Fall Festivals in Austin | Austin Fall Events and Things to do

Best Fall Festivals in Austin

Austinites enjoy their festivals as frequently as they enjoy their breakfast tacos and BBQ…Every. Single. Day. Fall is the perfect season to get back outside and enjoy the outdoors without the heat and humidity that comes with summer. Austin Festivals cover every niche from live music and film, to Formula One race cars. They are a huge part of Austin’s eclectic culture, so make plans to attend one of Realty Austin’s top picks for Fall festivals.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Photo by Austin Statesman

With over 75,000 people flocking to Zilker Park per day for this event, Austin City Limits reigns as the heavyweight champion of music festivals in Austin. Over 130 performing artists, this festival spans two weekends and is the biggest and baddest of its kind.

Why you should go: Attending ACL Festival is an Austin rite of passage.

Fantastic Fest

Photo by Alamo Drafthouse

Hailed as “The Most Important Film Festival in North America” by Texas Monthly and the largest one in the U.S., Fantastic Fest features the best horror, fantasy, sci-fi and action thrillers from around the world. If your love for film goes beyond sifting through Netflix movies at home, this is a perfect event for you.

Why you should go: Three reasons: The Alamo Drafthouse atmosphere. Fantastic movies. Great beer.

Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg

Photo by OktoberfestInFbg.com

Want to experience a taste of Germany without the 18-hour flight? Just head West on 290 for a little over an hour till you hit the small town of Fredericksburg. For one weekend only you can get your fill of authentic German bratwurst and beer each day. Don’t forget to pack your Lederhosen outfit!

Why you should go: Looking for an alternative to Austin City Limits? Look no further than Oktoberfest. This German festival is your safe haven from the droves of festival goers at Zilker Park and a weekend getaway full of German heritage.

Austin Film Festival

Photo by KUT Austin

This unique conference brings together professional and amateur screenwriters to celebrate the role of screenplays in filmmaking, and also hosts conversations focusing on craft and on particular films and television series. Attendees get a sneak peak to see all the great documentaries and independent films that everyone will be talking about next year.

Why you should go: Truly a great opportunity to go beyond the screen, and into the creative minds of screenwriters and filmmakers alike.

Texas Book Festival

Photo by Austin Statesman

What started out as a small gathering back in 1995 has since evolved into one of the premier literary events in the country, and takes place in and around the State Capitol. The Texas Book Festival includes over 300 authors, dozens of panels, and much more!

Why you should go: Not just a book festival, this event offers two days of live music, children’s activities, and cooking demonstrations. Also, a perfect time to find a great book to read outside with the cooler, fall temperatures in full swing.

Austin Beer Week – RETURNING 2018

Photo by Kristy Owen

Austin Beer Week is a collection of craft beer-related events spanning over a week with a sole purpose of celebrating and promoting craft breweries throughout central Texas. They are taking a hiatus this year but will be returning in 2018.

Why you should go: It may seem like every week in Austin is beer week, but this is one craft beer event you won’t want to miss. If you love beer, check out our craft breweries in Austin guide.

Wurstfest in New Braunfels

Photo by Samantha Leo

Similar to the Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, this 10-day German style festival is a bit bigger and bolder than its predecessor. Experience authentic beers and German dishes from the Deutschland, and enjoy the best ten days in sausage history.

Why you should go: With 10 days full of German food, rides and games, its like going to a carnival…but without the clowns. Plus, less than an hour drive away from Austin.

Sound on Sound Fest – CANCELLED

Photo by Sound on Sound Festival

Unfortunately, SOS Festival has been cancelled. To find out more information please check their website.

Austin Music Video Festival

Photo by Austin Music Video Festival

Austin Music Video Festival takes place across downtown and puts on 4 days of screenings, an award show, interactive video technology, parties, panels, workshops, and live concerts. Additionally, they showcase both classic and cutting edge work.

Why you should go: If you love watching music videos of your favorites artists, look no further than Austin Music Video Festival. These videos include global music, long form music films, virtual reality, and student works.
East Austin Studio Tour

East Austin Studio Tour isn’t your typical festival. For two weekends, the public is able to enjoy a free, self-guided art event with art-themed parties, a special culinary event with locals chefs, educational programs and more.

