After being cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ACL Festival returns to Zilker Park. The festival features more than 100 performances from headliners including Miley Cyrus, St. Vincent, George Strait and Megan Thee Stallion. Show times vary. Ticket prices vary. Zilker Park, 2207 Lou Neff Road, Austin. 888-512-7469. www.aclfestival.com
OCT. 1-10 Eat out at Austin restaurants
Austin Restaurant Weeks kicks off the beginning of October at participating restaurants across the city. The 10-day event features drink and meal specials from local eateries and helps raise funds for the Central Texas Food Bank. Plate prices vary. Locations vary. 512-684-2549. www.austinrestaurantweeks.org
OCT. 7 Watch U.S. Soccer compete on its quest for the upcoming FIFA World Cup
The U.S. Men’s National Team visits Q2 Stadium on its path to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The national team takes on Jamaica in its fourth of 14 total qualifying matches. 6:30 p.m. $125-$950. Q2 Stadium, 10414 McKalla Place, Austin. www.ussoccer.com
OCT. 16 Take the ice with the Texas Stars
The Texas Stars, the minor league affiliate of the NHL’s Dallas Stars, begins its season this October with a homestand in Cedar Park. The Stars host the Iowa Wild for a two-game set. 7 p.m. $18-$52. H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-467-8277. www.texasstars.com
OCT. 16, 23, 30, NOV. 6 Enjoy live music while shopping
Domain Northside hosts multiple local musicians throughout October as part of its “Northside Rocks” series. Acts include The Peterson Brothers, Donovan Keith, Dossey and Quiet Company. 5-6:30 p.m. Free. The Northside Lawn, 11821 Rock Rose Ave., Austin. 512-758-7937. www.domainnorthside.com
OCT. 21-23 Get roped into the county rodeo
The inaugural Williamson County Fair and Rodeo gets underway Oct. 21 with three days of family-friendly programming. Held in Taylor, the weekend-long event includes a carnival, live music, a local farmers market, pig races and professional rodeo competitions. Times vary. Tickets $5 and up. Williamson County Expo Center, 5350 Bill Pickett Trail, Taylor. 512-238-2101. www.wilcofair.com
OCT. 21-28 Catch some flicks at a film festival
The Austin Film Festival features eight straight nights of special film screenings. The festival also includes a 4-day writers conference and industry panels. Tickets for individual screenings will be available in October. Screen times vary. Badges vary $70-$650. 512-478-4795. www.austinfilmfestival.com
OCT. 22-24 Race to COTA for Formula 1 events
The 2021 Formula 1 Aramco United States Grand Prix returns for three days of racing and events at Circuit of the Americas. Musician Billy Joel headlines festivities after qualifying events on Saturday before the U.S. Grand Prix main event kicks off Sunday afternoon. Event times vary. Tickets $49 and up. Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd., Austin. 512-301-6600. www.circuitoftheamericas.com
OCT. 23 - Check out Pet-Toberfest
Pet supply store P&F Pet Provisions hosts Pet-Tober Fest with more than 55 vendors. The event features live demonstrations and a costume contest. Small and large pets are invited to participate along with their owners in the Halloween costume event. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. The Domain, 10910 Domain Drive, Austin. 512-956-9000. www.pandfpet.shop
