Best Free Fun in Austin Events Happening in October 2025

Fall is in full swing and so are the many festivals and events! This month, you can look forward to ACL, F1 week and lots of free fun events.

Best Free Fun in Austin Events – October 2025

Fall Movie Series at Southpark Meadows

The fall movie series is back at Southpark Meadows. Join for Halloween Movies every Friday in October! The lineup includes: The Addams Family (October 3), The Haunted Mansion (October 10), Beetlejuice (October 17) and Hocus Pocus (October 24). They are also hosting a Hocus Pocus themed Halloween party on October 25.

Round Rock Arts Fest

Round Rock Arts Fest is an annual celebration of creativity in all of its forms, with live performances, food and drink, vendors of all kinds, 8 foot sidewalk chalk murals being created before your eyes, visual artists, interactive art and music experiences, and more! Some of that “and more” includes a fun Oktoberfest with Bluebonnet Beer Company! This three day event is for families, residents and visitors to Round Rock, and admission is free! Round Rock Arts Fest takes place October 3 through 5 at Centennial Plaza, in Downtown Round Rock. Get more info here.

Halloween Bazaar

Celebrate with the Austin Public Library! Join for an all ages Halloween Bazaar on Saturday, October 4 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Ruiz branch. They will have carnival games for kids, Halloween crafts for the family, face painting and treats. More details here.

Music on the Trail

Shake up your Wednesday nights with Music on the Trail. This free live music series happens right on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Every week, the Rainey Street Trailhead lawn transforms into Austin’s coolest outdoor concert spot, featuring incredible local musicians.

This month’s schedule includes:
• October 8 – N.O.A
• October 15 – Me Nd Adam
• October 22 – The Peterson Brothers
• October 29 – Julie Nolen

Texas Fight Rally & Parade

Be there on Wednesday, October 8 to watch the parade make its way down Guad. Then, join in and follow to the Tower where we’ll send the team off to Dallas in true Longhorn fashion. Hear from the Longhorn football team and coaches, see performances by UT Cheer & Pom and the Longhorn Band and more. TEXAS FIGHT PARADE starts at 6:30 p.m. on Guadalupe between 25th & 21st Street. The TEXAS FIGHT RALLY is at 7 p.m. at the Tower.

Kyle Founder’s Parade

The City of Kyle invites the community to share in the town’s birthday celebration at the annual Founders’ Parade on Saturday, October 11 starting at 11 a.m. The town of Kyle was platted and the first lots sold sometime around the 15th of October, 1880. Parades through downtown around the middle of October have been a tradition since. Get more details here.

Diwali Festival

Join for a magical day dedicated to the Festival of Lights on Saturday, October 11! Experience the vibrant traditions of Diwali with music, dance, food, art and dazzling lights that bring our community together. Don’t miss this unforgettable FREE day of color, culture, and connection! CLICK HERE to learn more.

Dottie’s Trail of Treats

Join for a spooktacular event at Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park! on Thursday, October 16 at 5 p.m. Enjoy a spooky trail, candy booths and free activities for all abilities and ages in a festive atmosphere. Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy games, candy, and more. Don’t miss out on this exciting in-person event that’s perfect for the whole family. In the event of inclement weather, Trail of Treats will be moved to October 23.

Roots & Wings Festival: Dig It! The Home Food Forest

Join the Howson branch of the Austin Public Library for an enriching and hands-on gardening workshop with local expert Austin Davenport! This adult-only event on Tuesday, October 21 from 6 to 7:45 p.m. will guide you through the essentials of selecting, planting, and nurturing fruit trees, shrubs and vines specifically suited for Texas. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge, skills, tools and trees to create your own backyard bounty. The first 50 attendees will have the opportunity to choose a free fruit tree or blackberry bramble to start their own backyard orchard. Free pruning tools and a limited number of grow bags will also be available for attendees who cannot plant their seedlings in the ground.

42nd Annual Viva la Vida Festival & Parade

Mexic-Arte Museum’s 42nd Annual Viva La Vida Festival and Parade is Austin’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event. Co-presented by the Austin Convention Center and the City of Austin, this year’s festival will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 4th Street and Congress Avenue. The festivities begin with a Grand Procession at noon, and Festival activities run until 6 pm. Participants can enjoy the Education Pavilion with hands-on art activities, traditional foods, local artists and retail booths, a low-rider exhibition and live performances throughout the day.

Pumpkin Carver 2025

Join The Carver on Saturday, October 25 from 12 to 3 p.m. for the annual Pumpkin Carver! This free, family-friendly event is jam packed with fall fun. The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center will supply free pumpkins (two pumpkins per family, while supplies last), carving kits to use on site, goodie bags, food,and drinks! There will be a costume contest, a pumpkin carving contest (for prizes), live goats, fun activities, music, and more! Hosted in partnership with the Carver Branch Library.