Why you should go: Art fanatics of Austin rejoice! Two weekends of beautiful art showcased, plus parties, food and drinks. What more could you ask for?!

Austin Celtic Festival

Photo by Austin Celtic Festival

For over 20 years, Austin Celtic Festival is dedicated to authentic Celtic traditions. Celtic music, dancing, sports, animals, and history are just a couple of things this festival offers.

Why you should go: A family friendly festival with plenty of activities to choose from, plus a fun way to learn all about everything Celtic related.

Utopiafest

Photo by Utopiafest

Hosted at Four Sisters Ranch, this campout festival in Utopia, Texas is one of a kind. With only two stages and 2,000 tickets sold, this is a unique alternative to the big festivals with multiple stages. Utopiafest’s focus is quality audience experience over quantity.

Why you should go: This festival is sure to be unique in having an intimate setting where you can have plenty of space to dance and meet new friends. Besides…when else will you get the chance to experience Utopia, Texas?

Texas Tribune Festival

Photo by Texas Tribune Festival

This three-day event and festival explores the state’s (and even nation’s) most pressing issues and is perfect for those who are passionate about issues that affect all Texans.

Why you should go: This is a great way to immerse yourself in the lively discussion and education of our nation’s pressing issues.

River Revival Music Fest

Photo by Jay Dryden

This music festival is focused on not being the biggest, but most fun! Located in New Braunfels, Tx off the Guadalupe River, River Revival has a max capacity at 500 campers creating a sense of family with communal meals.

Why you should go: Your ticket price includes meals, drinks, and campsites giving you the all-inclusive worry-free experience!

St. Elias Mediterranean Festival

Photo by St. Elias Mediterranean Festival

This annual festival has been going on for over 80 years and serves up many delicacies from Lebanon, Palestine, Greece, Eritrea and Russia. Beyond the food, there will be plenty of dancing, shopping, and fun to be had.

Why you should go: St. Elias Mediterranean Festival was named one of the Top 10 Food Festivals in Central Texas by the Austin Chronicle. If you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss it!

The Lantern Fest

Photo by The Lantern Fest

Lantern Fest is sure to be an unforgettable spectacle at sundown when the lanterns are released. Before sundown, there will be food, live music, familiar princesses, face painters, balloon artists and more.

Why you should go: Thousands of people will light the sky with these lanterns at one time creating a truly unique and memorable moment.

Far East Fest

Photo by Far East Fest

Join the celebration of Asian culture and cuisine in the heart of Austin. Many local Asian restaurants will be showcasing their cuisine and culture to celebrate the growing Asian communities in greater Austin.

Why you should go: From Sway to Chi’Lantro, the best names in Austin Asian Cuisine are all coming together in one place!

Gruene Music & Wine Festival

Photo by Gruene Music & Wine Festival

This four-day celebration of Texas and Americana music along with Texas, German and New World wines, specialty beer, food and handcrafted items raises money to benefit charity primarily through the local United Way.

Why you should go: This festival has four days with four distinct events so you can pick what day is best for you if you can’t celebrate all weekend!

Austin Pride Festival

Photo by Austin Pride Festival

PRIDE Festival is the largest annual LGBTQ advocacy and fundraising event in Central Texas with two entertainment areas showcasing musical artist and pop culture icons.

Why you should go: There are over 140 vendor booths of your local businesses that support the LGBTQ community along with inflatable games, photo booths, face painting, and more!

Austin Fermentation Festival

Photo by Roxanne Rathge

This Festival has 12 workshops with a series of hands-on ones being available. In addition to the education and workshops there will be a market, dishes from local chefs, fermented drinks such as wine, beer, and cider and live music!

Why you should go: This is a unique opportunity to learn about fermentation while enjoying drinks, food, and music with a silent auction!

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest

Photo by Texas Monthly Events

The highly-coveted list of 50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas helps to curate a fresh lineup of BBQ at this annual event! The festival is relaxed with music, beer, cocktails, games, and a whole lot of BBQ.

Why you should go: The top names in BBQ from all over Texas will be in one place sharing all the smoked goodness you can handle.