Fall in Austin, Texas is the perfect time to enjoy this gorgeous city. The weather is cooling down from the summer heat, which makes it ideal for outdoor activities.
Austin is filled with events, attractions, and things to do in the fall. From beer festivals to pumpkin patches to football games, fall is one of the best times in Austin.
Fall is also the perfect time of the year to enjoy nature in Austin, so a visit to its many local parks is a must to unwind and recharge.
There’s no shortage of fun activities in Austin this fall—here’s a round-up of 12 exciting things you’ll enjoy this fall in Austin:
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
photo credit: Sweet Berry Farms
What better way to spend a Saturday morning than enjoying a hayride with the family at one of many pumpkin patch attractions in Austin? Pumpkin patches are fun, nostalgic activities to spend some time together while enjoying the fantastic fall foliage.
If you haven’t been to a local farm in the fall such as Sweet Eats in Georgetown, Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls, or Barton Hill Farms, you’re missing out on some serious fun. Venture into the pumpkin patches for some nostalgic fun together, or explore the plenty of activities you’ll find there — from petting zoos to corn mazes to food trucks and train rides.
So, make the most out of the cooler days of fall for some unforgettable, picture-worthy moments at the farm.
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
- 4.5 Acre Corn Maze
- Flashlight Corn Maze
- 2 Acres of Pick Your Own Pumpkins (40 Varieties)
- Giant 11ft tall Pumpkin House
- Wagon Rides, Turkey legs
- Oktoberfest Beer
- Live Music
- Kettle Corn
- Food Trucks and more!
14400 E State Hwy 29, Georgetown, TX 78626
Sweet Berry Farm
- Goat Feeding, Pick Your Own Flowers
- Texas Maze
- Barnyard Maze
- Barrel Train
- Scarecrow Island Hayride
- Pumpkin Painting
- Stuff a Scarecrow
- Berry Bounce
- Sandart
- Pony Rides and more!
Barton Hill Farms
- Pumpkin Patch
- 5-Acre Corn Maze
- Live Music
- Beer & Cider Garden
- Apple Cannons
- Hayrides
- Farm Animals
- Train Rides
- Archery
- Jumping Pillow
- Face Painting and more!
1115 FM 969, Bastrop, TX 78602
Celebrate Oktoberfest
photo credit: Banger’s Austin
If you aren’t celebrating the fall with a stein of beer and a juicy bratwurst, you’re missing out. After all, Oktoberfest is the ultimate fall festival.
Fall is the perfect season for beer festivals, and AustOberfest is a unique, unmissable event for you and your girls to enjoy a weekend of food, drink, live music, contests, bowling, and plenty of fun.
Head out to the historic Scholz Garden on San Jacinto Boulevard or spend an afternoon sipping authentic German brews and bites at Banger’s on Rainey St.
Scholz Garden
Old World Wednesdays:
- Terry Cavanaugh’s Alpine Express Playing 5:30pm-7:30pm
- Bavarian Meat & Cheese Board
- $1 off German Beers
- Cocktail Specials
1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden
Oktoberfest: September 23-25
79 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
Enjoy a Drive-In Movie
photo credit: Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In
Fancy a one-of-a-kind movie night with friends or fam? Return to the past at Blue Starlite Theatre, Austin’s only drive-in cinema.
Movie buffs will have a great time with their classic and art house film screenings, and casual fans will love watching the latest blockbuster releases in a unique way.
With three different locations in Austin, you’re never far away from watching your new favorite movie under the stars.
Downtown Location: 2015 E M. Franklin Ave, Austin, TX 78723
Mueller Location: 2015 E M. Franklin Ave, Austin, TX 78723
Round Rock Location: 800 Harrell Pkwy, Round Rock, TX 78665
Camping
Nothing says fall like the sweet smell of s’mores roasting on a campfire. Austin offers several unforgettable parks with camping spaces to enjoy connecting with nature and your friends. Prepare your gear and your best campfire stories and head over to your nearest state park.
Fancy an easy hike to relax in nature? Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a hidden gem in Austin waiting to be next on your bucket list. Or, if you’re up for a challenge, Pedernales Falls State Park rewards its visitors with impressive scenic views.
Want to rent a cabin with your friends for the weekend? McKinney Falls State Park and Inks Lake State Park have a few cabins available for rent.
Looking for something a bit more comfortable? Check out Mystic Quarry for Glamping in the Texas Hill Country, they offer dog-friendly cabins, tiny homes, glamping lodges, tipis & tents.
