Austin, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Austin is set for a weekend filled with free family-friendly events featuring science, history, arts, and sports activities from October 3 to 5. Highlights include the Wild Waterloo event at Waterloo Park, the Round Rock Arts Fest, and events at Barkley Meadows Park and the Bullock Texas State History Museum, all offering unique experiences. Additionally, there are Halloween-themed activities and paid events throughout the city catering to various interests and age groups.
Austin Hosts Exciting Free and Family-Friendly Events, October 3-5, 2025
Austin is gearing up for an exciting weekend of free family-friendly events from October 3 to October 5, 2025. Residents and visitors can look forward to unique activities that cater to every interest, from science and history to arts and sports.
Highlighted Free Events
The Wild Waterloo: The Science of Sports & Movement event kicks off this thrilling weekend on Friday, October 3, at Waterloo Park from 6 PM to 10 PM. This engaging event is entirely free and promises to provide a fun and educational experience for families.
The Round Rock Arts Fest will also take place from October 3 to October 5, 2025, at Centennial Plaza in Round Rock, TX. This festival features a variety of artistic expressions and is open to all at no charge.
On Saturday, October 4, families can head to Barkley Meadows Park in Del Valle, TX, for the International Observe the Moon Night hosted by NASA, taking place from 7:30 PM to 10 PM. This is another free opportunity that allows participants to explore and learn about the moon.
Closing the weekend, the Texas History Day at the Bullock Texas State History Museum takes place on Sunday, October 5, from 10 AM to 5 PM. This event features fascinating activities like flintknapping demonstrations and atlatl spear throw demonstrations, all free of charge.
Additional Paid Events
Austin Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo runs from October 3 to October 25, open Fridays from 5:45 PM to 9 PM, with admission set at $24. For those seeking a performance, Jon Stetson’s Mentalist Show will be held at The VORTEX on October 3-4 for a starting ticket price of $15.
Fans of theater should not miss the Stage Production of To Kill a Mockingbird at Genesis Creative Collective from October 3 to 19, with tickets starting at $22.13. For music enthusiasts, the Pepperland Players Concert will showcase retro rock on October 3 at The 04 Center, starting at $34.12.
Family-Friendly Halloween Activities
The festivities don’t stop there, as Austin’s Halloween celebrations will begin with events like Fear Fair at Sign Barn, running from October 3 to November 2, due to be open Fridays to Sundays, with ticket prices ranging from $6.50 to $14.50. Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms from October 3 to 31 offers a range of ticket prices from free to $36, catering to various budgetary needs.
Families can also enjoy activities such as the Texas Pumpkin Fest, which runs from October 3 to November 1 at 8760 FM 2243 in Leander, TX, priced at $15 and free for veterans and first responders on Fridays.
For those looking for a spooky yet fun outing, Sweet Eats Adventure Farm and Petting Zoo will feature a corn maze and pumpkin patch from October 5 to November 7, with general admission starting at $20.49. Not to be outdone, the House of Torment and Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park will both be opening their doors on October 5, providing thrills and chills with ticket prices starting at $19.99 and $22.95, respectively.
Additional Highlights
Austin will also celebrate Austin’s Legacy Business Month during October, where participants can get a passport stamped at iconic businesses to win exciting prizes, including SXSW wristbands and spa experiences. Lastly, a Sunday Jazz Wind Down at Slackers is scheduled for October 5, from 4 PM to 6 PM, offering a chill ending to the weekend, though ticket prices have yet to be announced.
FAQ
What free events are happening in Austin from October 3-5, 2025?
Key free events include the Wild Waterloo event on October 3, the Round Rock Arts Fest from October 3-5, the International Observe the Moon Night on October 4, and Texas History Day on October 5.
Where is the Round Rock Arts Fest taking place?
The Round Rock Arts Fest will be held at Centennial Plaza, 301 W Bagdad Ave, Round Rock, TX, from October 3 to 5, 2025.
Are there any Halloween-themed events in Austin during this time?
Yes, Family-friendly Halloween activities including Boo at the Zoo, Fear Fair, Texas Pumpkin Fest, and various other themed events will be taking place.
Event Summary Chart
| Event Name | Date | Location | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Waterloo | October 3, 2025 | Waterloo Park | Free |
| Round Rock Arts Fest | October 3-5, 2025 | Centennial Plaza | Free |
| International Observe the Moon Night | October 4, 2025 | Barkley Meadows Park | Free |
| Texas History Day | October 5, 2025 | Bullock Texas State History Museum | Free |
| Boo at the Zoo | October 3-25, 2025 | Austin Zoo | $24 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Two Step Inn Festival 2026 Announced in Georgetown, Texas
Austin’s Best Corn Mazes for Fall: A Guide to Family Fun
Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department Achieves National Accreditation
Two Step Inn Festival Lineup and Improvements Announced
Celebrate Fall with Family-Friendly Festivities in Austin
Two Step Inn Festival Set for Georgetown, Texas
Two Step Inn Festival to Return in Georgetown
Georgetown, Texas Announces Major Lineup for Two Step Inn Festival
Georgetown to Host Two Step Inn Festival
Georgetown, Texas Hosts Two Step Inn Festival Featuring Major Acts
Additional Resources
- Austinot: Free and Cheap Events in Austin
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- ATX Today: Plan Ahead Austin Events
- Google Search: Austin Events Boo at the Zoo
- Austin Monthly: 25 Things to Do in Austin This October
- Google Scholar: Austin Festivals October 2025
- Community Impact: Central Austin October Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Texas Events
- Austinot: Kids Events in Austin
- Google News: Austin Events October 2025
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
