Photo courtesy Texas Book Festival

The Texas Book Festival takes place Oct. 25–26 and features more than 280 authors.

The annual Texas Book Festival kicks off Oct. 25 and runs through the weekend.

Sarah Bird, Douglas Brinkley, Nicholas Kristof and Richard Linklater are among the 280-plus authors participating in this year's event, which also includes various panels, roundtable discussions, live music, children's activities and cooking demonstrations.

Free parking is located at Granger Parking Garage at 12th and Guadalupe streets. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sun.). Free. Texas State Capitol grounds near 11th Street and South Congress Avenue. 512-477-4055. www.texasbookfestival.org

OTHER EVENTS:

OCT. 23—The 21st annual Austin Film Festival recognizes writers and filmmakers and includes screenings of narrative, animated and documentary features and shorts—including many premieres. There is also a four-day conference featuring multiple panels and workshops. Times, locations vary. $65 (film pass only), $150–$675 (badges). www.austinfilmfestival.com

OCT. 24—The fifth annual Austin Beer Week promotes craft brewing at multiple businesses in Austin, including Austin Beerworks, Contigo Austin, North By Northwest Restaurant & Brewery and Whole Foods Market. New this year are panel discussions called Beer Talks. Participants must be age 21 or older. Visit the website for the complete schedule of events. Various times (event runs through Nov. 2). Costs vary. Locations throughout Austin. www.austinbeerweek.com/2014

OCT. 25—The second annual Dia de los Muertos Festival features a full day of Dia de los Muertos cultural traditions. The day includes live music, performances, art, food, drinks and children's activities such as face painting, mask making and a pinata party. Noon–10 p.m. Free (children younger than 12), $15 (presale), $20 (door). Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Center, 2100 E. Third St. www.austindiadelosmuertos.com

OCT. 25—Operation: American Muscle, a car show that benefits the Wounded Warrior Project—a nonprofit that helps thousands of U.S. military veterans and families through numerous support programs—includes American-made muscle cars and is presented by the Texas V Club and Longhorn Corvette Club. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Free (children), $5 (adult suggested donation), $20–$25 (car registration). Camp Mabry, 2200 W. 35th St. www.operationamericanmuscle.com

OCT. 25–26—The American Institute of Architects' 28th annual AIA Austin Homes Tour features 11 new and newly renovated homes throughout Austin. The tour showcases home designs by local architecture firms such as Dick Clark + Associates, FAB Architecture, Forge Craft Architecture + Design and Webber + Studio Architects. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $35 (in advance), $40 (weekend of the tour). Various locations. 512-452-4332. www.aiaaustin.org

OCT. 26—After two years on East Sixth Street, VIVA! STREETS, an event promoting the possibilities of vehicle-free development, takes place this year along a car-free 2-mile route through the Mueller neighborhood. Attendees can do any activity on the street, including bicycling, yoga, hula-hooping, dancing and more—all without fear of vehicle traffic. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. Mueller neighborhood. www.vivastreetsaustin.org. [email protected]