As we eagerly wait in anticipation for cooler temperatures to arrive, Austin area food festivals are heating up. Steeped in tradition these mouth-watering culinary celebrations pay homage to our cultures and heritages. And in Texas, at the heart of each festival, is a large dose of Southern hospitality and delicious food.
Here’s the dish. Every month we publish a monthly list of great Austin area events that the entire family will enjoy. To shake things up a bit this month we’re celebrating Austin’s love for food with a round-up of local food festivals worth the trip. These tasty excursions are best played out with friends and families in tow. Whether your taste buds crave spicy, savory, sweet, or crunchy we know you’ll have a blast sampling some tried-and-true Texas favorites. And more than just a few new flavor sensations. This October feast your eyes on these Austin area food festivals one bite at a time. Appetities are mandatory.
Bratwurst, Beer, Bata Cham, Naan, and Coffee
Oktoberfest – October 4-6, in Fredericksburg on MarktPlaz. Strap on your lederhosen, wear your dirndl and brush up on your polka. Known as the polka capital of Texas, Fredericksburg’s German heritage is evident year-round but come October this town’s pride comes alive. German food, music, drink, arts and crafts, children’s activities and family fun. A complete schedule of events is available on their website.
Indian Street Food Festival – October 5, 4-9 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, Cedar Park. This new event features authentic Indian street food. Music, kid’s activities, and delicious Indian fare. Tickets are $5 when purchased in advance; $8 the day of the event.
Austin Coffee and Cordials Festival – October 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Fair Market, 1100 E. 5th St., Austin. Dedicated to coffee lovers everywhere this event features over 80 coffee roasts from all over the globe all in one place. Craft cocktails and brunch items too. Additional activities include music, vendors, games, kid’s games, commemorative swag and much more. A $9 Coffee Tasting Flight includes three four-ounce coffee samples and one free Rishi Tea Shaken Matcha (while supplies last). Avoid long lines and purchase tickets online.
Pretzels, chili, food trucks, and lobster
Austin Oktoberfest – October 12, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m., German Free School, 507 E. 10th St., Austin. Sponsored by the German Texas Heritage Society this 16th annual festival is a time-honored tradition. Spend the afternoon with family and friends eating scrumptious German food, listening to great music and, of course, drinking beer. The day’s musical entertainment features the Walburg Boys, the Austin Polka Band, Off the Grid and more. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Pfall Chili Pfest – October 19, Noon-5 p.m., 100 Main St., Pflugerville. In its 12th year this festival invites chili connoisseurs to taste and vote for their favorite bowl of red. The free family-friendly event also features live music, vendors, and a jalapeno eating contest. Have a favorite recipe? Try your hand at the competition by downloading an application form here.
Austin Food Truck Taste-off – October 19, Noon- 6 p.m., 305 Congress Ave., Austin. With $10,000 on the line for the first place winner there’s a lot at stake. This 7th annual event sponsored by Trucklandia allows only 1,000 judges to taste the culinary inspirations from 25 food truck vendors then vote on the winner of the coveted prize and for bragging rights. The event is also open to those that prefer not to judge. Ticket prices vary. Check out the details and buy tickets at trucklandia.com.
Austin Lobster Festival – October 26, Noon-8 p.m., Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe Street, Austin. For a taste of the Maine shore in Austin this festival doesn’t disappoint. Mouth-watering lobster prepared to perfection takes center stage. Live music, free souvenir Ephotos, adult beverages and lawn games, General admission tickets are $15. You must preorder before Oct. 26 if you plan to eat lobster. Check out the details and preorder your whole Maine lobster here.
The ultimate Texas food festival worth the trip
Texas State Fair – Friday, September 27-Sunday, October 20, Dallas. Though the state fair isn’t in Austin, we couldn’t just end our to-do list without a big Texas shout-out to one of our state’s greatest treasures. If you have never been it is worth the three hour drive. For those who daytrip just one day won’t do it. Schedule an overnight stay and make the best of everything it offers. Voted the largest state fair in the U.S. this farm and food extravaganza is an awesome family affair. For fried and true Texas foods there’s no experience quite like the fair. But don’t take our word for it. To sample the best-of-the-best there’s no word better than that of Big Tex. Enjoy!
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