Tap a date to see that day's events. Only listings with set dates appear here; places you can visit any open day are listed further down.
Halloween and fall events around Austin, checked on the organizer's or city's page on Oct 23, 2026. Haunted attractions are left out. Look for the Good for little kids (2–4) marker for early, toddler-friendly options.
Boo-Da Halloween
Buda City Park · Buda
Community eventPrice not listedNext: Sat, Oct 24Good for little kids (2–4)South & Hays County
Buda's city Halloween party with family activities and food trucks, plus a sensory-sensitive room open the whole event.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Sat Oct 24, 2026
- Time: 4:30–7:30 p.m.
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Halloween at the Round Rock Public Library
Round Rock Public Library · Round Rock (Downtown Round Rock · North & Williamson County)
LibraryFree (per source)Next: Sun, Oct 25Good for little kids (2–4)North & Williamson County
Family movie "Minions & Monsters" (PG) Sun Oct 25, 2–3:30 p.m.; special Halloween family storytimes Mon Oct 26, 6:30–7 p.m. and Sat Oct 31, 11–11:30 a.m.; Bubbles & (Spooky) Music Oct 27–29, 9:30–11 a.m.; Babytime Halloween Playtime Fri Oct 30, 9:30–11 a.m.; and a family book-character pumpkin decorating contest.
Upcoming dates: Sun, Oct 25, 2026; Mon, Oct 26, 2026; Tue, Oct 27, 2026; Wed, Oct 28, 2026; Thu, Oct 29, 2026; Fri, Oct 30, 2026; Sat, Oct 31, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Oct 25–31, 2026 (see times)
- Time: Varies by day
- Price: Free
- Ages: Babies to big kids
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Fall Fun Festival for toddlers and preschoolers (Round Rock)
Round Rock Parks and Recreation · Round Rock
Community eventFree (per source)Next: Wed, Oct 28Good for little kids (2–4)North & Williamson County
Free fall festival designed for toddlers and preschoolers, with seasonal activities and family entertainment. Costumes welcome.
Upcoming dates: Wed, Oct 28, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Wed Oct 28, 2026
- Time: 9–11:30 a.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: Toddlers and preschoolers
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Hometown Halloween in Downtown Round Rock
Main Street, Downtown Round Rock · Round Rock (Downtown Round Rock · North & Williamson County)
Community eventFree (per source)Next: Fri, Oct 30Good for little kids (2–4)North & Williamson County
Trick-or-treating at downtown businesses, entertainment, face painting and balloon art. Costumes encouraged.
Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 30, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Fri Oct 30, 2026
- Time: 3–7 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Homeschool Day: Animal Trackers at the Wildflower Center
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center · Austin (Southwest Austin · South & Hays County)
Nature center, garden & parkPaidNext: Wed, Nov 4South & Hays County
90-minute, TEKS-aligned homeschool session: become an animal detective and learn the evidence animals leave behind, then practice in the gardens. Families learn together.
Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 4, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Wed Nov 4, 2026
- Time: 10–11:30 a.m.
- Price: Child $20; adult $15 (members 20% off)
- Ages: Grades 2–6 (ages 8–12)
- Booking: Registration required on the Wildflower Center page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Austin Nature & Science Center programs and group visits
Austin Nature & Science Center · Austin (Zilker · Central Austin)
Nature center, garden & parkPrice not listedOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Central Austin
City-run, instructor-led programs for pre-K through 5th grade with live animals and TEKS review in 3 activity rotations (60 minutes for pre-K–1st, 90 minutes for 2nd–5th). Groups of over 15 visiting on their own must book a group reservation.
- When: By reservation
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: See city page
- Ages: Pre-K–5th grade
- Booking: Book through the city's school programs page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Field trips at Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms
Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms · Austin (Northeast Austin · Central Austin)
Living history farmPaidOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Central Austin
Guided living-history field trips through an 1800s rural Texas village (Sprinkle Corner), farmsteads and trails. Groups should arrive by 10 a.m.; free parking for buses and cars.
- When: By reservation
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: $50 deposit to reserve; per-student rate on booking
- Ages: School-age groups
- Booking: Complete the reservation form and pay a $50 deposit in advance.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Group visits and field trips at the LBJ Presidential Library
LBJ Presidential Library · Austin (UT campus · Central Austin)
MuseumPaidOngoing / by arrangementCentral Austin
Presidential library and museum. Kids under 12 are always free; groups of 15 or more need a reservation. Free visitor parking in lot #38.
