Fall Things to Do in Austin, Texas

Fall is officially here! Now in most places, the turn of season means it’s time to bring out your flannel and sweaters for the crisp weather. Or cozy up in front of a crackling fire with a warm mug of something pumpkin spiced. Things are a little bit different down here in Austin, Texas where the seasons are more along the lines of “summer” and “not summer”.

Austinites love to spend their sunny, shorter days soaking up the fall flavors the city and Hill Country have to offer. From ACL Music Festival to Texas football games, we’ve rounded up fun ways to celebrate the change of season — no sweater necessary.

Discover Seasonal Gifts & Treats at Austin’s Outdoor Markets

Want in on a free activity every weekend? Head out to one of the many markets in the city. Check out Austin Flea for upcoming flea markets and vintage finds, or stop by the city-favorite Texas Farmers Market locations at Mueller and Lakeline for seasonal produce, gifts, and treats. Pups and kids welcome!

Score Seats at the University of Texas Gamedays

Alright, alright, alright! Nothing screams “fall in Austin” like Texas tailgating and football. Grab tickets online to watch the Longhorns play at DKR, or check out the best sports bars to catch the games on the big screen.

Celebrate International Coffee Day on October 1

International Coffee Day will be brewing on October 1, 2023. Head out to one of our favorite coffee shops and ask for a seasonal drink over ice. Pumpkin spice, spice baby! Love a classic fall pumpkin photo op? Swing by Cosmic Coffee and Beer for their pumpkin displays outside the entrance.

Get Your Steps In At A Local Hiking Trail

Work up a sweat and then cool down at a nearby hiking trail. From the Greenbelt to nearby favorites like Inks Lake, McKinney Falls, Emma Long, Enchanted Rock, or Pedernales Falls, there is no shortage of great trails to explore. Don’t forget to hydrate, apply sunscreen, and bring some bug spray!

It’s Fall Patio Weather, Y’all

Take in the beautiful, sunny weather at Austin’s favorite breweries and beer gardens. There is a slew to choose from around town. Here are a few of our favorites: Scholz Garden, The Brewtorium, Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company, or Central Machine Works.

Bring Your Boo on A Halloween-Themed Walking Tour

Already in the Halloween spirit? Get your scare on with family and friends at the free, annual Murder, Mayhem, & Misadventure Walking Tour (October 28) where you’ll learn about Oakwood Cemetry’s famous “residents” on grave sites. Or book a spot with Austin Ghost Tours creep through Austin’s most haunted places.

Too spooky? Take in the jack-o-lanterns at Pumpkin Nights (September 21-October 30) at Pioneer Farms, a Halloween-themed walking experience with over 5,000 hand-crafted pumpkin displays and thrilling fire shows. Be sure to have your cameras ready for photo ops on the walking path and fall-themed drinks at their festival center, The Village.

Take A Fall Road Trip to the  Texas Hill Country

Hit the road beyond Austin’s city limits to explore neighboring towns like Wimberley, Fredericksburg, or Lockhart — the BBQ Capital of Texas. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a quick day trip, escape for your pick at charming wineries, olive oil tours, and country cooking. Need a place to stay? Consider The Wander Inn, The Wayback, Camp Lucy, Lucky Arrow Retreat, Oeste, or 7A Ranch.

Fill Up On Flavors At Austin’s Food & Wine Festivals

Grab tickets to the Texas Craft Brewers Festival (Sept 30)—the largest annual celebration of small, independent Texas breweries. Or put on your lederhosen and head to Austin Oktoberfest hosted by the German Texan Heritage Society for your fill of German food and beer. Calling all foodies! You won’t want to miss the annual Austin Food & Wine Festival (Nov 4-5) headlined by some of the most talented chefs and sommeliers in the country.

Catch A Showing At An Outdoor Theater

The cooler nights in Austin are perfect for watching your favorite classics and indie flicks at a drive-in movie theater. Check out Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In, Moonstruck Drive In Cinema, or Doc’s Drive In Theatre.

Rather float on the river than sit in your car? On one Wednesday night every month, Blue Starlite is pairing up with Capital Cruises for movies on Town Lake. Watch new releases and Halloween favorites with the twinkling skyline of downtown Austin.

Carve Out Some Time For A Pumpkin Patch Photo-Op

You’ll look gourd-geous! Between September 23-November 5, experience the annual fall pumpkin atch at Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls. Just a 1-hour drive from downtown Austin, it includes a hayride, 3 different mazes, pony rides, pumpkin painting, barrel train, cut your own flowers, and more! Located north closer to our Round Rock location? Check out Sweet Eats Fruit Farm in Georgetown.

Harvest Happiness At The Texas Book Festival

Book lovers, rejoice! You won’t want to miss experiencing over 250 authors of the year’s best books for free at the annual Texas Book Festival Weekend (Nov 11-12). The Festival is held in downtown Austin around the State Capitol, so grab the family for brunch and good reads!

Shake Your Groove Thing at ACL Music Festival

All year long, Austinites wait for the annual two-weekend Austin City Limits Music Festival. Hit up Zilker Park this year for performances from The 1975, Foo Fighters, Maggie Rogers, Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, and more. Not up for the crowd? Check out local music venues like Emo’s, Continental Club, and Antone’s for local, off-the-line-up acts.

Fall Spa Packages Are Here. Get Pampered At Viva Day Spa + Med Spa

Ease into autumn with a self-care getaway to Austin’s favorite destination for spa and med spa treatments. Melt your cares away with the Fall into Bliss Massage Package or get an instant glow-up with our Fall Detoxifying Hydrafacial Package. Combine the best of both worlds and treat yourself to both with our Fall Escape Massage + Hydrafacial Package. Call (512) 300-2256 or book an appointment online today.

Tell Us Your Austin Fall Favorite Happenings

Keep us in the know! What other fall things to do in Austin are you looking forward to this year? Give us the scoop on our Instagram!