Austin Star
Austin metro weekend paper
Photo: Michael Barera
Local artists, local businesses, and local stages first. Kids next. Nearby cities with dated cards. Sports and Shows split. Openings at the back.
Austin Star · Wednesday, October 14, 2026. What’s on locally October 14–28, 2026. Focus weekend Oct. 16–18.
How we pick: free, all-ages plans from official city and venue pages — local and family first. We favor truly free over ticketed attractions when both land on the same weekend.
Austin Public Library throws an all-day 100th birthday at Central Library, 710 W. César Chávez St.: Austin PBS Family Fest 10 a.m.–1 p.m., a Birthday Scavenger Hunt for Kids, birthday-crown decorating, “Ask a Monster Anything” with Van, and local music all day. Sat Oct. 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free and open to the public. All ages. Indoor
APL Centennial Party
Jump in, pick a floating pumpkin, decorate it and enter the contest; snacks and drinks provided. Wear a swimsuit, bring a towel. Sat Oct. 17, 9–10 a.m. Lakeway Swim Center, 3103 Lakeway Blvd., Lakeway. Free. Outdoor pool
Lakeway calendar
Two nights of local bluegrass at the Mason Homestead, 1101 S. Bagdad Road, with food vendors, a fun zone and leashed pets welcome. Fri Oct. 16: Midnight Grass 6:15, Cooper’s Uncle 8. Sat Oct. 17: Strawberry Flats 6, Randy Collier & Grassland 7:15, Hot Pickin’ 57s 8:30. Fri–Sat Oct. 16–17, 6–9:30 p.m. Free admission. Outdoor
Leander Parks
Ride, roll or stroll in costume from the Live Oak Golf Course Driving Range, 510 Lakeway Drive, to City Hall for a community carnival. Sat Oct. 17, 6–9 p.m. Free. Outdoor
Lakeway calendar
Austin
Why it matters Home blues room carries the weekend, with a KUTX Friday and a Sunday benefit led by Jimmie Dale Gilmore.
Horse Jumper of Love with Dead Sullivan & Amelia’s Best Friend Wednesday, Oct. 14, 8 p.m. (doors 7), 18+. LØLØ with Mylie Taylor & Sydney Sherrill Thursday, Oct. 15, 8 p.m., all ages. KUTX Presents: Devon Gilfillian — Time Will Tell Tour with Jon Muq Friday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m. (doors 7), 18+. Michigander with Chapel Saturday, Oct. 17, 8 p.m. (doors 7), 18+. Dancing Away Detention — Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Sentimental Family Band, Josh Baca & The Hot Tamales, Rico-Ico — Sunday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m. (doors 5), 21+, a Grassroots Leadership fundraiser. Blue Monday with Soul Man Sam & Brad Stivers Monday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m., 21+. The Jungle Giants with Morning Silk Thursday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m., 18+. Dusty Miller and the Spurflowers with Texas Rebels & Adam Walker Friday, Oct. 23, 9 p.m., 21+. DREAMS — A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 p.m., 21+. Chasing Abbey Wednesday, Oct. 28, 8 p.m., all ages.
Antone’sAustin
Why it matters The campus listening room runs a songwriter-heavy week with two free-admission nights.
Maris Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m. Tenlons Fort “Don’t Be Scared” Daniel Johnston tribute Thursday, Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. Zoë Pete Ford Friday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. (doors 6:30). Jennifer Knapp and Flamy Grant — Songs and Stories Saturday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. (doors 7). Vinyl Night (bring your own vinyl) Monday, Oct. 19, 4–9 p.m. Songwriters’ Open Mic hosted by Jake Farr Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m., free admission. Wednesday Night Jazz Meeting with Rabbi Neil Blumofe Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m., free admission. Volney and the Late Arrivals Thursday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Del Castillo Trio Friday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Cactus CafeAustin
Why it matters Local stages and the hometown orchestra lead focus weekend ahead of arena nights.
Hyde Park Theatre: *The Making of a Great Moment* (Peter Sinn Nachtrieb) runs through Oct. 24, 8 p.m. curtain. Vortex: Wonderland Burlesque Thursday–Friday, Oct. 15–16, 8 p.m.; *The Night Shift* Saturday, Oct. 17, 5 p.m., free; GOBSMACKED’s *Gals & Goblins: A Live D&D Show* Saturday, Oct. 17, 8 p.m.; Magical Mystical Michael’s *Magical Mind Mysteries* Sunday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. Zach Theatre: *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe* opens Friday, Oct. 16 at the Whisenhunt (ages 5+). Long Center: Austin Symphony — Batman in Concert (1989) Friday–Saturday, Oct. 16–17, 7:30 p.m. (Dell Hall); Texas Youth Music Festival Main Event Saturday, Oct. 17, 2 p.m.; Austin Symphony *To Have and to Hold* Friday, Oct. 23, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m.
