A BIG Weekend in Austin! F1, Football, Basketball, Music & So Much More!

October 23–25, 2026 | Your Guide to One Incredible Austin Weekend

By Christi Davidson | Christi Davidson Real Estate Group | eXp Luxury

If there's one thing I love about Austin, it's that we never seem to run out of reasons to celebrate where we live. And this weekend? WOW!

October 23–25 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting weekends of the year in Austin, Texas!

We've got Formula 1 racing at Circuit of The Americas, Texas Longhorns football, NBA basketball, incredible live music, architectural home tours, art festivals, vintage treasures, fabulous food, and plenty of fun for the whole family.

Whether you're a longtime Austinite, new to Central Texas, or visiting our wonderful city for the first time, there's something happening this weekend that deserves a spot on your calendar.

I've pulled together some of my favorites to help you make the most of it.

Let's go have some fun, Austin!

🏎️ Formula 1 Takes Over Austin!

October 23–25 | Circuit of The Americas

The world's premier motorsport series returns to Austin for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix!

Every year, F1 brings an incredible international atmosphere to our city, with visitors from around the globe arriving to enjoy the racing, entertainment, dining, and unmistakable Austin hospitality.

And this year's event is about much more than what happens on the racetrack.

From exciting racing action and fan experiences to live entertainment featuring Maroon 5 and Post Malone, Circuit of The Americas is set to deliver another spectacular weekend.

Whether you're heading to COTA or simply enjoying the electric atmosphere around town, there's no denying that Formula 1 weekend is something special.

Explore the official Formula 1 weekend schedule and activities.

🏈 Texas Longhorns Football: Hook 'Em!

Saturday, October 24 | Texas vs. Ole Miss | 6:30 PM

As if Formula 1 weren't enough, our Texas Longhorns are hosting Ole Miss at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium!

There's just something magical about a fall football Saturday in Austin. The burnt orange, the traditions, the tailgating, and that incredible Longhorn spirit bring the entire city to life.

And with thousands of racing fans visiting town, this weekend's game-day energy should be something to see!

Whether you're inside DKR or watching with friends at your favorite Austin sports bar, it's a great opportunity to show visitors what Longhorn pride is all about.

Hook 'Em Horns! 🤘

Find Texas vs. Ole Miss game information and tickets.

🏀 NBA Basketball Comes to Austin!

Friday, October 23 | San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets | 8:30 PM

Basketball fans, you're not being left out!

The San Antonio Spurs are bringing their I-35 Series to Austin's Moody Center for a Texas showdown against the Houston Rockets.

There's nothing quite like the energy of live NBA basketball, and having this game right here in Austin makes an already extraordinary weekend even better.

It's a wonderful way to kick things off Friday evening!

Get game details and ticket information from Moody Center.

🏡 AIA Austin Homes Tour: A Personal Favorite!

Saturday & Sunday, October 24–25 | 10 AM–6 PM

Now we're talking about something especially close to my heart!

The 40th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour offers the opportunity to step inside nine extraordinary Austin-area homes and experience firsthand the creativity of some of our city's leading architects.

From innovative new construction to exceptional renovations, this self-guided tour celebrates thoughtful design, beautiful materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and inspired living.

Having spent more than 28 years helping people buy and sell homes in Central Texas, I never get tired of seeing how great architecture can transform the way we live.

And that's one of the things I appreciate most about Austin. Our residential architecture continues to evolve while reflecting the character and individuality that make this city so special.

If you appreciate beautiful homes, inspired interiors, or simply want fresh design ideas, this is one event I wouldn't miss!

Explore the 40th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour and tickets.

🎨 Texas Clay Festival: A Little Hill Country Creativity

Saturday & Sunday, October 24–25 | Historic Gruene, New Braunfels

Want to escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours?

Head down to beautiful historic Gruene for the 34th Annual Texas Clay Festival!

This wonderful event features the work of more than 80 talented Texas potters and clay artists, with everything from handcrafted dinnerware and decorative pottery to extraordinary sculptural pieces.

