The Central Texas region abounds with activities and festivals that allow residents to take advantage of cooler temperatures. Whether it’s picking the perfect pumpkin at a nearby patch or taking a day trip to celebrate Dia del los Muertos, let this be your guide to regional fall events.
October
21-22 & 28-29 Ghosts on the Square Tours Join the Williamson Museum for a downtown Georgetown ghost tour as guides tell the stories of ghosts who have haunted local places for more than 100 years. Call ahead to reserve tickets as tours often sell out. Times: 7:30, 8, 8:30 and 9 p.m. Cost: $12 (members and students), $15 (general admission per person) Location: Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown Contact: 512-943-1670, www.williamsonmuseum.org
22 AustOberfest The event celebrates Central Texas’ German heritage with German-style sausage, beer, a contest stage, bowling and live music. Admission includes unlimited German-style sausage and sides from some of the region’s most notable barbecue figures. Times: 5-10 p.m. (sausage tastings), 5-11 p.m. (beer tastings) Cost: $50 Location: Austin Saengerrunde, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin Contact: 512-666-7464, www.austoberfest.com
Halloween Festival[/caption]27 Halloween Festival Hosted by the Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department, the event features hayrides, a showing of “Hotel Transylvania 2,” a trick-or-treat village and a costume contest. Times: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Cost: free (to enter, booths and hayride charge fees) Location: Georgetown Community Center, 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown Contact: 512-930-3595, www.parks.georgetown.org
29 Fall Craft Fair Shop for the holidays at over 70 indoor and outdoor vendor booths. Food concessions are available. Times: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: free (admission) Location: Recreation Center, 1435 Main St., Cedar Park Contact: 512-401-5528, www.cedarparkparks.com
29 Dia de los Muertos procession and festival The fifth annual celebration includes crafts, children’s activities, art, food vendors and a performance by Las Fenix, a family musical act from Houston. The Williamson County Hispanic Heritage Committee, Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, the city of Round Rock, Round Rock Arts and broadcaster Univision co-sponsor the traditional Mesoamerican holiday event, which honors both death and the cycle of life. Times: 1-8 p.m. Cost: free Location: Centennial Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad St., Round Rock Contact: 512-218-7014, www.roundrocktexas.gov/event/dia-de-los-muertos-procession-festival
Fable Fest[/caption]29 Fable Fest Supporting the Cedar Park Public Library Foundation, Fable Fest’s eighth year includes 5K and 1K races and a festival. Attractions and entertainment feature The Kings Carnival, bounce houses, The Pig’s Pub, jousting and The Royal Academy. Costumes are encouraged for both the race and festival. Times: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (full event), 9 a.m. (Fable Fest 5K race), 10:15 a.m. (Pied Piper 1K race), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (festival) Cost: free (admission), $15 (1K), $30 (5K) Location: Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park Contact: 512-401-5600, www.fablefest.com
30 Boo Bash Attendees can shop and listen to live music while children trick or treat throughout the Georgetown Square. The Halloween event is sponsored by The Downtown Georgetown Association. Times: 3-6 p.m. Cost: free Location: The Georgetown Square, downtown Georgetown Contact: 512-868-8675, www.thegeorgetownsquare.com
30 The Great Pumpkin Festival Saint Richard’s Episcopal Church hosts the annual festival with live music from Lost and Nameless Orchestra; food trucks; trunk or treat, which offers trick-or-treating from car to car; and carnival games. Times: 2-6 p.m. Cost: free Location: The Dell Diamond west parking lot, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock Contact: 512-255-5436, www.saintrichards.org/pumpkins
31 Trunk or Treat Hosted by the Leander Police Department, the police and community partner to provide a safe, family-friendly alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating. Members of the Leander Fire Department will also be in attendance. Times: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost: free (toy donations accepted for Blue Santa) Location: parking lot between Lowe’s and Kohl’s, 1545 S. US 183, Leander Contact: 512-528-2800, www.leanderpd.com
31 Halloween in the Hall The city of Cedar Park invites residents to trick or treat at City Hall. Children can play on fire trucks and police cars and collect candy. Times: 3-5 p.m. Cost: free Location: Cedar Park City Hall, 450 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park Contact: 512-401-5000, www.cedarparktexas.gov
31 Fall Fun Festival The Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department invites residents to its monster-themed festival for toddlers and preschoolers. The event has carnival games, arts and crafts, hayrides, and punch and cookies. Times: 9-11:30 a.m. Cost: free Location: Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock Contact: 512-218-5540, www.roundrocktexas.gov/parksandrec
November
4-13 Wurstfest Join the celebration of German culture and Texas heritage with food, music, dancing, carnival rides and games. The event includes German, Texan and domestic beer; special events; and Alpine and Bavarian-style entertainment. Times: 5-9:30 p.m. (Mon.-Wed.), 5-11:30 p.m. (Thu.-Fri.), 11 a.m.-12:30 a.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (Sun.) Cost: free (age 12 and younger), $10 (age 13 and older at the gate) Location: Landa Park, 120 Landa St., New Braunfels Contact: 830-625-9167, www.wurstfest.com
5 Day of the Dead Celebration Hosted by Decorator for Hire, the event includes music, art, dancing and family activities. There is floral crown making and face painting as well as an offering of local vendors. Times: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Cost: free Location: Verde’s Mexican Parrilla, 16018 Hamilton Pool Road, Austin Contact: 512-484-5808, www.eventbrite.com/e/day-of-the-dead-party-tickets-27363930252
5 Veterans Memorial Parade and Ceremony Guests can honor veterans and show patriotic pride at this event. Parade entries are free. Times: 9:30-noon Cost: free Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 2525 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park Contact: 512-401-5528, www.cedarparkparks.com