FALL FUN IN AUSTIN

Autumn in Austin means opening the windows and enjoying the fresh air, soaking in the oh-so-comfy temperatures in between the heat of summer and chill of winter, and indulging in those beloved seasonal festivities. Visitors will find the whole city buzzing with exciting citywide events, festive attractions and activities, and delicious seasonal flavors to enjoy.

Woman stands in front of a large Fall pumpkin display at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm near Austin Texas Credit to Haley Plotkin.

WHAT TO DO THIS FALL

The cooler temps mean fall is the perfect season to get outside and explore Austin’s stellar outdoor spaces. For a leisurely stroll, check out the Butler Hike and Bike Trail for stunning views of Downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake. For those looking for a bit more adventure, travel a short distance to the Hill Country and camp at one of the many nearby state parks and natural areas.

Football fans will be right at home at Darrell K Royal Stadium, catch a University of Texas football game among the sea of burnt orange or soak up the spirited scene at a tailgate. If you’re brave enough, explore Austin’s notorious haunts on a guided walking tour with Austin Ghost Tours or ride in style with a spooky limousine hearse tour with Haunted ATX.

Looking for activities the entire family can enjoy together? Head to one of the several pumpkin patches and corn mazes in and around the Austin area. Head to West Austin and experience the Austin Zoo in a whole new way at Boo at the Zoo.

View our ultimate fall bucket list and start planning your trip.

Aerial image of the main ACL Fest stage with crowds of people and the downtown skyline in the background.
Austin City Limits Music Festival. Credit to Charles Reagan.

EVENTS TO ATTEND

The fall season in Austin is a busy time of year with local festivals and international events alike taking over the city. Every October Austin is home to Austin City Limits Music Festival, a two weekend event that brings hundreds of artists to perform across multiple outdoor stages in Zilker Park.

In the fall race fans flock to Austin to witness the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas. This heart-pounding pastime takes place over the course of three days with headlining entertainment each night.

The heavy German influence throughout Central Texas means that there are plenty of places to celebrate Oktoberfest with a beir, pretzel and authentic German live music.

Check out our events calendar to learn more about events happening this fall.

Image of a fork cutting into cinnamon roll pancakes at Kerbey Lane Cafe. Credit @KerbeyLaneCafe.

FALL FLAVORS

Austin is known for a renowned food scene, but the seasonal flavors that accompany the cooler fall weather deserve their own recognition. Enjoy pumpkin or pumpkin cinnamon roll pancakes of the fall menu at Kerbey Lane Café or sip on a seasonal drink, like Campfire Cold Brew or Pumpkin Latte, at local favorite Jo’s Coffee. For delicious coffee, or something a bit stronger, stop by the pumpkin covered patio at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden to sample the seasonal menu.

Autumn is the perfect time to cozy up with a warm meal. Go for a comforting bowl of soup from The Soup Peddler or a steaming hot, flavorful bowl of ramen at Ramen Tatsu-Ya.

Fall time and sweet treats go hand in hand, so stop by Lick Honest Ice Cream for a scoop (or two!) of flavors like Campfire S’mores and Caramel Apple Cake. Or, for a traditional treat with a twist stop by Tiny Pies for decadent bite-sized pumpkin, pecan and chai pies. If you’re looking to feed a brood, they sell full-sized pies also.

View the full list of seasonal flavors to try in Austin.