Explore Fall

From tailgates to trail hikes, discover why fall is the perfect season to experience Austin.

Austin comes alive each fall with exciting festivals, lively tailgates and patio hang outs under string lights. This is the season for live music in the open air, cheering on the Longhorns and exploring the city’s parks and trails in perfect weather. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a big event or simply to soak in the city’s creative energy, fall is one of the best times to experience Austin.

Top Things to Do This Fall

Cheer on the Longhorns
Join thousands of fans in burnt orange and white to cheer on the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. Even if you’re not at the game, you can catch the action at lively sports bars and patios across the city.

Enjoy Outdoor Music & Festivals
Fall is festival season in Austin, with marquee events like Austin City Limits Music Festival and Austin Film Festival bringing the city’s cultural scene to life. Cooler weather makes it perfect for catching a show at outdoor venues.

Savor Seasonal Flavors
From pumpkin-spiced lattes at local coffee shops to fall-inspired menus at Austin restaurants, this is the season for cozy flavors. Don’t miss weekend farmers markets brimming with Texas produce.

Take in Scenic Views
Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt or head to Mount Bonnell for breathtaking sunset views framed by fall foliage. Or, take a short day trip to the Hill Country for wineries, cideries, and leaf-peeping.

Celebrate Spooky Season, Austin-Style
From spooky bar crawls to family-friendly trick-or-treating events, Austin knows how to do Halloween right. October nights are filled with themed concerts, haunted houses, and costume contests.

What to Pack & Expect

Fall in Austin is warm, but pleasant during the day and cool at night, so layering is your best friend. Daytime temps often range from the mid-70s to low-80s°F (24–28°C), perfect for exploring outdoors. Bring lightweight clothing for daytime activities, plus a light jacket or sweater for evenings. If you’re attending a football game, pack burnt orange gear to blend in with the locals, and don’t forget comfortable shoes for all the walking between concerts, tailgates and festivals.

Learn more about weather in Austin.

Can’t-Miss Fall Festivals and Events in Austin

Fall in Austin is packed with signature events that showcase the city’s creativity, flavor, and excitement. In October, the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix roars into town, bringing high-speed thrills and world-class performances to Circuit of The Americas. Literary lovers flock to the Texas Book Festival in November, where acclaimed authors and readers gather for panels, signings, and family activities on the Texas State Capitol grounds. Foodies can savor the season at the Austin Food + Wine Festival, sampling bites from top chefs, sipping Texas wines, and enjoying live music all weekend long.

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Itinerary Ideas for Every Kind of Fall Traveler

For First-Time Visitors
Kick off the day with breakfast tacos, then explore downtown sights like the Texas State Capitol and South Congress Avenue. In the afternoon, take a scenic hike or paddle on Lady Bird Lake before capping the night with dinner and live music.

For Families
Spend the morning at Zilker Park or the Thinkery, then head to a local pumpkin patch for photo ops and hayrides. End the day with a family-friendly patio dinner and an evening stroll to see the bats before they migrate for the winter.

For Music Lovers
Plan your trip around Austin City Limits Music Festival or another fall concert series. Explore record stores and mural art by day, then catch shows at iconic venues like The Continental Club or Stubb’s BBQ.

For Outdoor Adventurers
Take advantage of cooler weather with a morning run on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, then venture out to Hill Country wineries or hiking trails. End the day with a rooftop drink and panoramic sunset views.

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Taste Test Seasonal Brews

Fall in Austin is the perfect time to explore the city’s brewery scene, where seasonal flavors take center stage. Sip pumpkin ales, Oktoberfest-style lagers and spiced stouts at local favorites like Live Oak Brewing Company, Austin Beerworks, and Pinthouse Brewing. Many breweries embrace the season with live music on outdoor beer gardens and limited-edition releases. For a full afternoon of tasting, plan your own "brewery trail" or pair your pint with a hearty fall meal at spots like Meanwhile Brewing or ABGB.