Austin in November: 7 Events Happening This Fall
September 25, 2024
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Planning a trip to Austin in November? The fall season is a great time to enjoy all the city has to offer. Whether you want to explore the best restaurants and patios or attend one of the many food, drink, or art events, there’s truly something for everyone.
From the Austin Food + Wine Festival to the Texas Book Festival, here’s what to do in Austin in November.
Austin Events in November
1. SVRA Austin SpeedTour
Circuit of the Americas is home to all types of motor events, from Formula 1 to MotoGP. While those events draw in race enthusiasts from around the world, there’s another event at COTA geared toward car fans that’s under the radar, and it happens each fall in Austin.
SVRA, or Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, is hosting its annual vintage race car SpeedTour from November 1-3. Ticket prices range from $15 to $40, depending on if you want to go for a day or the whole weekend.
2. Austin Food + Wine Festival
Austin’s thriving food scene culminates at the Austin Food + Wine Festival the first weekend in November at Auditorium Shores. From November 1-3, festival-goers can sample unique bites and premier spirits, wines, and beers as well as watch chef demos from some of the nation’s top tastemakers.
Featured chefs include Amanda Turner of Olamaie (and recent Top Chef competitor), Tyson Cole of Uchi and Loro, Edgar Rico of Nixta Taqueria, and Barrett Black of The Original Black’s BBQ, among many others. Tickets start at $195.
3. Wurstfest
If you’re looking to extend the Oktoberfest spirit into November, then attending Wurstfest is a must. The annual German celebration takes place in New Braunfels, about a 50-mile drive from Austin, from November 1-10. The festival is jam-packed with authentic German food (i.e., plenty of sausage in various forms!), beers, and live music. Plus, there are carnival rides, games, and shopping. It all takes place on historic grounds along the Comal River.
4. Texas Monthly BBQ Fest
While Austin is home to numerous award-winning BBQ joints, we’re also lucky to be just 30 miles away from the BBQ Capital of Texas: Lockhart. And Texas Monthly BBQ Fest is the perfect opportunity to visit the city and see why people rave about Texas’ BBQ scene.
The weekend-long festival is happening November 2-3 in historic downtown Lockhart and Lockhart City Park. The festivities celebrate BBQ restaurants and pitmasters across the state through with live music, beverages, and food from over 35 barbecue joints featured on Texas Monthly’s most recent list of Top 50 BBQ Joints. Saturday’s event (BBQ World’s Fair) is free and open to the public while the main event on Sunday (Top 50 Picnic) requires a ticket.
5. Austin Studio Tour
At the Heywood Hotel, we pride ourselves on creating a 100% local Austin hotel experience, and one way we do that is by featuring local Austin artists, makers and textile designers throughout the hotel.
That’s why one of our favorite fall events in Austin is the Austin Studio Tour. The free, self-guided art event offers the opportunity to visit local artists’ studio spaces, see their work, and learn about their processes. The festivities kick off the weekend of November 9-11 and feature West Austin studios (anything west of I-35). The second weekend takes place November 16-17 and showcases East Austin studios (east of I-35) — where we are proudly located!
6. Texas Book Festival
Literary fans, this fall event is for you. The Texas Book Festival is a literary festival that celebrates Texas authors and books. From author panels to book signings, even chef demos and food trucks, the event is a fun way to connect with the reading community.
While the festival is free to attend, there are two special ticketed events to see headlining authors Matthew McConaughey and Malcolm Gladwell. The Texas Book Festival takes place in downtown Austin (just a little over a mile from the Heywood!) from November 16-17.
7. Texas Craft Brewers Festival
Fall is festival season in Austin which means there’s an event for everyone and every interest, including craft beer. On November 16, consider attending the Texas Craft Brewers Festival, the state’s largest annual celebration of small and independent Texas craft breweries. Tickets are $50 per person (or $20 if you’re the designated driver and stick to non-alcoholic drinks).
The festival takes place at Fiesta Gardens, less than a mile from the Heywood! Take advantage of our free parking and stroll over to the festival for an afternoon of supporting and tasting from breweries all over Texas.
Visiting Austin in November? Book your stay at the Heywood Hotel for a local experience this fall.
Feature image via Austin Food & Wine Festival.