With pumpkin spice season here, Austin boasts a variety of activities and events to get into the fall state of mind. The Daily Texan compiled a list of can’t-miss outdoor fall activities to romanticize the season.
Oktoberfest – 507 East 10th Street
Oct. 14, 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Oktoberfest, an Autumn festival originating in Munich, Germany, comes to Austin, Texas for a day full of food, beer, live music and festivities. Put on by the German-Texan Heritage Society, Austin Oktoberfest will celebrate its 20th year of production. Located at the German Free School in downtown Austin, festivalgoers can enjoy plenty of garden scenery and festive cheer. This year also features a solar eclipse viewing party.
House of Torment – 2632 Ridgepoint Drive
7-9 p.m., days vary by week
One of Austin’s scariest haunted houses, The House of Torment boasts a variety of experience options each with elaborate backstories, chillingly costumed actors, eerily life-like animatronics and striking lighting and props. In addition to the horrors, there are carnival-type activities, bringing a fun experience for all. Dare to give the House of Torment a visit and come prepared for plenty of jumpscares and mind games.
Pumpkin Nights – Pioneer Fram Drive
Sept. 21 – Oct. 30, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Although there are fun historical experiences for visitors year-round, Pioneer Farm’s fall Pumpkin Nights steals the show. Elaborate artistic pumpkin displays with colorful lights and themed sets litter the farm grounds. The farm includes eight uniquely themed “pumpkin lands” surrounding a pumpkin village with refreshments, vendors and entertainment.
Bubble Run – 7311 Decker Lane
Nov. 4, 7 a.m.
This family-friendly fun run makes running a 5k an experience rather than a chore. Participants are guided through a trail in Travis County Fairgrounds while doused with colorful foam. Untimed, the race provides a great way to stay active while having fun in a non-competitive environment. An event for students to bring friends to and have some fun outdoors, Bubble Run registration includes a t-shirt, finisher medal and other goodies.
Zilker Botanical Garden – 2220 Barton Springs Road
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
As the weather begins to cool, Zilker Botanical Garden makes a great destination for those looking to soak in the beauty of nature. On 28 acres of land, the botanical gardens suffer no shortage of vegetative diversity. Allowing food and drink into the gardens as well as providing its own food and beverage vendors, the gardens prove the perfect place for a fall picnic. Additionally, there are events such as fall wellness programs and live music for visitors to enjoy.
