As the extreme summer heat breaks, September is the time when Austinites start hanging out outside all the time again. So many fun festivals happen this month, and there’s always something fun and kid-friendly to do on weekends. Your problem will be trying to narrow down your options!
Here’s a roundup of events, festivals, live music and more happening in September.
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Football Season
It’s fall in Texas, which means football season! Get that Friday Night Lights feeling with local high school games or enjoy college football game days.
If you’re looking for a place to watch televised games with kids, try one of these family-friendly spots.
Festivals in September
Bat Fest: September 7
Hang out on the Congress Avenue bridge for the afternoon and evening for live music, vendors, kids activities and more during Bat Fest. And of course you can watch the world’s largest urban bat colony emerge at dusk!
Pecan Street Festival: September 14-15
This big arts and music festival is super fun and family-friendly. There’s live music, a petting zoo, face painting, rides and tons of vendors. You can find the festival on E. 6th St between Brazos and 35.
Bastrop Music Festival: September 26-29
More than 35 live music shows are taking place across Bastrop in September. Daytime activities and shows are free, including some kid-oriented shows. Nighttime shows require a wristband or (space allowing) tickets at the door. All shows are open to all ages (ages 5 and up need wristbands/tickets).
Live Music in September
Honk!TX Fall Community Showcase: September 7
Catch some community street bands at Batch at the fall community showcase.
HAAM Benefit Day: September 24
If you love live music, HAAM day is going to be your favorite day of the year, with more than 250 live music performances all over the city for free! The HAAM organization provides access to healthcare for Austin’s working musicians.
KUTX Rock the Park: September 27
This free, family-friendly concert series is back for the fall months, starting with San Gabriel and Rosie Flores at Mueller Lake Park in September!
September Events in Austin
Free Day of Yoga: September 2
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or you’ve been wanting to try it for the first time, Free Day of Yoga is the perfect time to take new yoga classes around Austin. There are free sessions all over the city; check their website for the schedule.
Teresa Lozano Long Community Day: September 7
This family-friendly event is free! Head to the Long Center on September 7 for crafts and games, live music, food trucks, and BubblePalooza.
Touch a Truck: September 14
This big annual Touch a Truck event is hosted by SAFE and now 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.
Bloktoberfest: September 14
Three kid-friendly spots to eat and drink have teamed up to bring you Bloktoberfest, an Oktoberfest block party. Batch, Redbud Ice House, and Oddwood Ales will have music, games and special beers and foods.
Morning Glories at Waterloo Park: Every Tuesday morning from September 17 – October 15
Every Tuesday morning, bring the little ones to Waterloo Park at 10 am for their free early childhood education series. You’ll find story times, music, dance, nature play and more. Check out their calendar for the week’s themes and activities.
Pumpkin Nights: September 19 – 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!
Find more fall events here.
Austin Museum Day: September 22
Dozens of museums across the Austin area participate in Museum Day, offering free admission and often special activities for one day. We’ve gone to Laguna Gloria, the Bullock state history museum and the LBJ Presidential Library on past Museum Days!
Halloween Costume Swap: September 28
Parker + Scott is hosting a Halloween costume swap at 10 am. Bring a costume, from toddler to adult costumes, and pick one to take home. You can also donate costumes even if you aren’t planning to take one.
September is also the month when Oktoberfests start happening! You can find family-friendly Oktoberfest events at breweries around Austin.