- September 28, 2015

Free “Don’t Miss” October Events In Austin

0 comments

While Austin is never short on things to do, October in Austin is especially busy! Autumn is finally here, which seems to be almost everyone’s favorite season. Pumpkins are back, so check out our list of local pumpkin patches for great photo ops, and our roundup of fall festivals for even more fun!

Free Fun in October:

Fall Fun at Sweet Berry Farm – Open daily through November 8, 2015 (closed Wednesdays.) Monday – Saturday (excluding Wednesday) from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission and parking are FREE; activities have a fee. Cash or check only. Harvest the fall fun at Sweet Berry Farm with corn mazes, a Berry Bounce, pumpkin painting, stuff your own scarecrow, hay rides, train rides, ice cream, and lots more. On weekends they will have face painting, horse rides, and more food. Sweet Berry Farm, 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls.

Chalk Walk – October 2, 2015 from 5–10 p.m. and Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Round Rock Chalk Walk is Round Rock Arts’ version of an Italian street painting festival. And it’s FREE! Artists are free to create, with chalk pastels, a picture on the pavement. Drawings are created in full view of the public, who are encouraged to interact with the artists as their amazing talents to create beautiful “murals” before their audience’s eyes. Chalk walk has been moved to Centennial Plaza, a large plaza where all art, booths, and live music performances are within easy walking distance. There are two parking garages in the area, as well as plenty of on-street parking. Centennial Plaza, 301 W Bagdad, Round Rock.

Cross Plants and Produce Storytime – October 2, 3, 7, and 11, 2015. October 2 at 1 p.m.; October 3 at 2 p.m.; October 7 at 10:30 a.m.; October 11 at 2 p.m. Stop by the Cross Plants and Produce Pumpkin Patch for Storytime. Enjoy some pumpkin stories and then paint some pumpkins, color and play! Bring a blanket to sit on and a picnic and don’t forget your cameras for taking adorable photos of your cuties at the patch! Story time, play and coloring are FREE! $5 for paint-a-pumpkin. Cross Plants and Produce, 705 North Old Highway 81, Kyle.

Festival de las Artes Latinoamericanas October 2, 2015 from 6:30–9 p.m. and October 3, 2015 from 12–9 p.m. With more than 20 artists and Latin American groups, the second Festival de las Artes Latinoamericanas Austin 2015 will take place at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. México, Perú, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and El Salvador will be some of the countries that participate in this event. The Festival de las Artes Latinoamericanas Austin 2015 will bring a multicultural display of Cinematography, Theater, Literature, Music, Folklore, Graphic Arts (paintings and architecture), as well as gastronomic sampling for each country. This event is supported by more than 40 local business, who will exhibit their products and services during the festival. The festival is not only an invitation to familiarize with the most representative culture of each country, but it is also a creative event to showcase local artists. This event is FREE and open to the public. Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St, Austin.

Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Event – October 2-4, 2015. Check here for the schedule. Rhea Lana’s event is families re-selling high quality children’s clothing, toys, furniture, baby equipment, maternity clothing, video game systems, books, DVDs, nursing items, sporting equipment, and much more. Round Rock Christian Church, 22 Chalice Way, Round Rock.

Movie in the Park: Spy Kids – October 2, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Free movie in the park! Popcorn will be served at 6:30 with the movie beginning at dusk. Free parking is available in the McBee Parking Garage along Simond Ave. Movie-goers are welcome to bring picnics, and blankets but please refrain from bringing lawn chairs out of courtesy to other attendees. This event is FREE and open to the public, so bring your friends! Mueller Lake Park Amphitheater, 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin.

Evergreen Farms Pumpkin Hunt – Weekends in October, as well as November 1, 2015. Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sundays from 1–5 p.m. 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. The premier event, the Pumpkin Hunt, includes a wagon ride into the Christmas tree fields where mini pumpkins are hidden in the trees. After the Hunt, enjoy pumpkin decorating on the pavilion along with the other activities and games. Pumpkin hunt, maze, firetruck ride, train ride, face painting and more. FREE admission; activities and games cost $2.50 – $5 each. Evergreen Farms, 242 Monkey Road, Elgin.

Hot Rod Drive-in Night at Top Notch – October 3, 2015 from 6–10 p.m. Hang out and enjoy Austin’s number one old car monthly hang out, with fantastic food as always, at Top Notch Hamburgers. Live music by The Soulphonics at 7 p.m. Movie outside after the band. Top Notch Hamburgers, 7525 Burnet Rd., Austin.

Texas French Market – October 3, 2015 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The 175th Anniversary Celebration will have over 50 local arts/crafts vendors on the grounds of Austin’s oldest home. Shop local and support the French Legation Museum. Live music all day, food vendors, children’s activities, museum tours. Kid and (leashed) pet-friendly. FREE admission. French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos Street, Austin.

