Sept. 21-Oct. 2 | Attend a circus
The Venardos Circus will feature aerialists, acrobats, juggling, balancing, comedy, magic and musical production. 7-8:30 p.m. $16.50 (12 and under), $27 (adult tickets). Moontower Saloon, 10212 Menchaca Road, Austin. 786-265-9765. www.venardoscircus.com
Sept. 24-Oct. 31 | Celebrate fall
The second annual Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival will take place at the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead. The festival will feature an Aztec ceremonial dancing performance, pumpkin carving workshops hosted by acclaimed pumpkin sculptor Deane Arnold and activities for all ages. Open every day except Tuesdays. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free (ages 0-3 and 65 and up), $5 (weekdays), $10 (weekend admission). 419 Founders Park Road, Dripping Springs. www.drippingspringspumpkinfestival.com
Sept. 27 | Enjoy a concert
Rock band Slipknot will perform at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. 5 p.m. (doors open), 6 p.m. (show starts). $29.50 and up. 512-301-6600. 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle. www.germaniaamp.com
Oct. 1 | Enjoy a craft beer festival
The Texas Craft Brewers Festival is hosting a sampling-focused festival. The event will be centered around sampling craft beers brewed in Texas. Noon (VIP tickets), 2 p.m. (general admission), closes at 6:30 p.m. $45 (general admission). 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., Austin. www.texascraftbrewersfestival.org
Oct. 1 | Enjoy a day out with chefs and mixologists
St. John’s Studios will host the At The Pass event. The event in downtown Austin will feature chefs who give insight into how they create dishes and navigate kitchens. Chefs will also cook food orders that will be taken to customers by servers. Drinks will be made by mixologists for patrons attending the event. 1 p.m. $100. 705 W. Saint Johns Ave., Austin. www.fieldguidefest.com/event/at-the-pass
Oct. 7-9, 14-16 | Attend Austin City Limits Music Festival
ACL Fest will return to Austin for six days of music spanning two weekends at Zilker Park. Some of the headlining acts this year include Red Hot Chili Peppers, P!nk, and The Chicks. One day tickets start at $145, one day VIP $550. Three-day tickets are sold out. 2207 Lou Neff Road, Austin. www.aclfestival.com
Oct. 8 | Enjoy Austin Oktoberfest
The German Texans Heritage Society will host the Austin Oktoberfest event, which will feature live music and entertainment, craft beer and activities for kids.11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free (age 12 and under), $15 per person. German Texans Heritage Society, 507 East 10th Street Austin. www.germantexans.org/oktoberfest
Oct. 8 | Attend a day of puns and laughter
The Brush Square Museums, in collaboration with the Brush Square Museums Foundation, will host the 45th annual O. Henry Museum Pun Off World Championship. The first round will have competitors deliver a monologue. The second round will have competitors go head to head against each other with puns. The winner will be declared the world champion punslinger. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 600 River St., Austin. 512-974-6723. www.austintexas.gov
Oct. 8-9 | Attend the annual Hill Country Harvest Market
The 10th annual market will feature vendors selling home and holiday decor, jewelry, gourmet food, gifts, art, accessories and candles. 10 a.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sun.). Free (age 12 and under), $5 (with nonperishable food donation), $6 (general admission). Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center. 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs. 512-894-2390. www.destinationdrippingsprings.com
Oct. 8-9 | Enjoy a series of trails and obstacles on horseback
The Silver Spurs Series will feature a set of trails and obstacles open to ages 7 and over and all breeds of horses. The trails cover 6 miles with six obstacles of varying levels of difficulty, and riders can choose the level of difficulty for each obstacle. 10 a.m. $28-$55. 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs. 512-894-2390. www.destinationdrippingsprings.com
Oct. 14-16 | Enjoy the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival
The festival will bring together singers and songwriters for a free three-day event that features over 30 shows a day. The event will take place in historic downtown Dripping Springs at seven different locations. Times vary. 509 Mercer St., Dripping Springs. 512-858-4740. www.destinationdrippingsprings.com
Oct. 14-29 | Take your kids to Boo at the Zoo
The Austin Zoo will host a Halloween-themed event Oct. 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29. The event will feature train rides, music, entertainment and unlimited haunted house visits. Times vary. $16.95 for adults, $13.95 for children 2-12. 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin. 512-288-1490. www.austinzoo.org
Oct. 21-23 | Experience car racing
The Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix, one of the biggest motor racing events in the world, will return to Austin this October. In addition to seeing some of the world’s fastest race car drivers, there will also be performances by artists including Ed Sheeran, along with child-centered activities throughout the event. The event will start at 8 a.m. on Friday. Ticket prices vary. Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin. 512-301-6600. www.circuitoftheamericas.com
Oct. 23 | Enjoy a Halloween concert
The Austin Symphony will present its annual Halloween Children’s Concert. Families are encouraged to dress in costume for the one-hour concert. Tickets can be purchased online. 3 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Long Center for the Performing Arts Dell Hall, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. 512-476-6064. www.austinsymphony.org
Oct. 24 | First day of early voting starts
The ballot will include state races such as Governor, as well local races. Both Austin and Dripping Springs residents will be asked to weigh in on respective school bonds. The last day of voting by personal appearance is Nov. 4. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 11. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (Mon.-Sat.), noon-6 p.m. (Sun.). www.votetravis.com
Oct. 27 | Attend the Austin City Limits hall of fame induction
Songwriter and performer Sheryl Crow along with Texas music artist Joe Ely will be inducted into the ACL Hall of Fame. The event will feature a lineup of performances leading up to the induction ceremony. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $103. 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin. www.acltv.com
Oct. 27-Nov. 3 | Cinema season
The Austin Film Festival and Conference will return for eight days of movies, television, panels and parties. The celebration of screenwriting will include Q&A sessions with writers, actors and filmmakers. Passes start at $70. Times and locations vary. www.austinfilmfestival.com
