Westlake Weekly: Sept 24 - Oct 1, 2026
Fall has finally arrived in Austin — festival season is in full swing, the patios are back in business, and the trails are cooling down. Here's what's happening this week around Westlake, Tarrytown, Bee Cave, Bull Creek, and downtown, so you can fill your weekend and still leave room to unwind.
Events
Oktoberfest at Banger's — Sept 25–27
Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden on Rainey Street is throwing a three-day Oktoberfest with seasonal Märzen and Fest beers, bratwurst, schnitzel, giant soft pretzels, and live oompah music. Expect the ceremonial firkin tapping to kick things off and a full-throttle weekend party downtown.
Austin Chinese Culture Festival — Sat, Sept 26, 12–7 PM
Timed with the Mid-Autumn Festival, the AISD Performing Arts Center hosts lion dances, Chinese music, dance, opera, and martial arts, plus art exhibits, community booths, and authentic Chinese and Asian food. Admission is free and it's family-friendly.
Art City Austin's Fiesta — Sept 26–27
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center hosts an open-air artist market with more than 40 local makers, live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and cumbia dance lessons. Admission is pay-what-you-can ($0–$15); kids 16 and under are free.
WaterWork at Seaholm — Sept 25–26
The historic Seaholm Intake Facility becomes a giant canvas for projection-mapped art by 22 Central Texas artists. It's free to view from the Butler Hike & Bike Trail — go after dark for the full effect.
New openings
Mendocino Farms on South Lamar — opened Sept 22
The California sandwich-and-salad chain's third Austin location is now open daily from 10:30 AM to 9 PM. Through December, it will donate 50% of qualifying purchases from in-store fundraiser events to local schools and nonprofits — a handy lunch stop just east of Westlake.
Épicerie goes Italian — Sept 21–26
The French bistro is serving an all-Italian menu for one week only: spaghetti and meatballs, homemade pastas, garlic bread, and tiramisu, plus Italian-inspired cocktails and wines by the glass (5–9 PM daily). Reservations are open, and they expect to fill up fast.
Outdoors & fitness
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Fall is the perfect window for this 227-acre Hill Country preserve off Capital of Texas Highway, just north of Westlake. The 1.8-mile loop winds past streams and a waterfall through shaded, quiet terrain — no pets allowed, so plan accordingly.
Bull Creek trail
The 3.8-mile out-and-back from 6701 Lakewood Drive feels like a real escape, with waterfalls and serene forested stretches. It can get muddy after rain, so wear shoes you don't mind dirtying — your legs will thank you anyway.
After a full weekend of festivals, patios, and trails, your body deserves a proper reset. Treat yourself to a massage or head spa at Cove Spa — 5450 Bee Caves Rd Ste 2C, Austin, TX. Call (512) 387-2186; we're open daily 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.