September is here. Typically that means it is the unofficial start of fall. But we live in Central Texas and we can’t rely on the calendar to tell us what season it is. In Austin it’s not officially fall until temperatures start to dip below the 90 degree mark. And since the extended forecast isn’t making any promises of cooler weather ahead there are plenty of days of warm weather left to enjoy a ton of area activities. This month we’ve got you covered with a variety of great events. Consider these for your next family outing.
Close by: Cedar Park and Leander
Splash Jam, September 1, 6-9 p.m. at Milburn Park. Celebrate Labor Day weekend with live music, fireworks, food, games, inflatables, rides, swimming, and more. Get there at 4 p.m. to attend the Washer Pitching Tournament. From 6-9 p.m. admission to the pool is free. Splash Jam is a family-friendly event sponsored by the Cedar Park Parks and Recreation Department. There is no admission fee to attend the event. However, fees apply to carnival rides, games, and food concessions.
Movies in the Park, September 7, dusk, Robin Bledsoe Amphitheater. For those that missed the new Dumbo movie here’s your chance to see it for free. Go before dusk, choose your spot on the lawn, and then enjoy music and games before the show. The kids will love this time-honored story of the irresistible elephant that’s just a little different than the others. Lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner encouraged. Movies in the Park is hosted by the Leander Parks and Recreation Department.
Brain Power 5K, 10K, and kids 1K, September 8, 8 a.m., H.E.B. Center, Cedar Park. In its 8th year, this family event raises money for brain cancer research at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, as well as local efforts in Central Texas. There’s a race for everyone in the family including kids. Whether you walk or run know you’ll be supporting a great cause. Registration is now in progress.
A Night Under the Harvest Moon, September 14, 7-9 p.m., Leander Public Library. This free two-hour event celebrates the harvest moon with crafts, songs, treats, games, and fun for the entire family. The library offers a variety of special events throughout the month check them out by visiting their website.
Destination Austin
H-E-B Free First Sunday, September 1, Noon-5 p.m., Bullock Texas State History Museum. Make the Bullock Museum a Labor Day weekend destination. On the first Sunday of every month H-E-B and the museum partner together to offer families the opportunity to explore the museum for free. Three floors of Texas state artifacts and history intrigue visitors for hours and of all ages.
Austin Margarita Festival, September 14, Noon to 8 p.m. 305 S. Congress Avenue. Returning again this year to the Austin American Statesman, this festival is dedicated to the state’s most sought-after happy hour libation. The best margarita makers state-wide vie for bragging rights. It features over 19 different margarita flavors, live music, DJs, and a tequila tasting station. Ticket prices vary and are available online.
Fall Pecan Street Festival, September 21-22, 11 a.m., Sixth Street in Austin. Over 300 artists display their wares, crafts, and artistic creations in downtown Austin. Live music, food trailers, and friendly wait-staff at surrounding area restaurants add to the ambience. The crowded streets make for the perfect people watching experience. It’s free and a bi-annual Austin tradition. Check it out at pecanstreetfestival.org.
7th Annual AustOberfest, September 28, 5-11 p.m., Scholz Garden. If you’re no stranger to the popular chant of Zicke, Zacke, Zicke, Zacke, Hoi, Hoi, Hoi then you’ll fit in perfectly at this annual festival celebrating German heritage. Even if you’re not familiar with it, we guarantee you’ll know it by the end of the night. Well, realistically within the first 15 minutes. The Austin Saengerrunde, the city’s oldest singing society, hosts the event. All-you-can-eat sausage and bier tastings, contests, bowling and live music are covered in the ticket price.
Hill Country options
Movies Under the Stars, September 7, 2:30 p.m., Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Stonewall. The entire family can blast-off on a historical journey with a special screening of Apollo 11 as the LBJ Ranch celebrates the 50th anniversary of our nation’s first moon landing. Go early and take advantage of a multitude of hands-on space exploration activities for kids such as building rockets and parachutes supervised by the staff of Science Mill. Free “Spaceflight Explorer” Junior Ranger books, freeze-dried ice cream, a trivia contest, and Dr. Douglas Brinkley author of American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race. The movie begins at sundown. Lawn chairs, blankets, and refreshments welcome. Learn more about this event here.
LuckenRod Classic Car and Rod Show, September 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Luckenbach. This annual juried classic car show and music festival features food, beer and some fine downhome live honky tonk music by Smoke Wagon, Sarah Gayle Meech, Dylan Bishop, and Two Tons of Steel. General admission tickets are available online or day of the event.
Fredericksburg Trade Days, September 20-22, at Sunday Farms. This monthly flea market held on the third weekend of every month features over 350 vendors, seven barns and acres of antiques, collectibles, crafts, tools, furniture and so much more. On-site biergarten, food and live music. There’s something for everyone in the family and admission is free. For information fbgtradedays.com.
Your new home in the Texas Hill Country Awaits
Travisso, a master-planned community, is a place to explore; a place to relax; a place to call home. Take a drive to the Hill Country today and discover over-the-top amenities, fabulous home designs, and our new model homes. What’s not to love? Visit Travisso today. Additional information is available by contacting 512-243-8583.