- When: Open daily
- Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.)
- Price: $16 adults; $6 youth 13–18; under 12 free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Reservation required for groups of 15+.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Homeschool Days at the Bullock Texas State History Museum
Bullock Texas State History Museum · Austin (Downtown / Capitol · Central Austin)
MuseumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementCentral Austin
Free museum admission for homeschool families four times per school year, with themed hands-on activity stations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and classes led by museum educators. No RSVP needed.
- When: Four times per school year (see the museum's series page for the next date)
- Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Price: Free for homeschool families
- Ages: Homeschool families
- Booking: No RSVP required.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
H-E-B Free First Sunday at the Bullock Museum
Bullock Texas State History Museum · Austin (Downtown / Capitol · Central Austin)
MuseumFree (per source)Next: Sun, Nov 1Central Austin
Exhibition admission is free on the first Sunday of every month.
Upcoming dates: Sun, Nov 1, 2026; Sun, Dec 6, 2026; Sun, Jan 3, 2027
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: First Sundays: Nov 1, Dec 6, 2026 and Jan 3, 2027
- Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Price: Free exhibition admission
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Free admission on Veterans Day at the LBJ Presidential Library
LBJ Presidential Library · Austin (UT campus · Central Austin)
MuseumFree (per source)Next: Wed, Nov 11Central Austin
One of the library's 2026 free admission days.
Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 11, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Wed Nov 11, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.)
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Free days at Zilker Botanical Garden
Zilker Botanical Garden · Austin (Zilker · Central Austin)
Nature center, garden & parkFree (per source)Next: Wed, Nov 11Good for little kids (2–4)Central Austin
Free admission days at the 28-acre garden, including the Taniguchi Japanese Garden. Reserve free-day admission online.
Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 11, 2026; Sat, Dec 26, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Wed Nov 11 and Sat Dec 26, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Price: Free on free days (otherwise $6 Austin residents)
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Reserve via the General Admission website.
⚠️ Free-day dates from the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy hours page as summarized by search; hours and reservation rule read on the city page.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
H-E-B Free Fourth Sunday at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum
Texas Science & Natural History Museum · Austin (UT campus · Central Austin)
MuseumFree (per source)Next: Sun, Nov 22Good for little kids (2–4)Central Austin
Free admission for everyone on the fourth Sunday of the month. Card only; no cash.
Upcoming dates: Sun, Nov 22, 2026; Sun, Dec 27, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Sun Nov 22 and Sun Dec 27, 2026
- Time: 1–5 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Zilker Holiday Tree and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Zilker Park · Austin (Zilker · Central Austin)
Holiday lightsFree (per source)Opens Sun, Nov 29 · through Fri, Jan 1Good for little kids (2–4)Central Austin
The city's giant holiday tree of lights. The lighting ceremony opens the season on Sun Nov 29 with pre-event music starting 5:15 p.m.; the tree stays lit through Jan 1. Kids 5–10 can enter the tree art contest by Nov 1.
📅 Add the date range (Sun, Nov 29 – Fri, Jan 1)
- When: Nov 29, 2026–Jan 1, 2027 (lighting ceremony Sun Nov 29)
- Time: Ceremony pre-event music 5:15 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Austin Nature & Science Center (free admission)
Austin Nature & Science Center · Austin (Zilker · Central Austin)
Nature center, garden & parkFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Central Austin
Free for individuals and families visiting the exhibits and exploring the site, including live animal exhibits and trails.
- When: Daily
- Time: Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun noon–5 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Free Tuesdays at the Blanton Museum of Art
Blanton Museum of Art · Austin (UT campus · Central Austin)
MuseumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementCentral Austin
Free admission every Tuesday (Moody Family Free Day Endowment). Kids 5 and under are always free.
- When: Every Tuesday
- Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Price: Free on Tuesdays (regular youth 6–17 $8)
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Get free Tuesday tickets on the museum site.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Harry Ransom Center galleries (free admission)
Harry Ransom Center, UT Austin · Austin (UT campus · Central Austin)
MuseumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementCentral Austin
Free admission to rotating exhibitions of documents and artifacts, plus tours and programs.
