1 / Jam Out at ACL Fest (Again!)
Back for weekend 2, this beloved music festival in Zilker Park features more than 100 performances across three days. 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. For our comprehensive guides on everything from how to get there to under-the-radar acts and what to avoid, click here. Oct. 9-11, 12 p.m., 2100 Barton Springs Road
2 / Explore the Haunted Maze at Fear Fair
Feeling courageous? Sign Bar’s creepy haunted maze features jump scares and sinister surprises at every turn. For those who want to explore the maze without live actors, the bar also offers an actor-free daytime walkthrough. Cap off your visit with spirited libations and photo ops. Open on select days through Nov. 1, various times, 9909 FM 969 Bldg. 3
3 / Watch the Texas-OU Game
Burnt orange faithful, assemble! The Texas Longhorns face off against the Oklahoma Sooners during the annual Red River Rivalry starting at 2:30 p.m on Saturday. Catch all the action during watch parties around town at spots like Fairmont Austin, Hole in the Wall, Scholz Garten, and Meanwhile Brewing Co. Oct. 10, various times and locations
4 / Sip a Duff Beer at Moe’s Tavern
Looking for something more spirited than spooky? Get a taste of Springfield as Nickel City’s beloved bar returns for another year. Enjoy Krusty Burgers and Duff Beer at the pop-up, which is inspired by The Simpsons. Moe’s Tavern features nostalgic decor and bartenders dressed up as the show’s iconic characters. Don’t have a cow, man! Through Oct. 31, various times, 1133 E. 11th St.
5 / Unwind at Gruene Food & Wine Fest
Head down to Gruene to celebrate this 40th annual festival, which features four days of bites, drinks, and concerts from artists like Robert Earl Keen and Shane Smith & the Saints. Don’t miss Tastings & Tunes, a free wine tasting event on Saturday. Oct. 8-11, various times and locations, Gruene
6 / Bring Your Boo to Twisted Carnival
Always one of the best Halloween pop-up bars in Austin, Gibson’s creepy-cool setup features carnival-inspired décor, themed cocktails, photo ops, cage rooms, and DJs every Saturday night. Through Nov. 1, various times, 1109 S. Lamar Blvd.
7 / Channel Nostalgia at a Golden Girls Pop-Up
Are you more of a Blanche or a Dorothy? Find out as you explore The Golden Girls Kitchen, an immersive dining experience inspired by the iconic series. The pop-up features themed bites like Sophia’s Lasagna Al Forno and Blanche’s Georgia-Style Cookie, plus signature cocktails and plenty of photo ops. Through Nov. 8, various times, 610 N. Interstate Hwy. 35