Austin in October: 6 Can’t-Miss Events
September 19, 2024
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October is a great time to visit Austin. With the fall season beginning and the temperatures dropping, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and take in the city’s vibrant energy.
From ACL Fest to Formula 1, here are some events to add to your calendar if you’re planning a trip to Austin in October.
Austin Events in October
1. Austin City Limits Festival (ACL)
It wouldn’t be fall in Austin without ACL. The annual tradition of welcoming the world’s top music acts to Austin for two weekends in October is back. Each year, Austin City Limits Festival brings vibrant energy to Zilker Park where hundreds of performances take place across nine stages.
This year’s festival is happening October 4-6 and October 11-13. The 2024 ACL Fest lineup includes headliners Blink-182, Foster the People, Dua Lipa, Chappell Roan, Chris Stapleton, Leon Bridges, and Tyler, the Creator, among many others.
2. Austin Oktoberfest
If you want to participate in an authentic German-style celebration, look no further than Austin’s Oktoberfest on October 12. Hosted by the German-Texan Heritage Society, the event is the most traditional and longest-running event of its kind in Austin. Oktoberfest includes a full day of live music, authentic German food, and, of course, beer. Plus, guests staying at the Heywood don’t have to travel far to get to the party — it takes place in the Red River Cultural District, a little over a mile from the hotel.
3. Quesoff
Cheese enthusiasts, this event is for you. Hosted by Mohawk, Quesoff is an annual celebration of all things queso (Austinites’ unofficial favorite side dish). Restaurants, chefs, and home chefs compete in four categories: Meaty, Spicy, Veggie, and Wild Card.
It’s not just about award-winning cheese; the event benefits Central Texas Food Bank. The event takes place at Mohawk, about a mile and a half from the Heywood, on October 13.
4. Formula 1
One of the most thrilling sports events of the year is happening on October 18-20, 2024. F1, officially called Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix, is a three-day event packed with thrilling races and showstopping concerts. This year’s performances will be from Eminem and Sting.
Looking for more tips for F1 weekend? Check out our full guide for Formula 1. We’ve also compiled a list of the best restaurants to visit in Austin during Formula 1.
5. Austin Film Festival
Austin has a thriving film and arts scene that champions the work of filmmakers, artists, and writers. The Austin Film Festival 31st annual festival includes over 30 feature film screenings, Q&As with writers, actors, and directors, and additional programming, including over 80 short films. The festival takes place 10/24/24 through 10/31/24 across Austin at various venues including the iconic Paramount and State Theatres. If you’re a film lover, this is a can’t-miss fall event in Austin.
6. Legacy Business Month
Preservation Austin describes a legacy business as “a beloved local establishment open for 20 years or more that anchors a community and epitomizes classic cool.” Legacy businesses are the foundation of Austin, and there’s no better time to celebrate them than during Legacy Business Month.
Hosted by Preservation Austin, the month-long event celebrates iconic Austin businesses, from Esther’s Follies to The Continental Club to Aster’s Ethiopian. To participate in the festivities, grab a passport from Preservation Austin and get it stamped by visiting the legacy businesses listed on its website. Not only are you supporting longtime local businesses, but you could also win prizes for getting stamps.
Visiting Austin for one of these October events? Book your stay at the Heywood for a 100% local Austin hotel experience.
