Top 5 ATX October Events 2021

The month of October is packed full of fun, once-a-year, events in Austin, Texas. Be sure to check out our Top 5 ATX October events below.

Austin City Limits Music Festival:  After a year of no ACL we are so excited that the Austin City Limits music festival is back. The 2021 ACL Music Festival takes place October 1-3 & 8-10, 2021 at Zilker Park, in the heart of Austin, Texas. If you are looking for a place to grab a drink and relax before or after the festival, be sure to check out Codependent, which was featured in Thrilliest’s Ultimate 2021 Austin City Limits Dining Guide. (Zilker Park)

Formula 1 Race: The Formula 1 Aramco United States Grand Prix will be held in Austin, TX at the Circuit of the Americas from October 22-24, 2021. There will be performances from Twenty One Pilots on Friday night and Billy Joel on Saturday night. The United States Grand Prix is traditionally placed towards the end of the season on the calendar and has previously been pivotal in deciding the hotly-contested drivers’ championship. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of history! (9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617)

TX/OU Football Game: The greatest interstate rivalry in college football is returning to Dallas on October 9th, when the Texas Longhorns square off against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl Stadium. Even though the game won’t be held in Austin there are still plenty of great places to watch the game, a few places include, Little Woodrow’s (west 6th), Bufords, Bouldin Acres, The Tavern, Parlor and Yard, Haymaker, or even from ACL under the beer tent. (Multiple Venues)

Halloween: It’s finally October which means Halloween! Below are a few festive activities for a range of different ages. The House of Torment is a much-loved spot that’s been in business for over 12 years. The haunted house runs from September 11 – November 13. Book your tickets to the House of Torment here. The Flower Studio is hosting a Monster Mayhem Pumpkin Painting Class on Saturday October 23rd from 10:30am – 3:30pm. This is the perfect laid back event for little ones to create some fun Halloween decorations. Costumes are encouraged! Make your reservation here. For those who are 21+ the W Austin Hotel is having a Haunted Halloween and Costume Party on October 30th at 9:00pm. Dress up in your favorite costumes for a night of cocktails, dancing, and spooky times! You can purchase tickets here. (Multiple Venues).

Party for the Parks: Join Austin Parks Foundation at Party for the Parks to help raise critical funds for the city of Austin parks. The party will be held on October 6, 2021 at Zilker Park under the stars at ACL Music Festival. There will be amazing live music along with local food and drinks to raise funds to improve these important spaces, all while exclusively having the festival grounds to celebrate Austin’s parks, trails, and green spaces. You can purchase tickets here. (Zilker Park)