Austinites, brace yourselves. Your fall calendar just got full beyond all reason. Autumn is upon us and it’s bringing an enjoyable agenda that promises to keep you busy. We’ve gathered some of the season’s hottest events you absolutely won’t want to miss.
2015 Tour de Vin
Thursday, September 17 at 8 pm
Travel the world with your taste buds at the 2015 Tour de Vin. This year, the event will bring more than 35 wineries to Fair Market for a day of sampling in style. Channel your inner sommelier and try dozens of wines from across the globe while pairing exclusive Tour de Vin bites from some of Austin’s rising chefs. Upgrade your tour with VIP tickets and enjoy a lounge and bottle service. Prepare your palate and get ready to fill your glass.
Tickets are $55 for members and $75 for general admission.
Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of The Americas
Thursday, September 17 – Saturday, September 19 at noon
Start your engines with a Texan twist at this new Lone Star State event. For three days, Circuit of The Americas will transform into a racing wonder full of Texan charm and complete with a fireworks show and live music. This weekend is sure to be a treat for the whole family.
Tickets start at $49. Admission is free for ages 15 and under.
2015 House of Torment
Friday, September 18 – Saturday, November 14
It’s never too early in the Halloween season to get a good scare. Austin’s oldest and beloved haunted house is back for another year of good thrills. This year, the fright factory is cranking out three new themed attractions: the Dead End District, Hex of the Harvest, and Laughterhouse. Work up your nerve and grab some friends that don’t scare too easily and head to the House of Torment for a night of perpetual goose bumps.
Tickets start at $13.
March of Dimes presents Signature Chefs
Thursday, September 24 at 6 pm
Gather at the JW Marriott Austin for a showcase featuring Austin’s top culinary masters. The night is a foodie’s dream: exquisite cuisine prepared by the most skilled hands in the city, spirited cocktails, and more. Wow your significant other with an indulgent experience your stomachs will love. Among the notable chefs in attendance are Olamaie’s Michael Fojtasek and Grae Nonas and Contigo’s Andrew Wiseheart.
Tickets are $350.
Strange Pilgrims preview and reception
Friday, September 25 at 6 pm
Join some of artsiest Austinites at the exclusive preview and opening reception for the exhibit of the season. The Contemporary Austin welcomes Strange Pilgrims, a large-scale exhibition full of breath-taking installations, to its repertoire in chic style. Guests at the members-only reception will enjoy a look at the collection’s Laguna Gloria installations and sip on drinks by Pedernales Cellars, Circle Brewery, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Music by Austin’s own Manga Carda will set the mood for an evening of art you won’t want to miss. Get your Contemporary Austin membership now to RSVP.
Membership prices start at $35.
CultureMap Social: Style Edition
Monday, September 28 at 6 pm
Meet with the most stylish young professionals in Austin for the CultureMap Social: Style Edition. This month’s social is centered around the city’s best dressed. Schmooze with Austin’s first-ever Stylemakers at The Belmont and enjoy the evening’s trendiest locals. Your $25 ticket includes two premium beverages, tasty bites, and live entertainment. Grab your spot now, as our social is sure to sell out. Now to bigger, more important questions — what’re you going to wear?
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Billy Idol in concert with Ryn Weaver
Thursday, October 1 at 8 pm
Didn’t get to snag Austin City Limits Music Festival tickets? No worries. In advance of his ACL performance, legendary Billy Idol will play at Stubb’s with opening act Ryn Weaver. Rock out with a music icon to some of the genre’s most memorable tunes.
Tickets are $35 to $275.
2015 Austin City Limits Music Festival
Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4; Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11
We would be remised if we didn’t mention one of the biggest music events of the year. This year’s ACL Festival is set to be one for the record books. Musical acts including Drake, Disclosure, The Weeknd, Florence + The Machine, and The Strokes are set to grace the stage. Tickets are still available but are sure to sell out soon. Grab yours here.
Tickets are $100 per day; $250 for a three-day pass.
Les Dames d’Escoffier of Austin presents En Garde! Food Fight
Sunday, October 4 at 5 pm
Head to East Austin gem laV for an evening celebrating women in the culinary, wine, food, and hospitality industries. Guests of the food fight will enjoy carefully curated wine selections by laV’s Advanced Sommelier Vilma Mazaite and hors d’oeuvre pairings from Chef Sean O’Leary. This evening treat is a perfect girl’s night out or romantic date night.
Tickets are $50 to $60.
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden presents Oktoberfest Celebration
Thursday, October 15 – Sunday, October 18
Spend your weekend at Rainey Street favorite Banger’s Sausage House and celebrate all things hops and grain. The Oktoberfest celebration will include handmade sausages, sips from featured brewery Live Oak Brewery, and live music. Grab your buds and get ready for a good time.
Admission is free.
La Dolce Vita Food & Wine Festival
Thursday, October 15 at 7 pm
The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria hosts an evening of fabulously delicious food and wine tasting. Explore the culinary world of Central Texas with a fork and a wine glass. Bring a date or gather a group of foodie friends for a memorable night.
Tickets are $175 to $200.
Easter Seals Central Texas presents Dia de los Muertos Festival
Saturday, October 17 at noon
Round up the family and head to Fiesta Gardens to celebrate the holiday. The third annual festival will feature live music, cultural performances, vendors, and more. The kid-friendly event is also budget friendly with free admission for children 12 and under.
$15 for general admission, $100 for VIP; children 12 and under get in free.
2015 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25
Gear up for the world’s most sophisticated and glamorous motorsport and a weekend full of excitement and class. This year’s Grand Prix includes festivities like a post-race performance by Elton John, an international art show, and more. Spend the weekend at the track for the event of the season.
Tickets start at $99.
Get ready for the music event of the season — ACL Music Fest is October 2-4 and October 9-11.
