: Texas Pumpkin Fest, 8760 FM 2243, Leander, TX 78641
When: Friday, October 10 – November 1, 2025
How Much: $15 | Free for veterans, active military, and 1st responders every Friday
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Step into the magical world of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Austin is one of only two cities in the entire country to host this innovative, walk-through experience, giving you a rare chance to see beloved characters like Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero brought to life right here in Texas.
Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
When: Friday, October 10 – November 29, 2025
How Much: Starts at $31
The Importance of Being Earnest
Step into a world of witty banter, mischievous deceptions, and hilarious romantic mix-ups with The Importance of Being Earnest. Watch as Jack and Algernon get into all sorts of trouble trying to escape their responsibilities by creating fake alter egos, all while two incredibly judgmental butlers keep an eye on everything.
Here, you’ll get to watch a true Oscar Wilde classic where razor-sharp wit takes center stage and turns social etiquette on its head.
Where: Austin Playhouse, 405 W 22nd St, Austin, TX 78705
When: Friday, October 10 – 19, 2025 | Thursday – Saturday: 7:30 pm; Sunday: 2 pm
How Much: Varies by date | Group discounts are available for groups of 10 and up.
Pioneer Farms presents Pumpkin Nights
Get ready to explore a magical world at Pumpkin Nights! Grab your friends or the family and venture through a half-mile walking path that winds through fantastical lands like the Forbidden City and a Pirate’s Cove.
With over 5,000 hand-carved real and artificial pumpkins, this one-of-a-kind exhibit is the perfect spot for an amazing fall adventure.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Once you finish the trail, celebrate in The Village, the festival area, with a variety of exciting entertainment acts and games.
Where: Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, Austin, TX 78754
When: Friday, October 10 – 31, 2025 | 6 pm – 11 pm
How Much: Free – $36
Free and Cheap Events in Austin this Saturday, October 11, 2025
Austin Oktoberfest
Austin is celebrating the most famous German festival with Oktoberfest 2025! Grab your Lederhosen and Dirndl for an authentic celebration hosted by the German-Texan Heritage Society (GTHS) right in the heart of the Red River Cultural District.
Enjoy an afternoon of German culture, special Oktoberfest beer, and pure Gemütlichkeit, which means a feeling of warmth and belonging. There will also be pumpkin painting for the kids.
Where: German Heritage Society, 507 E 10th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 11 am – 7 pm
How Much: $20 | Free for kids 12 and under
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Austin, TX
Prepare for a thrilling night of intrigue and laughter at North America’s largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner theater show, now playing right here in Austin.
Enjoy a delicious dinner while you solve a hilarious true crime. Just be careful—the killer is hiding in plain sight among the audience, and you might just become a prime suspect yourself.
Where: Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown, 810 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 6 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Starts at $69.99
Twilight in Concert- 15th Anniversary Celebration
Witness the entire Twilight film screened on a full-size cinema screen while a sensational 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians performs the beloved score in perfect synchronization.
Prepare to be swept away as over a thousand twinkling candles light up the grand stage, creating a magical atmosphere that plunges you into the romance and excitement of Bella and Edward’s story.
Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 8 pm – 11 pm
How Much: Starts at $44
Jane Austin Improv Presents: Jane of The Dead
Have a unique night out as Jane Austin Improv puts a hilarious, undead spin on classic literature with their JANE OF THE DEAD show, where an entire, never-before-seen play is created right before your eyes from a single audience suggestion.
Watch eligible young men and women navigate a world of Cryptids, Carriages, and Courtship—it’s a guaranteed laugh!
Where: Fallout Theatre, 616 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 11 – 31, 2025
How Much: Starts at $15
Bat City Scare Grounds
For those looking for things to do this fall in Austin, prepare for an unforgettable and terrifying experience at Bat City Scaregrounds 2025. Located just outside of the city, this 15-acre Halloween-themed complex is the place to be, offering three horrifying haunted attractions that have been praised for their “Gore-tastic frightful good time.”
But the fear is only half the fun. The event also features live music from local bands every Friday and Saturday, along with incredible performances by multidisciplinary artists like a theatrical fusion belly dancer, a circus performer, and an aerial artist known for their creepy Halloween acts.
Where: Bat City Scare Grounds, 14101 S Turnersville Rd, Buda, TX 78610
When: Saturday, October 11 – November 1, 2025
How Much: Starts at $33.27
Uhland Fall Fest
Head over to the second annual Uhland Fall Fest for an array of fall-themed activities for all ages. This year’s festivities are a blast, with six distinct themes to experience: Bubble Extravaganza, Pumpkin Jamboree, Indigenous Traditions, It’s A Polka Party!, Pioneer Palooza, and Butterfly Jubilee.
Where: UHLAND FALL FEST 2400 Cotton Gin Rd, Kyle, TX 78640
When: Saturday, October 11 – November 2, 2025
How Much: Starts at $15
Free and Cheap Events in Austin this Sunday October 12, 2025
iLuminate
Dive into the dazzling dimension of iLuminate, the mind-blowing, multi-sensory stage spectacular that’s ready to light up your day! Get ready for a dynamic performance from the country’s top dancers, who perform incredible choreography while outfitted in customized LED suits, creating extraordinary visual illusions right before your eyes.
