Get your thrills beyond just the spooky variety in the days ahead with the help of these entertaining options. Enjoy nonstop live music for days at Levitation, or settle in for serious cinema during the Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.
Thursday, October 26
Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference
The city’s biggest film festival rolls the tape for its 30th anniversary year. The 2023 Austin Film Festival and Writers Conference will showcase more than 100 feature film and short film programs, expert-led lectures, and conversations with famous movie and television writers. Highlights of the eight-day festival include Jeff Nichols' new film, The Bikeriders; opening night film Saltburn from writer/director Emerald Fennell; retrospective screenings of Shaft (1971) and X-Men (2000); and closing night film Day of the Fight by debuting director Jack Huston. For a full schedule of events and to purchase passes, visit austinfilmfestival.com. Get even more details on the festival in our recent feature.
Levitation
More than 80 bands will take the stage at multiple iconic venues in Austin as part of Levitation. The four-day music festival features a schedule of performances by alt acts including The Dandy Warhols, Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats, Flying Lotus, Unwound, BADBADNOTGOOD, Panda Bear, and The Black Angels. To purchase festival tickets and for a full schedule of events, go to seetickets.us.
ACL Hall of Fame induction celebration honoring Trisha Yearwood & John Prine
Two stars join the ranks of the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame at this special induction celebration. The evening’s pomp and circumstance at ACL Lice includes the induction of late singer-songwriter John Prine and country music superstar Trisha Yearwood, along with several tributes by fellow musical greats. Performeres will include Jo Dee Messina, Brothers Osborne, Nathaniel Rateliff, Valerie June, Tommy Prine, and others. Get information on ticket availability at acllive.com.
Friday, October 27
Inversion Ensemble and Density512 present The Björk Songbook
The music and artistry of Icelandic singer Björk is celebrated during a special concert at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin. Guests can enjoy a curated setlist of Björk’s most famous songs reimagined and performed by both Inversion Ensemble and Density512. Expect renditions of "Hidden Place," "Human Behaviour," "Venus As a Boy," and more for voices and chamber orchestra by Austin composers. Get more information on Eventbrite.
Saturday, October 28
2023 AIA Austin Homes Tour
Wander inside some of the city’s most beautiful new builds and renovated homes designed by local, best-in-field architects during the 36th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour. This two-day, self-guided experience features a curated selection of homes designed by Furman + Keil Architects, Nicole Blair; Franke:Franke Inc., and Moontower Design & Build, among others, along the route. Check out aiaaustin.org for more details.
The Arboretum presents "Boo & Brew"
Halloween fun for all ages takes over at The Arboretum for an afternoon of festivities that are light on the fright. Highlights of this family-friendly event include live music, face painting, a hay maze, and a candy crawl trick-or-treat at various stores. Guests age 21 and older can also enjoy complimentary alcohol samplings throughout the day. Costumes are encouraged. Admission is free and open to the public.
Sunday, October 29
KISS in concert
The iconic rock band KISS makes a stop in Austin at Moody Center as part of their last tour ever, End of the Road. Since the group rose to international fame in the 1970s, they’ve released 20 albums, including 2012’s Monster, and have amassed dozens of hits including “Black Diamond,” “Crazy Crazy Nights,” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.” Get more information on Ticketmaster.
2023 AIA Austin Homes Tour is happening October 28-29.
