What’s Happening in Austin This Week: September 21–27
The first official week of fall is here, and Austin is not waiting for the weekend to get started. Between a major new downtown opening, live music across the city, Broadway at Bass Concert Hall and several big weekend events, there is something worth checking out nearly every day.
Whether you want to try one of Austin’s newest restaurants, support local musicians or spend the weekend shopping vintage and listening to legendary guitarists, here are some of the best things happening around Austin this week.
New This Week: Explore Austin’s Tallest Building
If you want something new to try during the week, head downtown to 1 Hotel Austin, which recently opened inside Waterline—the new 74-story tower overlooking the Rainey Street District and Lady Bird Lake.
The eco-conscious hotel incorporates more than 4,000 plants, local limestone, reclaimed wood and plenty of unmistakably Austin design. You do not need to book a room to check out its new restaurants and gathering spaces.
Alteño Austin, located on the lobby level, serves Jalisco-inspired Mexican cuisine from James Beard Award semifinalist Johnny Curiel. For drinks with a view, Watr offers Japanese-inspired food and cocktails from the hotel’s rooftop. Reservations are a good idea as locals begin discovering the newly opened property.
It makes for an easy weekday plan: take an evening walk along Lady Bird Lake, explore the newest addition to Austin’s skyline and stay for dinner or a rooftop drink.
HAAM Day Music Festival
Tuesday, September 22 | Venues Across Austin
HAAM Day is one of those events that feels uniquely Austin. For one day, restaurants, music venues, shops and unexpected spaces throughout the city become stages for local musicians.
This year’s festival includes more than 300 performances by over 700 Austin-area musicians at more than 150 venues. Music begins at 6 a.m. and continues until 2 a.m. the following morning.
Most performances are free, but donations support the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, which helps local musicians access affordable healthcare. It is an easy way to experience Austin’s music scene while supporting the people who help make it possible.
Explore the 2026 HAAM Day schedule
Mrs. Doubtfire at Bass Concert Hall
September 22–27 | Bass Concert Hall
The Broadway musical adaptation of Mrs. Doubtfire arrives at Bass Concert Hall for a limited engagement this week.
Based on the movie, the show follows a father who creates an unforgettable alter ego to remain close to his children. The production runs approximately two and a half hours and is recommended for ages eight and older.
Performances are scheduled throughout the week, including weekend matinees. Wednesday ticketholders can also stay after the show for a special discussion with members of the cast.
View performances and ticket information
Jungle at Moody Center
Thursday, September 24 | Moody Center
British electronic-soul group Jungle brings its 2026 world tour to Moody Center on Thursday evening.
Known for polished live performances, layered vocals and dance-heavy tracks, Jungle is a strong midweek choice for anyone looking to start the weekend early. The show begins at 7:45 p.m.
Find Jungle concert information
Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms
September 24–27 | Pioneer Farms
Pumpkin Nights is back at Pioneer Farms with more than 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins arranged throughout nine immersive themed areas.
The experience follows a glowing half-mile trail and includes fire performances, seasonal food, games and plenty of photo opportunities. It is designed for all ages without relying on jump scares, making it a good family-friendly way to begin the fall season.
Timed entry begins at 7 p.m. this week. Thursday may be the best option for lighter crowds, while advance tickets are recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings.
Plan your visit to Pumpkin Nights
COTALAND Celebrates Its Grand Opening
Saturday, September 26 | Circuit of The Americas
One of the biggest Austin-area openings of the year happens Saturday when COTALAND officially welcomes its first guests at Circuit of The Americas.
The new 30-acre amusement park features more than 30 rides and attractions, including family rides, water attractions and two major roller coasters. Circuit Breaker is Texas’ first tilt coaster, while Palindrome travels both forward and backward and crosses over an active roadway.
The park gives COTA a major year-round attraction beyond Formula 1 and other racing events. Expect the grand-opening weekend to be busy, so purchase tickets ahead of time and allow extra time for parking and entry.
Learn more about COTALAND’s grand opening
City-Wide Vintage Sale
September 26–27 | Palmer Events Center
Austin’s City-Wide Vintage Sale returns to Palmer Events Center this weekend with vintage clothing, furniture, art, jewelry, collectibles and home décor from vendors across the region.
The event has been an Austin tradition since 1977 and remains one of the best places in the city to find pieces that cannot be ordered from a catalog. If you are shopping for a home—or simply enjoy the thrill of finding something unexpected—plan to arrive early for the best selection.
The sale runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
View City-Wide Vintage Sale details
Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival
September 26–27 | Moody Center
The Crossroads Guitar Festival returns to Texas for two nights at Moody Center.
Founded by Eric Clapton, the festival brings together celebrated guitarists from several generations and genres for performances and collaborations that rarely happen anywhere else. The 2026 lineup includes Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Gary Clark Jr., Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Joe Bonamassa, Pete Townshend, Trey Anastasio and the Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Proceeds benefit Crossroads Centre Antigua, a nonprofit addiction-treatment facility founded by Clapton. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., with performances beginning at 5 p.m. each day.
View Crossroads Guitar Festival information
A Very Austin Start to Fall
This week captures a little of everything that makes Austin special: new places to explore, local musicians performing throughout the city, Broadway at Bass Concert Hall, vintage treasures at Palmer Events Center and major concerts at Moody Center.
The weather may not feel completely like fall yet, but the calendar certainly does. Try somewhere new, support something local and enjoy the city before ACL Festival takes over Zilker Park in October.
