Weekend Picks
10 fun things to do in Austin this weekend that aren't FFF Fest
If you're ready for some fun that isn't quite the Fun Fun Fun happening at Auditorium Shores, here are 10 other festivals, attractions and activities around town to check out this weekend.
See the Unseen Hendrix exhibit
Gaze upon never-before-seen pictures of Jimi Hendrix from 1969 at Modern Rocks Gallery's presentation of Unseen Hendrix by Austin photographer Robert Hewgley. The opening reception on Friday is free and includes cocktails from Deep Eddy Vodka and a few limited edition prints signed by Hewgley.
Celebrate Wurstfest in New Braunfels
October may be over, but that doesn't mean you've missed your chance to celebrate Oktoberfest. Take a mini road trip down to New Braunfels for Wurstfest, a 10-day celebration of German culture, beer and food that's been going strong for four decades. Carnival rides and games will be available for the kids and everyone can enjoy performances from folk dancers, yodelers, polka bands and more. Wurstfest is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday; but if you can't make it out this weekend, don't worry. Wurstfest runs through Sunday, November 16.
Enjoy the magic of Harry Potter Fest
All wizards, witches and muggles are invited to attend Hogwarts — which is a tad closer than you might think. Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in is transforming itself into the famous wizarding school for Harry Potter Fest with screenings of every film in the franchise as well as treats, trivia and prizes. Friday will feature Chamber of Secrets (No. 2), Prisoner of Azkaban (No. 3) and Goblet of Fire (No. 4). On Saturday you can watch Goblet of Fire again, Order of the Phoenix (No. 5) and Half-Blood Prince (No. 6). Finally, on Sunday enjoy both installments of The Deathly Hallows. If you've missed any of your favorites, the fest continues every day until November 15.
Practice yoga at Wanderlust Festival
Calling all yoga practitioners, from beginners to masters: there are still passes available for Wanderlust Festival. This four-day yoga experience is a great mixture of parties and practice, with classes, lectures, paddleboarding, city bike tours and a variety of other outdoor activities. The festival runs through Sunday, November 9.
Support live music at Black Fret's Black Ball
Black Fret hosts its inaugural Black Ball gala on Saturday — and all you have to do to get in is become a member. Black Fret is an Austin nonprofit that helps the local music community by awarding grants and organizing performances, so becoming a member means supporting a great local cause. At the first ever Black Ball, the 2014 grant recipients will be announced and award $100,000. On top of that, attendees will enjoy live performances from this year's nominees.
Laugh at the "McGutchins" comedy show
According to the gals and gals at ColdTowne Theater, this sketchy comedy show will "touch you in places that you may not want to be touched." If that doesn't scare you off, then check out Thicker Than Water: The McGutchins' 18th Annual Family Reunion Show this Saturday, a yearly (and clearly hilarious) collaboration between sketch groups Off the Wall and Wing Plant.
Revel in opera music at A Masked Ball
Austin Opera will be performing a version of Giuseppe Verdi's A Masked Ball on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. This classic tale has it all — love, lust, betrayal and sprinkling of comedy.
Stroll along the Travis Heights Art Trail
Artists in the Travis Heights neighborhood are opening their doors on Saturday and Sunday for the Travis Heights Art Trail. Everyone is invited to take a walk and shop at the homes and studios of these local artisans, who specialize in everything from jewelry to woodworking to photography.
Watch puppets perform as Jekyll and Hyde
See Jekyll and Hyde as you've never seen them before at the Salvage Vanguard Theater during Trouble Puppet Theater Co.'s production of The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde & Dr. Jekyll, a dark and original adaption of the classic tale. This weekend's showings are on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Note: Despite the abundant presence of puppets, this is not suitable for children and intended for adult audiences only.
Eat Thanksgiving early with Épicerie and Argus Cidery
Get your Thanksgiving fix early at Épicerie and Argus Cidery's five-course Thanksgiving supper on Sunday night. Think fried turkey, cured ham, pumpkin beignets and Argus Cider pairings — or don't, because you might start drooling on the keyboard.






