Things To Do In Austin This Weekend | October 23

The best things to do in Austin this weekend, October 23 – October 25, include the Viva La Vida Festival and Parade, 10th Diwali Festival, 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 – October 23 – October 25: Austin will enjoy crisp, dry, late-autumn weather with daytime highs capping in the upper 70s, cool night-time drops into the 50s, and completely clear conditions.

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

GemFest

Experience Austin’s ultimate celebration of gemstones, beading, and crystals as it casts a spell this October at Shop LC Headquarters.

Hosted by Shop LC, this Halloween-themed community event is totally free and titled “Gems That Cast a Spell,” inviting you to come in costume, hear from expert speakers, and get hands-on in DIY beading and bath salt workshops.

Where: Shop LC Headquarters, 100 Michael Angelo Way, Suite 200 Austin, TX 77028
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How Much: Free

Austin Mosaic Fest 2026

Join The Mosaic Workshop for the third annual Austin Mosaic Fest as a weeklong celebration featuring renowned artists from around the world like Koko Mosaico, Jeff Barros, and CELSO.

You can drop in during daily open studio hours from 11am to 6pm to get creative and make a mosaic with free grout kits included with every project, while also enjoying collaborative art, exclusive workshops, and stunning murals.

Where: The Mosaic Workshop, 729 Airport Blvd Austin, TX 78702
When: Saturday, October 24 – 31, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
How Much: Free

Viva La Vida Festival and Parade

Image credit: Mexic-Arte Museum kids

Participate in Austin’s largest and longest-running Day of the Dead event at Republic Square Park for the 43rd Annual Viva La Vida Festival and Parade.

You can kick off the day with a Grand Procession at 12 p.m. and enjoy activities until 6 p.m., including the Mariposa Plaza with hands-on art activities, traditional foods, local artists, retail booths, a low-rider exhibition, and live performances throughout the day.

Where: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
How Much: Free

10th Annual Diwali Festival

Image credit: Round Rock Diwali Festival

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Central Texas’s largest Diwali Festival of Lights at Centennial Plaza.

Explore a massive Indian street food bazaar with over 30 food vendors, browse 100+ craft and fashion stalls, watch 60+ live traditional and modern music and dance performances across multiple stages, catch a Bollywood fashion show, and hit the open dance floor with live DJ sets.

Where: Centennial Plaza, 301 W Bagdad Ave, Round Rock, TX 78664
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Free

Arboretum Food and Artisan Market

Shop local at the Arboretum Food and Artisan Market every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Juliet Italian Kitchen parking lot at the Arboretum.

You can browse more than 60 local vendors offering hot foods like empanadas, tamales, dumplings, and Thai dishes, plus baked goods, fresh produce, local meats, plants, flowers, handmade goods, jewelry, apparel, and more.

Where: Juliet Italian Kitchen, 10000 Research Blvd Bldg C, Austin, TX 78759
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
How Much: Free

Black Outside Fest

Take over the Millennium with Black Outside Fest for a full day celebrating Black culture, heritage, and creativity with 40+ Black makers, food, music, art, film, and community.

You can shop from 40 Black makers, join a rollerskating workshop with free skate rentals, bowl with the family, catch a Black film, vibe with DJs, eat good food, and experience Black art and culture.

Where: Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, 1156 Hargrave St Austin, TX 77002
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
How Much: Free

Common Ground Arts Festival

Support the emerging artists and makers of Central Texas at Contracommon’s sixth annual art festival, a full-day event celebrating local arts and community on the Hill Country Galleria’s central plaza.

Explore offerings from 30+ creative vendors, enjoy 4 live music acts, and participate in free hands-on activities for all ages while connecting with a huge community of art lovers throughout west Austin and the Hill Country.

Where: Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How Much: Free

Nature Festival & Spooktacular

Celebrate trees, pollinators, and the magic of fall at a free, family-friendly outdoor festival located at the North Austin Community Garden and YMCA Pedestrian Pathway.