Hiking
photo credit: @guthrie_mw
Dust off your hiking boots and your camera, and get ready for a fantastic day of exploring at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge near Marble Falls.
With 8 miles of trails to explore, scenic views of the city from the sunset deck, and plenty of space to rest and have a picnic in nature, this park is well worth the drive.
If you’re more adventurous, the 11 miles of hiking trails at Enchanted Rock pose a bit more of a challenge. But the spectacular views from Summit Rock will energize you for your way back. If all the hiking heats you up, take a dip into one of the many local creeks before settling down for a picnic.
Visit a Local Brewery
photo credit: @jessattie
Back in the city from your time in nature? Quench your thirst in style at one of the many local breweries and beer hubs in Austin.
Oktoberfest is not the only time to celebrate Austin’s German heritage. Its local breweries mix tradition with creativity to create truly unique flavors.
A great place to start exploring Austin’s craft breweries is Jester King located in Southwest Austin– a brewery, restaurant, and farm just outside Austin. For a truly Texan experience, try their All-Texas SPON, made with 100% Texas ingredients.
If a casual night out with friends is in your plans, Lazarus Brewing Co in Central East Austin is your place to go. Its fantastic selection of homemade beer, lively atmosphere, and heavenly tacos are sure to make your night unforgettable. Or, enjoy an ale at a vibrant, dog-friendly location for a quirky afternoon out with your friends at Austin Beerworks.
Visit the Texas Wine Country
photo credit: Hawk’s Shadow Winery & Vineyards
Are you more of a wine gal? Texas’s long tradition of craft breweries doesn’t mean there’s no place to relax with a glass of wine and learn more about the art and science of winemaking.
There are more than 60 wineries in the Texas Hill Country in Austin and Fredericksburg.
With options ranging from luxury spas and hotels to cozy B&Bs, enticing wine tasting tours, and exciting outdoor activities, this unique area of Texas has everything for you and your friends to spend an exceptional time.
Start by delighting your tastebuds with unforgettable Southern dishes paired with delightful Texas wine at restaurants like Pecan Street Brewing in Johnson City or Cabernet Grill in Fredericksburg. After a good meal, head out to the vineyards for unforgettable sights, wine tasting, and tours where expert guides will show you the whole process of winemaking.
Go to a UT Football Game
Outdoors doesn’t just mean nature. If you haven’t been to a football game yet, put it on your list of things to do. Your Texas experience won’t be complete until you put on the orange and black and join Austinites at a college football game to support the Longhorns — and everything that comes after. Fall is UT Football season, after all.
Even if you’re not a football fan, the excitement over the game is contagious. The city gets even more lively, and there are plenty of events to enjoy before or after the game. Those looking for more excitement will enjoy a fun tailgate party, while those looking for a quiet night out to chill after the football games can relax and grab a bite to eat at the many restaurants nearby the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Central Austin.
Go to Formula 1 Aramco United States Grand Prix
Whether you feel the need for speed or just an exciting weekend with the gals, the Formula 1 Aramco United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas is one of the biggest sporting events of the season.
F1 fans will have a blast following the race up close and checking out the exhibitions and events up close. But even if you’re not familiar with the sport, there’s plenty of activities to enjoy. From food trucks to games, exhibitions, and concerts, you’re bound to have a great time.
Go to an Austin FC game
Soccer fever is alive and well in Austin, and an Austin FC game at Q2 Stadium in North Austin is the perfect setup for a day of excitement.
While the game is the main event, you can pass the time before and after it by trying out some of the many F&B options from the many food trucks in the stadium — from Tex Mex and Southern bites to pretzels and pizza.
Have a Picnic at Zilker Park
Fancy a chill afternoon of good food, chatting, and board games in nature? Then a picnic is your thing. And there’s no better place for a picnic in Austin than Zilker Metropolitan Park.
It’s known as the most loved park in Austin for a reason. It’s been a place for Austinites and visitors to enjoy nature, culture, and excitement. It hosts several fun activities year-round, like theatre plays and the Austin City Limits music festival.
But in the fall, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed day hanging out with friends. So get your picnic basket ready, bring your best card games, and let the fun begin.
Fall in Austin, Texas may be short, but it offers plenty of opportunities to build special memories with your friends. Its unique history, friendly people, and natural landscapes make Austin a place you and your friend won’t want to miss.
