The pace of life tends to pick up in September with school starting, football games and a taste of slightly cooler weather. The fun and tailgating starts right away on Sept. 2 with the University of Texas Longhorns kicking off their first home game against Maryland.
But don’t let football win the month. Austin has a diverse lineup of activities in store for September, including free yoga day, free museum day and high-speed races out at the Circuit of the Americas track.
If you have never been before, considering heading out to the Pecan Street Festival later this month. It is a free festival with options for the whole family. Stroll along historic sixth tree and peruse 300+ arts and crafts vendors. This festival is held twice a year so if you miss it, you have another chance to check it out in the spring.
Toward the end of the month Austin has two beer-centric events on tap — the Texas Craft Brewers Festival and the AustOberfest bash at Scholz Garten where you can sample sausage, beers and maybe even go bowling on Austin’s oldest lanes in the basement.
Take advantage of the first taste of fall and check out some fun events this month. Let’s find out what September’s events line-up looks like:
September 4
From downward dog to Pungu Mayurasana, everyone has a chance to get their yoga on for free. Throughout the day, dozens of participating studios across the Austin area offer free classes. You’ll find options for all skill levels — though most tend to be beginner and intermediate.
When: All day
Where: Various locations
More information: www.freedayofyoga.com
September 8
It’s not easy to run 10 miles. But if you break it down and do it as a team, it’s a bit more manageable — and fun. That’s the idea behind the Zilker Relays. Each team member runs a 2.5 mile loop. And, at the end of the loop, there’s a big festival home base, drinks and music and other activities for runners and observers alike.
When: Kids race starts at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd
More information: www.zilkerrelays.com
September 12-16
While MTV may have given up on music videos, that doesn’t mean musicians and filmmakers have slowed down. And the best place to celebrate the artistry is at the Austin Music Video Festival. It features the coolest videos from Austin musicians, workshops, parties and panel discussions centered on the intersection of film and music.
When: All weekend
Where: Various locations
More information: www.austinmusicvideofestival.com
September 14-16
Want to feel a little better about your next long car ride? Watch a test of speed and endurance at the 24 hour Le Mans race at Circuit of the Americas The weekend of racing features live music, interactive displays and a huge fireworks show.
When: All weekend, starting at 9 a.m. Thursday
Where: Circuit of the Americas
More information: http://www.circuitoftheamericas.com/2017-lslm
September 17
Austin has several world class museums. And, on this special day, you can visit many of them for free. The free day is set up by the Austin Museum Partnership and lets you into art, science and history museums.
When: All Day
Where: Museums throughout Austin
More information: www.austinmuseums.org
September 21-28
If you fancy a vacation in Area 51 or a terrifying film late at night, then Fantastic Fest is the place for you. It’s one of the largest genre film festivals in the country that specializes in horror, sci-fi and oddball fantastic movies.
When: All weekend
Where: Alamo Drafthouse cinemas
More information: http://fantasticfest.com/
September 23-24
It happens twice a year, but the fall version of the The Pecan Street Festival is often a favorite. The free music, arts and crafts festival is situated along 6th Street, which used to be called Pecan Street. You’ll find 300-plus vendors, plenty of places to eat and drink and several stages of local live music.
When: All Day
Where: 6th Street east of Congress Ave.
More information: www.pecanstreetfestival.org
September 30
If hops and grain are your thing, you won’t want to miss out on The Texas Craft Brewers Fest. It’s the biggest event of its kind in the area, and you’ll find any kind of beer you can think of on tap from brewers across Texas.
When: 2-6:30 p.m.
Where: Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St
More information: www.texascraftbrewersfestival.org
September 30
Beer, bowling, sausage and live music? Sounds like a dream come true to many people. And you can get it all at the Austin Saengerrunde’s 5th annual AustOberfest at Scholz Garten, which happens to be the oldest continuously operating tavern in the state. This festival celebrates German heritage in Texas with beer, sausage, live music and bowling!
When: 5-11 p.m.
Where: Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
More information: www.austoberfest.com