Fun Things to do in Austin – October 2026

Fun Things to do in Austin – October 2026

by | Oct 1, 2026 | Austin, Newsletter

Lots of Pumpkin Patches, New Forts at the Wildflower Center and Viva La Vida Parade | October Newsletter links

Happy October!

Ready to embrace Fall in Austin? First you might want to ​light a pumpkin candle​, sip on an ​Apple Butter Chai​ or ​bowl of soup​ and layer your ​seasonal tee​ with a ​cozy sweatshirt​. Now the vibes have been set.

See below for some fun places to visit, events to attend and classes to sign up for this month.

October spotlight

Check out my blog post: ​Fall Family Halloween Activity Guide​ (sorted by Age + Distance) in Austin. It lists Pumpkin Patches, Fright Nights and more Halloween fun to explore.

One bonus spotlight: ​EARLY VOTING BEGINS​ Oct. 19th and goes through Oct. 30th, 2026.

October EVENTS

Bring your little kids to ​Fortlandia​ at the Wildflower Center starting Oct. 2nd and going until Jan. 31st for 8 new creative forts and outdoor exploring. “Your secret hideout awaits” Their ​grand opening party​ is on Oct. 1st.

Make the most of (or avoid the traffic and crowds at) ​Austin City Limits Music Festival​ on Oct. 2nd-4th and Oct. 9th-11th. Very limited tickets remain.

Enjoy German food and music at the ​Austin Oktoberfest​ on Oct. 10th at the German Free School. Do you have any lederhosen or dirndls to wear?

Attend the ​Indigenous Peoples Celebration​ on the UT campus for activities and a shared feast on Oct. 12th.

Check out the ​Hairy Man Festival​ in Round Rock on Oct. 17th. There’s a $500 cash prize to the first place winner. Do you (and your facial hair) have what it takes?

Want to get messy? Participate in the ​Bubble Run​ on Oct. 17th at the Travel County Fairgrounds.

Take a ​Public Art Walking Tour​ to learn about some of the pieces located near the Dougherty Arts Center on Oct. 17th. Did you know that the City of Austin has over 400 public artworks on display?

Learn about ​Mothing at Pease Park​ on Oct. 23rd. It’s free, open to all ages and involves citizen science.

Paint your face! Then watch the ​Viva La Vida Parade​ downtown on Oct. 24th. Celebrate Dia de los Muertos early with costumes, performances and art activities. There will also be a low-rider exhibition.

Head to Round Rock for the ​Diwali Festival of Lights​ also on Oct. 24th. There will be lots of lights, savory food as well as live music and dance performances. You can even take a free Bollywood dance lesson.

The ​Formula 1 US Grand Prix​ is Oct. 23rd-Oct. 25th. Watch the races out at COTA.

October Craft CLASSES

​Paint a pumpkin alongside some goats​ at Whitestone Brewery in Cedar Park on Oct. 4th.

Oh my gourd! Take a workshop and make a ​clay pumpkin​ at Feats of Clay on Oct. 3rd or Oct. 10th.

Get seasonal at this ​Halloween Edition Pottery Workshop​ at the Sign Bar on Oct. 7th. You could come home with a ghost tea-light holder or a pumpkin pinch pot.

​Paint some pumpkins with rescue cats​ at the Purrfecto Cat Lounge on either Oct. 13th or Oct. 20th.

Grab your friends and make a ​Succulent Pumpkin DIY centerpiece​ on Oct. 10th out at Vista Brewing. This looks so cute!

Boo! Take a ​spooky taper candle painting​ workshop on Oct. 17th at 7th Street candle.

October VOLUNTEERING

​Make PB&J sandwiches for the ATX Free Fridges​ on Oct. 10th at Future Front Texas. Masks required when making food.

​Sort produce at the Hope Food Pantry​ on Oct. 14th. with Generation Serve.

Work in the ​Community Butterfly Garden​ at Zilker Botanical Gardens on Oct. 20th.

Grab a paintbrush for some ​kintsugi inspired sidewalk repair​ at the Dougherty Arts Center on Oct. 21st. Help fill the cracks with gold epoxy.

Volunteer to ​make dog toys​ at Austin Creative Reuse on Oct. 23rd.

October PHOTO SESSIONS

Ready to go outside and capture some fall memories? If you’d like to book a Senior or Family Photo Session this Fall, ​reach out​ and let me know. I only have a handful of dates left in my 2026 calendar.

Have fun and stay cozy!

Sign up to get my newsletter delivered to your inbox. 

 

stephanie friedman headshot
Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Fun Things to do in Austin – September 2026

Fun Things to do in Austin – September 2026

by | Sep 1, 2026 | Austin, Newsletter, photography

Cathedral of Junk, Free Day of Yoga and BubblePalooza | September Newsletter links

Happy September!

