At last, the Texas heat is fading, and fall in Austin feels like a breath of fresh air. The cooler evenings invite us to enjoy the outdoors, with bright orange pumpkins and the smell of seasonal drinks filling the air. Whether you’re a long-time local or just visiting, fall in Austin is truly special, and there’s no shortage of exciting things to do. From exploring scenic trails and picking pumpkins to enjoying live music and celebrating cultural festivals, Austin in the fall has it all. Join me as I share my favorite fall activities in Austin that you can’t miss!
Best Things to Do in Austin This Fall
From outdoor adventures to cultural festivals, here’s your guide to the best Things to Do in Austin This Fall.
Stroll Along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
The cooler fall weather is the best time to explore the hiking and biking trails of Texas Hill Country, and Austin has plenty of them. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is Austin’s most popular recreational area, with more than 2.6 million visits annually. This 10-mile trail loops around Lady Bird Lake, offering stunning views of the city skyline, shaded pathways, and serene waterside spots. It is wide enough for leisurely walks, family strolls, runs, or bike rides. You’ll find convenient water fountains, restrooms, boat launches, and even a pedestrian- and cyclist-only bridge over Lady Bird Lake.
Get Wild at the Austin Zoo
Autumn is an ideal time to visit the Austin Zoo, where the cooler weather makes the animals more active and visible. Wander through the zoo’s natural habitats and get up close with lions, tigers, and bears, or feed sheep, deer, and llamas. Afterward, enjoy a picnic in Picnic Grove and stop by the gift shop for zoo-themed merchandise! Be sure to catch the special fall-themed Boo at the Zoo event on Friday and Saturday nights. It runs throughout October from 5:45 PM to 9:00 PM. Dress up in your favorite costume, hop on a spooky train ride, explore a haunted mansion, and enjoy an exciting animal show.
Dive into Literature at the Texas Book Festival
The Texas Book Festival, held from November 16 to 17, 2024, is a free annual event. It transforms Austin into a literary wonderland for readers and writers alike. Held annually in the fall around the State Capitol in Downtown Austin, the event brings together the year’s most celebrated authors. It attracts over 40,000 readers from across the state.
Academy Award-winner and “Interstellar” star Matthew McConaughey will attend this year’s event. He will be celebrating the paperback release of his book, Greenlights. With author readings, panel discussions, a bustling book marketplace, and food vendors, this festival is a must-visit for anyone passionate about the written word.
Pick Pumpkins at Sweet Berry Farm
A fall outing isn’t complete without a trip to pumpkin patches. Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls, located just an hour northwest of downtown Austin, is one of the best in Texas. Celebrating the fall season from September 21 to November 3, 2024, this 152-acre Strawberry and Pumpkin Patch is the biggest and oldest in Central Texas.
Here, you can pick and paint your own pumpkins, enjoy a hay ride and scarecrow stuffing, and navigate through Texas, Candycorn, and Barnyard mazes. The Sweet Berry Express Barrel Train and weekly Pony Rides offer fun for the little ones. The farm’s seasonal activities and festive decorations make it a perfect autumn outing for the whole family.
Enjoy a Day at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm goes all out for fall with its 2024 Central Texas Fall Festival from September 21 to November 8, 2024. With tons of activities to keep your little ones engaged and active, this is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Austin this fall with your family.
While you pick your perfect pumpkin, let your kids enjoy unlimited pony rides and explore a giant 2-acre petting zoo. They can cheer on pig races, play in a safari-themed corn maze, and be creative with face painting. There’s also plenty of excitement with exotic animal feeding, giant slides, rope swings, Wall Ball, Treasure Mountain, the Swing Line, wagon rides, and delicious food from food trucks! There’s even a bakery on site that specializes in made-to-order birthday cakes, pies, donuts, & more.
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Rock Out at the Austin City Limits Music Festival
One of the most iconic music festivals in the country, the Austin City Limits Music Festival brings top-tier performers to Zilker Park every fall, where you can enjoy over 100 unforgettable performances across 9 stages. This iconic festival spans two weekends, offering an enticing selection of local food, drinks, and sweets from Austin’s most beloved vendors.
