If you look forward to pumpkin spice everything and the promise of cooler days to come, then this list will be the best thing you see today. Get ready for some fall fun with these 30+ FREE fall festivals in Austin (and beyond)!
Photo by Sarah Siller Photography
Free Fall Festivals In And Around Austin
Mother Earth Day Festival at the Springs
September 15 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
This FREE festival is designed for environmental awareness and fun, especially relating to Barton Springs and Barton Creek. A special emphasis is placed on water conservation. Every activity is made to ensure that kids from 4-13 years of age have a great time and an interactive learning experience. Enjoy music, puppet shows, murals, interactive booths, games, art, and local wildlife during Mother Earth Day at the Springs. (Rain date is September 19.)
Fit Kids Fest
September 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | The Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
This FREE event provides children and their families with information about healthy eating and activity choices within our community. Activities include kids yoga, stretching, trampolines, family workouts, a giant rock climbing wall, and even an inflatable obstacle course. There will also be coloring, cooking demonstrations, garden starter kits, plus special appearances from H-E-Buddy and Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs. Sun Radio will be onsite for a live remote. Parking will be available for $8 per car at the Palmer Events Center Garage.
Mermaid Promenade and Mermaid Aqua Faire (San Marcos)
September 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Downtown San Marcos
Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the downtown parade will feature floats, marchers, music, and “all things San Marcos.” Leading the parade will be Austin Samba and Las Monas de San Antonio bringing their brand of “radical creativity, fantasy and imagination” to the parade with a sizzling combination of rhythm, dance, movement, color, joy and . . . giant mermaid puppets. After the parade, head over to San Marcos Plaza Park for the Mermaid Aqua Faire. The San Marcos River serves as the beautiful backdrop to this fun filled FREE festival that has something for Merfolk of all ages. Listen to live music throughout the day while relaxing at this family fun-filled event.
Austin Museum Day
September 17 | Various locations
Austin Museum Day is here! It’s your day to enjoy FREE access to tons of fun exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages at 35+ Austin-area museums. Museum Day visitors will enjoy all variety of special programming including guided tours, hands-on activities, and more. You can even participate in the Austin Museum Day Instagram contest for a chance to win great prizes! (Just visit this page and scroll down for instructions.) FREE! Various locations in the Austin area.
Austin Symphonic Band’s Fall Concert in the Park
September 17 from 7-8:30 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Dr, Austin
Audience members are encouraged to picnic and spread a blanket under the pecan trees at the beautiful Hillside Theater, then watch the stars come out as the band showcases music as big as the great outdoors. Enjoy selections from landmark musicals including Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and West Side Story alongside toe-tapping marches. FREE!
Harvest of Fall Fun (Marble Falls)
September 23 – November 8 (closed Wednesdays) | 1801 FM 1980 Marble Falls
Harvest of Fall Fun runs September 23 – November 8, 2017. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; 1–5 p.m. on Sunday. Closed all Wednesdays. Parking is FREE. The pumpkins and gourds are individually priced. Admission is FREE, but each activity has a fee. Activities include a hayride, corn maze, and pumpkin painting. View pricing and coupons here. (Payment by cash or check only.) GPS isn’t always accurate for this location; view directions here.
National Hunting & Fishing Day (Round Rock)
September 23 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Old Settlers Park, 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
Join the City of Round Rock and Kids Outdoor Zone in celebrating the original outdoor challenge – National Hunting and Fishing Day. It will be a great family-oriented event, with fun and educational hands-on activities for everyone to enjoy. FREE!
The Robinson Family Farm (Temple)
Weekends, September 23 – October 29 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | 3780 White Owl Ln, Temple
Parking and admission are FREE! Activities require the purchase of either tickets or a wristband. Wristbands are $10 per person and allow unlimited turns at all activities and one turn at pumpkin sand art.
Pecan Street Festival
September 23 from 11:00 – 10:00 p.m. & September 24 from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | 6th Street between Brazos & IH-35, Austin
The Pecan Street Festival is a FREE two-day arts festival held twice yearly in downtown Austin’s Sixth Street Historic District. The juried festival attracts hundreds of local and national artisans offering original handcrafted creations in a variety of mediums, from metal, wood, fiber, clay, leather, glass and stone to repurposed materials of all kinds.
Gateway Community Church Fall Festival
September 23 from 4-7:30 p.m. | Gateway Community Church, 6800 West Gate Blvd, Ste 120, Austin
Gateway Church’s’ Fall Fest is FREE and open to the public. There will be non-stop entertainment from the best in local music and theater, bouncy houses, a dunking booth, food, art, face painting, games for young and old, prizes, and demonstrations from karate experts, firefighters, and dancers.