Looking for ways to enjoy the Back to School season in Austin?

See below for some fun places to visit, events to attend and classes to sign up for.

And if you’d like an anytime Fall Activity List, check out this ​blog post​.

September spotlight

Visit the ​Cathedral of Junk​ in South Austin for a perfect Keep Austin Weird experience. Make sure you call first to see when they’re open that week. It’s three floors of the best artistic junk.

September EVENTS

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of ​Bat Fest​ on Sept. 5th with music and nearly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. Don’t forget about the Bat Costume Contest for Adults and Kids ($100 prize each).

Bring your favorite magic-lover to see ​Houdini’s Library​ at the Harry Ranson Center (on display until 1/24/27)

Stretch and breathe at multiple locations for the ​Free Day of Yoga​ on Sept. 7th.

Spend an evening stargazing at the West Cave monthly ​star party​ on Sept. 12th.

Horns up as ​UT Football​ season starts with home games on Sept. 5th, 12th and 19th

See ​Treasure Island reimagined​ at the State Theater on Sept. 18th and 19th. Did you see ​Intergalatic Nemesis​ when it came out in 1996 or onstage in 2010? – this is the same group.

Watch something new at ​Fantastic Fest​ for 8 days of screenings in September (17th-24th) with the Alamo Drafthouse.

Take your kids to ​BubblePalooza Community Day​ at the Long Center on Sept. 19th. Expect live music, food trucks and lots of bubbles. Tip: dress your kid in a bathing suit and then go to the fountain at Butler Park next door after the event.

See lots of art on the free ​Austin Museum Day​ on Sept. 20th. Over 30 local Museums will be participating.

Experience a ​Latino Moonlight Serenade​ from the water with the Texas Rowing Center on Sept. 24th.

Rent a canoe and see the immersive show ​Waterwork​ on Sept. 26th and 27th on the side of the Seaholm Intake Facility from the water.

The new amusement park ​COTA Land​ opens on Sept. 26th at the Circuit of the Americas. They have rides for all ages (and various levels of thrills).

Lace up your running shoes for the ​Violet Crown Trail Fun Run​ on Sept. 26th.

Fill your bag with new books at the ​Independent Book Fair​ on Sept. 27th at Radio/East.

September CLASSES

​Sip & Paint​ at Meanwhile Brewing and go how with a new piece of art on Sept. 16th.

Take a ​Letterpress workshop​ and make your own unique lobby movie poster on Sept. 19th.

​Create beautiful pretzels​ on Sept. 20th at Barton Springs Mill (in Dripping Springs). Or ​make NY Pizza​ there for a Date night on Sept. 4th. Or take your kid to ​make banana bread​ with you on Sept. 5th.

It’s your move when you join a ​weekly game night​ (Chess on the second and fourth Mondays or Backgammon on the first and third Tuesdays) at the Victorian Knights Club upstairs at the Driskill

Try your hand at ​Ikebana​, the Japanese art of floral design (multiple dates available starting Sept. 22nd) at Tonari by Uroko.

Learn to ​two-step at Sagebrush​ on Tuesday nights.

September VOLUNTEERING

​Bake birthday cakes​ for the Saint Louise House residents with Austin Allies on Sept. 8th or Sept. 21st.

​Sort produce for the HOPE Food Pantry​ on Sept. 9th with Generation Serve.

Help ​clean up Lady Bird Lake​ with Keep Austin Beautiful on Sept. 2nd.

Work in the ​Community Butterfly Garden​ at Zilker Botanical Gardens on Sept. 1st. Or you could sign up to ​monitor and photograph their native bees​.

September PHOTO SESSIONS

If you’d like to book a Senior or Family Photo Session this Fall, ​reach out​ and let me know, my calendar is ready for booking dates from September to December 2026.

Have fun and stay cool

Sign up to get my newsletter delivered to your inbox. 

 

stephanie friedman headshot
Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Fun Things to do in Austin – August 2026

Fun Things to do in Austin – August 2026

by | Aug 1, 2026 | Austin, Newsletter

Cosplay Train Ride, GlowRow the Lake and Read to Rescue Cats | August Newsletter links

Happy August!

Looking for ways to enjoy the end of Summer in Austin? See below for some fun places to visit, events to attend and classes to sign up for.

And if you need some anytime Summer Fun ideas that keep you in the water or air conditioning – check out this evergreen ​blog post​.

August spotlight

Since we live in the “​Live Music Capitol of the World​” – how about you check out some ​all ages venues​ around town this month and see a show.

August EVENTS

Look up (and pack an umbrella) for the ​Purple Martin bird watching parties​ on 8/1, 8/7 and 8/8

Book a ​Cheesy Boat Cruise​ with Antonelli’s (various dates – August is currently wait list only, but check out September and later in the year).

