October & November Events
Our Favorite Events
for October & November
Words by Sam Lauron
Oktoberfest
October 14, 11am-7pm
Want to experience an authentic German Oktoberfest without making the trip over seas? Then come on down to the German-Texan Heritage Society for an Oktoberfest celebration right in the heart of Texas. This family-oriented event will feature a Biergarten, German food, live music, and children’s entertainment. Don’t forget to bring your Lederhosen and Dirndel!
507 E. 10th St. | germantexans.org
Fall Cocktail Workshop
October 20, 5-7pm
Join local event studio, REVELRY, for a fall cocktail workshop that will cover cocktail basics and techniques, like how to prepare, measure, and mix autumn-themed sips. Guests will also take home recipes and a shopping list that will cover everything you need to be your own in-house bartender during the upcoming holiday season. Tickets are $45 a person, or $80 for two; 21+ only.
908 E 5th St., Unit 106 | thisisrevelry.com
Tejano Trails Walking Tour
October 21, 10-11:30am
Put on your walking shoes and celebrate East Austin’s history, culture, and diversity through a free walking tour presented by the Tejano Trails Project. The project aims to preserve East Austin’s historic buildings and homes as well as educate the community about the cultural heritage and the transition East Austin neighborhoods are currently experiencing.
211 Comal St. | tejanotrails.com
East Riverside Music & Distilleries Festival
October 21, 2-9pm
On the grounds of South Shore District Apartments overlooking Lady Bird Lake, visit distillery booths and sip on spirits while listening to Ulrich Ellison & Tribe, Jake Andrews Band, and Tye Austin (plus more). Each performance will feature a fresh cocktail in appreciation of harmonizing styles in music and taste. Tickets range from $15-$40 on eventbrite.
1333 Shore District Dr.
Family Night: Halloween Hootenanny
October 27, 6-9pm
Grab the kiddos and head to Thinkery for a night of spooky, gross, and freaky Halloween festivities. Children can experience hands-on experiments involving foods, sounds and other Halloween-themed activity stations. In the spirit of the holiday, costumes are encouraged!
1830 Simond Ave. | thinkeryaustin.org
Texas Fireworks: Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
Oct 31, 9:30pm
Spend Halloween at the Krieg Baseball Field watching fireworks light up the sky. Each year, Planet K celebrates Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos by putting on a spectacular pyrotechnics show that leaves viewers in awe.
517 S. Pleasant Valley Rd. | planetktexasfireworks.com
East Austin Community Festival
November 4, 12-6pm
Come out and get to know your neighbors at the 4th annual East Austin Community Festival. The party will be held at Space12 and will include shopping, food, and plenty of socializing! The event will also be taking donations for the Central Texas Food Bank.
3121 E. 12th St. | facebook.com/EastinAustinCommunityFestival
Texas Book Festival
November 4-5, 11am-5pm
One of the longest running and most prestigious book festivals in the country, Texas Book Festival celebrates and showcases more than 250 authors from around the world. Join other literary lovers at the grounds of the State Capitol building for this free event where you can meet authors, watch exhibitors, and enjoy vendors and live music.
Texasbookfestival.org
POP Austin
November 9-12, 11am-7pm
Austin’s premier international art event is back for its fourth year. POP Austin showcases multimedia work from a variety of artists around the world, which includes six Austin locals this year. Guests have the opportunity to check out pieces that range from sculptures to lights-based art, as well as have access to POPTalks, an educational and engagement series. Tickets start at $20.
Fair Market, 1100 E. 5th St. | popaustin.com
E.A.S.T.
November 11-12 & 18-19, 11am-6pm
This free, self-guided tour of over 500 East Austin studios is a favorite among the community. For two weekends in November, get a glimpse into the creative process, inspirations, and work spaces of local artists and makers. The event also includes art-based events, workshops and galleries. Take advantage of this chance to get to know the artisans in your neighborhood!
various locations | east.bigmedium.org
African American Cultural Heritage Facility Celebration
November 18, 12-3pm
Enjoy food, drinks, and live music for free with the whole family at the celebration of the African American Cultural Heritage Facility’s partnership with Austin’s Cultural Arts Division. The event features a special viewing and new dedication of tile to the mural Reflections, which features significant African American leaders in Austin. While you’re there, take a tour of the facility’s creative and cultural space and check out the new mural on display outside the building.
912 E. 11 St. | austincreates.com
Renegade Craft Fair
November 25-26, 11am-6pm
Renegade Craft Fair is back for their bi-annual market. The event will take over Fair Market for two days of shopping, DIY workshops, food, and festive music. Bonus: November 25 is Small Business Saturday, making this the perfect opportunity to support local makers while also getting started on your holiday shopping.
1100 E. 5th St. | renegadecraft.com
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Nov. 24 – Dec. 24, 10am-10pm
Celebrating 17 years in Austin, BGAB features live music, activities, and bar, all while shopping handmade artwork and gifts from regional and local artists. This is a family-friendly experience where shoppers can browse in a hassle-free environment with centralized checkout. Shop on Mondays and 10% of profits are donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central Texas. Parking and admission are free.
6100 Airport Blvd. | bluegenieartbazaar.com