The skyline view from Zilker Park never gets old.Photo by Kenn Box
The Strokes kicked off their headlining set with “Bad Decisions” from their latest full length album, The New Abnormal, a fitting opener for new fans of the indie sleaze legends. Photo by Kenn Box
Fresh off their North American tour with British legends Oasis, Cage the Elephant braved the setting sun on Saturday and ripped through an hour of songs on the American Express Stage.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Wet Leg amplified the energy on the American Express stage on Sunday afternoon, which later featured 2000s R&B/hip hop legend T-Pain and 2000s indie rock icons The Killers (who replaced Doja Cat when she dropped off the lineup).Photo by Kenn Box
Nighttime is a barricader's best friend after spending hours in the blazing heat.Photo by Kenn Box
Stranger Things star and indie icon Djo played a fun evening set on the Lady Bird stage before appearing as the surprise “Juno” arrestee at Sabrina Carpenter’s short-and-sweet headlining set. Photo by Kenn Box
Joey Valence and Brae threw it back to the 80s with their retro take on hip hop on the BeatBox stage. Photo by Kenn Box
Whether it’s 3:15 am or 3:15 pm, The Dare knows how to throw a hedonistic party where the energy doesn't stop. Tons of Gen Z fans crowded around the Miller Lite stage, donning their best indie sleaze clubwear.Photo by Kenn Box
The ACL flags have long been a popular spot for festival goers to capture the festival vibes, whether it be via smartphone or that now-hip-again 2000s point-and-Sporting a two-piece blue silk set, lead singer Mica Tenenbaum of Magdalena Bay utilized every inch of the Lady Bird stage on Saturday. shoot digital camera. Photo by Kenn Box
Sporting a two-piece blue silk set, lead singer Mica Tenenbaum of Magdalena Bay utilized every inch of the Lady Bird stage on Saturday.Photo by Kenn Box
Australian electro-pop duo Confidence Man made their return to Austin following South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025, when they spent a week in town playing shows.Photo by Kenn Box
Fellow Australians Empire of the Sun dazzled the ACL crowd with a theatrical set including dancers, costume changes, and a light show that took advantage of the set time at dusk.Photo by Kenn Box
The mystery man in the Banana costume seemed to delight anyone who crossed his path.Photo by Kenn Box
Grammy winner Doechii brought a lusciously curated set design to the American Express stage. The crowd screamed along to every word of her all-hits setlist.Photo by Kenn Box
Despite the 6 pm slot, Role Model played a headline-worthy set to a large crowd of fans. He’s back on the same stage next Friday, a day before his musical debut on Saturday Night Live.Photo by Kenn Box
Nothing beats singing along to your favorite artists’ song with your best friend.Photo by Kenn Box
King Princess is no stranger to the T Mobile stage, having played it in 2019 when it was then known as the Honda stage. Her fashion was just as good the second time around.Photo by Kenn Box
Brisbane star Mallrat played an opening set on the Miller Lite stage on Saturday to a growing crowd of early-bird concert goers. Photo by Kenn Box
Ending the weekend on the BeatBox stage, Sarah Barthel of New York duo Phantogram hypnotized the crowd with her movements set to a strobe-filled light show.Photo by Kenn Box
A classic spot to get a worthy lead photo for your post-ACL Instagram photo dump. Photo by Kenn Box
Rising country star Willow Avalon sang her heart out as diehard fans sang right back to her on the Lady Bird stage during the hottest point of the day. Photo by Kenn Box
Quirky Australian indie rock band Spacey Jane played an early set on the T-Mobile stage to a rapidly filling crowd who were ready to park all day for the Strokes closing set on Saturday.Photo by Kenn Box
Ashville, North Carolina’s sweetheart MJ Lenderman is, at the young age of 26, is already considered an indie darling. Still riding the high off of “Wristwatch” from last year's release, Manning Fireworks, Lenderman made his ACL 2025 appearance on the Beatbox stage. Photo by Kenn Box
The two flag fields on the ACL grounds have always been the most popular meeting site at Zilker.Photo by Kenn Box
New York City rock band Hotline TNT, who released their third studio album, Raspberry Moon, earlier this summer, played the opening slot on the T-Mobile stage. Photo by Kenn Box
Moody Joody brought the energy to the BMI stage on Friday. They played to hardcore fans holding signs, donning customized t-shirts, and singing every word with the Nashville act. Photo by Kenn Box
As the sun set on the final day of weekend one, the crowd's energy seemed to settle as people made their way to the headlining stages of their choice.Photo by Kenn Box