LifeKids Family Fall Festival
September 23 from 5-9:00 p.m. | LifeAustin, 8901 W Hwy 71, Austin
LifeKids Family Fall Festival will have a 52 ft Ferris Wheel, a kiddie roller coaster, a 100-foot super slide, swings, inflatables, food trucks, and more. Admission is FREE! Some activities require ticket purchase.
Texas American Indian Heritage Day
September 29 from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin
The Texas State Legislature has named the last Friday in September as American Indian Heritage Day, which recognizes the historic, cultural, and social contributions American Indian communities and leaders have made to the state. To celebrate this special day, the Bullock Museum will feature a range of activities with dancing and drumming performances and interactive experiences for school groups during the morning, and a FREE evening program that celebrates the traditional and contemporary arts of Texas’s American Indian groups.
St. Elias Mediterranean Festival
September 29 from noon – 4:00 p.m. | 408 E 11th St, Austin
Enjoy one of Austin’s most beloved, delicious, and fun-filled festivals—the St. Elias Mediterranean Festival. Festival takes place all weekend, but admission is only FREE on Saturday from noon to 4:00 p.m. Activities require ticket purchase.
Round Rock Garden Center Fall Fest (Round Rock)
September 30 from 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Round Rock Garden Center, 901 Sam Bass Rd, Round Rock
FREE fall festival! Enjoy live music, fun family-friendly activities & educational booths, face-painting and more! Tacos available for purchase from Taconmaye’s food truck!
Fall Festival
October 1 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Shepherd of the Hills Christian Church, 6909 W Courtyard Dr, Austin
Enjoy fun, friends, food, festivities, and inflatables. Admission is FREE!
Chalk Walk (Round Rock)
October 6 from 5-10:00 p.m. & October 7 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Centennial Plaza, 301 West Bagdad, Round Rock
Chalk is the theme. Artists are free to create a picture on the concrete with chalk pastels. Music, children’s activities, art created by local artists, and wonderful food booths abound. Admission and parking are FREE!
Pumpkin Hunt (Elgin)
Weekends in October | Evergreen Farms, 242 Monkey Rd, Elgin
Spend a special day with the Down Home Ranch Friends at Evergreen Farms. The Pumpkin Hunt is a family-friendly event where children of all ages can enjoy fall activities. All activities are ongoing throughout the day, allowing families to customize their experience at the farm. Pumpkins of all sizes will be available for purchase. Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 1-5:00 p.m. Admission is FREE, but some activities require fees.
Cross Plants and Produce (Kyle)
Weekends in October from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | 701 N Old Hwy 81, Kyle
Cross Plants and Produce is an everyday farmer’s market and plant nursery in Kyle. They have a large kid’s play area with picnic tables, a mini horse and mini donkey, a farm dog, and bunny rabbit. The Pumpkin Patch will be open on weekdays (except Mondays) with FREE activities on weekends. Admission is FREE! Paint-a-pumpkin is $5. The pumpkin patch will be open until they run out of pumpkins, so call before you go to confirm.
Texas Teen Book Festival
October 7 from 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. | St Edward’s University, 3001 S Congress Ave, Austin
The FREE annual one-day festival takes place on the campus of St. Edward’s University. No, you don’t have to be a teen to attend. All ages are welcome. The Festival will feature nationally and critically recognized authors, writing workshops, and workshops for educators.
Red Barn’s Annual PumpkinFest
October 14 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Red Barn Garden Center, 12881 Pond Springs Rd, Austin
PumpkinFest 2017 will be FREE and will feature a bounce house, candy, pumpkins, and more.
Diwali Festival of Lights
October 14 from 5:00 p.m. to midnight | Radha Madhav Dham, 400 Barsana Rd, Austin
Austin, sparkle up your Diwali with joy at Radha Madhav Dham! Ignite the flame of spirituality in your heart and jJoin in the magnificent festival of Diwali, the festival of lights. Admission and parking are FREE!
Touch A Truck (Round Rock)
October 21 from 9:00 a.m. to noon | Old Settlers Park, 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
Touch a Truck provides a unique opportunity for children to explore vehicles of all types–public service, emergency, utility, construction, transportation, delivery, and just plain cool–all in one place. Those young and young at heart will be allowed to touch, climb on, and ask questions about their favorite trucks in a safe, supervised environment. There will be a “no horn hour” for those with sensitive ears or who do not respond well to loud noises from 11:00 a.m. to noon. The event is FREE but guests are encouraged to bring a canned food item donation to donate to the Round Rock Serving Center.
Annual Austin Arbor Day
October 21 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Austin Nature & Science Center, 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin
Be one of the first to walk the new tree trail at ANSC on a Tree Trail Tour. Climbing experts will assist kids who want to practice tree climbing with harness and ropes. Park Rangers will be on hand with their Nature Trailer for making unique arts and crafts. Got tree questions? Ask an arborist. Admission is FREE!