- When: Tue–Sun (closed Mondays)
- Time: Tue–Fri 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat–Sun noon–5 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
⚠️ Free admission read on the page; gallery hours from the official visit page as summarized by search.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Texas State Parks Junior Ranger journals and Explorer Packs (McKinney Falls)
McKinney Falls State Park · Austin (Southeast Austin · South & Hays County)
Nature center, garden & parkFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)South & Hays County
Free Junior Ranger Journals for drawing, writing and observing nature, and Explorer Packs with tools to explore. Park entry fees apply.
- When: Any day the park is open
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Free journals and packs (park entry fee applies)
- Ages: Kids
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Free Sundays at Mexic-Arte Museum
Mexic-Arte Museum · Austin (Downtown · Central Austin)
MuseumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementCentral Austin
Admission is free for everyone on Sundays.
- When: Every Sunday
- Time: Noon–5 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Free guided tours of the Texas Governor's Mansion
Texas Governor's Mansion · Austin (Downtown / Capitol · Central Austin)
Historic siteFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementCentral Austin
Free 30-minute guided tours on scheduled days, first come first served. Reserve at least one week ahead; no walk-ups.
- When: Scheduled tour days (see the request form)
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Reserve at least one week in advance through the State Preservation Board request form.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Free guided tours of the Texas State Capitol
Texas State Capitol · Austin (Downtown / Capitol · Central Austin)
Historic siteFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementCentral Austin
Free guided Capitol tours leave periodically all day; the last tour departs at 4:15 p.m.
- When: Daily
- Time: Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–4:15 p.m.; Sun noon–4:15 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Free Thursdays at The Contemporary Austin (Laguna Gloria and Jones Center)
The Contemporary Austin · Austin (Downtown and West Austin · Central Austin)
MuseumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementCentral Austin
Free admission on Thursdays at Laguna Gloria and the Jones Center (plus Wednesday evenings at the Jones Center). Under 18 always free.
- When: Every Thursday
- Time: Laguna Gloria Thu 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Advance tickets encouraged.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve (free on weekdays)
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve (St. Edward's University) · Austin (West Austin · Central Austin)
Nature center, garden & parkFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementCentral Austin
Almost three miles of trails. Weekdays have no entrance fee and no reservation; weekends and federal holidays need a reservation and day-use fee.
- When: Weekdays free
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Free weekdays; weekends $5 adults, $3 ages 6–17
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Austin Veterans Parade
Congress Avenue · Austin (Downtown · Central Austin)
ParadeFree (per source)Next: Sat, Nov 7Central Austin
Veterans Day parade up Congress Avenue in downtown Austin.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 7, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Sat Nov 7, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m.–noon
- Price: Free to watch
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Luminations at the Wildflower Center
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center · Austin (Southwest Austin · South & Hays County)
Holiday lightsPaidOpens Fri, Nov 20 · through Thu, Dec 31Good for little kids (2–4)South & Hays County
Glowing garden paths under twinkling lights, nightly live music, hot chocolate and photo spots. Closed Dec 24 and 25. Tickets must be bought in advance.
📅 Add the date range (Fri, Nov 20 – Thu, Dec 31)
- When: Nov 20–Dec 31, 2026
- Time: Entry 5:45–7:45 p.m.; ends 9 p.m.
- Price: Ticketed (advance only)
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Long Center for the Performing Arts · Austin (Downtown · Central Austin)
Community eventFree (per source)Next: Thu, Nov 26Central Austin
Thanksgiving morning run benefiting Caritas of Austin. Running has a fee; watching is free.
Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 26, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Thu Nov 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving)
- Time: 8:45 a.m.–noon
- Price: Free to watch; race registration fee
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Annual Lighting of the Square in Georgetown
Downtown Georgetown Square · Georgetown
Tree lightingPrice not listedNext: Fri, Nov 27Good for little kids (2–4)North & Williamson County
Holiday lights come on around the historic square and stay lit every evening through Jan 1.
Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 27, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Fri Nov 27, 2026
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Sights & Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos
Sights & Sounds of Christmas festival grounds · San Marcos
Community eventPaidNext: Thu, Dec 3Good for little kids (2–4)South & Hays County
Family Christmas festival with a scavenger hunt, reindeer games, entertainment and lights. Clear-bag policy.
Upcoming dates: Thu, Dec 3, 2026; Fri, Dec 4, 2026; Sat, Dec 5, 2026; Thu, Dec 10, 2026; Fri, Dec 11, 2026; Sat, Dec 12, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Dec 3–5 and 10–12, 2026
- Time: 5:30–11 p.m.
