Austin in October: The Busiest Month of the Year
If you’re in Austin in October, you picked the right month. Here’s what’s happening.
ACL Fest
Austin City Limits Music Festival runs Oct 2–4 and Oct 9–11, 2026 at Zilker Park, its 25th year. Expect traffic and packed ride-shares; bike or walk if you can.
Halloween on Sixth Street
One of Austin’s biggest street parties. Costumes, crowds and a lot of content. Most bars are 21+. Sixth Street guide.
UT game days
Tailgates in West Campus and a stadium full of burnt orange all fall.
Patio season
The heat finally breaks. Rainey Street, East Austin and South Congress patios fill up.
See it live on Portal
Every one of these moments is happening live on Portal. Post yours and climb the Austin leaderboard in the busiest month of the year.
Frequently asked questions
When is ACL Fest 2026?
ACL Fest 2026 is Oct 2–4 and Oct 9–11 at Zilker Park in Austin.
What is Halloween on Sixth Street?
A huge yearly Halloween street party on Austin’s Sixth Street. Most bars there are 21+.
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