Sept. 5-Nov. 21
UT Football Home Games
Put on your finest burnt-orange-and-white ensemble: This fall, star quarterback Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns return for another electrifying season as they take on Texas State (Sept. 5), Ohio State (Sept. 12), UTSA (Sept. 19), Florida (Oct. 17), Ole Miss (Oct. 24), and Mississippi State (Oct. 31) at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. 2139 San Jacinto Blvd., various times, texaslonghorns.com
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 01: Arch Manning #16 and Cole Lourd #19 of the Texas Longhorns celebrate after defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils 39-31 during the second overtime in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 01, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Sept. 10
Imagine Muny
Soak in all the live music during Lions Municipal Golf Course’s fifth annual fundraiser. The bash will feature performances by Tanya Tucker, Asleep at the Wheel, Jack Ingram, and Wade Bowen, plus a strong possibility for surprise guests. Established in 1924, Muny has provided a local and inclusive golf experience for more than 100 years. 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., 8:30 p.m., themunyconservancy.com
Tanya Tucker. Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images.
Sept. 10-13
Levitation
Dreamed up by members of The Black Angels while in a tour van, Levitation has been a cornerstone of the live music capital for more than 15 years, celebrating the best garage rock, indie, psych, and experimental music in the world. Don’t miss acts like Die Spitz, Arlo Parks, Bikini Kill, Angine de Poitrine, and Kylesa during the spirited four-day festival. Various locations and times, levitation.fm
Levitation. Photo by Bryan C. Parker.
Sept. 12-Nov. 8
House of Torment
Warning: Austin’s longest-running haunted attraction is not for the faint of heart. In fact, the 25-year-old horror hot spot was once named “The Scariest Haunted House in America” by the Travel Channel. Be prepared to shriek with delight as you brave your way through its multiple terrifying areas. In addition to all the jump scares, House of Torment features mini escape games, zombie simulations, and even a secret bar. 2632 Ridgepoint Drive, various times, houseoftorment.com
Photo courtesy House of Torment.
Sept. 17-Oct. 31
Pumpkin Nights
Get ready for fire dancers, tarot card readings, a live pumpkin artist, and more at this outdoor festival filled with carved, painted, and all-natural pumpkins. Bring walking shoes to traverse the grounds at Pioneer Farms, which has special sections like the Forbidden City and Pirate’s Cove. Through Oct. 31, 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, various times, pumpkinnights.com
Pumpkin Nights.
Sept. 17-24
Fantastic Fest
Now celebrating its 21st anniversary, Fantastic Fest has earned a reputation for blood-splattered world premieres, gonzo parties, and immersive activations worthy of a director’s cut DVD. Every September, thousands of fans descend upon the Alamo Drafthouse for what’s become the nation’s largest genre film festival. Various locations and times, fantasticfest.com
Photo courtesy Fantastic Fest.
Sept. 24-26
Texas Tribune Fest
Hear from thought leaders and political luminaries as Texas Tribune brings back its powerful annual festival to downtown Austin. This year, Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Tommy Vietor, and Dan Pfeiffer of Pod Save America will bring their hit show to the festival. Various locations and times, festival.texastribune.org
Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor of “Pod Save America.” Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images.
Sept. 25-26
WaterWork
Watch the beautiful façade of the Seaholm Intake Facility turn into a gorgeous canvas of art, light, and motion at this art experience co-created by The Trail Conservancy and Design Austin. Using state-of-the-art projection mapping technology, the exterior comes alive with captivating artworks from more than 20 talented Central Texas artists. The immersive display takes place at dusk, and ideal viewing spots include Auditorium Shores and the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge. Various locations, 8:30 p.m., designaustin.org
WaterWork.
Oct. 2-4, 9-11
ACL Fest
Catch your favorite artists (and discover some new ones) at this lively music festival in Zilker Park, which features more than 100 performances across three days during two consecutive weekends. The 2026 iteration includes can’t-miss concerts from the likes of Charli XCX, Rüfüs Du Sol, Kings of Leon, Lorde, Twenty One Pilots, and The XX. 2100 Barton Springs Road, 12 p.m., aclfestival.com
Photo by Bryan C. Parker.
Oct. 16-17
Hot Luck
It’s back! Formerly a summertime staple in Austin, this foodie meetup has been reimagined as a fall festival. Check out gatherings like Giddy Up, Hot Luck’s signature live-fire feast at Franklin Barbecue, and House Party, the festival’s largest culinary event. Participating local chefs include Edgar Rico (Nixta Taqueria), Evan LeRoy (LeRoy & Lewis Barbecue), Tavel Bristol-Joseph (Canje), and Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel (Birdie’s), Various locations and times, hotluckfest.com
Oct. 23-25
Formula 1
Get in on all the F1 action at Circuit of The Americas—or just check out some fabulous parties and pop-ups around Austin—as the U.S. Grand Prix rolls back into town. The fest will feature performances by Maroon 5 and Post Malone, and fans can gain access to the concerts by purchasing day or weekend passes to the three-day race. Zoom, zoom! 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd., various times, circuitoftheamericas.com
Photo by Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images.
Oct. 24-25
AIA Austin Homes Tour
Looking for architectural inspiration? Explore some of the most exciting properties in the city during this 40th annual self-guided tour around Austin. From historical renovations to eco-friendly new builds, these homes are sure to give you design ideas for your own abode. Various locations, aiaaustin.org
Photo courtesy AIA Austin Homes Tour.
Oct. 29-Nov. 5
Austin Film Festival
Lights, camera, action! Whether you’re a movie buff or an aspiring auteur, this festival is the perfect opportunity to enjoy new films and hear illuminating panel conversations with revered actors, directors, and writers. Various locations and times, austinfilmfestival.com
‘Little Miss Sunshine.’ Photo courtesy Austin Film Festival.
Nov. 6-8
Austin Food & Wine Festival
Eat, drink, and be merry at this annual festival benefiting the Austin Food & Wine Alliance. The two-day gathering includes cooking demonstrations, tasting stations, and a Made in Texas event for VIP ticket holders that highlights the best foods in the Lone Star State. Various locations and times, austinfoodandwinefestival.com
Photos by Alison Narro.
Nov. 14
Honky Tonk Fest
For one unforgettable day, Austin Monthly is transporting the neon glow of the city’s honky-tonks to the idyllic setting of Star Hill Ranch, where a historic Texas main street becomes the backdrop for a celebration of music, dancing, and the simple pleasure of sharing space and time. Honky Tonk Fest will feature 10 artists across two stages, dance lessons, Western fashion, local makers, art, award-winning food, and ice-cold drinks served up all day long. 15000 Hamilton Pool Road, Bee Cave, 11 a.m., austinmonthly.com
Honky Tonk Fest. Photo by Andrea Escobar.
Nov. 15
Mac & Cheese Festival
The cheesiest event of the year returns with delicious samples of mac ‘n’ cheese and grilled cheese along with refreshing beverages and sweet treats from 20-plus local chefs and eateries. Pro tip? Wear stretchy pants. 15000 Hamilton Pool Road, Bee Cave, 11 a.m., macncheesetour.com
Photo courtesy Mac ‘n’ Cheese Festival.