Hairy Man SpookyFest (Round Rock)
October 21 from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Cat Hollow Park, 8600 O’Connor Dr, Round Rock
The Hairy Man Festival is a family-oriented festival that includes an arts and crafts area with numerous artisans participating. There are special performances and live music by local groups and organizations on the Festival Stage. Judged by local community leaders, the festival closes out with the legendary ‘Hairiest Man’ contest. Admission to the festival is FREE with two non-perishable food items (or $2 per person) to support local food banks.
Pfall Chili Pfest (Pflugerville)
October 21 from noon to 5:00 p.m. | 100 E Main St, Pflugerville
This annual chili cook-off contest has as many as 40 teams entered, plus vendors, a car show, a children’s area, and live music on stage. Admission is FREEB Packages of tasting cups and spoons will be available for purchase.
Eagle Fest
October 21 from 3-6:00 p.m. | Summitt Elementary School, 12207 Brigadoon Ln, Austin
All proceeds from this family-friendly festival benefit programs at Summitt Elementary School. Families can enjoy carnival games, prizes, and food at this event. Admission is FREE! Activity tickets can be purchase here in advance.
Trunk or Treat for Kids with Special Needs (Round Rock)
October 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Seton Medical Center Williamson, 201 Seton Pkwy, Round Rock
Join Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department and Williamson Pediatric Rehab for this FREE trick-or-treating event. A family-centered event, it encourages active participation for children with various disabilities or limitations. Trick or Treat from car to car, trunk to trunk. Costumes encouraged. Bring your trick or treat bags.
Fall Family Fun Day
October 22 from 2-5 p.m. | The Rusty Mule, 9201 Highway 290 W, Austin
Family Fall Fun Day will be filled with food trucks, cold drinks, and live music. The kids will love the playscape, face painter, snow cones, and pumpkin crafts! There will be an amazing selection of vendors to trunk or treat with, for a fun shopping experience for all!
Dolphin Fest
October 28 from noon to 5:00 p.m. | Davis Elementary School, 5214 Duval Rd, Austin
Celebrate fall through food, music, games, and good family fun. This perfect family event features bounce houses, face painting, confetti eggs, silly string wars, dunk booths, and more. All proceeds benefit Davis Elementary. Admission is FREE! Activity tickets can be purchase here in advance.
Hogeye Festival (Elgin)
October 28 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Veterans’ Memorial Park, 109 Depot St, Elgin
The festival features live music and entertainment on three stages, handmade arts and crafts, children’s activities, a children’s costume pet parade, a carnival, Road Hog Car Show, and great festive food. Admission and festival shuttle (at the Hwy 95 North Park and Ride) are FREE!
Fable Fest (Cedar Park)
October 28 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd, Cedar Park
Attractions and entertainment at this year’s Fable Fest include: The Kings Carnival, where kids of all ages can play games, make arts and crafts, and enjoy inflatables, a petting zoo, and pony rides (tickets purchase required); The Cobblestone Market provides the opportunity to shop with a variety of Arts & Crafts vendors and other area merchants; The Pig’s Pub will provide an opportunity to eat your fill on foods of all kinds; The Troubadour’s Court with feature live music and theatrical performances; and The Royal Academy will be home to live jousting and blacksmith demonstrations. Admission is FREE!
Viva la Vida Festival and Parade
October 28 from noon to 8:00 p.m. | 100-200 block E 4th St, Austin
Mexic-Arte Museum’s Viva La Vida Fest is Austin’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. The FREE festival features a Grand Procession, an education pavilion with hands-on art activities and artist demos, and a celebration with traditional foods, local artist and retail booths, a low-rider exhibition, live music, and performances throughout the day. This year’s festival will honor Frida Kahlo in conjunction with the autumn exhibit Diego & Frida: A Smile in the Middle of the Way.
Fall Family Fun Fest
October 28 from 1-5:00 p.m. | Pavilion at Great Hills, 11819 Pavilion Blvd, Austin
Youth2Seniors invites you and your family to a unique event filled with all sorts of fun. Participate in activities that give back the community, take photos in the photo booth, create art projects, and read stories about our generations. FREE and fun for participants of all ages.
Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival (Leander)
October 28 from 2-4:00 p.m. | Leander United Methodist Church, 107 S West Dr, Leander
Enjoy food, prizes, face painting, and family portraits. Everything at Fall Fest is FREE!
Last Straw Fest at UMLAUF
October 29 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | UMLAUF, 605 Robert E Lee Rd, Austin
Last Straw Fest is a FREE event for all ages. Festival activities include pumpkin carving, fall-themed family activities, food trucks, and concessions. You’ll be amazed by the many scarecrow sculptures created by generous sponsors.
Planet K Texas Fireworks and Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
October 31 | East of Pleasant Valley, behind Krieg Baseball Field, 515 S Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin
On Halloween, thousands of spectators will gather with Planet K to rejoice and celebrate the lives of loved ones passed. There will be a grand display of life affirming fireworks, celebrating Dia De Los Muertos, the traditional Mexican holiday, Planet K style.
