Below are nine events in the Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs area to check out in October.

2nd annual Brews Unleashed

Local breweries will compete with one another to pair a crafted beer with the story and personality of one of the shelter’s long-staying animals. Attendees will get to vote on their favorite brew and animal pairing at the event. Community members can also enjoy drinks from the local breweries in attendance and food from Redbud Cafe.

Austin Oktoberfest

The German-Texas Heritage Society will host its most famous German celebration in October. This family-friendly event will have activities, live music and authentic German food. Proceeds will benefit the German International School of Texas at Austin Pre-K & Kindergarten.

11th annual Hill Country Harvest Market

Dripping Springs Ranch Park will have a variety of vendors that will be selling clothing, home and holiday decor, jewelry, gourmet food, gifts, candles, and more. There will also be hourly door prizes.

  • Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Oct. 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Free (age 12 and under), $5 (over age 12 with a nonperishable food donation to Helping Hands), $6 (without donation)
  • Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Events Center Drive, Dripping Springs
  • www.drippingspringsranchpark.com

20th annual Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival & Short Film Competition



This event will showcase short films that are five to 20 minutes long and made by or about someone with a disability. The film festival will also have films with open captions and audio descriptions for people with hearing impairments.

Chris Stapleton — All American Road Show

The Moody Center will host country artist Chris Stapleton with special guests Charley Crockett and Nikki Lane.

9th annual Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival

This three-day music festival will showcase 50 songwriters from all over the world, featuring performers such as Natalie Price, Zach Berkman, Robby Heckt and more.

Halloween Children’s Concert

The Austin Symphony will put on a Halloween Children’s Concert showcasing music from Tchailovsky’s Swan Lake. At 2 p.m. prior to the concert, there will be preconcert activities for kids, including games, an instrument petting zoo, face painting, crafts and more. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume and participate in the Halloween Costume Contest.

Big Tex Gun Show



Dripping Springs Ranch Park will host a gun show in its main event room. Individuals under age 21 must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian.

40th annual Viva La Vida Festival and Parade

Mexic-Arte Museum will host its annual Day of the Dead event, which will include hands-on art activities, artist demos, traditional foods, local artists, a low-rider exhibition and live performances.