You can enjoy tree climbs with Austin Forestry, live performances and interactive drumming with Soulshine Rhythm, facepainting and wing-painting, a live butterfly release, sapling and pollinator adoptions, garden tours, hands-on crafts for all ages, library displays, and demos from local pollinator experts.

The YMCA’s Spooktacular also starts at 5 p.m. with bounce-houses, trunk-or-treating, a maze, games, and popcorn.

Where: North Austin Community Garden & YMCA Pedestrian Pathway, 1000 Rundberg Ln. Austin, TX 77058
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
How Much: Free

Spooktacular at the Greater Austin YMCA!

Join the Greater Austin YMCA at the Townlake YMCA location dressed in your best Halloween costume for an evening of fun open to the public.

You and your family can enjoy family-friendly activities such as an obstacle course, tie-dye station, bounce house, music, snacks, candy, and more in a Teal Pumpkin-friendly spot where everyone can enjoy the celebration.

Where: Townlake YMCA, 1100 W Caesar Chavez st Austin, TX 77003
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
How Much: Free

PET-TOBER FEST

Bring your pets, family, and friends to The Domain for a tail-wagging good time at the annual Pet-tober Fest featuring free, all-ages fun.

Join a costume contest and poodle parade, check out local pet rescue groups, get tarot readings for your dog at Lucky Dog Tarot, vibe to live music from Boogaloo Groove and a DJ, enjoy demos and activities, and explore local vendor popups.

Where: The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
How Much: Free

Art In ATX: Halloween Market

Get into the Halloween spirit at Central Machine Works Brewery during The Gallery ATX Halloween Market, a spooky, creative community market celebrating Austin’s incredible artists, makers, and small businesses.

Shop handmade goods from 20+ local vendors, enjoy a live DJ set by DJ JO, get a flash tattoo at the on-site tattoo pop-up, and create your own mini publication at the donation-based zine-making craft table.

Where: Central Machine Works Brewery, 4824 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
When: Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
How Much: Free

Mehregan – Persian Fall Festival

Celebrate Mehregan, the ancient Persian autumn festival rooted in love, kindness, gratitude, and unity at the Asian American Resource Center.

Enjoy a vibrant festival featuring live Persian music, traditional and contemporary dance, cultural performances, authentic Persian food and pastries, local art and craft vendors, and family-friendly activities.

Where: Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754
When: Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
How Much: Free

StrawFest

Image credit: UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum

Participate in StrawFest, the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum’s beloved annual fall festival that has grown into one of Central Texas’s most anticipated family traditions.

You can enjoy a full day of pumpkin painting, art-making, costume parades, and live demonstrations from local conservation groups like the WILDcenter of Texas, Austin Bat Refuge, Central Texas Pig Rescue, and La Petite Provence.

Where: Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
How Much: Free

Things to Do in Austin this Friday | Weekend Kickoff Events

Weather on Friday: Crisp sunshine throughout the afternoon with mild, pleasant breezes, a high of 79°F, a low of 57°F, and a 5% chance of precipitation.

Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs

Catch the action live as the Houston Rockets take on the San Antonio Spurs at the Moody Center.

Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, October 23, 2026 | 8:30 PM
How Much: Starts at $121

Zach Theater presents The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

Step through the wardrobe and enter Narnia, a frozen world full of magic, adventure, and Turkish delight in this highly imaginative adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic tale at Zach Theater.

You will see two actors bring four siblings, the noble lion Aslan, the White Witch, and an entire kingdom locked in winter to life onstage through theatrical magic, illusion, and boundless creativity, inviting you to shine your light, radiate kindness, and watch the darkness melt away.

Where: Zach Theater, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026 – February 14, 2027
How Much: Please check website for available tickets

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics

Immerse yourself in a live, multi-sensory musical experience in the Historic Sanctuary at St. David’s Episcopal Church under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Discover haunting Halloween-inspired classical and cinematic arrangements performed by a string quartet, featuring spine-chilling favorites like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” the Stranger Things theme, and Danny Elfman’s Beetlejuice melody.