Wander Through Pumpkin Nights Austin
Pumpkin Nights Austin is a spectacular display of illuminated pumpkin sculptures and themed installations. Walking through the half-mile magical pumpkin pathways, you’ll be amazed by the creativity and artistry on display. Held from September 19th to October 31st, 2024, at Pioneer Farms, it’s one of the best Halloween events in Austin this fall.
With thrilling fire shows, live pumpkin artists, delicious food, and fall-themed drinks, you can even plan a fall date night at this event.
Brave the House of Torment
With 1,265+ 5-star Google Reviews and recognized as the Scariest Haunted House in America by Travel Channel, the perfect destination is a perfect destination for horror fans in Austin. This immersive haunted house features terrifyingly realistic sets, live actors, and spine-chilling special effects, leaving you screaming for rescue.
Feeling competitive? Test your skills with axe throwing at 5 throws for 5 AXE onsite! Compete with friends, aim for that bullseye, and claim victory. And for brave souls aged 21 and over, a pop-up bar, Neon Coffin, with themed cocktails, is perfect to refuel for another episode of Fright. Escape into this hidden oasis within the House of Torment, enjoy a refreshing shot, and capture the moment with three exclusive photo ops before diving back into the madness.
Explore the Supernatural with Austin Ghost Tours
Explore Austin’s haunted history with Austin Ghost Tours, the oldest and most authentic Austin-based ghost tour company. These guided tours take you to three of the city’s most haunted spots, where you’ll hear spine-tingling original and thoroughly researched stories of ghosts, spirits, and unexplained phenomena. It’s a thrilling way to experience the darker side of Austin.
For a more private experience, Haunted ATX offers private hearse limo tours to Austin’s haunted and paranormal locations, including the Tavern, Clay Pit, Littlefield House, and more. If you are interested in something “based on true events,” the annual Murder, Mayhem & Misadventure Walking Tour at Oakwood Cemetery on October 26, 2024, is a must-attend. Enjoy free admission and gain insights into the tragic endings of some of the region’s well-known inhabitants as they are brought to life by actors at their real burial sites.
Witness the Bat Emergence at Congress Avenue Bridge
One of Austin’s most unique natural phenomena is the nightly bat emergence at the Congress Avenue Bridge. As the sun sets, over a million Mexican free-tailed bats take to the sky in a breathtaking display. Fall is one of the best times to witness this spectacle, as the cooler temperatures encourage more activity.
Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering miles of hiking and biking trails, rock climbing spots, and swimming holes. In the fall, the Greenbelt’s lush foliage transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors, making it perfect for a scenic hike. Spanning over 12 miles, this greenbelt features numerous trails, including Twin Falls, Sculpture Falls, and a local favorite, the Hill of Life trail. The trail winds through South Austin and leads to the famous swimming hole, Gus Fruh. It’s an ideal spot to visit if you’re in Austin during the summer.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is also a great spot for birdwatching, especially during the fall when migratory birds visit. Keep an eye out for warblers, vireos, and native wildlife like deer, foxes, and reptiles.
Connect with Nature at McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is a beautiful destination for a fall day trip. Hike along the park’s trails, explore the historic homestead, and enjoy a picnic by the cascading waterfalls. With nearly nine miles of trails to hike or bike, including the stroller and road bike-friendly 2.8-mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail, this green oasis is the perfect place to admire Austin’s great outdoors.
After a day of adventure, you can choose from 81 campsites, all equipped with water and electric hookups, to extend your stay. Alternatively, opt for one of the newly remodeled cabins for a Texas glamping experience amidst the backdrop of fall foliage.
Celebrate at the Pecan Street Festival
The Pecan Street Festival is one of Austin’s oldest traditions, held biannually in the city’s historic Sixth Street district. Taking place the first Saturday & Sunday in May and the last Saturday & Sunday in September (September 14th-15th, 2024). It attracts hundreds of local and national artisans, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy live music, delicious food from local vendors, a petting zoo, kid’s rides, and more.