It's a fantastic opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind treasures, meet the artists, and enjoy one of the Hill Country's most charming destinations.

And while you're there, take a little extra time to explore Gruene's wonderful shops and restaurants.

Discover the Texas Clay Festival.

🎶 Austin Record Convention: Keep Austin Grooving!

October 24–25 | Early Shopping October 23 | Palmer Events Center

Austin wouldn't be Austin without music!

The Austin Record Convention returns to the Palmer Events Center with an enormous selection of vinyl records, music memorabilia, rare collectibles, vintage favorites, and unexpected discoveries.

Whether you're a serious vinyl collector or just love discovering great music, this is one of those events where you can easily lose track of time browsing.

And who knows? You might just find that record you've been searching for!

Explore the Austin Record Convention, hours, and tickets.

👻 Halloween Fun, Austin Style!

With Halloween just around the corner, there are also plenty of spooky, playful, and family-friendly activities taking place around Austin.

Friday: A Movie Night with a Twist

Looking for something different? Consider a horror movie experience at Inner Space Cavern, where the underground setting adds a little extra atmosphere to the evening.

Saturday: Something Spooky, Something Unique

Explore a spooky cemetery walking tour, or check out a free tarot and film photography event.

Sunday: Dogs, Books, and Local Shopping!

One of the weekend's most entertaining events has to be Jo's 9th Annual Ugly Dog Contest!

Bring your favorite four-legged friend, enjoy the fun, and support Emancipet.

Get the details for Jo's Ugly Dog Contest.

You can also check out a reported 20% discount on horror books at BookPeople, or discover local vendors and fun finds at Toy Joy's Spooky Market.

Confirm individual event details and promotions with the organizers before heading out.

🍽️ Great Food, Local Discoveries & All Things Austin

Of course, one of the best things about a weekend like this is everything happening beyond the major events.

Our local restaurant scene never seems to slow down, and there are always new places and stories worth discovering.

A few Austin happenings that caught my eye this week:

• Bar Peached is making a comeback in a new location.

• Garbo's and Veracruz are making a notable restaurant transition.

• A modern take on the classic meat-and-three is coming to the former Hoover's location.

• A Charleston-inspired oyster bar is coming to Rainey Street.

And for anyone who loves following how Austin continues to grow, here are a few more interesting reads:

Austin's reported $490 million in liquor sales | The latest Michelin restaurant news | A look at the future Southwest lounge at Austin's airport | A flying car spotted in Texas

And if you're in the mood for a couple of lighter reads, there's always a little Texas-sized racing fashion or a surprising food story that might send you straight to Torchy's for queso.

That's Austin for you. There's always something new around the corner!

❤️ Why I Love Calling Austin Home

Weekends like this remind me why I love living and working in Central Texas.

Where else can you experience world-class Formula 1 racing, cheer on the Longhorns, catch an NBA game, explore beautiful architecture, enjoy incredible live music, discover talented local artists, and still find time for a fantastic meal with family and friends?

It's that combination of excitement, creativity, opportunity, and community that makes Austin so special.

And after more than 28 years in real estate, I can tell you that people don't simply move here for a house. They move here for the lifestyle, the people, and the experiences that make Central Texas such an extraordinary place to call home.

That's what I love helping people discover.

Whether you're exploring Austin for the first time, considering a move, or have lived here for decades, I hope you'll get out this weekend and enjoy something wonderful.

Have fun, stay safe, make some great memories, and enjoy everything Austin has to offer!

And if you're thinking about making Austin or the surrounding Hill Country your home, I'd love to help you find your perfect place in it.

Christi Davidson
Broker Associate | eXp Luxury
Sports & Entertainment – Founding Member
Christi Davidson Real Estate Group

Explore Austin-area homes and communities at CallChristi.com

Special thanks to 365 Things Austin for inspiring several of this weekend's local activity picks. Event details and availability are subject to change; please confirm with individual organizers before attending.