7 Fun Things to Do in Austin This Weekend: Sept. 18-21

1 / Celebrate National Cheeseburger Day

Beef—it’s what’s for dinner! Whether you like them smoked, smashed, or classic, the capital city is chock full of delicious burgers. Not sure where to go? Check out our guide here, or discover the award-winning cheeseburger at JABS, which just won our editor’s pick for Best Burger in the 2025 Best of ATX awards. Sept. 18

2 / Enjoy Thrills at Fantastic Fest

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Fantastic Fest has earned a reputation for blood-splattered world premieres, gonzo parties, and immersive activations worthy of a director’s cut DVD. Every September, thousands of fans descend upon the Alamo Drafthouse for what’s become the nation’s largest genre film festival. Check out this year’s festival starting this Thursday. Sept. 18-25, various times and locations

3 / Kick Off Spooky Fall Festivities

Halloween may be more than a month from now, but fall festivities are already well underway! From the return of House of Torment (Sept. 19-20) to Pumpkin Nights (opens Sept. 18) and Harvest of Fall Fun (opens Sept. 20), many spirited activities are happening this weekend and beyond. For a full list of the top ways to celebrate Halloween, click here. Various times and locations

4 / Eat, Drink, and Be Merry at Juniper

Yes, chef! Savor the culinary talents of Aaron Bludorn (Bludorn, Perseid) as the Houston visionary joins Juniper’s Guest Chef Series for one night only on Thursday. Diners can enjoy a six-course meal featuring dishes like smoked beef short rib ravioli, cured Ora King salmon, and salted caramel gelato. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Southern Smoke Foundation. Sept. 18, various times, 2400 E. Cesar Chavez St., Unit 304

5 / Hang with The Strangers Cast

Kick off your weekend with something delightfully sinister. In honor of the upcoming movie The Strangers: Chapter 2, guests can mingle with cast members as they explore downtown on Friday night with a bar crawl across the East, West, and Dirty Sixth areas. The crawl begins at 5:30 at Latchkey and ends at Buford’s at 8:30 p.m. Explore an immersive horror experience with masked strangers in the crowd and enjoy free beverages courtesy of Lionsgate. Sept. 19, various times and locations

6 / View Incredible Art for Free During Austin Museum Day

Spend your Sunday getting cultured in the capital city, as more than 30 museums offer free admission to the public. Participating spots include the Blanton Museum of Art, The Contemporary Austin, LBJ Presidential Library, Mexic-Arte Museum, and Women & Their Work. Sept. 21, various times and locations

7 / Support a Good Cause at the Black & White Ball

Don your finest suit and tie or gown in black and white as Texas Advocacy Project’s stylish fundraiser returns on Saturday. Attendees can expect a seated dinner, casino games, live music, and mystery gifts at this gorgeous charity benefit at JW Marriott Austin. The red carpet opens at 5:30, and the main event begins at 7 p.m. Sept. 20, 110 E. Second St.