October in Austin: The Can’t-Miss Events

October in Austin is one of those magic months: cooler evenings, packed weekends, and a city that turns every corner into an event. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s something to do every weekend, and plenty of ways to make a night out of it with Austin’s best spots to gather.

Austin City Limits (ACL) – October 3–5 & 10–12

The biggest music event of the fall returns with two full weekends of live music at Zilker Park. This year’s lineup brings artists from every genre, and if you don’t have a ticket, you can still catch ACL Fest Nights at venues all across the city.

October in Austin: The Can't-Miss Events

Austin City Limits Festival

Where to hang out before or after the fest:

El Cockfight – Located in downtown Austin, this venue offers a vibrant atmosphere with a large rooftop patio perfect for pre or post festival gatherings.

The Kitchen – A great spot for brunch on the west side of downtown, close to Zilker Park! Head there on Saturday for their special Blues Brunch from 12-3 PM.

Las Perlas – Enjoy tequila and mezcal selections in a lively setting, great for continuing the ACL spirit.

Formula 1 United States Grand Prix – October 17-19

Formula 1 weekend at Circuit of the Americas is always one of Austin’s biggest draws. Thousands of fans from around the world come in for three days of races, concerts, and high-energy fun. Even if you’re not heading out to COTA, there are plenty of watch parties and celebrations happening around town.

F1 Race Austin

Where to join the fun in the city:

Rustic Tap – A laid-back venue in downtown Austin, perfect for watching the race with friends.

Seven Grand – Known for its extensive whiskey selection, it’s a great spot to unwind after the race.

Half Step– Enjoy craft cocktails on the buzzy Rainey Street during F1, with activations and nightlife running late into the evening.

Austin Film Festival – October 23–30

For movie lovers, the Austin Film Festival is a can’t-miss. It’s a full week of screenings, panels, and special events that celebrate the art of storytelling. Whether you want to dive into indie films or just soak up the creative energy, it’s a great way to experience Austin’s arts scene.

Austin Film Festival

Where to make a night of it:

Chalmers – An classic venue in East Austin, ideal for hosting film-related events or enjoying a drink and meal after a screening.

Holiday on 7th – A charming spot for intimate gatherings, grab a bite to eat & drink before or after the festival.

Cape Bottle Room – A cozy and chic hidden gem, perfect for a glass of wine and conversation after a film.

Halloween

Halloween in Austin is a full-on celebration. From themed pop-ups to packed downtown bars, the city comes alive with costumes and good vibes. Whether you want a low-key spooky cocktail or a big night out, there’s no shortage of options.

Halloween in Austin

Where to get spooky:

Nickel City (Moe’s Tavern Halloween Pop-Up) – Nickel City transforms into Moe’s Tavern for Halloween October 9-November 2. Expect full decorations, quirky cocktails, and food trucks.

Make the Most of October in Austin

From music festivals to race weekend, October is packed with reasons to get out and celebrate. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop view, a cozy dinner, or a lively place to dance, Austin has endless options — and The Venue Collective partners with some of the best. So grab your friends, pick an event, and make this fall one to remember.

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