- Price: Ticketed
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Budafest Tree Lighting, Ornament Market and Cocoa Jingle
Downtown Buda · Buda
Tree lightingPrice not listedNext: Fri, Dec 4Good for little kids (2–4)South & Hays County
Opening night of the 46th Budafest (Dec 4–6), which also has kids' activities and a carnival at Buda City Park.
Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Fri Dec 4, 2026
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Holiday on the Square in Kyle (Santa tree lighting Friday)
Downtown Kyle · Kyle
Community eventPrice not listedNext: Fri, Dec 4Good for little kids (2–4)South & Hays County
Family Night Friday with kids' crafts at the Krug Activity Center; Santa rides to the Square at 6:30 p.m., lights the tree and poses for pictures. Holiday Market Saturday 4–9 p.m.
Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026; Sat, Dec 5, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Fri Dec 4 (Family Night) and Sat Dec 5 (Holiday Market), 2026
- Time: Fri 5:30–9 p.m.; Sat 4–9 p.m.
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Georgetown Christmas Stroll
Historic Downtown Georgetown · Georgetown
Community eventFree (per source)Next: Fri, Dec 4Good for little kids (2–4)North & Williamson County
Free three-day family celebration with lights, music and a Saturday parade at 10 a.m.
Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026; Sat, Dec 5, 2026; Sun, Dec 6, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Dec 4–6, 2026
- Time: Fri 4–9:30 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Price: Free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Light Up the Lake in Round Rock
Old Settlers Park · Round Rock
Holiday lightsPrice not listedNext: Fri, Dec 4Good for little kids (2–4)North & Williamson County
Two-night holiday light celebration at the park lake.
Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026; Sat, Dec 5, 2026
📅 Add a date to your calendar
- When: Fri Dec 4 and Sat Dec 5, 2026
- Time: 6–10 p.m.
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Budafest Lighted Parade and Fireworks
Main Street, Downtown Buda · Buda
ParadePrice not listedNext: Sat, Dec 5Good for little kids (2–4)South & Hays County
Night parade along Main Street topped off with fireworks.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Sat Dec 5, 2026
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Old Town Christmas Festival in Leander
Old Town Leander · Leander
Community eventPrice not listedNext: Sat, Dec 5Good for little kids (2–4)North & Williamson County
All-day Christmas festival in Old Town Leander, with a tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Sat Dec 5, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; tree lighting 6:30 p.m.
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
⚠️ Date, time and place from the city's official page as summarized by search (the page blocks automated reading).
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Light Up Lakeline in Cedar Park
Lakeline Park · Cedar Park
Tree lightingPrice not listedNext: Fri, Dec 11Good for little kids (2–4)North & Williamson County
City holiday lighting celebration at Lakeline Park.
Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 11, 2026
📅 Add to calendar
- When: Fri Dec 11, 2026
- Time: 6:30–9 p.m.
- Price: Not listed on source
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
⚠️ Date, time and place from the city's official page as summarized by search (the page blocks automated reading).
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Austin Zoo (rescue zoo) visit
Austin Zoo · Austin (Southwest Austin · South & Hays County)
ZooPaidOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)South & Hays County
Nonprofit rescue zoo; its education programs include field trips, scavenger hunts and a Homeschool Nature Series (see the zoo's education pages for dates).
- When: Daily
- Time: Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sat–Sun 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Price: $19.95 ages 13–59; $16.95 ages 2–12; under 2 free
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Inner Space Cavern Adventure Tour
Inner Space Cavern · Georgetown
CavePaidOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)North & Williamson County
Guided 1–1.25 hour walk on a paved, lit trail through the largest decorated rooms, with the history of the cave's discovery. Tours leave every 15–25 minutes, first come first served. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24 and Dec 25.
- When: Daily through May 28, 2027
- Time: Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Price: $27.95 adults; $18.95 children (before tax)
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
⚠️ Tour prices from the cavern's official tour page as summarized by search.
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.
Austin Trail of Lights
Zilker Park · Austin (Zilker · Central Austin)
Holiday lightsPaidOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)Central Austin
Millions of lights, festive activities and local food vendors in Zilker Park this December. Tickets are on sale; nightly dates are on the official site.
- When: December 2026 (dates on official site)
- Time: Not listed on source
- Price: Ticketed
- Ages: All ages
- Booking: Not listed on source
Source:
Last checked 2026-10-23.