Now that the weather is cooling off here in Texas, as much as it is going to at least, we can finally get outside again! I have lived in the Austin area for over 20 years and I’m still finding new and exciting things to do. I am a city girl through and through, but I love being outdoors when the weather is beautiful.

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Austin is known for its live music scene and abundance of nature related activities. There is so much to do from hiking and biking, to fall festivals, to haunted ghost tours. Your fall will be jam packed with activities. I love all things Halloween! The corn mazes, the haunted houses, the pumpkin carving! Here are just a few of my favorite things…

Hiking

Head out for a hike. Austin has some of the best hiking and biking areas from McKinney Falls to the Barton Creek Greenbelt. There are endless options. This is by far our favorite thing to do year round, unfortunately this summer has been brutal. If you are looking for trail ideas check out my post Austin Hiking Trails.

Hike Enchanted Rock

This massive granite dome sits just outside of Austin in Fredericksburg. Enchanted rock is part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife System. There are over 11 miles of hiking trails in the area. Head to the top for some panoramic views. Take plenty of water, there is not a lot of shade. Reservations are required now, visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock

Six Flags Fright Fest

I love roller coasters and I love halloween. Win! Win! https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas/events/fright-fest

Texas Renaissance Festival

Step back in time at the Texas Renaissance Festival. We always loved taking our daughter there when she was little. The giant swing was her favorite thing to do. She would always dress up as a fairy. Now as adults we still go, and she still dresses as a fairy. There is entertainment for the entire family. The festival opens October 7, 2023. For tickets check out their website https://www.texrenfest.com

Oktoberfest

Nothing says fall like Oktoberfest! I know us celiacs can’t enjoy beer but we can have a nice glass of wine or cider. We can also enjoy the music, art, and shopping! Fredericksburg is wine country. Spend the day exploring. You might find a new favorite winery! Just a 15 minute drive from Fredericksburg is world famous Luckenbach. Head on over and catch some live music. https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/events/oktoberfest/

Pecan Street Festival

The Pecan Street Festival happens twice a year in downtown Austin on historic 6th Street. It’s packed with over 300 local art vendors, food, and live bands. Fall festival will be September 16-17. For more info check out their website https://pecanstreetfestival.org/event-info/

Pumpkin Picking

Unfortunately Barton Hills Farms is no longer with us, but there are still some really great places to go pumpkin picking and take some great fall photos. Sweet Berry Farm will be open in September for pumpkin and flower picking, hay rides, scarecrow stuffing and more! Texas Pumpkin Fest has a ferris wheel, magic shows, a bungee trampoline and more! At Pumpkin Nights a half-mile walking path, turns into magical lands, built using over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins.

Sweet Eats Adventure Farm is a great place for pumpkin picking in Georgetown. They have a petting zoo, corn maze, apple cannon, live shows, slides, and so much more. We went as adults and loved it.

Haunted Ghost Tours

Apparently there is a lot of paranormal activity going on in Austin. I plan to check out some of these ghost tours this fall, starting with the Driskill. If you have done any or have recommendations let me know.

* UPDATE – I stayed at the Driskill for my birthday! Read all about it!

One Night At Austin’s Most Haunted Hotel, The Driskill

College Football

Aggie football anyone? Or Longhorn football if that’s your thing. Nothing compares to Saturday night at Kyle Field! If you can’t get tickets hit up a tailgate party with friends! Remember this game? Yeah I was there!

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