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 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 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