Enjoy live music, pumpkins, classic cars and more at fall events near Sweetwater

Fall is for festivals in Austin and the Hill Country, and this year brings a bountiful lineup with everything from live music to classic cars. There’s plenty for the kids, including pumpkin patches, mazes, story time and a Witches Ride. There are also events that will motivate every member of the family to get out and enjoy our beautiful Hill Country parks and trails.

Here are our top picks for fall events near Sweetwater through early November. Around that time, we’ll be back with our favorite holiday event picks.

Many of these events have free admission, with food, beverages and merchandise available for purchase. Pre-registration is recommended for some. We’ve included a link for each event so you can get complete details.

Saturday Night Concert Series

The Saturday Night Concert Series returns to the Hill Country Galleria this fall with a seven-week run from Sept. 18 through Oct. 30. Hosted by Austin City Limits Radio, this Saturday evening series will feature local favorites including Bob Schneider, Carolyn Wonderland and The Peterson Brothers. Bring a blanket to lounge on the Central Plaza Lawn and enjoy the show. You can even get food delivered right to your spot on the lawn from one of the many restaurants at the Galleria. Admission is free and dogs are welcome.

Outdoor Storytime

Beginning in September, Bee Cave Public Library presents Outdoor Storytime at Bee Cave Central Park, every Friday morning at 9:30 a.m., through Oct. 29. The interactive series of stories, songs and games is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. It takes place at the large pavilion near the park entrance; bring a blanket to sit on.

Heritage Trail Bus Tours

Discover Hill Country history with Lakeway’s Heritage Trail Bus Tours on Sept. 24. Three bus tours will depart Lakeway City Hall that morning, with socially distanced departure times of 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. The tours will visit 22 points of interest, including the Liebelt Cabin, built in 1869 by 26-year-old German immigrant August Liebelt; the prehistoric Indian Mounds, home to the area’s first human inhabitants; and several significant residences including the grand “Little Grass Shack” and the first home ever offered for sale in Lakeway. 

Johnson City Market Days

Johnson City Market Days are celebrated on the fourth weekend of every month, and fall is the perfect time to discover this festive tradition in one of the most charming Hill Country towns near Sweetwater. On Sept. 25-26 and Oct. 23-24, come out to the historic Courthouse Square for art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor and outdoor furnishings There’s also ready-to-eat goodies, seasonal plants, and more. Make it a full day by exploring other Johnson City attractions including the Science Mill, an interactive experience focusing on science, technology, engineering and math, located in a circa 1880 grist mill and cotton gin. The LBJ National Historical Park offers another fun destination to explore in Johnson City.

Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival

On Oct. 15-17, the 7^th annual Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival offers a weekend of exceptional singer/songwriter showcases. For 2021, 50 songwriters were selected from more than 300 who applied from across the country. Intentionally designed as an alternative to Austin’s mega music events, this festival offers an up-close-and-personal chance to meet local and national songwriters. Seven stages will be active at some of Dripping Springs’ most popular live music venues, all within easy walking distance in the quaint historic downtown. On the final day, there’s a Gospel Brunch and afterparty. Admission is free, but registration is required.

Fall at Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

One of the most beautiful Hill Country nature preserves near Sweetwater, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center offers many specialty programs for fall, including five scheduled bird hikes from October to December. There’s also a family hike on Oct. 30, with a fall plant hike on Nov. 6. A full moon hike is set for Dec. 18. On Sept. 30, a two-hour Sketch in Nature session will be offered.

Witches Ride

On Oct.  30, Lakeway invites you to celebrate Halloween with the Witches Ride, free and open to all ages, genders and abilities. Costumes are encouraged, and you don’t need a bike to participate. The ride ends at the Lakeway Activity Center, where there’ll be live music, a haunted house moonwalk, a bungee bounce ride, and an inflatable basketball game. This event will also feature a stilt walker, LED dancer and fire dancer. Costumes are encouraged, and there’ll be a spirited costume contest.

Rolling Sculpture Car Show

If you love vintage cars, mark your calendar for the Rolling Sculpture Car Show, Oct. 31 at the Hill Country Galleria. Benefitting the Bee Cave Public Library, this show will feature upwards of 200 classic and antique cars, along with modern classics, muscle cars, foreign sports car, art cars and even bicycles. Free and open to the public, this event will have festivities live music, prizes, and food and beverages from Hill Country Galleria vendors. Since 2008, this event has raised more than $54,000 for the Bee Cave Public Library.

Texas Wine Month

October is Texas Wine Month, and in the spirit of Texas’ rugged individualism, this is a self-guided tour through more than 45 wineries in the Texas Hill Country near Sweetwater, including several that are very close to home in Spicewood. Just purchase a passport to receive benefits such as a complimentary tasting at each participating winery and discounts on wine purchases. A portion of proceeds goes to the Texas Hill Country Wine Industry Scholarship Fund. Throughout the month, wineries will also be celebrating with live music and other festivities. Visit the Texas Wine Trail website for suggested day trip itineraries.

Harvest of Fall Fun at Sweet Berry Farm

In nearby Marble Falls, Sweet Berry Farm invites families to enjoy fall with hayrides, pumpkin painting, scarecrow stuffing, and pony rides. Other activities include the Sweet Berry Express Barrel Train and jumping joy with the Berry Bounce. There’ll be several mazes to explore, including the Texas Maze, Barnyard Maze and Candy Corn Kid Maze. You can also pick your own pumpkins, gourds and flowers. On October weekends, the Pumpkin Grill will offer grilled corn, hot dogs, PB&J sandwiches, chips and drinks. The farm opens Sept. 18 and fall activities will continue through October.