September 2026 Events Around Austin

 

September brings a packed calendar of concerts, festivals, movies, motorsports, football, and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. From legendary musicians and fast-moving race cars to free museum adventures and Austin’s famous bats, the city has no shortage of reasons to get out and explore.

Here are some of the standout events happening around Austin this September.

Concerts & Theatre

Weird Al Yankovic

September 22, 2026 | Moody Center - 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712

Austin is getting a healthy dose of musical comedy when Weird Al Yankovic brings his Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour to the Moody Center. The show combines his beloved parody hits with songs that have never been performed live, backed by an expanded band for an even bigger production. It’s part concert, part comedy show, and completely Weird Al.

Alison Krauss

September 24, 2026 | Moody Center - 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712

Bluegrass and country fans can look forward to an evening with one of the genre’s most celebrated voices. Alison Krauss brings Union Station and Jerry Douglas along for her 2026 tour, delivering the kind of polished musicianship and heartfelt songs that have made her a longtime favorite. With an impressive collection of Grammy Awards behind her, Krauss has more than earned her place among music’s greats.

Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival

September 26 & 27, 2026 | Moody Center - 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712

Two nights, some of the world’s best guitarists, and plenty of legendary collaborations make Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival one of September’s biggest musical events. Clapton will perform both nights alongside an impressive lineup that includes Joe Bonamassa, Gary Clark Jr., Billy Gibbons, Buddy Guy, John Mayer, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and more. Newcomers to the festival include Trey Anastasio, Tommy Emmanuel, Julian Lage, and Pete Townshend.

 

Shows and Festivals

Austin Restaurant Weeks 2026

August 28–September 13, 2026 | Greater Austin Area

Food lovers can enjoy a delicious lineup of special prix fixe menus during Austin Restaurant Weeks. Participating restaurants across the area will offer specially priced meals, giving diners a chance to try local favorites while supporting a great cause. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Central Texas Food Bank, making each meal a tasty way to give back to the community.

20th Anniversary Bat Fest

September 5, 2026 | Congress Avenue Bridge - 100 S. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704

Austin’s most famous flying residents are taking center stage once again. The 20th Anniversary Bat Fest brings live music, food, family activities, and plenty of downtown entertainment to the Congress Avenue Bridge. The real show arrives around sunset, when thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats make their evening exit from beneath the bridge. It’s one Austin tradition that literally takes flight.

Barton Fest

September 6, 2026 | Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa - 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin, TX 78735

Labor Day weekend gets a Hill Country twist at Barton Fest, where live music, local food, artisan vendors, and family activities come together at Omni Barton Creek. Guests can enjoy bites from the resort’s restaurants, sample offerings from local beverage makers, browse more than 30 vendors, and catch live music from Austin artist Katrina Cain. Younger guests can also enjoy a kid-friendly area with animal encounters, balloon twisting, and face painting.

Levitation 2026

September 10-13, 2026 | Multiple Austin Music Venues - Austin, TX 78701

Austin’s psychedelic side takes over the city during Levitation 2026, a four-day celebration spanning rock, punk, psych, emo, and electronic music. Performances will fill venues throughout the Red River Cultural District and East Austin, with this year’s lineup featuring Bikini Kill, Sleep, Molchat Doma, American Football, Die Spitz, and many more. With shows happening across multiple venues, festivalgoers can build their own musical adventure throughout the weekend. 

Pecan Stret Festival

September 12-13, 2026 | Hill Country Galleria - 12700 Hill Country Blvd. Austin, TX 78738

The Pecan Street Festival brings a little bit of everything to Hill Country Galleria, from live music and local art to food, shopping, and activities for the whole family. Visitors can spend the weekend browsing unique finds from local vendors, grabbing something tasty, and enjoying live entertainment. Best of all, admission is free, making it an easy addition to a September weekend itinerary. 

Fantastic Fest

September 17-24, 2026 | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Mueller - 1911 Aldrich St., Ste 120 Austin, TX 78723

Movie lovers who prefer their films a little stranger will want to keep an eye on Fantastic Fest. The genre-focused festival celebrates horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and other wonderfully unconventional films, with dozens of premieres and special events throughout the week. Along with screenings, attendees can expect red-carpet moments, special programs, and a lineup designed for anyone who thinks a normal movie night could use a little more chaos.

29th Annual Austin Museum Day

September 20, 2026 | Museums across Austin 

For one day, Austin’s museums and cultural destinations open their doors for free. Austin Museum Day is an easy excuse to discover a new museum, revisit an old favorite, or plan a full day of exploring without worrying about admission fees. With participating locations offering exhibitions and special activities, it’s a great pick for a curious afternoon around town.

HAAM Day Festival

September 22, 2026 | Venues Across the Greater Austin Area - Austin, TX

Austin’s music scene takes over the city during HAAM Day, turning an ordinary Tuesday into a massive celebration of local talent. More than 400 musicians are expected to perform across hundreds of sets and venues throughout the area, with music popping up everywhere from established stages to unexpected neighborhood spots. Best of all, the performances are free, making it one of the best ways to experience why Austin proudly calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World.

 

Sports

University of Texas Football Season

Saturdays of September | DKR Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX

Football season is back, and Saturdays in Austin are about to get a whole lot louder. The Texas Longhorns return to DKR Texas Memorial Stadium for another season of college football, bringing packed stands, burnt-orange pride, and plenty of game-day energy. For fans, a September Saturday in Austin practically comes with its own soundtrack: fight songs, marching bands, and a crowd ready for kickoff.

Round Rock Express Game

September 1–6, 2026 | Circuit Of The Americas – 9201 Circuit Of The Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617

Baseball fans can squeeze in one more stretch of summer fun as the Round Rock Express takes the field in early September. The team’s home schedule gives fans a chance to enjoy professional baseball, ballpark food, and a laid-back night at the stadium before the season winds down. It’s a classic choice for anyone looking for an easy family outing or a casual evening at the ballpark.

Lone Star Le Mans

September 4–6, 2026 | Circuit Of The Americas – 9201 Circuit Of The Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617

Labor Day weekend is getting a serious horsepower upgrade with Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of The Americas. The FIA World Endurance Championship brings elite sports cars to Austin for a weekend of practice, qualifying, and the main six-hour endurance race. Off the track, fans can find food, drinks, live entertainment, interactive activities, and plenty of opportunities to get closer to the racing action.

2026 MotoAmerica Superbikes

September 11-13, 2026 | Circuit Of The Americas – 9201 Circuit Of The Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617

Those who prefer their sports with a little more speed can head to COTA for MotoAmerica Superbikes at Texas. The weekend features several classes of motorcycle racing, with riders reaching speeds of nearly 190 mph. Beyond the races, visitors can explore the open paddock, meet riders, check out a bike show, and enjoy a Kids Zone with carnival games and a stunt show. With plenty happening off the track, it’s designed to keep the whole family entertained.

8th Annual Violet Crown Trail Fun Run!

September 26, 2026 | VCT - Whirlpool Trailhead - Latta Drive & Convict Hill Rd, Austin, TX 78749

The Violet Crown Trail Fun Run offers a more relaxed kind of race day. Held in celebration of National Public Lands Day, the family-friendly event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities to run, walk, skip, or simply enjoy the trail at their own pace. Afterward, participants can stick around for a community celebration with local businesses, nonprofit partners, activities, breakfast tacos, coffee, and more. It’s a fun way to get outside while supporting the continued care and expansion of the Violet Crown Trail.