October brings in slightly cooler weather, and one of the Austin’s biggest influx of visitors.
Austin City LImits is the city’s second-largest festival, behind only South By Southwest, and it brings with it an estimated $270 million-plus economic impact as music lovers spend at hotels, restaurants and bars.
For some homeowners, that means a lucrative month renting out a room or their whole house to visitors on HomeAway or Airbnb. But, for most of us, it means a lot of amazing music — both at the festival and at after-show parties — and a good reason to steer clear of downtown and enjoy the beautiful weather at home or a local park.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of other activites to enjoy in between decorating your home with spooky Halloween decorations or Dia de Los Muertos displays honoring family members who have passed on.
For example, October brings the Formula One Grand Prix races to Austin. And, it’s the height of Oktoberfest season — a cultural event that Austin has long embraced.
Here’s a closer look at all the best events in the Austin area this month.
October 6-8
You don’t have to live in Austin to be excited about Austin City Limits Music Festival. The annual fest draws tens of thousands of visitors and tens of thousands of locals. In fact, it has gotten so big that organizers broke it into two weekend in recent years. The first weekend features JayZ, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Gorillaz as headliners. Don’t forget the sunblock — October weather is unpredictable, but it’s often sunny and warm part of the weekend.
When: All day
Where: Zilker Park
More information: www.aclfestival.com
October 13-15
The second weekend of Austin City Limits features another amazing lineup of the nation’s top bands. Artists include Bonobo, Foster the People and Live.
When: All day
Where: Zilker Park
More information: www.aclfestival.com
October 14
Get into the spirit of Oktoberfest with the whole family. The annual German Oktoberfest party features a biergarten, German food and live music — not to mention entertainment for the kids. And, yes, it’s perfectly OK to wear your lederhosen — you might feel out of place without it.
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The German Free School Building 507 E 10th St
More information: http://germantexans.org/events/oktoberfest-2017/
October 20-22
Got a need for speed? The Formula One Grand Prix is the place for you. And, if cars aren’t your thing, how about a show by Justin Timberlake and another by Stevie Wonder? Those are the headliners on Saturday and Sunday night, respectively.
When: All weekend
Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.
More information: http://www.circuitoftheamericas.com/2017-f1
October 26-November 2
Aside from Hollywood and New York City, Austin may be one of the biggest film cities on the map. With directors like Richard LInklater, Robert Rodriguez and Mike Judge calling Austin home, it’s no wonder the city is able to attract high-level cinematic talent. And nowhere is that more on display than during the Austin Film Festival, which features dozens of premieres, red carpet events, celebrity appearances and the usual smorgasbord of food, drink and music.
When: All weekend
Where: Various theaters and venues
More information: www.austinfilmfestival.com
October 31
Boo! It’s Halloween, and that means it’s time for trick or treaters, haunted houses and family fun. Whether you turn the outside light on and have a bucket of candy ready to go — or if you vacate and hit up a costume party, we hope you have a fun and spooky Haloween!
When: All day
Where: Everywhere
More information: http://do512.com/halloweeninaustin