Free First Sunday at the Bullock – October 4, 2015 from 12–5 p.m. Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Families can explore The Story of Texas through three floors of exhibitions that showcase artifacts from around the state. Special family programs from 12-3 p.m. combine art creation, presentations by partner organizations, and gallery activities. It’s the favorite sport of millions of Texans. Discover even more about football through hands-on activities and art-making. Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave., Austin.

Chelsea Clinton Book Signing – October 8, 2015 at 7 p.m. BookPeople is honored to welcome Chelsea Clinton to BookPeople with a new book that tackles the biggest challenges facing us today and gives readers a deep understanding of the world around them—and how anyone can make a difference. Combining facts, charts, photographs and stories about children and teens who have made real changes big and small—in their families, their communities, in our country and across the world—It’s Your World will inspire readers of all ages to do their part to make our world a better place. Clinton will give a brief welcome at this event and then sign books. Tickets are required to join the signing line and only available with the purchase of a copy of It’s Your World from BookPeople. One signing ticket admits up to four family members. FREE with book purchase. See more ticketing details here. BookPeople, 603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.

Movie in the Park: Annie – October 9, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. This will be the most recent release of the beloved musical Annie, starring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz! Popcorn will be served beginning at 6:30 with the movie beginning at dusk. Free parking is available in the McBee Parking Garage along Simond Ave. Movie-goers are welcome to bring picnics and blankets, but please refrain from bringing lawn chairs out of courtesy to other attendees. This event is FREE and open to the public, so bring your friends! Mueller Lake Park Amphitheater, 4550 Mueller Blvd., Austin.

Movie in the Park: Paddington – October 9, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. FREE movie in the park! Movie starts at dusk. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs.  Food concession will not be available, but you are welcome to bring a picnic.  Please no glass containers. Movie dates and titles are subject to change. Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd, Cedar Park.

Dig In! Archaeology Day – October 10, 2015 from 1–5 p.m. In celebration of Texas Archaeology Month, come out to the museum to learn about archaeology through fun activities. Dig in!  and excavate artifacts in their mock dig, display excavated artifacts in their mock museum, learn about layering with their stratigraphy activity, piece it together with their pottery sherd activity. FREE. Tours of the house will be given at the regular time and admissions cost ($5/person). French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos Street, Austin.

Saturday Night Concert Series: Whiskey Shivers – October 10, 2015 from 7–9 p.m. Enjoy Saturday nights outdoors with live music, free kids activities, and great shopping. The music begins at 7:00 pm in the Hill Country Galleria’s outdoor amphitheater. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this FREE event every Saturday night. Bring your family, friends, and a blanket to lounge on the grassy lawn during the show. Browse the vendors, order to-go food & have it delivered to your spot on the grassy lawn, and enjoy free kids’ activities like face painting or balloon twisters. Arrive early to ensure you get a free swag bag filled with fun items and discounts from the Hill Country Galleria merchants & sponsors! Sun Radio 100.1FM will be on-site to emcee the event and introduce you to the band. Whiskey Shivers is a Folk/Bluegrass/Old-Time band. Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave.

Corner Store Country Run  – October 11, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. Register for FREE with the code Market2015. The Country Run is a 5K fun run brought to you by Corner Store that will bring out your inner cowpoke or cowgirl. Participants are encouraged to wear over-the-top country attire and gallop, trot or do-si-do their way across that finish line. Along the way, runners will encounter farm-themed zones with hay bales, tractor tires and giant inflatable pigs and cows. Afterwards, everyone is invited to stick around for a free, family-friendly country fair with free sponsor swag, carnival games, live music, food and a beer garden. Dell Diamond, 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock.

National Fossil Day  – October 14, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Texas Memorial Museum is celebrating National Fossil Day, a nationwide event promoting awareness and appreciation of fossils and the science of paleontology. Explore ancient Austin with FREE admission to the museum and activities. Texas Memorial Museum, 2400 Trinity St., Austin.

Community Halloween Carnival and Haunted House – October 15 from 5:30–8 p.m. Join the fun at the annual Metz Halloween Carnival. Games will be 25¢ a ticket and haunted house $1. Free music, door prizes and a costume contest. Metz Recreation Center 2407 Canterbury St, Austin.

St. Elias Mediterranean Festival – October 16 from 6–11 p.m. and Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 12–11 p.m. Enjoy one of Austin’s most beloved, delicious, and fun-filled festivals—the St. Elias Mediterranean Festival. FREE admission on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is a $5 donation during remainder of festival. 408 E 11th Street, Austin.