Hyde ParkVortexZachLong Center eventsAustin SymphonyLeander / Pflugerville / Georgetown / Lakeway / Round Rock / Buda
Why it matters Dated civic nights sit with local week, not after touring.
Music on Main Wednesday, Oct. 14, Oct. 21 and Oct. 28. Buda Artist Mixer Wednesday, Oct. 14. Georgetown Autumn Art Stroll Friday, Oct. 16, 4–8 p.m. Pflugerville Deutschen Pfest 50th Friday–Saturday, Oct. 16–17. Leander Bluegrass & Folk Festival Friday–Saturday, Oct. 16–17. Buda Arts Festival through Saturday, Oct. 17. Lakeway Witches Ride Saturday, Oct. 17. Leander Unplug and Play Wednesday, Oct. 21. Full city cards in Nearby.
Deutschen PfestGeorgetown rain-barrel newsLeander BluegrassLakeway Witches RideRound Rock Music on MainBuda calendarAustin Public Library turns 100 with a free all-day party at Central Saturday, Oct. 17. The Blanton goes Halloween Sunday, Oct. 18; the Wildflower Center marks Lady Bird Day the same morning; Austin Symphony’s Halloween Children’s Concert is 3 p.m. at Dell Hall (all in Kids).
APL Centennial PartyBlanton All DayLady Bird DayASO Halloween Children’s Concert
Austin
Why it matters Strongest dated Austin family museum day in the window.
The Blanton’s all-day open house goes Halloween at 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., with Creative Action clay creatures, monster puppets and a puppet stage, face painting, a Temporary Tattoo Station inspired by Ellsworth Kelly’s *Austin*, fluorescent Uncanny Landscapes 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m., DJ Breakway Records 2–4 p.m. and Strawbitty Yops at 4 p.m. Special-event admission — ages 5 & under free; ages 6–17 $10; ages 18+ $20; K–12 teachers w/ID $15; free for Blanton members. Advance tickets online. Regular museum discounts do not apply. Indoor galleries + outdoor grounds; picnics welcome.
Blanton All DayAustin
Why it matters Biggest free Austin family day of the weekend.
Austin Public Library’s Centennial Party fills Central Library, 710 W. César Chávez St., free and open to the public. Kid pieces include Austin PBS Family Fest 10 a.m.–1 p.m., a Birthday Scavenger Hunt for Kids, birthday-crown decorating, coloring and Spirograph, temporary tattoos, and “Ask a Monster Anything” sessions. Local music all day. Indoor. Also in Free family picks.
APL Centennial PartyLeander
Why it matters Leander kids venue with a dated grand-opening weekend.
Strong Sprouts, a faith-based indoor playground on the second floor of The Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Dr., Suite 200, holds a two-day grand opening with games, prizes, and vendors. Indoor. Also in Openings.
Grand openingStrong SproutsLakeway
Why it matters Free Saturday-morning Halloween splash.
Jump into the Lakeway Swim Center pool, 3103 Lakeway Blvd., pick a floating pumpkin, decorate it and enter the contest. Free; snacks and drinks provided. Wear a swimsuit; bring a towel. Outdoor pool. Also in Free family picks.
Lakeway calendarLeander
Why it matters Same-morning pool craft north of town.
Kids jump in at Robin Bledsoe Pool, 601 S. Bagdad Rd., to pick a floating pumpkin, then paint it at the craft tables. $8 entry per participant; register at leandertx.gov/fun. Bring swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water bottle. Outdoor pool.
Leander Floating Pumpkin PatchLakeway
Why it matters Free Halloween night out for the whole family.
Families ride, roll or stroll in costume from the Live Oak Golf Course Driving Range, 510 Lakeway Dr., to City Hall, 1102 Lohmans Crossing, for a free community carnival. Outdoor. Also in Free family picks.
Lakeway calendarAustin
Why it matters Sunday-morning family garden day to pair with the Blanton.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., celebrates its founder with family seedball-spreading in the savanna meadow, guided birding walks at 9 and 11 a.m., and food trucks. Activities included with admission; birding walks need advance registration. Outdoor gardens.
Lady Bird DayAustin
Why it matters Hometown orchestra Halloween matinee for kids.
Austin Symphony’s annual Halloween children’s concert brings Prokofiev’s *Peter and the Wolf* to Dell Hall at the Long Center, with Peter Bay conducting, Liz Zimmerman acting, costumes welcome and pre-concert activities. Ages 4 and up. Ticketed; tickets via Austin Symphony.
