Hosting Out of Towners? Your Ultimate Hosting Guide This Holiday Season.

Written by: Enjoli Henderson

November in Austin brings cooler air, holiday buzz, and a calendar full of things to do which makes it the perfect time to host family and friends. Whether your guests are in town for Thanksgiving, a long weekend, or just chasing that Austin weirdness, here’s how to show them the best of the city.

Morning Movement with a View

                           

Photo credit: Becca Youngers

Start everyday with intention. Whether it’s a sunrise jog on Ladybird lake, a yoga class at Wanderlust, or a hike at Barton Creek, movement clears your mind and sets the tone for the day. After your morning activity, stop by Codependent for a perfectly brewed coffee and sample their cozy seasonal menu. The kind of slow, mindful start that’ll make your guest fall in love with Austin mornings.

 Austin Food + Wine Festival

                           

Photo Credit: Charles Reagan

Indulge in the crisp fall air while it lasts and soak in the best of Austin’s outdoor scene.This month marks the 14th annual Austin Food + Wine Festival (Nov. 7-9). Give your guests a true local experience by bringing them to Friday night’s Made in Texas event at the Long Center. This is a new addition to the festival where top chefs will serve Texas-inspired dishes alongside music and cocktails. It’s the ultimate blend of flavor, culture, and that easygoing Austin energy.

Tickets available here: https://www.austinfoodandwinefestival.com/

 Austin Studio Tour

Photo Credit: @thegoldcurrent

The Austin Studio Tour is a free, city wide, self guided art event taking place over two weekends in November.  It’s one of the best ways to show your friends and family first hand how Austin keeps its creative spirit alive. Step inside local studios, meet the artists, and see firsthand how they bring their visions to life. Discover the stories behind each piece, purchase unique works of art, and celebrate the incredible talent that makes Austin’s art scene so vibrant and of course a little weird.

Dates:

November 8-9 & 15-16 

-12pm – 6pm daily

 New and Improved Rainey Street 

Photo Credit: Becca Youngers

Check out Rainey St. 3.0, where Austin’s charm meets the city’s energy. What started as a strip of laid back bungalow bars has turned into a go to spot for great food, live music, and creative cocktails all in one walkable stretch. Start on one end of Rainey at Tomalo and enjoy a frozen margarita and some of the best fajitas in town. Make your way down to the other side and top off your Rainey Street trip at Anthem for yummy sharables and a night cap.

Conclusion

Hosting in Austin this holiday season isn’t about perfection. It’s about bringing your loved ones into your world and being present. Let your guests experience the things that make this city shine. The food, the creativity, the sunshine, and that unmistakable laid back spirit. When you mix thoughtful planning with easygoing Austin Energy, everyone leaves feeling a little lighter, and already planning their next visit!

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.

5 things to do in Austin to kick start the Fall Season

Fall in love with Austin: Seasonal activities you’ll love!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Students are back, football season is in full swing, and pumpkin spice is everywhere! Summer vacation may be over but the fun doesn’t stop here in Austin. With mild temperatures that keep us outdoors and plenty of seasonal activities to enjoy, there’s no better time to embrace all the sights, flavors, and sounds of Autumn. Before the winter chill sets in and before the sun sets before dinner, we’ve rounded up the top things to do this season to get you fully in the Fall spirit.

1. UT Game Days

                           

Photo credit: Visit Austin

Fall time in Austin might skip the fiery red and golden leaves, but it makes up for it with one thing – Longhorn burnt orange! Nothing ushers in the season quite like football. Gear up for game day by tailgating and catching all the action at Victory Lap’s West Campus location, or, if you’re after a more laid-back vibe, head to their Rainey Street spot to cheer alongside fellow fans.

2. Austin’s Seasonal Sweet Treats

                           

Photo Credit: Visit Austin

Indulge in all the cozy flavors of fall, because what’s more festive than seasonal treats? Stop by Tiny Pies to sample their lineup, from creamy pumpkin chia pie to salted caramel apple. Don’t miss Easy Tiger, either, where you can grab freshly baked seasonal pastries, warm cinnamon rolls, or a hearty loaf of pumpkin bread, perfect for savoring with a coffee or sharing with friends.

