Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsOctober 2026 brings major events in Dallas, Austin and Todd Mission, along with smaller festivals and park programs around Texas. As of October 8, the State Fair of Texas and the second weekend of Austin City Limits are still ahead, and the Texas Renaissance Festival opens October 10. This statewide selection is not exhaustive; confirm schedules, tickets and venue rules with organizers before traveling.
Major Texas events still ahead in October 2026
State Fair of Texas — Dallas
The State Fair runs September 25 through October 18 at Fair Park, 3809 Grand Avenue, Dallas. It is open as of October 8, with the final day on October 18. The Fair lists hours of 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; last entry is 9 p.m. General admission is listed at $7–$25, varying by day and discounts, and official Fair parking is $25 per space. The Fair operates rain or shine, but says it may adjust rides and outdoor programming when weather is unsafe. Check the official State Fair FAQ and visitor information for current details.
The Fair describes its mission as celebrating Texas through agriculture, education and community involvement alongside family-friendly entertainment. It reports more than $646,000 in 2025 contributions to 142 South Dallas and Fair Park organizations; more than $1.2 million in new scholarships to 103 students in 2026; and, cumulatively since 1992, more than $21.4 million in scholarships to more than 3,850 students. These are figures reported by the organizer, and the scholarship totals cover different periods.
Austin City Limits Music Festival — Austin
ACL Festival takes place at Zilker Park over two weekends: October 2–4 and October 9–11. The first weekend has passed; the second is upcoming as of October 8. Visit Austin describes the festival as six days with more than 140 acts across eight stages. Consult the official ACL Festival schedule for 2026 dates and current programming, and Visit Austin’s event calendar for local event information.
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Texas Renaissance Festival — Todd Mission
The festival’s 2026 season runs weekends October 10–November 29, plus Thanksgiving Friday. Opening weekend is October 10–11. The organizer lists the venue at 21778 Farm to Market 1774, Todd Mission, TX 77363, with hours of 9 a.m.–8 p.m. and no entry after 7 p.m. Check the Texas Renaissance Festival’s official site for current admission, schedule and visitor information.
Other October events around Texas
Austin’s calendar offers events for different interests and dates, including Boo at the Zoo at Austin Zoo on Friday and Saturday nights, October 2–24; Austoberfest at Scholz Garten on October 3; Austin Oktoberfest at German Free School on October 10; Hot Luck Festival at Austin venues on October 16–17; the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas October 22–25; Viva la Vida Fest on October 24; Austin Film Festival October 29–November 5; and a U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game at H-E-B Center in Cedar Park on October 31. For event-specific hours, tickets and venue details, check the Visit Austin calendar and each organizer’s page.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department calendar lists local and park-based options, including Horsehead Crossing Celebration in Girvin on October 9; East Texas Fire and Nature Festival at Nature Center Wildlife Management Area and College Hill Festival in Tehuacana on October 10; Mexia Fall Jam on October 10; Harvest Heritage Festival at Cedar Hill State Park on October 17; Hueco Tanks Community Fair October 17–18; Lake Somerville Fall Festival and Boo at the Bog at Fort Boggy State Park on October 24; and Halloween events on October 31. The department describes East Texas Fire and Nature Festival as free. Check the TPWD calendar and the relevant park or event page for reservations and current arrangements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose an event and plan the trip
- Start with what is still upcoming. As of October 8, the ACL second weekend, the Renaissance Festival opening weekend, and the State Fair’s remaining dates have not passed. Other listings span the rest of October and into early November.
- Pick a region before building an itinerary. Dallas, Austin, Todd Mission and the various park locations are spread across Texas; a statewide list is not a practical single-trip route. Choose the event destination first, then check travel time and lodging near it.
- Match the outing to the experience. The State Fair combines rides and entertainment; ACL is a multi-stage music festival; the Renaissance Festival runs across several weekends; and the calendars include motorsport, seasonal family activities, cultural festivals and nature or heritage programming.
- Verify time-sensitive details directly. Ticket availability, admission, hours, schedules, weather-related changes and park reservation requirements can change. Use the organizer or park’s current page before setting out.
For a full day outdoors, a portable phone charger may be useful, but it is not an organizer recommendation; check venue rules on what you can bring.
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