ASO Halloween Children’s ConcertLeander
Friday–Saturday, Oct. 16–17, 2026, 6–9:30 p.m. both nights at the Mason Homestead, 1101 S. Bagdad Road, rescheduled after weather. Free admission. Food vendors and a fun zone; friendly leashed pets welcome. Friday — Midnight Grass 6:15 p.m., Cooper’s Uncle 8:00 p.m. Saturday — Strawberry Flats 6:00 p.m., Randy Collier & Grassland 7:15 p.m., Hot Pickin’ 57s 8:30 p.m. Parking north of the library on Sonny Drive; free shuttle from Camacho Elementary. Also in Free family picks. (Leander Parks)
Leander
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, 10 a.m.–noon. Also in Kids. (Leander Floating Pumpkin Patch)
Leander
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, 6–8 p.m. Free; no registration. (Leander Unplug and Play)
Pflugerville
Friday, Oct. 16, 5–11 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.–11 p.m., 2026, at Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd. Live music (Friday: Suede, Red Not Chili Peppers; Saturday: Austin Polka Band, Bidi Bidi Banda, The Spazmatics, EZ Band), food and beer, Biergarten, more than 50 craft vendors, steinholding, Pfun Run, and Wunderpark with carnival rides, games, petting zoo and pony rides. Children under 6 get in free. Gates are card-only. No parking at the park — free shuttles from Pflugerville HS east lot (Fri) and The Pfield (Sat). (Deutschen Pfest · Festival entertainment)
Georgetown
Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, 4–8 p.m. downtown. The city’s fifth Painted Rain Barrel Project rides along: community-painted barrels sit around downtown, with a silent auction that closes during the Stroll. (City of Georgetown · Water conservation)
Lakeway
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, 6–9 p.m. Meet at Live Oak Golf Course Driving Range, 510 Lakeway Drive; ride, roll or stroll to City Hall for a carnival. Free. Also in Kids and Free family picks. (Lakeway calendar)
Lakeway
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, 9–10 a.m. at Lakeway Swim Center, 3103 Lakeway Blvd. Free. Also in Kids and Free family picks. (Lakeway calendar)
Buda
Monday, Oct. 12 through Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, with Inspired Minds Art Center. Artist Mixer Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6 p.m. (City calendar · Inspired Minds)
Cedar Park
Sunday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. (doors 6 p.m.). Also in Shows. (H-E-B Center)
Austin
Why it matters Focus-Saturday home football with a set kickoff and network.
Longhorns football hosts Florida at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Texas footballAustin
Why it matters Home soccer the same night as Longhorns football.
Austin FC hosts Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Q2 Stadium.
Austin FC scheduleAustin
Why it matters Campus home dates around football Saturday.
Soccer hosts LSU Thursday, Oct. 15, 7:00 p.m. at Mike A. Myers Stadium (SECN+). Volleyball hosts Auburn Friday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m. at Gregory Gymnasium (SECN+). Soccer hosts South Carolina Sunday, Oct. 18, noon at Myers (SECN+). Volleyball hosts #7 Florida Sunday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. at Gregory (ESPN). Volleyball hosts Georgia Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7:00 p.m. (SEC Network).
Texas athleticsSan Marcos
Why it matters Thursday-night Bobcats football kicks off the letter week.
Volleyball hosts Oregon State Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6:00 p.m. at Strahan Arena. Football hosts Colorado State — Bobcats Blackout — Thursday, Oct. 15, 7:00 p.m. at UFCU Stadium (CBSSN). Football Homecoming vs Utah State Saturday, Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m. (CBSSN).
Texas State footballAustin
Why it matters Small-college home weekend in Northwest Austin.
Volleyball hosts Colorado College Friday, Oct. 16, 6:00 p.m.; University of Dallas Saturday, Oct. 17, 1:00 p.m. (Alumni Day); Mary Hardin-Baylor Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6:00 p.m. at the Deb & Don Christian Fieldhouse.
Concordia volleyballAustin / Cedar Park
Why it matters Home openers and a big SEC Saturday fill the back half of the window.
Texas Stars host Ontario Reign Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. at H-E-B Center (Saturday is Fallout Night with a Vault Boy bobblehead giveaway). Longhorns football hosts Ole Miss Saturday, Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m. CT, ABC. Texas women’s basketball meets UCLA in the Lonestar Showcase (exhibition) Sunday, Oct. 25, 1 p.m. at H-E-B Center. Austin FC hosts Real Salt Lake Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m., Apple TV.
H-E-B Center eventsTexas footballAustin FC scheduleAustin
Why it matters Race week lands in the back half of the window — national card, not the Sports lead.
