Autumn in Austin is arguably the best time of year. The heat of the summer finally fades (well, mostly fades) into some beautiful weather. Of course, it wouldn’t be Austin without lots of activities and festivals to enjoy as well. During the post-summer season, you can find a little something for everyone with plenty of music, movies and entertainment to go around. Choose one or choose them all – you can’t go wrong with any of these exciting fall events in Austin.

Pecan Street Festival

September 22-23 | Sixth Street Historic District | Free | Info

Each year, Austin’s famous Sixth Street – originally called Pecan Street – plays host to one of the nation’s largest and longest-running festivals. This free, two-day event attracts 250,000 attendees from all over the country and features nearly 300 local and national arts, crafts, and food vendors, as well as around 50 musical acts. Take a stroll down historic Sixth – er, Pecan Street during this festival and get a taste of this iconic Austin event.

AustOberfest

September 29 | Scholz Garten | Tickets + Info

For some people, AustOberfest – or Austin’s Oktoberfest – officially kicks off the fall season. Voted one of the “Best Oktoberfests in America” by Food & Wine Magazine, AustOberfest celebrates Central Texas German heritage with biers, brats, contests, bowling, and live music and entertainment. Held at the historic Scholz Garten, one of the city’s oldest establishments, this is an event for all ages. Come as you are, but lederhosen and dirndls are welcome!

ACL Music Festival

October 5-7; October 12-14 | Zilker Park | Tickets + Info

At this point, it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t heard of Austin’s famous Austin City Limits Music Festival. Two weekends, eight stages, more than 125 musical acts – no wonder Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World! ACL Fest, as it is widely called, brings together artists and attendees from across the globe for one of the biggest fests in the country. And this year’s lineup does not disappoint: headliners like Paul McCartney, Childish Gambino, Metallica and The National lead a roster of incredible acts, including Janelle Monae, St. Vincent, Chvrches and Khalid. Amazing local artists like Shakey Graves and Molly Burch are in the spotlight as well. Without a doubt, a must for music lovers.

Austin Film Festival

October 25-November 1 | Various locations | Tickets + Info

Music may get a lot of attention in Austin, but the city’s incredible success in the film industry is not to be ignored. Since 1993, the Austin Film Festival (AFF) has been celebrating the creativity and craft of professional and amateur screenwriters and filmmakers. With four days of panels, eight days of more than 180 screenings, and attending filmmakers, producers, actors and writers from around the world, the Austin Film Festival is a film lover’s dream.

AIA Austin Homes Tour

October 27 & 28 | Various locations | Tickets + Info

For architecture buffs, the AIA Austin Homes Tour can’t be beat – after all, it’s one of the leading architectural homes tours in the nation. Each year, Austin-area architecture firms have the opportunity to feature their best residential projects. Attendees can tour beautifully designed homes from top firms like Dick Clark + Associates, Webber + Studio Architects, Clayton & Little and many more. Grab your tour map, hop in your car, and prepare to be wowed by these gorgeous homes.

Cover photo Greg Noire

Tarek Morshed is a Central Texas realtor who has called Austin home for more than 20 years. He is passionate about the city’s real estate, architecture and culture.