3. Biking and Hiking

Photo Credit: Rob Greebon

Autumn in Austin is that sweet spot between scorching summer days and chilly winter nights—the perfect time to get outside and soak it all in. Catch a breathtaking sunset from the iconic Mount Bonnell, or cruise along the scenic biking trails that wind around Lady Bird Lake downtown. Craving a little escape from the city buzz? Head to Barton Creek Greenbelt for a moderate hike with your pup, or make a quick climb to the 360 Bridge Overlook for a shorter trek that rewards you with sweeping views of downtown Austin.

4. Sip, Snack, and Soak up Autumn

Photo Credit: Banger’s

Want to soak up the cooler weather without lacing up your hiking boots? Start at Chalmers, an East Austin original known for its good bites, tasty drinks, and live music. After 6 PM on Thursday and Friday, it’s adults-only, perfect for a laid-back night out with friends. Come Saturday, grab a plate from their food trucks or main kitchen and catch one of the biggest UT watch parties in town. Looking for another iconic spot? Head to Banger’s on Rainey Street the last weekend of September for their three-day Oktoberfest celebration. Expect live oompah bands, German-inspired eats, local brews, and even a wiener dog costume contest.

5.Pumpkin Picking and Magical Trails 

Photo Credit: Live Love Local

Kick off pumpkin season with a charming day trip to Marble Falls! Starting September 20, Sweet Berry Farms reopens for pumpkin picking, hayrides, and all the fall feels. Looking to keep the autumn magic going? By mid-September, Pumpkin Nights lights up Austin with its immersive walking trail—think glowing pumpkin art, fire dancers, and seasonal bites that set the perfect mood for Halloween.

 

Conclusion

Whether you are cheering on the Longhorns, sipping seasonal brews, picking pumpkins, or indulging in cozy treats, Austin has a little something for everyone! From outdoor adventures to festive events and everything in between there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season. So grab your friends, your pup, or just your love for pumpkin spice and make the most of everything Austin has to offer before the holidays roll in.

10 things to do in Austin this August

Planning out your month? Look no further.

Photo credit: KGSR

After a surprisingly mild (knock on wood) June and July, August is officially here! While we can’t count on another month of sub-100° days, we can definitely count on some amazing events in Austin. We’ve compiled a mini event guide for August with new events, recurring events and local favorites. Be sure to check them out!

1. Austin Parks Foundation’s Fitness in the Park – Every Friday until 8/29

Photo Credit: Austin Parks Foundation

We think all workouts should end with a cold plunge into Barton Springs Pool, don’t you? Austin Parks Foundation has teamed up with Habitat Retreats for free, all-levels yoga in Zilker Park every Friday at 7:00 am. Following the 45-minute yoga, attendees can cold plunge into Barton Springs Pool. This fitness series ends on Friday, August 29, and you won’t want to miss it!

2. DJ Nights at Tómalo Agave Lounge – Every Saturday

Photo Credit: Tómalo

Tómalo Grill has been serving up Latin-inspired cuisine in the historic Rainey Street District for almost a year, and they’re expanding their concept! This will include an after-hours agave lounge upstairs opening Thursday, July 31. The lounge will be open Thursday – Saturday from 9:00 pm – 1:00 am. It centers on classic and elegant modern cocktails, showcasing spirits made in México. They will also have DJs spinning Lo-fi beats every Saturday night starting August 2, and we’re already looking forward to it!

P.S. – They’re also re-opening their walk-up breakfast window the same day! Tómalo Taquería will serve breakfast burritos, tacos and other to-go options Thursday – Saturday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm!

3. Sunday Spinz and Spritz Industry Night at Codependent – Every Sunday

Photo Credit: Codependent

Codependent Cocktails + Coffee, a downtown favorite where day meets night, is starting their Sunday Spinz and Spritz series in partnership with Italicus starting August 3. Think rotating cocktail features with DJs spinning from 6:00-9:00 pm. We can’t think of a better way to end the weekend.

4. Blues on the Green – 8/5-8/6

Photo Credit: KGSR

A summer classic in Austin, Blues on the Green is back this year at Zilker August 5-6. A free concert series put on by 93.3 KGSR, Blues on the Green brings people together annually to support Austin artists from multiple genres. Music starts at 7:00 pm on both days, but as per usual, plan ahead to get there early to enjoy all the fun!