Austin Heart Walk – October 17 at 9 a.m. The Austin Heart Walk is an annual non-competitive 5K walking event and is designed to bring public awareness to physical activity and a heart-healthy lifestyle, while raising the critical dollars needed to fund heart disease and stroke research and educational programs in the Central Texas region. Also featured is the Seton Miracle Mile, a 1 mile route for stroke survivors and folks that are beginning their fitness journey, and a 5K Chipped Run. The Walk is FREE. The Run has a $40 registration donation. Enjoy live entertainment and activities for the kids and pets while you’re at the Heart Walk! Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr., Austin.

Chisholm Trail Days – October 17 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Kids young and old alike can get up close and personal with that most legendary of all Texas heroes and learn about the great cattle drives of the late 1800s. This half-day event features historical re-enactments, cooking chuckwagons, live music, interactive stations, and culminates with a real cattle drive down a portion of the original Chisholm Trail. View event schedule hereSan Gabriel Park, 445 E Morrow St, Georgetown.

Texas Book Festival – October 17 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and October 18, 2015 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. This FREE festival is 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. Texas State Capitol Grounds, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin.

Leander Fall Festival – October 17 and 24, 2015 from 5:30–10 p.m. Come join Leander Fire Department at the Annual Fall Fun Festival.  LFD has carnival style games, vendors, food, haunted house, silent auction and more at this family event. FREE to enter festival. Tickets for games start at just 50¢ and touring the Tower of Terror is $5. All proceeds go to the Health & Safety Fund and the Benevolent Fund. Leander Fire Department, 101 Sonny Dr, Leander.

Texas Avid Outdoors 2nd Annual Fall Outdoor Expo – October 18, 2015 from 12–5 p.m. Come one, come all to Texas Avid Outdoors’ 2nd annual Fall Expo. This is a FREE, family-friendly event to help celebrate a love for the outdoors. There will be lots of educational and interactive things for both kids and parents to take part in. With participants including Cabelas, Topgolf, Pronghorn Overland Gear, Ethos Offroad, and many others, there will be plenty to see and do. There will also be prize giveaways from participants like YETI, Cabelas and Backwoods of Austin. Food will be available for purchase from the Smokey Denmark food truck. Shady Hollow Event Center, 3303 Doe Run, Austin.

Movies in the Park: Casper – October 22, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Movies in the Park is a series of FREE films brought to you by the Austin Parks Foundation. Residents and visitors bring their blanket or lawn chairs (and often a picnic dinner!) for a fun and relaxing evening under the beautiful Austin night sky. Dogs, picnics, and lawn chairs are welcome. Alcoholic beverages, glass and styrofoam are not permitted in the park. They do provide recycling bins, but ask that you pack out all of your own trash. Smoking is also prohibited in the park, per city law. Dick Nichols District Park, 8011 Beckett Rd, Austin.

Fairytale Threads Consignment Sale – October 22-23, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; October 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Fairytale Threads is an event that allows families to sell all of their gently loved items for babies, toddlers and kids that are ready to pass on to other families. It is also an opportunity to get great deals on items for their growing children.  All of the items that families bring in are checked for quality. Enjoy FREE admission to shop for fall and winter clothes in maternity and newborn-youth 16 sizes, toys, books, DVDs and gear! 425 Woodward St., Austin.

Dittmar’s Halloween Spooktacular – October 24, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Movie begins at sundown. FREE carnival, haunted house, and movie in the park screening of CasperDittmar Recreation Center, 1009 W Dittmar Rd, Austin.

Farmer Fred’s Harvest Fall Carnival  – October 24, 2015 from 6-9 p.m. FREE! All ages welcome. Enjoy free carnival games with prizes and candy. Don’t miss the costume contest. Concessions and other attractions will be available for a nominal fee. San Marcos City Park, 170 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos.

Hairy Man Spookyfest – October 24, 2015 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Join the FREE fun at the 21st Annual Hairy Man Spookyfest Festival!  There is a suggested donation of two non perishable food items or $2 per person that will go to the local Round Rock Serving Center Food Bank.  This family centered event raises money for many local non-profit organizations in Williamson County. Food, Arts & Crafts fair, children’s activities, special performances, and live music provide a fun-filled day for all.  The new Spookyfest additions to the event include: Halloween costume contest, trick or treating, scavenger hunt throughout the park, pumpkin decorating, train rides, Halloween themed crafts, Scary Snacks station, and more! Cat Hollow Park, 8600 O’Connor Dr, Round Rock.

Hogeye Festival – October 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The FREE festival features live music and entertainment on three stages, handmade arts and crafts, children’s activities, the Austin Steam Train Association, a children’s costume pet parade, a carnival, Road Hog Car Show, BBQ Pork Cook-Off, In a Pig’s Eye Dart Contest, the crowning of King Hog or Queen Sowpreme, Hogalicious Dessert Contest, Cow Patty Bingo, the Pearls Before Swine Art Show and great festive food! Free Festival Shuttle available at the Hwy 95 North Park and Ride. 109 Depot Street, Elgin. 

