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I’m zeroing in on six public food and drink festivals this fall in and around Austin. I may not hit every single one, but they’re all on my radar and absolutely worth checking out.

1. Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival

When: Sunday September 7 2025
Time: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: Far Out Lounge & Stage, 8504 S Congress Ave, Austin TX 78745
What to expect: Dozens of hot sauces from mild verde to melt your face spicy, live music, and cold drinks in a laid-back South Austin setting. Proceeds benefit the Central Texas Food Bank.

2. The Austin Taco & Margarita Festival

When: Sunday September 21 2025
Time: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (VIP entry starts earlier)
Where: Armadillo Den, 10106 Menchaca Rd, Austin TX 78748
What to expect: Thousands of taco lovers and margarita connoisseurs gather for handcrafted drinks, bold tacos, live DJ sets, street food, frozen drinks, a beer garden, and a chance to win a dream trip to Mexico.

3. Austin Coffee Festival

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 25–26 2025
Time: Sessions typically start late morning and run through mid afternoon
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin TX 78704
What to expect: Over 40 local coffee roasters, espresso flights, latte art demos, pastries, and live music. A full weekend of caffeinated goodness.

4. Texas Monthly BBQ Fest

When: Saturday and Sunday, November 1–2 2025
Time: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM each day
Where: Lockhart City Park and Downtown Lockhart TX
What to expect: More than 35 of the best pitmasters in Texas serving up brisket, ribs, sausage, and sides. Expect live fire demos, beer, live music, and plenty of smoky goodness in the BBQ capital of the state.

5. Quesoff (Queso Festival)

When: Sunday November 2 2025
Time: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Where: Mohawk, 912 Red River St, Austin TX 78701
What to expect: Chefs and home cooks compete across meaty, spicy, veggie, and wild card queso categories. Unlimited sampling, crowd voting, and proceeds benefiting the Central Texas Food Bank.

6. Austin Food & Wine Festival

When: Friday to Sunday, November 7–9 2025
Time: Main event hours are typically 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Where: Auditorium Shores, 800 W Riverside Dr, Austin TX 78704
What to expect: Gourmet tastings, live chef demos, wine and spirits, grilling sessions, and skyline views. A full weekend celebrating Austin’s culinary scene.

📝 Planning Notes

• Arrive early to festivals like the Taco & Margarita Fest and Coffee Fest to beat the crowds
• Parking is limited at Armadillo Den and Lockhart so plan to carpool or use rideshare
• Bring water, especially for Hot Sauce Fest and BBQ Fest
• Fall weather in Central Texas can be unpredictable so check your weather app
• Hot Sauce Fest, Quesoff, and BBQ Fest all support local food nonprofits, so every bite goes toward a good cause

Whether you’re a fellow foodie, a festival regular, or just looking for an excuse to get outside this fall, these events are packed with flavor, good energy, and all the Austin vibes. I’ll be sharing highlights from the ones I make it to, but even if I miss a few, they’re all worth keeping on your radar.

If you end up checking any of these out, tag me. I always love seeing what y’all get into and which bites end up being your favorite. Let’s make this fall a good one.