Circuit of The Americas hosts the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. Session times on the operator schedule.
COTA F1COTA events
Austin / Leander
Why it matters Local rooms and the hometown orchestra lead the weekend.
Hyde Park Theatre *The Making of a Great Moment* runs through Oct. 24, 8 p.m. curtain. Zach Theatre *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe* opens Friday, Oct. 16 at the Whisenhunt. Cactus Cafe Zoë Pete Ford Friday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.; Jennifer Knapp and Flamy Grant Saturday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. Antone’s Devon Gilfillian Friday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m., 18+; Michigander with Chapel Saturday, Oct. 17, 8 p.m., 18+; Dancing Away Detention Sunday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m., 21+. Leander Bluegrass & Folk Friday–Saturday, Oct. 16–17, 6–9:30 p.m., free admission (Randy Collier & Grassland Saturday at 7:15). Austin Symphony Batman in Concert Friday–Saturday, Oct. 16–17, 7:30 p.m. at the Long Center; Texas Youth Music Festival Saturday, Oct. 17, 2 p.m. Saxon Pub locals Friday–Sunday (Rob Baird Friday; Denim / Anna La Mare / Sachin & The Porch Saturday; Purgatory Players / Freddie Steady–Al Staehely–Chris Gantry / The Resentments Sunday). Continental Club: Tobacco Road 10 p.m. and Caroline Hale 11:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, 21+. Vortex *The Night Shift* Saturday, Oct. 17, 5 p.m., free; *Gals & Goblins* Saturday, 8 p.m.; *Magical Mind Mysteries* Sunday, 7 p.m.
Hyde ParkZachCactus CafeAntone’sLeander BluegrassLong Center eventsSaxon PubContinental ClubVortexAustin
Why it matters Touring bills after the local rooms.
Emo’s: Dying Fetus & Sanguisugabogg Thursday, Oct. 15. Stan Society presents Olivia Rodrigo Night (tribute) Friday, Oct. 16. Chelsea Wolfe: THE DARK World Tour Saturday, Oct. 17. Marilyn Manson Wednesday–Thursday, Oct. 21–22. Glaive Friday, Oct. 23. Culture Wars Saturday, Oct. 24. Mom Jeans Sunday, Oct. 25.
Stubb’s: Bright Eyes Thursday, Oct. 15. EsDeeKid Friday, Oct. 16. Basement Saturday, Oct. 17. Gospel Brunch: Shields of Faith Sunday, Oct. 18, 10:30 a.m. Vince Staples Thursday, Oct. 22. Cameron Whitcomb Friday, Oct. 23. Gospel Brunch: The Moriah Sisters Sunday, Oct. 25, 10:30 a.m.
Emo’sStubb’sAustin; Cedar Park (H-E-B Center)
Why it matters Arena and amphitheater dates sit at the back.
Moody Center: Gorillaz Thursday, Oct. 15; Phoebe Bridgers Friday, Oct. 16; Weezer Sunday, Oct. 18; Staind Monday, Oct. 19; SOMBR Tuesday, Oct. 20; Smashing Pumpkins Sunday, Oct. 25; Dave Chappelle Monday–Tuesday, Oct. 26–27; Teddy Swims Wednesday, Oct. 28. COTA: beabadoobee Saturday, Oct. 17. H-E-B Center: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Sunday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. (doors 6). ACL Live: Modest Mouse Thursday, Oct. 15; Austin Quest for Ancient Civilizations Friday–Sunday, Oct. 16–18; DJ Mel at 3TEN Saturday, Oct. 17; Snarky Puppy Monday, Oct. 19; Leonid & Friends Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Moody eventsCOTA eventsH-E-B CenterACL LiveLeander
Why it matters Leander kids venue with a dated grand-opening weekend.
Strong Sprouts, a faith-based indoor playground on the second floor of The Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Dr., Suite 200, holds a two-day grand opening with games, prizes, and vendors. Regular hours Monday–Saturday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Also in Kids.
Grand openingStrong SproutsGeorgetown
Why it matters Dated Georgetown doors-open on the operator site.
Root Studio, an eight-machine Lagree fitness studio at 200 E. 8th St., Suite 103, off the square, opens to the public Monday, Oct. 19.
Root StudioAustin
Why it matters Plan the family day before race week shuts out general visitors.
COTALAND is open Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. During F1 weekend, Oct. 22–25, the park requires an F1 ticket.
COTALAND hoursFree. Oct. 14
Free. Leander Parks
Free. APL Centennial Party
Free. Lakeway calendar
Free. Lakeway calendar
Free. Leander Unplug and Play