School’s in for autumn. It doesn’t have nearly the same ring to it as school’s out for summer. But, the change means thousands of University of Texas students return to Austin, and several of the city’s best-known events kick into high gear.
September starts out with a downtown triathalon and free yoga before cruising through a beer festival en route to an art festival and the start of Austin City Limits Music Festival, which brings tens of thousands of concert-goers into the city for two weekends of big time acts.
And break out your horns because the Texas Longhorn football season kicks off Sept. 4 with a home game against Notre Dame. Now let’s break out a calendar, schedule in some fun and Hook ‘em Horns!
September 5
If you’re feeling inspired by the Olympics — or if you’re already a game-ready athlete — you can give it your best at The Tri-Rock Austin Triathlon. It kicks off with athletes diving into Lady Bird Lake near the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue. The event features some of the best athletes around, but there’s plenty of places to drop a camping chair and watch cyclists zing through downtown streets.
When: 7 a.m.
Where: Auditorium Shores, 800 W. Riverside
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September 5
If the triathlon sounded a little too intense, consider taking the family out for Austin’s Day of Free Yoga. Dozens of studios and instructors offer free classes in unique settings. Whether you want to try it out or are a seasoned practitioner, there’s a little something for everyone.
When: Various times
Where: Various locations
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September 7-10
If you sing “I want my MTV,” and you really mean it, then why not check out what local bands have been putting together at the Austin Music Video Festival. From famous artists like Gary Clark Jr. to relative unknowns, the festival features amazing art, cool music and videos that are both high tech and low brow. The four-day fest features screenings, award shows, interactive videos, discussions, workshops and, of course, live concerts.
When: Various times
Where: Various locations, see ticket page for more details
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September 9
You watched the Olympians, now try it out for yourself. The Zilker Relays is a 10-mile team where each team member runs a 2.5-mile loop between festival bases. Not running, hang out at one of the bases and enjoy drinks, food and live music. It’s open to all runners.
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Zilker Park area
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September 15-17
These racers have stamina. The Lone Star Le Mans features 24 hours of Le Mans racing over the course of three high-speed days. And don’t forget to stick around for the fireworks!
When: It starts at 7 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15
Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.
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September 18
Hit up Austin’s coolest museums — for free. Austin Museum Day gives everyone a chance to check out some of the city’s most interesting pieces of art and history. Virtually every place you can think of in Austin opens their doors for this once-a-year open house.
When: All day
Where: Austin museums
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September 24
Chug-a-lug! If you consider yourself a connoisseur of craft beer, consider heading down to Fiesta Gardens at the edge of Lady Bird Lake to sample some suds at the Texas Craft Brewers Fest — the biggest and tastiest beer fest around. You’ll find plenty of eats for that intermission between an wheat and an IPA
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia Street
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September 24-25
Enjoy Austin’s artistic and crafty side at the Pecan Street Festival, a twice-a-year gathering along what we know call Sixth Street in downtown Austin. You’ll find a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, crafts and, of course, endless drinks and eats along the way.
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days
Where: On 6th Street between I-35 and Brazos
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