This post originally appeared on the Sparefoot blog, written by Layne Lynch. Republished with permission.
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Though weather conditions suggest otherwise, fall has arrived in all its gloriousness. Whether it’s the pumpkin-flavored fare, football tailgates, bright-colored foliage, Halloween pop-up shops or early bird Christmas shopping, Austinites revel in this wonderful time of year.
With all the merriment October and November brings, weekend calendars book up quickly. And though it’s lovely to peruse the latest restaurant openings, venture out to neighboring pumpkin patches and drown in those saccharine Starbucks, there are so many other ways to enjoy the season.
Check out our guide for the best fall events in the Austin area. We focused on non-music festivals because we know those get plenty of coverage around these parts.
Austin Beer Week
The sixth annual Austin Beer Week highlights Austin’s most notable breweries, including Jester King, Austin Eastciders, Real Ale, Austin Beerworks, (512) Brewing and more. Sip your way through pairing dinners, seasonal tastings, new flavor releases and countless brews during the beer-centric showcase.
When: Oct. 23-Nov. 1
Where: Locations vary. See participants here
Cost: Varies
Austin Film Festival
Every year the Austin Film Festival grows in prestige and big-name attendees, and this year is the event’s greatest yet. A list of local and international films, knowledgeable panelists and VIP parties saturate the schedule.
Watch a reel of films like “Legend” and “The Program” and walk away with autographs from Director Wes Anderson, Actor Chris Cooper, Writer/Director Brian Helgeland and many more during the festivities.
When: Oct. 29-Nov. 1
Where: Locations vary
Cost: Varies. Purchase tickets here.
Wizard World Comic Con
Comic book fiends, wrestle maniacs, “Harry Potter” super-fans and Trekkies unite: Wizard World Comic Con is coming to town.
The two-day event showcases comic book legends, voice actors, writers and artists. No Comic Con would be complete without some star power in the mix, and this event boasts heavy hitters like Mike Tyson, Lou Ferrigno (The Hulk), Harry Potter’s Jason Issacs, X-Men’s Lucas Till, Peter Weller (RoboCop), Evil Dead’s Bruce Campbell, Heisman Trophy Winners Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams, and many more.
When: Oct. 30-Oct. 31
Where: Austin Convention Center
Cost: Varies. Purchase tickets here.
TMBBQ Fest
Grab your stretchy pants: Texas Monthly’s annual barbecue festival is just around the corner.
The meat feast invites a handful of the state’s best barbecues joints likeFranklin Barbecue and Killen’s Barbecue to showcase their signature proteins and accompanying sides. This meat-sweat inducing extravaganza also features live music, cold brews and lively pit-side chats.
When: Nov. 1
Where: Long Center
Cost: General Admission: $80, children: $10
Austin Powwow
The annual Austin Powwow Festival honors the traditions, heritage and culture of American Indians – a group essential to Texas’ profound history.
Feast your eyes and ears on competitive dancing, live music, storytelling, educational programs, authentic American Indian cuisine and Indian-made arts and crafts.
When: Nov. 7
Where: AGE Building
Cost: $5
Austin Celtic Festival
You don’t have to wait for St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate all things Celtic. The annual Austin Celtic Festival highlights Irish, Scottish and Breton traditions and their lasting international influences.
Bring the family along to learn about Celtic culture, music, dancing, storytelling and much more. You’ll even find a course on sheep herding!
When: Nov. 7-8
Where: Fiesta Gardens
Cost: Per day: $18, weekend pass: $30, children under 12: free
East Austin Studio Tour
East Austin has become a renowned arts district, and there’s no better opportunity to pick up a hand-made Christmas gift, or a one-of-a-kind piece of art than at this two-weekend tour.
The East Austin Studio Tour (EAST) boasts a slew of artistic events, exhibitions, parties, competitions and small studios where patrons interact with the local makers that have cultivated Austin’s bustling arts industry.
When: Nov. 14-15 and Nov. 21-22
Where: Locations vary
Cost: Free