Experience the pure exhilaration as each scene transports you to a new “room” inside “Club iLuminate,” where a lively blend of music, everything from ’70s and ’80s rock hits to hip hop and jazz, dance, illusion, technology, and comedy comes alive.
Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Sunday, October 12 – November 7, 2025
How Much: Starts at $30
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm Fall Festival
Get ready to explore a massive 4.5-acre corn maze and wander through a Texas-sized pumpkin patch with over 40 unique varieties of pumpkins. Your general admission ticket gives you full access to a petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides, and over 30 other fun, farm-themed activities.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Enjoy daily pig races and try your aim at the apple cannons. On Friday and Saturday nights throughout October, you can stick around for thrilling fireworks displays. Saturday and Sunday in October also feature special shows, including Floki Fire, Sky Kings Falconry, and Zoofari.
Where: Sweet Eats Adventure Farm and Petting Zoo, 14400 E State Hwy 29, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Sunday, October 12, 2025| 5 pm
How Much: Starts at $20.49
Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park
This September, Scream Hollow is a must-visit. It’s a full-on Wicked Halloween Park packed with thrills for everyone.
Get ready to brave one of the haunted attractions, including the spooky hayride, or wander through the eerie museums. And face your fears in one of the four chilling haunted houses: Mansion of Terror, Coven, Sinister Circus, Lost Pines Asylum, and Encounter. You can also visit with mystics and feel the unsettling energy that surrounds you.
When you need a break from the scares, grab a drink by the fire, enjoy some sinister eats, and let the live music pull you deeper into the night.
Where: Scream Hollow, 149 Split Rail Ln, Smithville, TX 78957
When: Sunday, October 12 – November 2, 2025
How Much: Starts at $22.95
House of Torment
Gear up for an unforgettable night with three terrifying haunted attractions at the House of Torment. Brace yourself for an evening of thrilling scares as you make your way through Torment ’99, The Arrival, and The Abandoned.
If you’re seeking even more action, test your skills at the mini escape games or try your hand at axe throwing. You can also team up with friends for a zombie shooting experience. Once you’re done, grab a drink at the Neon Coffin Secret Bar, exclusively for guests 21 and older.
Where: House of Torment, 2632 Ridgepoint Dr, Austin, TX 78754
When: Sunday, October 12 – November 9, 2025
How Much: Starts at $19.99
Free and Cheap Events in Austin for Kids
Austin Mystical Market
Find a lively gathering of local artists and artisans whose work brings whimsy and mystical aesthetics to life at the Austin Mystical Market. Visit and directly support a market run entirely by artists, where every vendor is directly involved in producing the fantastic wares they sell.
Where: Buzz Mill, 1505 Town Creek Dr, Austin, TX 78741
When: Friday, October 10, 2025 | 6 pm- 10 pm
How Much: Free
Deaf Film Festival
Get ready to experience a dynamic celebration of Deaf artistry, featuring compelling shorts, full-length features, and vibrant animation, all presented with open captions for total accessibility.
Dive into the heart of the action with a hands-on screenwriting workshop, engage with talented creators during filmmaker Q&As, and make new connections at the networking socials.
The entire event, hosted by The Zankza Project, culminates in an exciting awards ceremony at the Afterparty, followed by a closing brunch that wraps up the festivities.
Where: Texas School for the Deaf, 1102 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
When: Friday, October 10 – 12, 2025
How Much: Starts at $15 | Free for kids 10 and under
Haunted Shores
Dive into the eerie excitement of Haunted Shores: The Abandoned Waterpark and prepare to explore our most massive Halloween transformation to date, featuring several spooky walk-through attractions guaranteed to deliver just the right amount of fright.
After exploring, you can quench your thirst and cravings with unique themed cocktails and treats, then challenge your friends with games for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to relax under the stars during their special outdoor movie nights as well.
Where: Volente Beach Waterpark, 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769, Suite D, Leander, TX 78641
When: Friday, October 10 – 31, 2025
How Much: $15 | $10 for kids 12 and under
Austin Oktoberfest
Austin is celebrating the most famous German festival with Oktoberfest 2025! Grab your Lederhosen and Dirndl for an authentic celebration hosted by the German-Texan Heritage Society (GTHS) right in the heart of the Red River Cultural District.
Enjoy an afternoon of German culture, special Oktoberfest beer, and pure Gemütlichkeit, which means a feeling of warmth and belonging. There will also be pumpkin painting for the kids.
Where: German Heritage Society, 507 E 10th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 11 am – 7 pm
How Much: $20 | Free for kids 12 and under
Boo at the Zoo
Put on your best Halloween costume and prepare for the ultimate “Boo at the Zoo” experience. You can ride the Haunted Train, explore the truly terrifying Haunted House, and wander through the zoo to see the animals after dark.
Your entry includes a pass for the Haunted Train and unlimited access to the Haunted House. The entire zoo will be also be lit up and completely decked out in spectacular Halloween decorations.
