October is one of the most exciting months on the Austin calendar. From the enormous Austin City Limits Music Festival and Formula 1 racing to pumpkin patches, Halloween celebrations and Día de los Muertos, the city is buzzing nearly every weekend.

If you're planning a visit—or simply looking for something new to do close to home—here are some of the October events worth putting on your calendar. 

And if you’re looking for a new place to call ‘home,’ Juniper Springs apartments for rent in Austin, Texas would be happy to call you ‘home sweet home.’

Austin City Limits Music Festival | October 2–4, 2026 & 9–11, 2026

Austin's biggest October tradition returns to Zilker Park for two weekends of music. The festival offers more than 140 artists performing across eight stages, making it one of the country's premier music festivals. Even if you don't have a festival ticket, many Austin venues host official and unofficial concerts throughout the city during ACL weekends.

Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms | Through October 31, 2026

For a magical nighttime fall experience, check out Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms. Thousands of carved pumpkins are transformed into elaborate art installations along an illuminated walking trail. The family-friendly attraction runs through Halloween and is especially impressive after dark.

Austin's Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals

There are plenty of places around Austin to pick a pumpkin and enjoy traditional fall activities.

Sweet Eats Fruit Farm in Georgetown hosts its Fall Festival through November 8, with a corn maze, petting zoo, apple slingshots and obstacle courses.

Indian Springs Ranch Fall Fest in South Austin runs through November 1 and combines a pumpkin patch with unusual attractions including camels, zebras and buffalo.

Uhland Fall Fest, south of Austin near Kyle, runs weekends through November 1 with rides, games, food and a pumpkin patch.

Closer to Austin, Bethany Pumpkin Patch runs October 4–31 at Bethany United Methodist Church. Visitors can choose pumpkins, take fall photos and enjoy free games and activities.

Boo at the Zoo | October 2–24, 2026

Families can celebrate Halloween at the Austin Zoo's Boo at the Zoo on weekends throughout October. Children can trick-or-treat along the zoo's pathways, see themed decorations and enjoy a Halloween experience designed especially for younger visitors.

For an even bigger fall outing, Texas Pumpkin Fest in Leander runs October 10–November 1, with pumpkins, photo opportunities, live music, food vendors and family activities.

Be sure to look at our next Blog later this month for more things to do in Austin in the fall!