Update: Due to the Austin Food & Wine Festival cancelling on November 13-15th, we added in a new activity for you. We will keep this updated. Thank you for understanding.
The weather will cool soon, and it will be time to get outside and soak up the fall sun. But with the coronavirus pandemic still in full swing, this season will look different from usual. No ACL, no Wurstfest, no Pecan Street Festival downtown. What are we going to do??
Fortunately, there are still plenty of outdoor activities that we can enjoy in and around Austin. Here are 10 of the Austin-area activities that we’re most excited about this fall!
Remember that events are changing rapidly during this uncertain time. These events are all expected to move forward as of August 25th. But double check event websites for confirmation!
Barton Hill Farms Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch
We had to cancel our Spring Festival this year, but it’s full steam ahead for the Pumpkin Patch and our legendary corn maze! We’ve implemented an entirely cashless system this year for the safety of both staff and guests. We’re also selling all tickets in advance so we can prevent overcrowding.
Expect more food stands with delicious new options, plus a new beer and cider garden for the 2020 season! And we’ll have all the fun activities that make a day on the farm so special for kids and adults.
Go Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake
Kayaking on the lake is one of those events that’s available year ‘round, but is at its best in the fall. Hitting the lake on a crisp November morning? Perfect.
If you don’t have a kayak of your own, there are rentals available at a few different spots on the lake. Bring the family (and the pups) and pretend you’re sailing the Charles Regatta.
U.S. Vintage National Championship
Formula 1 may have been canceled this year, but motor sport lovers still have a reason to visit the Circuit of The Americas this fall.
The U.S. Vintage National Championship from November 5th – 8th is part car show, part race. Vintage car owners get to race their babies around the track to see how they perform against the pros. Expect to see classic racing cars from NASCAR and Formula 1, plus old Mustangs, Corvettes, Camaros, and more.
Texas Renaissance Festival
Hear ye, hear ye! The Texas Renaissance Festival is still on for the fall! Taking place every weekend from October 3rd through November 29th, this event encourages patrons to dress up in their best medieval garb and watch a joust or two.
The Ren Fest is selling all tickets in advance this year, and masks are mandatory for staff and patrons alike.
Waterloo Greenway Creek Show
Although not many details have been released yet, the 2020 Creek Show is still on for November 12th – 22nd. This fun event lights up the Austin night with bright interactive displays along Waller Creek in downtown Austin.
Founded in 2014, the Creek Show is intended to raise awareness of improvements underway for the creek and parkland weaving through the city. Displays are exciting and imaginative, and they attract visitors — and attention — to this underutilized city feature.
Austin Celtic Fest
The annual Austin Celtic Fest is still on the books for November 7th & 8th this year. This celebration of Celtic heritage includes live music, traditional dance, games, historical reenactments, and more.
Held in North Austin’s Pioneer Farms, this family-friendly event also welcomes vendors with Celtic tartans, jewelry, art, and other goodies you can purchase as souvenirs.
Jester King Brewery
Jester King in far west Austin has redefined what a brewery can offer. They’ve gone way beyond just brewing beer, and turned their 165-acre ranch into a gathering spot for friends and family.
With extended seating areas, an open air event pavilion, walking trails, and excellent pizza, this is a beautiful place to get a feel for the country from within the city limits.
Jester King is accepting guests by reservation only in their Beer Garden, Pasture, Canopy, Goat Pen, Hop Yard, and Vineyard areas. This lets them keep parties separated for safety, and allows guests to remove their masks once seated.
Annual Seed Stomp at LBJ Ranch
Park staff welcomes visitors every year to help plant wildflower seeds on the LBJ Ranch out in Stonewall. As a fitting tribute to flower lover Lady Bird Johnson, the Seed Stomp ensures that these beautiful native species will come back year after year on the ranch.
Scheduled for September 20th, participants can wander the grounds after the stomp to see bison and longhorns. Afterwards, visit one of the area’s many vineyards for a glass of wine and a snack!
Mueller Farmers’ Market
Closer to home, the Mueller Farmers’ Market is such a nice way to spend a Sunday. Voted Austin’s Favorite Farmers’ Market for the past 6 years by Austin Chronicle, this shady (and paved!) market in the Mueller neighborhood welcomes vendors and farmers from all around Austin.
Look for fresh local fruits and veggies, cut flowers, eggs and meat, and home goods like soaps and candles. Live music and food vendors give the market a festival vibe and make it worth visiting again and again.
Buda Plein Air Festival
How about something new? On the morning of September 19th, the Inspired Minds Art Center will be holding their 1st Annual Buda Plein Air Festival! Attendees are invited to drift down Buda’s Main Street as artists draw, paint, or sculpt for us all to see.
Live music will accompany the event, and it sounds like an exciting way to get the “art gallery” experience in an open air setting.
Still lots to do!
While we may not have quite as many options as we’re used to in Austin this fall, there’s still a lot to be grateful for. We’re looking forward to taking our family to some of these events, and we can’t wait to welcome you all to the farm!
