As everyone gears up for two weekends of ACL 2019, you may be looking for reasons to escape the Austin city limits and the crowds that come with the internationally-recognized event. If you’re planning on skipping the festival and venturing out to other events, don’t miss these community-focused happenings for ultimate fun without the fest.
Related: The Local’s Guide to Austin City Limits Music Festival 2019
WEEKEND ONE (October 4-6)
Round Top Antiques Fair
Round Top, Texas | October 4-5, All Day | Website
This acclaimed antiques fair starts September 30th and ends on October 5th, making it the perfect excuse to get out of Austin for a day trip. The fair only happens twice per year; Head to Round Top to peruse antiques while shopping and drinking with friends.
6th Annual Catalina Wine Mixer
Duchman Family Winery - Driftwood | October 4, 7-9:3p | Website
Join Duchman Family Winery for their 6th annual Catalina Wine Mixer and Step Brothers screening. Tickets include a glass of Viognier or Montepulciano and picnic meal of your choice.
Fortlandia
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center | October 5-6 | Website
Grab the family and head South to the Wildflower Center for a weekend of exploring in nature. This fun event is free with admission, and kids of all ages will love checking out the forts created by local design and architecture firms.
Rise + Yoga: Fall Series
The Domain - Great Lawn | October 5, 9:30-10:30a | Website
Join Wanderlust Yoga for a free class on the great lawn in front of iPic theaters. Presented by Outdoor Voices, yogis can enjoy drinks and snacks from Chameleon Cold Brew, Topo Chico and Hello Fresh. Rise + Yoga will also be held on October 12th from 9:30-10:30 am.
Austin Coffee & Cordials Festival
Fair Market | October 5, 10a-4p | Website
Grab a cup of joe at Austin’s first coffee festival. Attendees can expect to find CBD coffee, an interactive art wall, live music and pet playground as well as a pumpkin patch for kids. Mimosas and cocktails are available for guests over 21.
Cheese-Y Bus Tour
Antonelli’s Cheese Shop | October 5, 10a-4p | Website
Purchase a ticket for the ultimate wine and cheese-lover’s day trip. Spend Saturday sampling some of Central Austin’s best cheese by bus from Antonelli’s Cheese Shop in Hyde Park to Pure Luck Farm in Dripping Springs.
The Lights Fest
Apache Pass Event Center - Liberty Hill | October 5, 3-9p | Website
Join The Lights Fest for a magical evening of floating lanterns, live music, food and great company as attendees lift their intentions and dreams to the sky.
Vintage + Handmade Market
The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen | October 6, 12-4p | Website
Sunday Market ATX is back at the Brewtorium for a vintage and handmade market featuring handmade jewelry and accessories. Brewpub cuisine and boozy sips will be available.
Bluebonnet Beer Company Oktoberfest
Bluebonnet Beer Company - Round Rock | October 6, 12-6p | Website
This 5th Annual Oktoberfest will feature German and American-style beers, plenty of bratwurst and schnitzel to enjoy, a Kinder Park and contests for those old enough to participate.
Gateway Farmer’s Market
Gateway Shopping Centers | October 6, 1-5p | Website
Purchase local produce, handmade trinkets and more at this casual farmer’s market. Arts and crafts will be available for kids who attend. Gateway Farmer’s Market will also be held on October 13 from 1-5.
WEEKEND TWO (October 11-13)
BUBBLE RUN
7311 Decker Ln | October 12, 8a-12p | Website
This isn’t your average 5k! Take part in the BUBBLE RUN, which offers runners (and walkers) of every age endless enjoyment along three miles of course. At each kilometer, participants will have the opportunity to run, dance and play through colorful “foam bogs” full of bubbles.
Texas Teen Book Festival
Southwestern University - Georgetown | October 12, 9a-5p | Website
This free fest celebrates teen and young adult literature. Guests can engage with some of the nation’s most well-known young adult authors at the event, which boasts countless panels for readers of every genre.
The Austin Rewild Festival
Gingerland Austin | October 12, 10a-October 13, 12p | Website
This experiential camping festival is perfect for those who love the outdoors. Attendees will share ideas, honor mother nature, nourish their bodies on food from Curcuma and learn from leaders in the Austin community.
CraftHER Market Fall 2019
Fair Market | October 12-13, 11a-5p | Website
Produced by #bossbabesATX, this beloved bi-annual market showcases talent from a community of makers and entrepreneurs while also providing attendees with intriguing panels.
Oktoberfest
German Free School | October 12, 11a-7p | Website
Join the German-Texan Heritage Society for their annual Oktoberfest event, complete with live music, authentic German food, a biergarten and kid’s activities.
Gruene Music & Wine Festival: Texas Tastings & Tunes
Gruene, Texas | October 12, 12-6p | Website
Casey Donahew Band will be headlining this year’s GMWF in Gruene, Texas. Purchase tickets and enjoy a weekend of wine tasting, live music on two stages, “Le Cordon Gruene” food trucks and an artisan market.
Cedar Bark Festival
Cedar Park Veteran’s Memorial Dog Park | October 12, 12-2:30p | Website
Grab your furry friend and enjoy this free dog party! Food and entertainment will be provided and pups will be able to participate in the costume contest by themselves or with their human for the owner-pet look-alike contest.
Texas Spirit & Music Festival
Fredericksburg | October 12, 12-11:59p | Website
Get to know Texas’ many great distilleries at this spirited event. Sample amazing whiskeys, vodkas, gins and more while listening to live music with family and friends.
Fall is such an exciting time in Austin, with plenty of things happening every weekend. Take a peek at our September and October event lists so you can mark your calendar for the city’s best.
