August in September: Football, Yoga and Racing
The city seems noticeably more youthful now that college students are back in town and grade schoolers are out catching the bus and walking to school in the mornings and afternoons. It’s a time of year that, for many, marks the start of slightly cooler weather, Friday night football and new beginnings.
Austin is packed with fun festivals in September, adding to the lineup of high school, University of Texas and, for some, even NFL football claiming a small spot on the calendar each weekend.
But don’t let it be pure pigskins. Austin has a fun Free Day of Yoga coming up, along with an awesome relay race, amazing rally cars, beer festivals and rodeos to check out throughout the month.
Now, let’s take a look at a few of the best events — and be sure to add a few to your family’s calendar.
September 1-2
Break out your belt buckle and cowboy boots. The 7th annual Gunner Thames Memorial Pro Rodeo is a family outing where you’ll see bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and, of course, tie down roping.
When: Sept. 1 – 2, starting at 7:30 p.m. each day
Where: Veterans Park, Wimberley
More information: https://rodeosusa.com/rodeos/gunner-thames-memorial-pro-rodeo/
September 3
Get ready to stretch the body and the soul with some downward dogs and ohms. It’s Austin’s Free Day of Yoga, a community-wide celebration of yoga where studios and instructors across the city offer folks a chance to try yoga for free. You’ll find beginner options — as well as more advanced sessions.
When: All day
Where: Various locations
More information: http://www.freedayofyoga.com/index.php
September 7
It takes teamwork to win a relay. And you’ll find an abundance of that community cooperation — and competition — at the Zilker Relays. There are races for kids and adults. Plus, there’s plenty of food and fun for those of us who would rather watch than compete.
When: Friday at 6 p.m.
Where: Zilker Park
More information: http://www.zilkerrelays.com/
September 8-9
Austin has long been home to its own brand of blues. Celebrate that heritage by checking out The Eastside Kings Festival. There’s a guitar and harmonica workshop at Austin Vintage Guitars and a kick-off party at C-Boys. Then the big names start taking the stage at 10 p.m. Blues master Alan Haynes kicks it off. Others include Lavelle White, Jewel Brown, Super Chikan and Soul Man Sam Band. You’ll find other shows at JT’s Body Shop, Big Easy Bar & Grill, Full Circle Bar and other venues.
When: All night
Where: Various venues
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/304994473600565/
September 8
Austin has many long-standing festivals. This one, however, is brand new. It’s the Soul of Austin Culture Fest at Huston-Tillotson University. It includes food trucks, singers, dancers and plenty of other entertainment. You’ll also find free health screenings, author showcases and more.
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 900 Chicon Street
More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soul-of-austin-culture-fest-tickets-47376940705
September 22-23
Whether you’re looking for a fun painting for the house or you just want to check out some live music and try out a few street food selections, the Pecan Street Festival is the place to be in downtown Austin.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 6th and Congress
More information: http://pecanstreetfestival.org/
September 29
It’s tough to even keep track of how many breweries Austin has these days. It’s more than a dozen and less than a thousand, but it’ll seem like that and more at the Texas Craft Brewers Festival. Aside from a wide array of barley pops, you’ll find live music and plenty of tasty bites.
When: Thursday, Aug. 30 to Sept. 2
Where: Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St.
More information: http://texascraftbrewersfestival.org/
September 29-30
Heart pounding rally racing is on tap at the Circuit of the Americas track during the last weekend of September. You’ll see cars skidding and bumping and jumping across the track — in addition to the endless food options and other racing entertainment experiences at the track.
When: All day Saturday and Sunday
Where: COTA, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd
More information: https://www.worldrxusa.com/