All aboard with the ​Hill Country Flyer​ (various themed train rides from Cedar Park to Bertram. Options include the Princess Flyer (8/1), the Cosplay Train (8/8), the Wild West Rider (8/15), the Rainbow Rider (8/22) and the Teddy Bear Train (8/29).

Enjoy the tap dancing and Broadway classics of the musical 42nd St. at the ​Georgetown Theater​ (various weekends in August)

Go on a 9pm or 11:30pm Glowing Kayak Tour on Lake Austin with ​GlowRow​ (various Monday nights in August)

Visit Hutto and pet and feed the Kunekune pigs at ​Best Place Farms​ (they also have bunnies you can visit)

Choose between ballet, jazz, hip-hop and more at the ​Ballet Austin Free Dance of Dance​ on 8/30. Looks like they even have a free class to teach you the Thriller Dance.

August CLASSES

Roll, stuff and boil your way in this ​Pierogis cooking class​ on 8/5 at Ovenbird

Make a ​Snack Plate Tray​ at this cute Clay workshop at The Art Garage on 8/8

Take a free dance class at the ​Go Dance open house​ on 8/15

Get your Red Cross ​CPR/First Aid certification​ (various Thur/Sat options)

Learn how to ​cultivate mushrooms​ at the Buzz Mill through the Lumber Society on 8/27

Shake your way through a ​Mocktail mixing class​ at the Vortex on 8/30

August VOLUNTEERING

​Read to Rescue Cats​ at the Austin Humane Society (Tuesdays and Thursday from 12pm-6pm in 30 minute blocks)

Help maintain ​rain gardens​ along Shoal Creek on 8/2

​Clean with Camp Counselors​ and help refresh the Sunshine Camp site at Zilker Park on 8/11

Volunteer at the Arline’s ​Back to School Bash​ and help get kids in East Austin ready for school on 8/15

August PHOTO SESSIONS

If you’d like to book a Senior or Family Photo Session this Fall, ​reach out​ and let me know, my calendar is ready for booking.

I’ll be back in touch in September for the next monthly list of fun items to do around Austin.

Have fun and stay cool!

Sign up to get my newsletter delivered to your inbox. 

 

stephanie friedman headshot
Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Fun Things to do in Austin – July 2026

Fun Things to do in Austin – July 2026

by | Jul 1, 2026 | Austin, Newsletter

Neighborhood 4th of July Parades, World Cup watching and ways to cool off this summer in Austin | July Newsletter links

Happy July!

These later summer months really test my love of Austin. Look below for a mix of ways to cool off and enjoy July.

July COOL OFF spotlight

I’ve a ​blog post​ with a round-up of anytime Summer Fun ideas that put you in water or keep you indoors.

July EVENTS

Listen to a free outdoor concert (inside if it rains) every Thursday in July at the Long Center for their ​Drop-in Music​ Series.

GOAL!!! Cheer on the ​World Cup with watch parties​ and events around town.

Watch ​Singin’ in the Rain​ as the Zilker Theater Summer Musical from July 10th-Aug. 15th.

See over 200 works of art at the ​Art of Banksy​ exhibit at Fair Market (opened in May).

Break out your thread for a ​Stitch Night​ at Pinthouse Brewing on July 15th.

July CLASSES

Take your littlest Texan to learn about ​Foods from American History​ at the Bullock Museum on July 18th.

Make & Take a ​Red, White and Blue Cobbler​ at Central Market (few tickets left) on July 4th.

​Sip & Solder​ a stained glass suncatcher at Meanwhile Brewing on July 14th.

Learn how to ​arrange flowers​ with Rally Cat Floral at Aurora House on July 25th

Come home with a custom hat, purse or tote bag at this ​Custom Patch​ Workshop in July (multiple dates)

July HOLIDAYS

Independence Day (July 4th): Celebrate with music at ​Willie Nelson’s 4th of July​ Concert and Picnic or head to Auditorium Shores for the music and firework-filled ​Star Spangled Fest​.

Put on your red, white and blue to watch or march in a neighborhood parade:

July PHOTO SESSIONS

If you’d like to book a Family Photo Session this Summer or Class of 2027 Seniors who want a summer session, ​reach out​ and let me know. I’m only booking indoor or early morning sessions once the temperature gets above 95 degrees at night.

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stephanie friedman headshot
Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Fun Things to do in Austin – June 2026

Fun Things to do in Austin – June 2026

by | Jun 2, 2026 | Austin, Newsletter

Waterparks, Outdoor Concerts and Growing a Salsa Garden | June Newsletter links

Happy June!

Ready for a fun mix of events, classes and places to visit in Austin, Texas in 2026?

Check out the links below for inspiration.

June WATER PARKS spotlight

School’s out 🙂 Temps will soon be rising. Time to schedule some summer fun in the water at ​Rock’N River​, ​Typhoon​​ Texas​, ​Volente Beach​, ​Quest ATX​, ​Splash Shack​, ​Kalahari​ or ​Schlitterbahn​.

