October Curated: Top 10 Austin Events This Month

October is packed with some of the most exciting annual events you will find in Austin! From fall festivals, to performing arts, to thrills on the racetrack, and family-friendly events, too, we’re highlighting the top can’t-miss activities to add to your calendar this month.

Of course, there are far more than ten amazing events to enjoy this month, and you can browse our online event calendar for even more ideas on things to see and do this October in Austin!

Starlight Soirée

The Domain
Oct. 3

Enjoy an evening of dining, dancing, and fun at the annual Starlight Soirée at Century Oaks Terrace, benefiting an Austin treasure, the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum. This unforgettable evening features some of Austin’s finest restaurants, live music, dancing, shopping, unique experiences, giveaways, and much more.

3rd annual Starlight Soirée (photo courtesy of The Domain)

Fortlandia

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Oct. 4 – Feb. 2

The Center’s popular Fortlandia exhibition is back for another year featuring with unique forts created by local artists, architects and designers. The exhibition aims to connect people of all ages to the environment by evoking a sense of childhood play and wonder. Get a sneak peek at some of this year’s designs.

previous year’s Fortlandia exhibit (photo by Alicia Wells)

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Zilker Park
October Oct. 4 – 6 and 11 – 13

For two weekends this October, Zilker Park transforms into the most exciting music venue of Austin. With more than 140 musical acts on eight stages, ACL Festival is a can’t-miss experience for many Austin music lovers.

VIP viewing area (photo by Dusana Risovic)

German-Texan Heritage Society’s Oktoberfest

German Free School
October 11

For a true Austin tradition, visit the German Free School for the annual festival hosted by The German-Texan Heritage Society. You’ll find plenty of beer, live music and authentic German food at this outdoor celebration.

Oktoberfest (photo courtesy of the German-Texan Heritage Society)

Formula 1 United States Grand Prix

Circuit of The Americas
October 18 – 20

The Formula 1 USGP provides an action-packed weekend that fuses world-class racing with concerts from Eminem and Sting offering post-race performances.

(photo courtesy of Circuit of the Americas)

Art From the Streets’ Annual Show & Sale

Blue Genie Art Bazaar
October 12 & 13

Art from the Streets presents their Annual Show & Sale, a celebration of art, creativity and community. At this two-day event, attendees will have the opportunity to browse from thousands of pieces of artwork created by unhoused or at-risk individuals, meet the artist themselves and purchase their artwork.

(photo courtesy of Art from the Streets)

31st Annual Austin Film Festival

Various locations in Downtown Austin
October 24 – 31

Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the country, you can catch indie as well as premiering top-billed premieres at this annual festival. Keep an eye on their website for the lineup of film premieres, panelists, and parties that span the festival’s eight days.

Previous Austin Film Festival

AIA Austin Homes Tour

Various locations
October 26 -27

Take the self-guided 38th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour, featuring both new builds and newly renovated homes designed by local, best-in-field architects.

See the Bridle Path residence on the 2024 AIA homes tour. (photo by Casey Woods)

Viva la Vida Festival and Parade

Mexic-Arte Museum & Congress Avenue
October 26

Mexic-Arte Museum hosts the annual Viva La Vida Festival and Parade that features a grand procession followed by a street festival. This is Austin’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event. Co-presented by the Austin Convention Center and the City of Austin, this year’s festival includes hands-on art activities, traditional foods, local artists and retail booths, a low-rider exhibition, and live performances throughout the day.

Viva La Vida Festival (photo by Cesar Enriquez)

StrawFest

UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
October 27

Enjoy your afternoon at this free fall festival in the beautiful UMLAUF Sculpture Garden. At StrawFest visitors of all ages can enjoy pumpkin decorating, carnival games and more activities to be announced soon.

StrawFest (photo courtesy of the UMLAUF)