October & November Events Calendar 2023

12 Things We Love This October & November

Words by Alison Bryce

Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar’s Anniversary Party
October 15, 11am-10pm
To celebrate their one-year anniversary, Vintage will be offering door prizes, a scavenger hunt, author interviews, Texas winemaker panels, store discounts, and more. All are welcome to join in this free event; no rsvp is necessary to celebrate at this birthday party!
1101 E 11th St. | vintagebooksandwine.com | @vintagebooksandwine

Pumpkin Nights
Now-October 30, 6-11pm
Celebrate spooky season with a trip to Pumpkin Nights, a full display of more than 5,000 carved and painted pumpkins. Located on a one-half mile path, these pumpkins shine brightest after the sun goes down. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event and start at $15 for ages 4-12 and $20 for ages 13 and older. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.
pumpkinnights.com | 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr.

Oktoberfest
October 14, 11am-7:30pm
Grab your Lederhoesen and get ready for this year’s Austin Oktoberfest. Enjoy live music, food, and even the event’s special brew: Oktoberfest. The festival serves as a fundraiser for the German International School of Texas at Austin Pre-K and Kindergarten powered by the German-Texan Heritage Society. Tickets are $15 per person online or $20 at the door, and kids under 12 enter free.
germantexans.org/oktoberfest | 912 Red River St.

Cardio Dance
October 17, 6pm
Dance your way into the week by joining Castle Hill Fitness and Esquina Tango for a night of moving your body. This instructor-led class welcomes all ages, dance abilities, and is open to everyone for free. No dance partner or experience is needed for this evening of two-stepping. While it is not required, it is requested for those attending to RSVP online. Can’t make it on the 17th? Jump in on October 24 for Salsa Night or on October 31 for Afro Latin Flow with live drumming.
waterloogreenway.org | 1401 Trinity St.

Stand-Up Science
October 22, 1pm
What do you get when you mix science with comedy? Ben Miller’s Stand-Up Science. Using stories on topics ranging from his musculoskeletal condition to his childhood history with milk, scientist and comedian Ben Miller covers multiple points for scientific and comedic exploration. Tickets are $15 per seat at The Pershing.
eventbrite.com | 2415 E 5th St.

Viva la Vida Festival & Parade
October 28, 12-6pm
Mexic-Arte Museum’s 40th Annual Viva La Vida is Austin’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos event co-presented by Austin Convention Center. This year’s festival will begin with a grand procession at noon and festival activities run until 6 pm. Participants can enjoy the Education Pavilion with hands-on art activities and artist demos, traditional foods, local artists and retail booths, a low-rider exhibition, and live performances throughout the day.
mexic-artemuseum.org | 4th St. & Congress Ave.

Texas Fireworks: Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
October 31, 9:30pm
Watch the sky be filled with a variety of colors as Planet K hosts its annual Dia De Los Muertos Celebration and fireworks show. The show kicks off a colorful evening to commemorate and celebrate the lives of loved ones passed and will take place at the Krieg Baseball Fields. planetktexasfireworks.com | 517 S Pleasant Valley Rd.

Austin Food & Wine Festival
November 4-5, times vary
Get your tastebuds ready as Austin Food & Wine Fest returns for another year. With a wide selection of eateries such as Hillside Pharmacy, East Side King, and Jacoby’s Mercantile, there’s a dish (and drink) for all foodies to enjoy. Tickets start at $195 and include interactive cooking demos, tasting sessions, and more.
austinfoodandwinefestival.com | 900 W Riverside Dr.

Austin Celtic Festival
November 4-5, 12-7 pm
Join the fun of old world traditions at the Austin Celtic Festival. With two days of Celtic artists, Highland Games, workshops and more, this 27-year-old festival allows guests to learn about Celtic traditions. Tickets must be purchased in advance and start at $12 for children ages 5-16 and $25 for ages 17 and older.
austincelticfestival.com | 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr.

Texas Book Festival
November 11-12, times vary
Gather with book enthusiasts during the Texas Book Festival. With more than 300 literary talents for book-lovers young and old, there is sure to be something for everyone at this 28th annual tradition. Local food trucks will be on site to make a day of it. Be sure to check the website before heading to the event in order to plan which sessions you would like to attend as registration is not required, and availability is first-come, first-serve.
texasbookfestival.org | locations vary

Austin Studio Tour
November 18-19, 12-6pm
Support local artists during Big Medium’s annual Austin Studio Tour. With three weekends from which to choose, the Eastside is highlighted in the final weekend of the tour, while locations on the west and east will be open November 11-12. The event connects artists and the public at creative spaces throughout the city, so be sure to get out and support all the local artists who will be set up at various studios in East Austin.
bigmedium.org/austinstudiotour | locations vary

The Crafty Adult: Constellation LED Embroidery
November 16, 6-7:30pm
Let your inner crafter out during The Crafty Adult’s Constellation LED Embroidery workshop. Learn the basics on how to stitch a tiny embroidered constellation with LED lights. The workshop is recommended for ages 18 and up and is free to the public.
library.austintexas.gov/events | 1161 Angelina St.