Spooky season is finally here, and hopefully that also means some cool weather! October is full of fun events and it’s a great time of year to be outside. Some events are creepy, some are artsy, some are totally Austin, but they’re all fun!
I’ve rounded up the best things to do with kids in October 2026 around Austin, including links to family-friendly Halloween themed events.
In This Post
Football Season
Football season is in full swing now — catch your favorite college teams or your local high school playing. Here’s UT’s schedule for the 2026 season!
If you’re looking for a place to watch televised games with kids, try one of these family-friendly spots.
Oktoberfests
There are so many family-friendly breweries and drinkeries around town that are throwing fun Oktoberfest celebrations early this month! Check out some of the best.
Early Voting
It’s election season, and early voting runs from October 19 to October 30, 2026. Get your vote in when it’s less crowded.
October Events in Austin
Fortlandia: Opens Oct. 2
Fortlandia is one of my favorite Austin events of the year (even more so because it lasts a few months, until Jan. 31, so everyone has time to catch it while the forts are up). Every year, the Wildflower Center hosts unique forts that look awesome and kids can climb in, on and under!
Pumpkin Nights: September 17 – October 31
Each year, Pumpkin Nights takes over Pioneer Farms in Northeast Austin with thousands of carved (artificial) pumpkins. There are themed displays like Harry Potter, pirates, gnomes and more! Use code BETHANY for 10% off weeknight tickets.
Find more fall events here.
Movies Behind the Museum: Oct. 10
Come watch Hoppers at an outdoor screening at the Texas Science and Natural History Museum. Your ticket gets you access to both the museum and the movie — come visit the museum starting at 6 and be ready for the movie at 7:30. Bring blankets, camp chairs and snacks!
Leander Art Fest: Oct. 10
Lakewood Park will host the festival from 3-7 pm with local artist booths, interactive activities, art workshops and food. This year’s theme is Down the Rabbit Hole.
Pumpkin Painting at Purrfecto Cat Lounge: Oct.13
Austin’s cat cafe is having a pumpkin-decorating surrounded by 20 adoptable cats. Kids 6 and older are welcome. They are also hosting Halloween movie nights all month — check the film schedule and age limits.
Round Rock Diwali Festival: Oct. 24
Celebrate Diwali at Centennial Plaza in Round Rock from 1-10 pm. There will be food, music, dance, Rangoli and a fashion show. Kids can do arts and crafts or take Bollywood dance lessons.
Music on the Trail: Oct. 7 and 14
Get that Austin experience with family-friendly live music on select Wednesdays on the hike and bike trail! Listen to Austin artists at the Rainey Street Trailhead Lawn hosted by The Trail Conservancy. 6-7:30 pm
Rock the Park: Oct. 23
KUTX is hosting a free, family-friendly concert at Mueller Lake Park amphitheater. Music starts at 6:30 with JareBear followed by EddieAngel.
SAFE’s Truck or Treat: Oct. 24
This big annual Touch a Truck event is hosted by SAFE and takes place at Q2 Stadium! There are tons of vehicles to see, hear and climb into — fire trucks, school buses, police cars, army vehicles, and on and on. This year, SAFE is tying the event into Halloween, so costumes are allowed!
Jo’s Ugly Dog Contest: Oct. 25
Celebrate the ugliest dogs in Austin at Jo’s Coffee 9th Annual Ugly Dog Contest, benefiting Emancipet. There are contests for ugliest dog, best costume and best in show. There will be ugly pups, adoptable dogs, local vendors, live music, face painting, and more!
What’s the weather like in Austin in October?
October is a great month in Austin because the weather is finally starting to cool off! But don’t expect cold weather. The average high for the month is 82 degrees F and the average low is 60 degrees. It’s not unusual for the temperature to reach upper 80s (and possibly 90s), especially during the first half of the month. Halloween is always up in the air — it could be too warm for long sleeves or you could need a coat for trick-or-treating!
Check out what to do in Austin in September and November! And for more fall events, click here!
Thanksgiving may seem far away, but now’s the time to make your plan if you’re ordering any Thanksgiving elements from a local restaurant. Here are some spots to order Thanksgiving turkey and sides.