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5 Things Austinites do to Welcome Fall in September!

Sure, it might still be stiflingly hot, but September in Texas still fills us with hope that jacket weather is just around the corner. Since there’s still some summer left in the tank around these parts, we figure we’d better keep the party rolling along. Here are five ways we do just that!

Bat Fest – Sep 6th on the Congress Avenue Bridge 

Austin, Texas is home to the world’s largest urban bat colony, with 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tail Bats residing beneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Each spring and summer night, crowds gather downtown to watch these bats soar into the evening sky, feasting on insects and creating a natural spectacle that draws visitors from around the globe.

To celebrate our winged nocturnal friends, we do what we do best here in A-town: hold a music festival! Now in its 19th year, this signature Austin tradition will once again be held on the very bridge where the bats hang out. This year, try not to hit the “Panic Switch” as Silversun Pickups headline an epic bill of entertainment. New this year, Bat Fest will spotlight a full day of performances by Asian American artists. This includes musicians and dancers from countries like India, China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and more, showcasing the vibrant cultural diversity that makes Austin shine.

Photo via austintexas.org

Pecan Street Festival – Sept. 13th and 14th at the Hill Country Galleria

In 2025, the Pecan Street Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary as one of Austin’s longest-running street festivals. Though now moved out to the Hill Country Galleria from Downtown ATX, the festival stays true to its legacy of unity, creativity, and free community celebration.

Families, artists, vendors, and visitors from all walks of life are welcome in this relaxed, walkable environment. Guests can enjoy those inclusive vibes while jamming out to live music and noshing on some great eats. Pecan Street Festival continues its tradition of free admission for one and all.

Fantastic Fest – Sept. 18th thru Sept. 25th at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Fantastic Fest stands tall as the largest genre film festival in the United States, celebrating boundary-pushing cinema across horror, fantasy, sci-fi, action, and all things fantastically weird. Its mission? To spotlight groundbreaking storytelling, champion new voices, and elevate lesser-known cinematic regions and creators.

Enjoy a diverse palate of films carefully curated to challenge, provoke, and inspire viewers. Between viewings, be sure to check out some of the wild parties, live podcasts, boxing debates, and even a few Austrian cocktail robots!

Celebrating New Cinema since 2005, the Fest has welcomed visionary artists such as Tim Burton, the Wachowskis, Keanu Reeves, Robert Rodriguez, Jamie Lee Curtis, and scores of other creative legends. Fantastic Fest isn’t just an event—it’s a weeklong immersion into the beating heart of genre film culture!

Image via fantasticfest.com

Levitation – Sept. 25th to Sept. 28th, primarily at the Palmer Events Center + others
Originally founded in 2008 as Austin Psych Fest by members of Austin’s own psych rockers, The Black Angels (along with some of their friends) the festival lit a fire in the global psych rock community. It was later renamed LEVITATION to honor legendary Austin band The 13th Floor Elevators, who reunited and played at the 2015 edition for their 50th anniversary.

LEVITATION has remained true to its roots as a psych rock haven, while branching into metal, punk, electronic, and other underground genres—transforming into a cosmic crossroads for boundary-pushing music from all corners. If you’re vibing with the spirit of sonic exploration, LEVITATION is where the gravity lifts and the music floats.

Twisted Texas Tour – Any day of the week! 

You didn’t think we wouldn’t brag about ourselves, did you? Bring in the good vibes of fall with some smoked meats…craft beers now…and live music! Check out our BBQ and Brewery Adventure for a belly fillin’ good time. Or get your drink on with our Brew Bus–always a party on board! 

However you choose to signal the start of pumpkin spice spooky season, we’re here for it!