Fall is officially here. It’s a season when things feel cozy and the activities are endless. Grab yourself a pumpkin spice latte, and take part in some fun activities around Austin before the holiday season begins!

Fall Festivals

Austin and the surrounding areas have fall festivals that are fun for the whole family. They’re the perfect place to find the best pumpkin to carve or paint, grab a fun snack, and enjoy the cooler weather. Here are a few highly rated local festivals:

• Georgetown: Sweet Eats Fruit Farm Fall Festival (Last day is Nov. 20, 2022)
• Marble Falls: Sweet Berry Farm (Last day is Nov. 6, 2022)
• Bastrop: Barton Hill Farms (Last day is Nov. 6, 2022)

Field of Light

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center currently has an incredible light display by artist Bruce Munro. View the gorgeous display before it is gone.

Ticket information can be found here. The last day of the display is Dec. 30, 2022.

Turkey Trot

The annual Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot will be on Nov. 24! You can do a 5-mile run or a 1-mile walk. All proceeds will benefit Caritas of Austin.

Registration and more details can be found here.

Stock Up on Your Trader Joe’s Favorites

Fun can be had on your own schedule and in your own kitchen, too. From pumpkin bread mix and cinnamon bun spread to butternut squash mac & cheese and autumn soups, Trader Joe’s is known to have unique and fun fall foods. Now is the perfect time to try a new dessert or soup before all the fall favorites are gone until next year.

Grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte With a Friend

One of the great things about fall is the feeling of a new season for us all. The end of summer means the beginning of a new school year or a change of pace at work. Between all the changes, consider setting aside time to grab a coffee—or PSL—with a friend.

Embrace the Fall Classics

Halloween may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean the spooky fun stops on Oct. 31. To stay in the spirit, my husband and I watch a thriller or horror movie every Friday during the fall season. Because the holiday season doesn’t start for us until after Thanksgiving, we celebrate the spooky season until Turkey Day. It’s a fun date night and way to celebrate the last few weeks of fall before we jump into the holiday season.

And if scary movies aren’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with classics such as Gilmore Girls (#TeamJess) and When Harry Met Sally.

Happy fall, y’all!

About the Writer: Mandy Romenesko is in her third year with The Junior League of Austin. Her favorite volunteer activity is Food In Tummies (FIT). In her spare time, she can be found listening to true crime podcasts, spending time with her two rescue dogs, and watching reality TV.