Things to Do in Austin This Fall: Your Ultimate Guide to the BER Months

As the BER months settle in, Austin bursts into full autumn mode—but with that unique Texas twist. Instead of fiery foliage like in the Northeast, we get crisp days, layered outdoor fun, and a flare of seasonal festivals that are perfect for soaking up the cooler vibes. Here’s a curated blog-style guide to your must-do fall attractions in and around Austin this year:

Austin Fall Attractions You Can't Miss

1. Immersive Magic: The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail

Kick off the fall fun at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. This enchanting walk-through spectacle, running Sept 25 to Nov 30, blends Halloween and holiday charm with themed lights, music, and projections featuring Jack Skellington and friends. A delightfully spooky yet festive adventure for all ages. Statesman

2. Live Music & Festival Season: ACL, Levitation, Wicked Oaks, and More

Austin’s fall calendar is stacked with music magic. Highlights include:

• Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) across two weekends in October

• Levitation Fest, a psy-rock showcase in late September

• Wicked Oaks Music Festival, a fusion of EDM, chill, and spooky vibes

• Formula 1 at COTA, where music like Garth Brooks and Kygo meets motorsport

• Seismic Dance Event, wrapping it up with heavy techno and house beats Statesman+1

3. Autumn Adventures: Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, and More

Fall in Austin means cozy outdoor fun:

• Family-friendly pumpkin patches and hay mazes— Uhland Fall Fest and Sweet Eats Fruit Farm in Georgetown offer everything from train rides to kettle corn and pony petting. The Austin Things

• Boo at the Zoo: Spooky evenings filled with haunted attractions at the Austin Zoo in October. The Austin ThingsCurly Girl Texas

4. Outdoor Markets, Coffee, and Tailgate Season

Bounce between shopping, seasonal drinks, and football:

• Stroll through Austin Flea or the Texas Farmers Market at Mueller or Lakeline for local finds and treats. Viva Day Spa + Med Spa

• On October 1, celebrate International Coffee Day with pumpkin-spiced beverages and festive displays at places like Cosmic Coffee and Beer. Viva Day Spa + Med Spa

• Sports fans, rejoice! University of Texas gamedays at DKR stadium stack the fall with tailgates, spirited crowds, and orange-and-white pride. Viva Day Spa + Med SpaThe Austin Things

5. Strolls, Trails, and Botanical Beauty

The cooler temperatures make it prime time for exploring Austin’s green spaces:

• Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and the Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake offer 10 miles of scenic paths, waterside views, and city skylines. Curly Girl TexasWikipedia+1

• Zilker Botanical Garden transforms into a savory autumn oasis with themed gardens in the heart of Zilker Park. Wikipedia

• Barton Creek Greenbelt offers hikes, limestone cliffs, and early fall adventure before things cool further. Wikipedia

6. Beyond the City: Hill Country Color & Charm

For a true fall foliage fix, head west:

• Lost Maples State Natural Area is the go-to for bigtooth maples bursting in reds and oranges. Best in late October to mid-November. Curly Girl TexasDo512 Family

• McKinney Falls State Park offers serene hikes, red oaks, and photo ops without leaving the city’s edge. Curly Girl TexasAustin Texas

• Fredericksburg’s Oktoberfest, just an hour away, delivers hearty German food, live music, and festivities in a charming setting. The Austin Things

7. Cultural Touches: Books & Outdoor Dining

• Texas Book Festival brings together authors, readings, panels, and music on the State Capitol grounds—free to enjoy in mid-November. The Austin ThingsCurly Girl Texas

• Fall patio season is in full swing—grab a cozy seat at spots like Fresa's, La Piscina, or Perla’s for alfresco dining with ambiance. The Austin ThingsCurly Girl Texas

Tips for Planning Your Fall Fun

Fall in Austin: A Blend of Live Music, Leaves, and Laid-back Vibes

From festival stages to peaceful trails and pumpkin-laden farms, autumn in ATX is all about variety. It’s a season of vibrant experiences—perfect for adventurers, families, date nights, or anyone just looking to soak up a fresh-air city in full cozy bloom.

Let me know if you’d like recommendations tailored to families, solo explorers, or a particular mood—I’d love to help you craft the ultimate fall itinerary!