Where: St. David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, October 23, 2026 | 8:45 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $32.50

Forever Dolly: The Music of Dolly Parton

Join in for a night celebrating the incredible career of Dolly Parton at the Penfold Theatre Company. Experience her iconic songs like “9 to 5” and “Jolene” performed by the talented Yesenia McNett and a five-piece band.

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

Make Your Own Dumplings

Delve into the art of creating mouthwatering dumplings by joining a dumpling-making master class at Café Crème.

Your session starts with a live demonstration on crafting the perfect dumpling dough, allowing you to roll, fill, and cook your way to deliciousness in a fun, hands-on environment before getting your tickets for the class.

Where: Café Crème, 1834 East Oltorf Street Austin, TX 78741
When: Friday, October 23, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
How Much: $65

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: Friday, October 23, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $73

Formula 1 United States Grand Prix

Image credit: Circuit of the Americas

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: Friday, October 23 – 25, 2026
How Much: Starts at $150

UNDEAD. Haunted House of Dances

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: Friday, October 23 – 31, 2026
How Much: Starts at $35

Dive-in Movies: Spooky Edition

Celebrate spooky season under the stars with Dive-In Movie: Spooky Edition, featuring iconic Halloween favorites poolside every Friday night at Fairmont Austin.

Settle in for a nostalgic lineup of Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Practical Magic.

Where: Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, October 23 – 30, 2026 | 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $25

Origins of Fear

It’s long been known that evil lurks within the walls of Mortis Manor. Now see where the story began, when evil tipped the scales in its favor through trickery, reaching its poisonous fingers through time and distance, and explore the Origins of Fear in an all-new immersive experience presented by Fatal Fear Haunted House.

Your admission ticket grants you access to a timed-entry experience (unless otherwise specified), along with access to designated selfie/group photo areas.

We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early to allow for parking and check-in, as you may not enter the attraction before your designated time and late arrivals may have longer wait times.

Where: Fatal Fear Haunted House, 15701 La Hacienda Dr., Austin, TX 78734
When: Friday, October 23 – October 31, 2026 | 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM
How Much: $25

Boo at the Zoo

Slip into your favorite costume and join an evening out at the Austin Zoo for “Boo at the Zoo!” where the grounds will be fully illuminated and decorated for the Halloween season.

Your ticket includes a scenic Haunted Train pass and unlimited visits to the spooky Haunted House.

Please note that advance reservations are required for train rides and are subject to availability, so call ahead to schedule your ride and purchase tickets.

Where: Austin Zoo, 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736
When: Friday, October 23 – Saturday, October 24, 2026
How Much: $25

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: Friday, October 23 – November 1, 2026
How Much: $5 – $15 | Free for babies and kids 3 and under

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, October 23 – 31, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $12

Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park

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, October 23 – November 1, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $37.83

Things to Do in Austin this Weekend | Top Picks Saturday

Weather on Saturday: Unimpeded daylight sunshine giving way to a cool, starlit evening, a high of 78°F, a low of 55°F, and a 0% chance of precipitation.

Children’s Day – A Brazilian Celebration

Celebrate Children’s Day with a morning of family-friendly fun at CBA in Austin, where your kids can enjoy inflatables, games, a playground, a dedicated toddler area, and a giant bubble show by Step into the Bubble.

You will also find Brazilian snacks and sweet treats available for purchase.

Where: CBA Cultural Center, 10613 N FM 620 Austin, TX 77026
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
How Much: $2

Moonflower Multicultural Heritage Festival

Experience the 2026 Moonflower Multicultural Heritage Festival at the historic Carver Museum, inspired by the theme “Community Engagement Through Chinese Traditional Dance, Music, Folk Arts, and Heritage Education.”

You can discover stories, traditions, and cultural diversity as Chinese and Asian traditions come together with African American and other cultural voices through traditional dance and music, hands-on folk arts, cultural demonstrations, food, and educational experiences.