June EVENTS

Listen to a free outdoor concert (inside if it rains) every Thursday in June at the Long Center for their ​Drop-in Music​ Series.

Listen to ​Blues on the Green​ at Zilker Park on June 9th and 10th.

Get bendy at the ​Austin Yoga Festival​ on June 13th.

Eat some watermelon and watch the parade at the ​Luling Watermelon Thump​ on June 25th-June 28th. (Luling is about an hour’s drive from Austin).

From Jaws to Romeo + Juliet to Pee Wee’s Big Adventure – watch a Classic Movie at the ​Paramount Summer Film Series​ (multiple dates).

Line Dance and listen to Big Bad Karaoke at the ​Summer of Friendship Festival​ at Laguna Gloria on June 26th.

Pack a basket for the ​Pride Picnic​ at Pease Park on June 27th.

June CLASSES

Buy a Monday bundle of ​Art Night classes​ and make a watercolor fan, cross stitch postcards, learn Sashiko mending and make a mirror tile mosaic.

Learn how to grow a ​Salsa Garden​ with Botanic Experience on June 14th.

Catch a wave at their ​Water Aerobics​ class ($35) and then get use of the pool all day long at Hotel Magdalena on June 14th.

Take a ​self-defense class​ with your daughter before she leaves for college at Sun Dragon Karate studio on June 28th (cont. on July 12th).

June HOLIDAYS

Flag Day (June 14th): It’s my birthday! Celebrate with a piece of cake. Or you can ​celebrate Flag Day​ at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission on June 13th.

Juneteenth (June 19th): Watch the ​Rosewood Neighborhood Parade​.

Father’s Day (June 21st): Keep an eye out for the ​Brewtorium’s​ annual Dad Joke competition.

June PHOTO SESSIONS

If you’d like to book a Family Photo Session this Summer (perhaps as a Father’s Day gift) or Class of 2027 Seniors who want a summer session, ​reach out​ and let me know.

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Sign up to get my newsletter delivered to your inbox. 

 

stephanie friedman headshot

Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Fun Things to do in Austin – April 2026

Fun Things to do in Austin – April 2026

by | Apr 1, 2026 | Austin

Where to find wildflowers in bloom, so many festivals and Earth Day volunteering | April Newsletter links

Happy April!

Ready for a fun mix of events, classes and places to visit in Austin, Texas in 2026?

Check out some links below for inspiration.

April PLACES TO VISIT – Wildflower Edition

Spring in Austin means wildflowers! Check out my latest blog post ​Where to Find Wildflowers​ around Austin with my Top 10 spots for blooms.

Speaking of wildflowers, you can also check out the Bluebonnet Festivals in ​Burnet​ (April 10th-12th) and ​Chappell Hill​ (April 11th).

There’s also the ​Georgetown Poppy Festival​ (April 24th-26th)

April EVENTS

Fun non-flower themed events in April include:

Let’s go fly a kite at ABC ​Kite Fest​ on April 11th. (Fun fact: this festival started back in 1929)

Attend the family-friendly spring celebration ​Squirrel Fest​ at Pease Park on April 11th.

Run or cheer on the ​Capitol 10K race​ on April 12th.

Root for the dogs in Buda at the ​Wiener Dog Races​ on April 25th and 26th. Did you know first place wins $1,000?

Watch or paddle in the Austin ​Dragon Boat Festival​ on Aug. 25th.

Check out the Charles Butt (aka those HEB Butts) ​“American Modernism” Collection​ at the Blanton Museum (up through August 2nd)

April CLASSES

Learn to make a fried egg or easter ​egg stained glass​ on April 5th.

Make a colorful flower pot and swap at plant at the Dougherty Arts Center “​In Full Bloom​” free class on April 15th.

Walk around Town Lake and learn about ​useful plants you see​ with Buzz Mill Coffee on April 9th.

Take a weekend workshop at Laguna Gloria and learn to ​Paint with Texture​ on April 18th and 19th.

Create a ​chainmail keyring​ at Tiny Minotaur Tavern on April 29th.

April EARTH DAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Here are some ways to help and give back in April. Earth Day is April 22nd.

​Keep Austin Beautiful​ city-wide clean-up on April 18th.

UT Texas alumni and students clean up Adams-Hemphill ​neighborhood park​ on April 18th.

Celebrate Earth Day (Week) at the ​Rowing Dock to clean up Lady Bird Lake ​on April 24th.

April PHOTO SESSIONS

If you’d like to book Senior or Family Photos this Spring (perhaps in the wildflowers), ​reach out​ and let me know.

Sign up to get my newsletter delivered to your inbox. 

 

stephanie friedman headshot

Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

Contact Me

More From This Category

About Me Contact Me Photo Session Types Blog