7 Fun Things to Do in Austin This Weekend: Oct. 2-5

1 / Jam Out at ACL Fest

At long last, it’s back! Don’t miss weekend one of this beloved music festival in Zilker Park, which features more than 100 performances across three days. The 2025 iteration includes concerts from Sabrina Carpenter, The Killers, Hozier, The Strokes, Empire of the Sun, Doechii, and Luke Combs. For guides on everything from who to see to what to bring, click here. Oct. 3-5, various times, 2100 Barton Springs Road

2 / Celebrate the Spookiest Month at Twisted Carnival  

Always one of the best Halloween pop-up bars of the year, Gibson’s creepy-cool setup features carnival-inspired decor and themed cocktails with names like Bearded Lady and Sword Swallower. Don your finest costume and don’t miss tasty JewBoy Sliders from the trailer. Oct. 1-Nov. 2, various times, 1109 S. Lamar Blvd.

3 / Dance It Out at Taylor Swift Release Parties

Swifties, rejoice: Internationally beloved (and newly engaged) singer-songwriter Taylor Swift debuts her latest studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, on Friday, Oct. 3, and Austin will be filled with spirited release parties this weekend at venues like Alamo Drafthouse, Violet Crown, and Otopia. Go ahead, shake it off! Various locations and times

4 / Order Festive Cocktails at Black Lagoon 

Returning to King Bee for another season, this spine-tingling pop-up will feature Halloween-themed cocktails, haunting decor, and high spirits. Sip libations with diabolical names such as Death Rattle and the Night Crawler at the goth-meets-horror hot spot on the East Side for a bloody good time. Open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Oct. 1-31, various times, 1906 E. 12th St. 

5 / Take the Family to Harvest of Fall Fun

While Sweet Berry Farm is best known for berry and flower picking in the spring and summertime, the adorable Marble Falls destination also turns into an autumn wonderland starting in September. Gear up for a lively day of hayrides, mazes, pumpkin painting, and scarecrow stuffing. The farm also has a large selection of pumpkins and gourds for sale to take home. Pro tip: Check the online calendar to see when the crowds will be the least busy—and take note that it is closed on Wednesdays. Through late November

6 / Slurp Shellfish at Skipjack Oyster

Aw, shucks! On Friday, Westin Austin Downtown debuts a new coastal-inspired seafood restaurant called Skipjack Oyster. The eatery features signature plates like linguini and clams, blackened Texas redfish, and fried oyster po boys, plus one of downtown’s largest raw bars with oysters, shrimp cocktail, tuna tartare, and king crab. Housed in the former Stella San Jac space, the new restaurant is bringing back one of Stella’s beloved staples, the famous #16 Biscuits. Opens Oct. 3, 310 E. Fifth St. 

7 / Brave the Maze at Fear Fair

If you’re looking for a “sign” to celebrate Halloween early, this is it. Sign Bar recently unveiled its creepy new haunted carnival maze, featuring deranged clowns, jump scares, and sinister surprises at every turn. After braving the maze, guests can enjoy spirited libations such as The Sanderson Sip and Leatherface’s Last Call. Open on select dates and times through Nov. 2. Check the schedule here. 9909 FM 969 Bldg 3