Where: George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural & Genealogy Center, 1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
How Much: $15

Texas Pumpkin Fest

Head to the Austin area’s largest pumpkin festival for a magical fall experience filled with pumpkins, exciting attractions, live entertainment, and good ol’ family fun in Leander, Texas.

The festival runs every Saturday and Sunday, plus Oct. 12 & Oct. 30. Military and veterans receive half off admission, children in diapers are free, and every child receives a free small pumpkin.

Where: VFW 10427, 8760 FM 2243, Leander, TX 78641
When: Saturday, October 24 – November 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
How Much: $15

Haunted Shores: Family Halloween Walkthrough

Looking for a family-friendly Halloween event or a unique haunted attraction near Austin? Come experience Haunted Shores: The Abandoned Waterpark at Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark on Lake Travis.

Explore a spooky Halloween walk-through filled with haunted scenes, creepy characters, ghostly encounters, unexpected scares, and plenty of Halloween fun designed for kids, teens, parents, and adults alike.

Come early for dinner at Beachside Billy’s, the attached restaurant, where you can simply grab an open table, scan the QR code, and have your order delivered right to your table.

Where: Volente Beach Waterpark, 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769 Suite D, Leander, TX 78641
When: Saturday, October 24 – 31, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $10

Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

When the Moody family takes a weekend trip to Artichoke Island, third-grader Judy and her little brother Stink encounter a real pirate who sends them on a high-stakes treasure hunt racing against rivals Tall Boy and Smart Girl.

Come see if they can find the hidden clues, crack secret codes, and solve tricky puzzles before time runs out in this funny, adventurous play for young audiences based on the popular books by Megan McDonald.

Where: Austin Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W 18th St., Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, October 24 – November 1, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
How Much: $24 for adults | $17 for children | Free for kids under 2

Uhland Fall Fest

Immerse yourself in autumn cheer at the second annual Uhland Fall Fest, featuring fall-inspired activities, food, games, live music, foam parties, a Wild West spectacular, magic shows, and butterfly releases across multiple festive weekends!

Where: UHLAND FALL FEST, 2400 Cotton Gin Rd, Kyle, TX 78640
When: Saturday, October 24 – November 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM
How Much: Starts at $15

Bat City Scaregrounds

Enter a fully immersive, 15-acre entertainment complex dedicated to all things Halloween and horror with a trip to Bat City Scaregrounds in Buda!

Explore three highly detailed haunted houses, including the brand-new Ritual for 2026, Castle Orlock, and Slaughter Mall 3D, alongside live performances, music, and seasonal food.

Where: Bat City Scaregrounds, 14101 S Turnersville Rd, Buda, TX 78610
When: Saturday, October 24 – 31, 2026
How Much: Starts at $33.37

Things to Do in Austin this Weekend | Sunday Funday

Weather on Sunday: Bright skies with a gentle southerly wind returning late, a high of 77°F, a low of 56°F, and a 0% chance of precipitation.

Full Moon Moonlight Paddle

See Austin in a whole new light on a self-guided evening paddle offered by the Rowing Dock on Lady Bird Lake.

You can do walk-up rentals of kayaks, canoes, and SUPs to paddle over the sunset and watch the moon rise around 6:21 pm, with the last boat heading out at 6:00 pm and all boats off the water by 7:00 pm.

Where: Rowing Dock, 2418 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
When: Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
How Much: $50

Susan G. Komen presents More Than Pink Walk

Image credit; Susan G Komen

Take part in Susan G. Komen’s annual More Than Pink Walk at Barton Creek Square, their largest fundraising event series evolved from the Race for the Cure.

You can choose inclusive and accessible options designed for people of all ages and abilities, including breast cancer survivors, those currently in treatment, and individuals living with metastatic breast cancer.

Where: Barton Creek Square, 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 77046
When: Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 7:30 AM
How Much: Varies

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: Sunday, October 25 – November 8, 2026
How Much: Starts at $16

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, October 25 – November 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $19.99

Things to Do in Austin this Weekend with Kids – Family-Friendly Events