Joy Oladokun: The Heavy Things Tour
Catch an open-air evening under the pecan trees with the genre-blending Nashville singer-songwriter on historic East 4th.
live-musicoutdoorevening
For friend groupsThings to do in Austin with friends this weekend (Oct 16–18)
This weekend in Austin: Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18, 2026 · 6 dated events
What's on in Austin, TX this week — the spots locals are packing, buzzy restaurants, and weekend plans worth texting the group chat about.
13 hand-picked things to do in Austin, TX right now · 7 with confirmed dates
Photo: Mitchell Kmetz / Unsplash
How we pick spots for a group
- Buzzy, higher-energy rooms that take a crowd
- What's on right now over evergreen tourist stops
- Bookable tables and shared plates a group can split
⚡ Happening Today
Events and things to do tonight
Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators
High noon kickoff at Darrell K Royal. Tailgates along Bevo Boulevard kick off this morning before the SEC showdown inside.
sportscollege-footballgame-day
Austin FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Saturday night match under the floodlights at Q2 Stadium, accompanied by 90 straight minutes of live brass from La Murga.
mlssoccernight-out
Plan a friends trip to Austin, TX
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Austin, TX trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.
🌮 Eat & Drink
Where to pull up a chair right now
East Austin Patio Brunch at Launderette
A sunny converted midcentury laundromat serving buttermilk pull-apart cinnamon rolls, sunny eggs, and iced cafe de olla out on Holly Street.
brunchpatiopastries
Peach-Glazed Pork Belly at InterStellar BBQ
Arrive before noon for John Bates' award-winning brisket, smoked scalloped potatoes, and spiced peach tea pork belly ribs in North Austin.
barbecuemichelin-starlunch
Brass Band & Manmosas at Banger's
200-tap wall, house-stuffed sausages, and a live brass section performing horn-heavy pop covers in Rainey Street's deep backyard.
beer-gardenoutdoorlive-music
🎸 This Weekend in Austin, TX · Oct 16–18
Top picks across town for Sunday
Hermanos Gutiérrez Under the Stars
The Swiss-Ecuadorian guitar duo brings their cinematic desert sounds to Waterloo Park's lawn as evening temperatures cool off.
instrumentaloutdoorwaterloo-greenway
Sunday Gospel Brunch at Stubb's
Live uplifting harmonies from Shields of Faith paired with slow-smoked Texas brisket, jalapeño cheddar grits, and a bloody mary bar.
brunchlive-musictradition
Weezer: The Gathering Tour
Rivers Cuomo and company bring three decades of anthems to the campus arena for a high-energy Sunday night closeout.
rockconcertarena
✨ New & Notable
Seasonal highlights and fresh spaces
Autumn Emergence: Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Late October is the final call before the million-strong Mexican free-tailed bat colony migrates south for winter. Arrive at the water's edge 30 minutes before dusk.
wildlifeoutdoorsaustin-classic
Blanton Museum's Moody Patio & Shaded Soundscape
Wander the shade petals designed by Snøhetta and experience the outdoor sound gallery before walking inside Ellsworth Kelly's stone sanctuary, 'Austin'.
artarchitecturepublic-art
🚗 Quick Escape
Easy road trips within 2–3 hours
Hill Country Granite & Tasting Rooms: Fredericksburg
Drive 90 minutes west for a morning summit hike up the pink granite dome at Enchanted Rock, followed by a sourdough schnitzel lunch at Otto's Bistro and crisp white wine along Highway 290.
day-triphikingwine-tasting
Spring-Fed Cypress & Village Strolls: Wimberley
Head an hour southwest into the Blanco River valley. Walk the trails beneath cypress giants at Blue Hole, hunt for hand-blown glass at Wimberley Glassworks, and pick up warm buttermilk pie in town square.
hill-countrynaturescenic-drive
Frequently asked
What are the best things to do in Austin, TX with friends?
Group-friendly highlights in Austin, TX right now include Joy Oladokun: The Heavy Things Tour, Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators, and Austin FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC. WonderKit updates this guide daily so plans stay current.
Where do locals go out in Austin, TX?
The "Eat & Drink" section above lists buzzy restaurants and bars in Austin, TX — the spots locals are actually packing this week.
Where's the best nightlife in Austin, TX?
Check the sections above for current events, buzzy bars, and weekend plans in Austin, TX worth texting the group chat about.
Plan a friends trip to Austin, TX
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Austin, TX trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.