Things to Do in Austin in November
If your ideal November includes barbecue smoke in the air, craft beer in hand, and holiday shopping on the horizon, you’re in the right place. This month serves up festivals, flavors, and festive outings for every kind of Austin local.
November 1–2
Kick off the month with one of Texas’s most iconic foodie gatherings. The Texas Monthly BBQ Fest returns to Lockhart City Park for a weekend packed with mouthwatering barbecue from the state’s top 50 pitmasters. Guests can sample brisket, sausage, ribs, and sides from legendary spots like Franklin Barbecue, Snow’s BBQ, and Terry Black’s. Beyond the food, there’s live music, lawn games, cold beer, and plenty of time to meet the masters behind the pits.
November 7–9
Experience three indulgent days of tastings, culinary demos, and chef-driven creativity at the Austin Food + Wine Festival. Held at Auditorium Shores, this event showcases world-class talent, featuring big-name chefs, winemakers, and local restaurants serving up their most inventive dishes. The weekend features the popular Fire Pit area, where you can watch chefs cook over open flames, and hands-on sessions like cocktail workshops and grilling tutorials.
November 7–16
Join the fun at New Braunfels’ famous Wurstfest, a ten-day celebration of German heritage and Hill Country hospitality. Feast on bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, and strudel while sipping local brews and dancing to traditional polka bands. The festival grounds include multiple entertainment halls, a biergarten, carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, and plenty of family-friendly attractions. Guests can take part in costume contests, yodeling competitions, and parades that keep the festive energy going from day to night.
November 8–9
Experience Celtic culture and history in the heart of Texas at the Austin Celtic Festival, one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the Southwest. The event features traditional and contemporary music, Highland athletics, Irish and Scottish dance performances, and heritage workshops. Guests can explore historical reenactments, visit artisan vendors, try authentic cuisine like shepherd’s pie and meat pies, and enjoy family-friendly storytelling tents. It’s a lively, educational weekend that brings the charm of the Celtic nations to life right along Lady Bird Lake.
November 8–9
Celebrate storytelling at the Texas Book Festival, held on the scenic grounds of the Texas State Capitol. The weekend features more than 250 authors, from best-selling novelists and poets to journalists and children’s writers. Attendees can sit in on Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and live readings, plus shop the outdoor book marketplace and grab a bite from Austin’s favorite food trucks. The festival also includes the H-E-B Children’s Tent with storytime, crafts, and activities, making it one of the city’s most family-friendly events of the year.
November 9-17
Get inspired at the Austin Studio Tour, a city-wide art experience that invites visitors into the personal studios and creative spaces of hundreds of local artists. Presented by Big Medium, this self-guided tour features every medium imaginable, from paintings and ceramics to digital art, textiles, and installations. Visitors can meet artists, watch live demonstrations, and purchase unique works directly from their creators. Many studios also host pop-up events, live music, and community discussions that make it a one-of-a-kind celebration of Austin’s creative culture.
November 11
Show your support for America’s heroes at the Austin Veterans Day Parade, a downtown tradition that honors those who have served in all branches of the military. The parade features color guards, marching bands, vintage military vehicles, and community groups parading down Congress Avenue toward the Texas State Capitol. Afterward, guests can attend a solemn ceremony on the Capitol grounds with guest speakers, patriotic performances, and a moment of remembrance. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate courage, sacrifice, and community pride.
November 13–December 28
Step into a twinkling world of holiday cheer at Miracle on 5th Street, Austin’s over-the-top Christmas-themed cocktail bar. Inside, guests are greeted with floor-to-ceiling decorations, Christmas music, and creative seasonal cocktails served in festive glassware. The experience includes photo-worthy décor, themed events like karaoke and sweater parties, and a lineup of drinks that change each year.
November 14–December 24
Shop handmade and shop local at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, Austin’s beloved holiday market that transforms an indoor venue into a colorful art wonderland. More than 200 regional artists sell one-of-a-kind gifts, including jewelry, ceramics, clothing, prints, and home décor. Shoppers can browse while sipping a cocktail or coffee from the on-site bar, and new items are added throughout the season, so there’s always something fresh to discover. Admission is free, parking is easy, and the festive atmosphere makes it a fun tradition for gift hunters and art lovers alike.
November 15
Raise a pint at the Texas Craft Brewers Festival, the state’s largest celebration of locally made beer. Held at Fiesta Gardens, this one-day event features more than 100 independent breweries serving hundreds of unique brews from across Texas. Attendees can sample everything from IPAs and stouts to sours and lagers, while enjoying live music, food trucks, and shaded picnic areas. Homebrewing demos and brewer meet-and-greets give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the craft, making it the ultimate festival for beer enthusiasts.
November 20–23
Ring in the holiday season with A Christmas Affair, the Junior League of Austin’s annual shopping extravaganza at the Palmer Events Center. Featuring more than 200 carefully curated vendors from around the country, shoppers can find gifts, home décor, gourmet foods, and boutique fashion. The event features themed parties, photo opportunities with Santa, and exclusive VIP experiences, all while supporting local community programs. With twinkling decorations, festive music, and one-stop shopping for everyone on your list, this Austin favorite makes holiday prep feel magical.
November 22–23
Support local women and LGBTQ+ creators at The Front Market, a vibrant two-day pop-up hosted by Future Front Texas. The market features a curated lineup of small businesses offering art, fashion, candles, skincare, and handmade goods. Guests can enjoy live music, food trucks, craft cocktails, and hands-on workshops throughout the weekend. The atmosphere is fun, inclusive, and community-focused, making it a great way to discover local talent and shop small before the holidays.
November 27
Start your Thanksgiving morning with one of Austin’s most beloved holiday traditions. The ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot draws thousands of participants downtown for a five-mile run, one-mile walk, and kids’ K that’s perfect for the whole family. The event features music, photo ops, and post-race festivities, creating a cheerful, feel-good atmosphere before the big meal. Proceeds benefit Caritas of Austin, helping provide housing and resources for neighbors in need.
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