Summer is over, the weather is cooling off and we are entering one of the best months for festivals and events in Austin. In October, Austin is flooded with music events, festivals and an assortment of outdoor entertainment. It all starts with first weekend, so rest up and get ready to experience what makes Austin a great place to live. Here are the October 2014 Austin Festivals and Events.
Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) – 10/3/14-10/5/14 and 10/10/14-10/12/14
Location: Zilker Park
ACL kicks off October with one of the country’s largest and most anticipated music festivals. This 6 day (spanned over 2 weekends – 10/3/14-10/5/14 and 10/10/14-10/12/14) festivals showcases over 130 musical acts on eight different stages. This years headliners include: Eminem, Pearl Jam, Outkast, Skrillex and Beck. Most of the tickets are sold out for both weekends, but check Craigslist or Stubhub if you have an interest in going to the festival as there are always resale tickets available. Even if you don’t have tickets to the festival, live music and other events will be going on all week in and around Austin. Fore more info, check out www.ACLFestival.com.
Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg – 10/3/14 – 10/5/14
Location: MarklPlatz- 100 West Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas
Want to get out of town to avoid ACL weekend in Austin? Check out Fredericksburg’s colorful version of Oktoberfest. The annual event is fun for the entire family. There is a children’s area, local artisans area, and continuous oompah music. Each day is highlighted with a special event. On Friday you’ll see the 5th Annual OkTUBAfest. If you enjoy the sound of a choir of tubas, Friday is your day. Need a little dancing hilarity? Take part in the Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance Party on Saturday on the Main Square. Want to show off your domino skills? The 42 Domino Tournament takes place on Sunday. Whatever you choose to do during your visit to Oktoberfest, there will be plenty of delicious food, drinks and fun during the 3 day event. More info at www.OktoberfestinFBG.com.
U.S. Vintage Racing National Championship – 10/10/14 – 10/12/14
Location: Circuit of the Americas
Although the big race will be happening at the end of the month, this one maybe a little more fun. The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association will be back in Austin for the annual U.S. Vintage Racing National Championships. There will be over 600 vintage race cars from all over the world vying for the coveted title that will be awarded to 35 different class winners. The three day event will showcase automobiles from the early 20th century. How much fun will it be to see these early 20th century race cars zipping around the track? More info at www.circuitoftheamericas.com/vintage/.
Austin Celtic Festival – 10/18/14 – 10/19/14
Location: Fiesta Gardens (East Austin)
The Celts are coming to Central Texas for the 14th Annual Celtic Festival. If you choose one festival to go to in October, this may be the one. This event is packed full of history and fun. There will be sheepherding demos, music, dance, workshops and more. Plus it doesn’t get better than watching the Irish and Scots battle it out during the Highland games. More info at www.AustinCelticFestival.com.
Austin Film Festival – 10/23/14 – 10/30/14
Location: Paramount Theatre and Other Local Theaters
Indie fans, this one’s for you. Known as one of the top film festivals in the U.S., the Austin Film Festival returns for a week of cinematic splendor. Similar what you see during SXSW, attendees can purchase badges to attend conference panels and the week of films or you can just purchase a film pass. Although this festival is all about the films, you will have plenty of live music and great food to sample throughout the event as well. More info at www.AustinFilmFestival.com.
Texas Book Festival – 10/25/14 – 10/26/14
Location: Downtown/Capitol Grounds
The Texas Book Festival is one of the most attended festivals in Austin every year. This is for good reason. Over 250 authors will be in attendance for readings, panels, book signings and general workshops. With cooking demonstrations and vendors for the adults and a separate area for junior readers, this festival will be a hit for the entire family. More info at www.TexasBookFestival.org.
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix – 10/30/14 – 11/02/14
Location: Circuit of the Americas
One of the most anticipated events of the year happens on Halloween weekend this year. If you haven’t seen the state of art, 3.4 mile track, what are you waiting for? The Grand Prix brings people from all over the world and the race itself is something you need to experience at least once. You don’t have to be a racing fan to enjoy the atmosphere and excitement the Grand Prix brings to Austin. More info at www.CircuitoftheAmericas.com/F1.
Want to Learn About other Austin Festivals and Events?
Follow our Festivals and Events Blog for a monthly post about Fun Things to Do in Austin.
Looking to Buy or Sell a Home in Austin?
Check out our Austin Home Buyers and our Austin Home Sellers section to learn more about our unique buyer and seller programs.
Leave a Reply