Westlake Weekly: October 1 – October 7, 2026
Fall is settling in across Westlake, and this week might be the busiest of the season — ACL Weekend One takes over Zilker, Oktoberfest celebrations are in full swing, and the pumpkin patches are glowing. Whether you're out at a festival or simply soaking up the cooler evenings, balance the busy days with a little rest. Here's what's happening around town this week.
Events
ACL Music Festival — Weekend One (Oct 2–4)
Austin's biggest music weekend returns to Zilker Park for its 25th anniversary, with more than 100 performances across nine stages and weekend headliners including Charli XCX, Twenty One Pilots, and Lorde. Between sets, ACL Eats brings some of Austin's best food vendors to the festival grounds. Find the full lineup and schedule at https://aclfestival.com.
Austoberfest 2026 (Oct 3)
Austin Saengerrunde's annual Oktoberfest takes over Scholz Garten, Texas' oldest continuously operating tavern, from noon to 10 PM. Expect live music all day, a Central Texas sausage competition with public voting, stein-holding contests, historic bowling lanes, and family fun — the first 500 guests receive a free half-liter stein. Details at https://saengerrunde.org/events/austoberfest/.
Austin Steel Guitar Fest (Oct 1–3)
The inaugural Austin Steel Guitar Fest brings three days of pedal steel, dobro, and slide guitar to the Austin Marriott South, with performances on two stages plus seminars and vendors. Thursday's welcome party is free, and Saturday's 5 PM ceremony inducts Lucky Oceans and Junior Brown into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. See the full schedule at https://austinsteelguitarfest.org/.
Boo at the Zoo (Oct 2–3)
Austin Zoo kicks off its annual Halloween celebration this Friday and Saturday, with the grounds illuminated and decorated for the season. Tickets ($25) include a spooky train ride and unlimited visits to the haunted house, with family-friendly Halloween shows each night — costumes encouraged. Advance reservations are required for train rides. More at https://austinzoo.org/boo-at-the-zoo/.
New openings
Postino Wine Café — now open in Westlake
The Arizona-born wine café has opened its doors at the Village at Westlake (701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Suite J-760), pairing an extensive wine list with its famous bruschetta boards. It's the chain's 12th Texas location, and opening day supported Girls on the Run Austin. See more at https://austin.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/food-news-neighborhood-sushi-grandpa/.
Alteño Austin — now open downtown
Chef Johnny Curiel, the James Beard nominee behind Denver's Michelin-starred Alma Fonda Fina, has opened his first Texas restaurant inside 1 Hotel Austin (96 Red River St). The wood-fired menu celebrates the cuisine of Jalisco's Highlands — think red snapper zarandeado, duck carnitas tacos, and an avocado margarita — alongside 90-plus agave spirits. Details at http://www.1hotels.com/austin/taste/alteno.
Outdoors & fitness
Pumpkin Nights (open this week Oct 1–4 & 7)
Pioneer Farms (10621 Pioneer Farms Dr) glows after dark with a half-mile walking trail through nine themed lands built from more than 10,000 hand-carved and custom-designed pumpkins, plus Pumpkin Village with festive food, vendors, and a live fire show. The event runs through Oct 31; this week it's open Thursday through Sunday and Wednesday, closed Monday–Tuesday. Timed-entry tickets are online only at https://www.pumpkinnights.com/austin.
Paddle Lady Bird Lake during ACL (Oct 2–4)
Rowing Dock is open for walk-up kayak, SUP, and canoe rentals all ACL weekend — a peaceful way to hear the festival from the water while escaping the Zilker crowds. Note the lot is for boat users only during ACL, with dash parking permits issued from the hut. Check the full details at https://www.rowingdock.com/happenings/.
After a full weekend of festivals, new flavors, and time outdoors, your body will thank you for some recovery. Book a massage or head spa at Cove Spa — 5450 Bee Caves Rd Ste 2C, Austin, TX 78746. Call (512) 387-2186. We're open daily 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.