Texas Book Festival
November 4 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. & November 5 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Texas State Capitol, Austin
One of the largest and most prestigious literary festivals in the country, the annual Texas Book Festival features 250+ nationally and critically recognized authors, 20+ venues including the State Capitol, 80+ exhibitors, live music, local food trucks, family activities, and countless opportunities to meet authors and fellow book lovers. Admission is FREE!
East Austin Studio Tour
November 11 & 12, 18 & 19 from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Various locations in Austin
EAST is an annual, FREE, self-guided art event occurring over two weekends in November, providing the public with an opportunity to meet the makers–the local artists and artisans who leave a lasting imprint on Austin’s vibrant, dynamic culture. Tour-goers are invited to discover new artistic talent, see working studios, learn about artists’ tools, techniques, and inspirations, and explore unique exhibition spaces and local businesses.
Bonus Fall Fun That Isn’t Free:
Barton Hill Farms (Bastrop)
Weekends, September 23 through November 5 | 1115 FM 969, Bastrop
Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Admission is $14 for ages 3 and up. Kids 2 and under are FREE. You can save $1 if you purchase tickets online. Barton Hill Farms boasts a 5-acre corn maze, frontier games, a pumpkin patch and more.
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm Fall Festival (Georgetown)
Weekends from September 30 through November 19, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Sweet Eats Fruit Farm, 14400 E TX-29, Georgetown
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is a beautiful peach orchard located on the San Gabriel River with many farm activities nestled under 100+ year old pecan trees. They will have usual farm activities: pony rides, petting zoo, hay maze, bouncy pad, face painting, and obstacle course. The Fall Festival will include a large pumpkin patch, many Fall photo opportunities, hay rides, live music, local food trucks, and adult beverages. Admission $12/child, $10/adult. Children under 2 are FREE.
Boo at the Zoo
Friday and Saturday nights in October from 6:30-9:00 p.m. | 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin
Wear a costume (no adult masks, please), ride the haunted train ride, explore the haunted house, and see the animals. Plus, enjoy the special musical entertainment. Feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy in the Picnic Grove. The Zoo will be illuminated and decorated for the occasion. Tickets are $17.50 per person and must be purchased in advance.
Fall Family Fun Festival at Crowe’s Nest Farm (Manor)
Saturdays in October from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 10300 Taylor Lane, Manor
Every October, Crowe’s Nest Farm hosts Saturday Fall Festivals that are open to the general public. It’s the most beautiful time of year to visit the farm and take part in all the regular Group Tour activities, plus experience many added attractions like raptor shows, snake shows, sheep shearing, corn shucking, apple cider making, live music, and lots of local vendors selling everything from fresh organic produce, eggs, honey, jam, and bread, to hand-crafted knittings and leather-work. Admission rates apply.
Elgin Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Festival (Elgin)
October 14, 15, 21, 22 | 120 Nature’s Way (off Roy Davis Rd), Elgin
The Pumpkin Festival will take place October 14, 15, 21 & 22. Admission is $7 for kids (age 2 and up) and $9 for adults. Hours are Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5:30 p.m. Sign up for their newsletter and get a coupon for one FREE child admission. Activities are included in the price of admission. There will be hayrides, mazes, kiddie train rides (weekends only), a playground, pumpkin painting (with the purchase of a pumpkin), visiting with farm animals, and more.
Oktoberfest
October 14 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | German Free School, 507 E 10th St, Austin
The German-Texan Heritage Society will hold their annual family-friendly festival, which will include live music, food, a biergarten, activities for kids, and more. Check their website for admission prices.
Diwali in Downtown
October 15 3-7:00 p.m. | Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St, Austin
Diwali is a festival celebrated by millions of people worldwide annually and is the most prominent festival in India. This celebration is an official holiday in more than twelve countries and signifies the victory of good over evil. There will be a live DJ and 25 unique cultural performances for endless entertainment. Performances will range from traditional Indian dances to pop Bollywood songs. Authentic Indian food, chai tea, Indian quesadillas, mango lassi, and shaved ice will be served. Vendors and booths will be there in abundance featuring henna tattoos, crafts, and educational booths. Last, but not least, there will be kid activities to entertain the little ones. All profits from the event will go toward highlighting the Indian Community presence in Austin. Tickets are $5 per person; children under 2 are FREE.
Wurstfest (New Braunfels)
November 3-12 | 120 Landa St, New Braunfels
Wurstfest is a unique annual celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun. You’ll enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German, Texan, and domestic beer, special events, and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian Style Entertainment. Check website for schedule and hours. Advance purchase tickets are available here. Children 12 and under are FREE. No admission ticket is required if you enter the gates before 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 4, or after 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 13!