5. Song in the Storm – Heart of Texas Flood Benefit at The Paramount Theatre – 8/12

Photo Credit: Visit Austin

Following the devastating floods in Central Texas in July, Texans have stepped up for each other in many ways. Lyle Lovett and Michael Martin Murphey will be performing on Tuesday, August 12 at The Paramount Theatre, and all proceeds will be going to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. Tickets are still available, and it’s sure to be a great show for a great cause.

Tickets: here

6. Band Together Texas at the Moody Center – 8/17

Photo Credit: Moody Center

The Moody Center on UT campus is also putting on a benefit concert series with several Texas artists on Sunday, August 17. Proceeds will support The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas Community Foundation. Some of the featured artists include Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum and Kelly Clarkson. Along with musical performances, the event will be hosted by several Texas icons.

Tickets: here

7. PBR Gambler Days – 8/22-8/24

Photo Credit: Moody Center

Professional Bull Riding (PBR) is back for Gambler Days at the Moody Center from August 22 – 24. If you’ve never seen bull riding in person, now is the perfect time to see it! PBR features some of the world’s best bull riders competing against each other in tournament-style events. You can purchase one or three-day tickets and enjoy bull riding, concerts, a western expo and more!

Tickets: here

8. Austin Pride – 8/23

Photo Credit: Austin American-Statesman, Aaron E. Martinez

Unlike most cities around the U.S., Austin’s Pride celebrations have historically been held in August. This year the celebration kicks off on Saturday, August 23, with the PRIDE festival and parade downtown. It’s sure to be a weekend filled with fun and love throughout the city. If you’re planning on watching the parade, get there early!

9. Austin Restaurant Weeks – 8/29-9/14

Photo Credit: Central Texas Food Bank

Want to dive more into the Austin food scene but don’t love how spendy it can be? Austin Restaurant Week begins on Friday, August 29, and runs through mid-September this year. It’s an opportunity to experience fine dining at a more affordable price. Participating restaurants also donate a portion of proceeds to help fight hunger in Central Texas.

Information: here

10. First Texas Football game of the season – 8/30

Photo Credit: Becca Youngers

After just missing a spot in the College Football National Championship last season, the Texas Longhorns are officially back in August. The first game is a rematch to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes eliminated the Longhorns and would become the eventual national champions last season. It’s safe to say the anticipation surrounding the rematch has been building since the initial loss. While it’s an away game, the watch parties will be the place to be. Read about our favorite places to watch the Longhorns, and Hook ‘Em!

 

Conclusion

August is one of those reset months in Austin. It brings some fun events to the city before the busyness of the fall settles in during September and October. We’ll be making the most of the calm before chaos, and we think you should do the same! Happy August from us at Urbanspace!

Top 5 Free Austin Summer Events

 

Summer is finally here in Austin! Check below for some free events you won’t want to miss out on.

 

Blues on the Green: Join ACL Radio at Zilker Park for free live music by local artists! Blues on the Green will be taking place on June 14th and June 15th as well as July 19th and July 20th. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, bring a blanket, and invite your friends to this Austin summer tradition. (Zilker Park)

 

The Drop-In: The Drop-In is an outdoor music concert that takes place every Thursday at 8:00pm from May 26th through August 11th at The Long Center. Bring your pets and enjoy a free concert with friends and family. Doors open at 7:00pm and parking is located at the PEC Garage next door. (The Long Center)

 

Free Workouts: Visit Waterloo Greenway every Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday from 6:00 to 7:00pm for free workout classes hosted by Castle Hill Fitness! Monday and Tuesday classes are located at the Moody Amphitheater and Sunday classes are held at the Meredith Tree Deck. Choose between yoga with live music, pilates, dance, meditation, and more! These weekly workouts are the perfect way to get movement in a budget friendly way. (Multiple Locations)

 

Zilker Hillside: Disney’s popular musical Newsies will be performed at Zilker Hillside Theater every Thursday through Sunday from July 8th through August 13th. Admissions are completely free and reservations are not required! The musical begins at 8:15pm but it is recommended to arrive early in order to get a desired spot. Pack a picnic and enjoy this affordable outdoor show performed by talented austin locals. (Zilker Hillside Theater)

 

Barton Springs Pool: Barton Springs is a natural spring-fed pool located within Zilker park at 2201 William Barton Drive. The entrance fee is free in the morning from 5:00 to 8:00am and at night from 9:00 to 10:00pm. Grab a towel and tan in the sun in the morning or bring a blanket to stare at the stars at night. (Barton Springs Pool)

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