Spooktacular – October 24, 2015 from 5–8 p.m. Northwest YMCA’s safe and family-friendly Halloween Spooktacular event will feature: haunted candy trail, spooky family games, bounce house, face painting, and more. FREE! Guests are asked to please bring 3 canned goods for the Food Pantry Drive. 5807 McNeil Dr, Austin.

National Night Out Movie: The Odd Life of Timothy Green – October 26, 2015 at 7 p.m. Enjoy National Night Out at Dittmar, with a FREE screening of The Odd Life of Timothy GreenDittmar Recreation Center- 1009 W. Dittmar Rd., Austin.

Movie in the Park: Beetlejuice – October 29, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Movies in the Park is a series of FREE films brought to you by the Austin Parks Foundation. Residents and visitors bring their blanket or lawn chairs (and often a picnic dinner!) for a fun and relaxing evening under the beautiful Austin night sky. Dogs, picnics, and lawn chairs are welcome. Alcoholic beverages, glass and styrofoam are not permitted in the park. They do provide recycling bins, but ask that you pack out all of your own trash. Smoking is also prohibited in the park, per city law. Republic Square Park, 422 Guadalupe, Austin.

Halloween Festival – October 29, 2015 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Hayrides, carnival, Trick-or-Treat Village, costume contest, and a FREE showing of Disney’s Halloweentown (PG)  at 6:45 p.m. at the gazebo. FREE to enter festival. Tickets required for hayrides and games. San Gabriel Park (Community Center), 445 E Morrow St, Georgetown.

Fall Fun Fest – October 30, 2015 from 9–11:30 a.m. Eeek!  Spat! Slime!  It will be a ROARing great time! Join Round Rock Parks and Recreation for a Monsters and Mayhem Fall Fun Festival.  Calling all of little preschool monsters to jump in and join in on the fun!  The Monster Mash themed festival will be filled with lots of monstrous activities for all little ghouls and goblins.  Lots of Frankenstein Fun including Carnival games, Hayrides, Cookies and Punch, Storytime and much more! FREE! Guests are encouraged to bring a canned item for the Round Rock Serving Center. Old Settlers Park, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock.

Sinister Circus Halloween Carnival – October 30, 2015 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Come one come all, step right up to the main event of the year under the Northwest Big Top! You’ll find everything to have a haunting good time: bounce house, popcorn, carnival games, candy, prizes, a sinister circus trick-or-treat trail and even more Halloween fun! FREE to enter festival, plus first 10 tickets and endless trips through the Trick-or-Treat Trail free! Additional tickets for only 25¢. Northwest Recreation Center, 2913 Northland Dr., Austin.

Spooktacular at the Bullock – October 30, 2015 from 5–8 p.m. Explore the Bullock after hours (for FREE!) at this family-friendly Halloween extravaganza, featuring performances, games, interactive activities, art, and more. This year’s program will introduce children and their families to Texas “creepy crawlies” through activities and special screenings of Flight of the Butterflies in the IMAX Theatre. Get hands-on with spooky science from Girlstart and show off your Halloween costume for a special prize. 1800 Congress Ave., Austin.

Halloween ComicFest – October 31, 2015 from  10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It’s a day full of free comics, “The Greatest Halloween Costume Contest Ever,” candy, guest artists and more for comic and Halloween fans to experience together. During Halloween ComicFest, 21 full-sized and mini comics will be available for anyone who wants to participate. FREE! Titan Moon Comics, 1540 Cypress Creek Rd, Ste 108, Cedar Park.

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Event – October 31, 2015 from 49 p.m. Halloween event with FREE face painting, FREE kids entertainment, FREE music, and of course trick or treating! The fun starts at 4 p.m. in the outdoor Amphitheater with kids’ entertainment by Joe McDermott, then trick or treating follows. Make the rounds at over 100 stores and restaurants at the Hill Country Galleria to trick or treat! Be sure to wear your costume! Then, end the day with a live music performance by Chubby Knuckle Choir! Hill Country Galleria12700 Hill Country Blvd. Ste. T-100, Bee Cave.

Planet K’s Dia De Los Muertos Fireworks – October 31, 2015 at 9:30 p.m. 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. Krieg Baseball Field, 515 S Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin.

Viva la Vida Festival  – October 31, 2015 from 12–8 p.m. This year, Austin’s largest and longest-running Day of the Dead event features a grand procession, a Day of the Dead mercado, live music, a Sugar Skull float by local piñata artisans Monica and Sergio Lejarazu from Jumpolin Piñatas, an exhibition with community altars highlighting the states of Mexico inside the Museum, and educational programs. Attendees can also taste traditional foods from Austin’s best food trucks, hands-on art activities, and artist demos. Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave, Austin.

For many more fall activities and events, be sure to check out our Free Fun Calendar!

Tags: