Fall Festivals For You
Written by: Enjoli Henderson
Austin isn’t dubbed the Live Music Capital of the World for no reason. October is a music lovers dream month, and we curated a list of can’t miss festivals!
Austin City Limits Musical Festival
Photo credit: Taylor Regulski
For the 24th year, Zilker park will transform into a music lovers paradise for two stacked weekends. Austin City Limits Music Festival brings over 140 musical acts to 8 stages, plus interactive experiences, local Austin artisans, and amazing eats! Headliners this year include Hozier, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, and The Killers, delivering a mix of soulful rock, high-energy pop, and unforgettable anthems.
Dates: October 3 – 5 , October 10 – 12
Formula 1 – United States Grand Prix
Photo Credit: Visit Austin
Speed meets sound in Austin as Formula 1 returns to Circuit of The Americas for the U.S Grand Prix. Alongside star-studded teams such as Ferrari, Redbull and McLaren, fans can enjoy performances from EDM Dj Kygo, country legend Garth Brooks, and acclaimed band Turnpike Troubadours. Tickets, passes and more information can be found at COTA.
Dates: October 17 – 19
Night Market
Photo Credit: NightMarket.fun
For one night, Cedar Park’s Lakeline Park will get a taste of Asia! Inspired by the bustling night markets of Asia, NightMarket.fun brings bold flavors from across Asia to central Texas. Dive into Asian culture with tarot reading, participating in eating contests, and experiencing cultural showcases.
Date: October 18, 2025
Austin Film Festival
Photo Credit: Visit Austin
Austin Film Festival celebrates the art of filmmaking with a full week of film premieres, panel discussions, and a writers conference. The festival kicks off with its 22nd annual Film & Food fundraising party, supporting the Young Filmmakers Program. Visit the AFF website to learn more about conference badge options, film passes, and the complete 2025 AFF schedule.
Dates: October 23 – 25
Viva La Vida Festival
Photo Credit: Mexic-Arte Museum
The Mexic-Arte Museum, along with the City of Austin, presents the city’s largest and longest running Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration on Saturday, October 25th, at 4th Street and Congress Ave. Festivities kick off with a parade at noon and will extend into the evening where participants can enjoy traditional foods, local artists, retail booths, performances throughout the day, and an Educational Pavilion with hands-on art activities for all ages!
Date: October 25, 2025
Time: Parade: 12pm | Festival 12pm – 6pm
Austin Symphony Orchestra Presents: Halloween Children’s Concert
Photo Credit: Visit Austin
Set sail for the Long Center for a frightfully fun pirate adventure! Kids ages 4 and up can dive into the Halloween Children’s Concert complete with pre-concert activities for kids which include a petting zoo! Costumes are highly encouraged and spine tingling fun is a must! Make sure to visit The Austin Symphony.org for more information on tickets, performances, and activities!
Date: October 26, 2025
Time: Pre-concert activities: 2pm | Concert: 3pm
Conclusion
To most Austinites, festival season is the true start of fall. It’s when the city comes alive with flavors, sounds, and traditions from all walks of life. So grab your friends, your family, or just your sense of adventure, and dive into all that Austin has to offer this season.