Be aware, though: train ride spots require reservations and fill up fast, so book yours before you head over!
Where: Austin Zoo, 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736
When: Friday, October 10 – 25, 2025 | 5:45 pm – 9 pm
How Much: $24
Texas Pumpkin Fest
The Texas Pumpkin Fest 2025 is one of the best things to do this fall in Austin, especially with the family or a special person, with a massive pumpkin patch and tons of activities for everyone.
Discover a variety of seasonal attractions, including live music, a classic train ride, and the “Hall of Monsters” scare zone with high-tech animatronics.
The festival also features a 65-foot super slide, a petting zoo, magic shows, pumpkin smashing, and pumpkin pie-eating contests. For the thrill-seekers, there’s axe throwing, rock climbing, and rides like the pumpkin spinner and Tasmanian devil spinner.
Where: Texas Pumpkin Fest, 8760 FM 2243, Leander, TX 78641
When: Friday, October 10- November 1, 2025
How Much: $15 | Free for veterans, active military, and 1st responders every Friday
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Step into the magical world of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Austin is one of only two cities in the entire country to host this innovative, walk-through experience, giving you a rare chance to see beloved characters like Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero brought to life right here in Texas.
Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
When: Friday, October 10 – November 29, 2025
How Much: Starts at $31
The Importance of Being Earnest
Get ready to step into a world of witty banter, mischievous deceptions, and hilarious romantic mix-ups with The Importance of Being Earnest. Watch as Jack and Algernon get into all sorts of trouble trying to escape their responsibilities by creating fake alter egos, all while two incredibly judgmental butlers keep an eye on everything.
Here, you’ll get to watch a true Oscar Wilde classic where razor-sharp wit takes center stage and turns social etiquette on its head.
Note: The show is best for kids 12 and up.
Where: Austin Playhouse, 405 W 22nd St, Austin, TX 78705
When: Friday, October 10 – 19, 2025 | Thursday – Saturday: 7:30 pm; Sunday: 2 pm
How Much: Varies by date | Group discounts are available for groups of 10 and up.
Pioneer Farms presents Pumpkin Nights
Get ready to explore a magical world at Pumpkin Nights! Grab your friends or the family and venture through a half-mile walking path that winds through fantastical lands like the Forbidden City and a Pirate’s Cove.
With over 5,000 hand-carved real and artificial pumpkins, this one-of-a-kind exhibit is the perfect spot for an amazing fall adventure.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Once you finish the trail, celebrate in The Village, the festival area, with a variety of exciting entertainment and games.
Where: Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, Austin, TX 78754
When: Friday, October 10 – 31, 2025 | 6 pm – 11 pm
How Much: Free – $36
Bobtoberfest at Blue Owl Brewing
Grab your best Oktoberfest gear and immediately score a complimentary beer just for dressing up. Then, take part in classic competitive games like the Stein Holding contest, Sausage Toss, Flip Cup, and a Yodeling Contest to win fantastic prizes, including a limited-edition Bobtoberfest stein and other beer goodies!
There will also be delicious food specials, featuring beer-poached sausage and Veg brats.
Where: Blue Owl Brewing, 2400 E Cesar Chavez St #300, Austin, TX 78702
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 12 pm- 10 pm
How Much: Free
Children’s Day Brazilian Celebration
Celebrate a special day just for children at the Ultura Brasil Austin. The event features everything from a Petting Zoo and Inflatables to classic Games and stimulating Activities.
Additionally, don’t miss the dedicated Toddler’s Area, an energetic Gaga Ball Pit, and plenty of Soccer action. You’ll also find a tempting array of delicious Brazilian foods, including savory salgadinhos, pizza, and delightful Brazilian desserts and goodies available for purchase.
While tickets are free for everyone, be sure to reserve yours right away since space is limited for this amazing celebration!
Where: Brazilian American Cultural, 10613 Ranch Rd 620 N, Leander, TX 78641
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 10 am- 1 pm
How Much: Free
Uhland Fall Fest
Head over to the second annual Uhland Fall Fest for an array of fall-themed activities for all ages. This year’s festivities are a blast, with six distinct themes to experience: Bubble Extravaganza, Pumpkin Jamboree, Indigenous Traditions, It’s A Polka Party!, Pioneer Palooza, and Butterfly Jubilee.
Where: UHLAND FALL FEST 2400 Cotton Gin Rd, Kyle, TX 78640
When: Saturday, October 11 – November 2, 2025
How Much: Starts at $15
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm Fall Festival
Get ready to explore a massive 4.5-acre corn maze and wander through a Texas-sized pumpkin patch with over 40 unique varieties of pumpkins. Your general admission ticket gives you full access to a petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides, and over 30 other fun, farm-themed activities.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Enjoy daily pig races and try your aim at the apple cannons. On Friday and Saturday nights throughout October, you can stick around for thrilling fireworks displays. The Saturday and Sunday in October also feature special shows, including Floki Fire, Sky Kings Falconry, and Zoofari.
Where: Sweet Eats Adventure Farm and Petting Zoo, 14400 E State Hwy 29, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Sunday, October 12 – November 7, 2025
How Much: Starts at $20.49