You can enjoy some retail therapy by exploring an array of locally crafted art in various mediums. These range from metal, fiber, leather, glass, wood, clay, and stone to unique creations made from repurposed materials.
Discover the Beauty of Waterloo Greenway
Waterloo Greenway is a newly developed urban park along Waller Creek. The park’s scenic trails and interactive art installations offer quite a view. However, the highlight of this holiday season will be the 10-year celebratory creek show exhibition from November 8 to 16.
A variety of fall events, including Glow in the Park 2024 and Workout at Waterloo, will also add to the festivities.
Festivities at Uhland Fall Fest
Uhland Fall Fest, formerly known as the Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival, offers five weekends of fall fun. This event runs from September 28 to October 27, 2024. The event will be held at a historic 15-acre farmstead, located 25 miles south of Austin. It will feature over 50 fall-inspired games, fun zones, a Trading Post, and a Pumpkin Patch showcasing more than 30 colorful gourd species.
In addition, 30 talented American roots performers will entertain the crowd. An artisan market and a delightful array of seasonal foods and beverages will be available for both children and adults.
Experience Día de los Muertos Austin
Celebrate the vibrant Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos at the annual Austin festival. The festivities in the heart of Downtown Austin begins in late October and run through early November. They kick off with a lively parade marching west on Sixth Street, ending with a vibrant celebration at the festival grounds at Fourth Street and Congress Avenue. This event features colorful altars, live music, traditional dances, and delicious Mexican cuisine.
Don’t miss out on the 41st annual Viva la Vida celebration on October 26 at the Mexic-Arte Museum. It’s a cultural experience that brings the community together to honor loved ones who have passed.
Enjoy a Meal at Scholz Garten
Scholz Garten is one of Austin’s oldest and most beloved beer gardens. This fall, enjoy a meal in their outdoor seating area, where you can savor traditional German fare and local brews amidst a festive, autumnal atmosphere.
Unwind at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden is a popular spot for relaxing with friends and family. This South Asian eatery features specialty coffee, locally brewed beer, craft cocktails, food trucks, and live music. Their spacious outdoor garden, with cozy fire pits and native plants, is especially inviting in the fall.
Enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee paired with cosmic or breakfast tacos. Or, you can relax with a craft beer while soaking in the cool, crisp air.
Other Things To Do in Texas This Fall
Looking to expand your fall adventure beyond San Antonio? Texas has so much more to offer!
Don’t miss out on the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, where you can enjoy mouthwatering fried treats, thrilling rides, and live entertainment. For a taste of German culture, head to Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, where you’ll find delicious sausages, refreshing beer, and lively music. If you’re a nature lover, Big Bend National Park offers breathtaking landscapes, perfect for hiking and stargazing.
Read More: Top Fall Activities You Can’t Miss in Texas
Fall Things To Do in Austin: FAQs
What is fall like in Austin, Texas?
Fall in Austin, Texas, is a delightful season marked by cooler temperatures, vibrant foliage, and various outdoor activities and festivals. The daily minimum temperatures experience a significant drop of 26°F, declining from a relatively warm 74°F to a cooler 48°F. It is uncommon for the temperatures to dip below 35°F or rise above 78°F.
This is the best time of year to enjoy Austin’s pleasant weather and explore the outdoors. You can also partake in fall-themed events in and around the city limits.
Does Austin have fall foliage?
Yes, Austin has fall foliage! While not as dramatic as in some regions, Austin still offers beautiful autumn colors. You can enjoy the fall scenery at places like McKinney Falls State Park.
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Fall Things To Do in Austin: Final Thoughts
In Austin, fall is more than just a season—a feeling, a time to come together and celebrate all the cozy, wonderful things that autumn brings. My recent autumn weekend in this vibrant city was filled with many special moments I can’t help but share. Whether strolling along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, picking pumpkins at Sweet Berry Farm, or the spooky adventures of the House of Torment, each experience in Austin this fall is truly one of a kind. Long story short, it’s not a bad idea to “fall” in Austin this year.
Last Updated 35 seconds ago by Jessica Serna | Published: September 29, 2024
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