13 Things We Love in October & November
Words Devin Wilson
To Kill A Mockingbird
October 3-19, times vary
Scout, Atticus, and Boo Radley take the stage as To Kill a Mockingbird lands at City Theatre. The timeless tale of childhood, justice, and the courage to stand up for what’s right plays out at Genesis Creative Collective under the direction of Bridget Farias Gates. Adapted from Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the story unfolds in a small Southern town grappling with prejudice and moral reckoning. With a powerful cast and a message that still hits home, this production is both a throwback and a wake-up call. Tickets start at $20, with discounts for groups, students, and seniors.
citytheatreaustin.org | 1507 Wilshire Blvd.
Locals Know BBQ
Saturdays & Sundays, 11am-2pm
There’s an overwhelming choice in barbecue joints to try around town, and it can get easy to put off going when dreading the long lines. But for $145 per person, locals and visitors alike can experience the priceless joy of not only being free from the burden of choosing where to go but also skipping the lines at each spot: Mum’s Foods, KG BBQ, la Barbecue, Micklethwait Craft Meats, Parish Barbecue, and a secret location kept on the down low. Have your brisket and eat it too, as you’re chauffeured from pit to pit learning about the rich history of Texas’s best smoky goodness.
eastsideatx.com/foodtours | Central East Austin
Pumpkin Festival
October 3-31, 10:30am-7pm
Spiced, painted, or carved, nothing says ‘fall’ like a pumpkin. For $10 per person, this festival at Old Settlers Park offers a variety of autumnal activities, including a pumpkin patch, funnel cakes, and free games. Bringing the patch into the city, families can select this year’s ‘gourd-geous’ options for their front porch, or even paint them before taking them home.
roundrockpumpkinfestival.com | 3300 E Palm Valley
Latin Dance Classes
Mondays & Thursdays, 5:30-6:15pm
Let your 7 to 10 year olds’ restless legs feel the beat of Latin and Tango dances. Free to attend, students learn not only how to move in these styles but also take on new skills like coordination, rhythm, and how to express themselves through movement. At the end of each session, the kids showcase their new skills with a performance on stage, providing more opportunities to see their talents beyond the occasional school recital.
esquinatango.org/esquinayouth | 209 Pedernales St
Swing Night
Mondays, 7:30pm
There’s only so much two-stepping a person can do, so dust off those dancing shoes and head to Radio East every Monday for Swing Night. With lessons by Laura Malloy and Matt Jones, even the most novice attendees can come away with new moves. Free to attend, solo swing dancers are encouraged to join in the weekly night of big bands and take big swings on the dance floor.
radiocoffeeandbeer.com | 3504 Montopolis Dr.
Be a Hero (Sandwich Maker)
October 12 & November 9, 4pm
Thanks to the pedicab depot’s community fridge and pantry next door to Coldtowne, the community can come together and be heroes, making hero sandwiches. Asking for $5 donations, Coldtowne Theater is hosting a volunteer effort to put together sandwiches to help feed the community at large, at a time when food costs continue to soar. They accept reservations, but walk-ins are more than welcome to also put their sandwich artistry to the test.
coldtownetheater.com | 1700 E 2nd St.
F1 Grand Prix
October 17-19, times vary
Three whole days of fast cars and live music nights are back at Circuit of the Americas. Formula One in Austin means major acts like Kygo and Garth Brooks taking the stage after a whole day of racing on the track. With tickets starting from single-day entry, including the night concert, get one before the chance passes by at record speed.
circuitoftheamericas.com | 9201 COA Blvd.
The Mosaic Workshop
Third Thursdays, 6-9pm
Open to all ages and skill levels, RSVP for a free evening of making art. Starting with an introduction to the fundamentals of mosaic work, participants select from a range of tile pieces, including ceramic, glass, recycled tiles and stone, to create their own works with a newfound community of fellow creators.
themosaicworkshop.org | 729 Airport Blvd.
Dia De Los Muertos Fiesta
October 30, 6:30-9:30pm
Art, spirits (the kind you sip and the kind you honor), and a little East Austin magic awaits at The Cathedral’s 6th anniversary bash. For one night only, this beautifully-restored 1930s church-turned-art space transforms into a Día de Muertos-inspired celebration, complete with altars, immersive performances, festive food, and complimentary cocktails. Expect a visual feast of florals and papel picado, with tickets running $35-65. Festive attire is not only welcomed; it’s encouraged.
thecathedralatx.com | 2403 E 16th St.
Dia De Los Muertos Festival
November 1, 2-6pm
As part of the grand reopening of Emma S Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, Dia de los Muertos festivities, along with the Mexamericon Comic Convention, will bring the new facilities to life. With face painting, sugar skull-making, dancing, live music, and, of course, ceremonial altars, the festival offers an open invitation to celebrate and leave offerings for lost loved ones. It is a free-to-attend celebration of life, while breathing new life into Austin’s newest cultural center.
austintexas.gov/page/day-dead | 600 River St.
The B-52s & DEVO
November 1, 7pm
The Cosmic De-Evolution Tour lands in Austin and brings cult classic bands, The B-52s and DEVO, together for one radical night at Germania Amphitheater. With doors opening at 7 pm, grab a seat and prepare to never sit in it while rocking out to hits like Loveshack and Whip It. Tickets start at $78 for the lawn
germaniaamp.com | 9201 COA Blvd.
Texas Craft Brewers Festival
November 15, 2pm
From all across the Lone Star State, 85 craft breweries are pouring more than 200 handcrafted beers at this year’s Texas Craft Brewers Festival at Fiesta Gardens. Sample the hundreds of brews between grabbing bites from food trucks or catching live musical performances. General admission tickets start at $55. To get two extra hours with early entry at 12 pm, upgrade to the VIP ticket for $108. Or, save and get the Designated Driver ticket for $24.
texascraftbrewersfestival.org | 2101 Jesse E Segovia St.
Thinkery Family Night
Last Tuesdays, 3-7pm
With a pay-what-you-can entry fee, all families are welcome to explore the child-centric space at Thinkery on the last Tuesday of the month. With a variety of themes related to each month, no two Family Nights are the same. Kids and their caregivers are welcome to explore the museum together and enjoy an evening of educational fun.
thinkeryaustin.org | 1830 Simond Ave.
