THE WEEKEND 5
Austin | October 9–11, 2026 · Weekend 5 #7
Hey, Don here.
This weekend, you can raid a theatre wardrobe, meet the people making tiny books, or spend an evening surrounded by sound. And if your group needs something stranger, Austin has a clown cabaret ready for you.
My pick: the Halloween Costume Thrift Sale. October is a good excuse to find something with a little more personality than a costume in a plastic bag. Lone Star Zine Fest is my free afternoon pick; Atomic Pulse is the one I’d book ahead.
These are researched picks, not firsthand reviews. Details checked October 7. All times are Austin local. Check the linked organizer pages for availability before heading out.
1. My pick: raid the theatre wardrobe
Official artwork: ATX Theatre. Saturday 10 AM–noon is paid early access.
Halloween Costume Thrift Sale
Sterling Stage Austin · 6134 E. Highway 290
Saturday, October 10 · Noon–5 PM
Sunday, October 11 · 10 AM–5 PM
Cost: Free entry ticket for regular sale hours; purchases extra.
Theatre costumes, vintage clothing, handmade historical pieces and supplies make this a more interesting Halloween hunt. You might find a whole look, or one piece worth building around.
Best for: Costume hunters, thrifters and anyone who likes a practical reason to browse.
Know before you go: Reserve the free entry ticket. Paid early access is $5 including fees: Friday’s presale soirée runs 6–9 PM, and Saturday VIP shopping runs 10 AM–noon. Inventory is one-of-a-kind, so don’t count on a particular size or outfit.
My take: Try Saturday for more selection. Sunday is the flexible option if you’re happy to see what’s left.
2. Lone Star Zine Fest: leave with something small
Zine-making at the 2019 festival, at a previous venue. Photo: @angelzines / Lone Star Zine Fest.
Saturday–Sunday, October 10–11 · Noon–6 PM both days
Blue Genie Art Bazaar · 6100 Airport Boulevard
Cost: Free admission · All ages
The tenth Lone Star Zine Fest brings together independent publishers and makers of zines, comics and small books. Meet a creator, buy something you won’t find in a big bookstore, or make your own at the Creation Station.
Best for: A low-cost afternoon with a creative friend, curious teens or a solo browse.
Know before you go: Bring cash, even though many vendors accept digital payments. Adult material has a marked area toward the back left. The 1980s prom theme is an invitation to dress up, not a requirement.
My take: My easiest free yes. Give yourself time to talk to the makers; that’s the reason to go beyond shopping online.
3. Austin Oktoberfest: settle into the gardens
A previous Austin Oktoberfest. Photo source: German-Texan Heritage Society.
Saturday, October 10 · 11 AM–7 PM
German Free School · 507 E. 10th Street
Cost: $20 listed admission; check checkout and child admission details.
German food, beer and live music fill the terraced gardens of the historic German Free School. This is the group plan for people who would rather stay in one place than negotiate three more stops.
Best for: Friends who want music, a meal and an unhurried Saturday.
Know before you go: The Walburg Boys play 1–5 PM, between Bushy Creek at 11 AM and Yodel Blitz at 5 PM. Budget separately for food and drinks. This is an outdoor garden event, so check conditions and organizer updates.
My take: Aim for the afternoon music block. The setting gives this more character than a generic beer tent.
4. Atomic Pulse: hear music move around you
dadaLab at a previous event; Atomic Pulse’s setup may differ. Photo source: dadageek.
Saturday, October 10 · Matinee 3–6 PM or evening 7–10 PM
dadaLab · 2008 Alexander Avenue
Cost: Online GA $20 + fees; limited $14 presale while available. Student $10 + fees with valid ID; day-of $30 + fees.
Experimental electronic performances meet Dolby Atmos spatial sound and projected visuals in a seated room capped at 40 guests per session. This is a listening experience with room for the music to get strange.
Best for: A music-curious date or the friend who actually wants to listen.
Know before you go: Doors open at 3 or 7 PM; performances start at 3:30 or 7:30. Select the right session before buying. The event is all ages.
My take: The small capacity is why I’d book this first. Choose it for experimental sound and visuals; bring a different expectation than a dance party.
5. UnFOUseen Circumstances: embrace the absurd
Fou Fou Ha! Austin in a previous performance. Photo: Tyler Whitman / Austin Burlesque.
Friday, October 9 · 7 PM
Saturday, October 10 · 7 or 9 PM
The VORTEX · 2307 Manor Road
Cost: GA $35 or front rows $45, plus service fees · Ages 18+
Fou Fou Ha! Austin’s burlesque clown collective brings a new lineup of variety acts, psychedelic cabaret and occasional audience games to the indoor Eloise stage. There’s also a vendor market.
Best for: Friends ready for a night that’s playful, weird and unpredictable.
Know before you go: Advance reservations are recommended. The box office also lists a $20 GA discount using a code from the collective’s socials and $20 accessible floor-level seats. Check eligibility, codes and availability when booking.
My take: My wildcard. Go if camp and audience interaction sound fun; choose Atomic Pulse if you’d prefer to sit back and listen.
If I were picking…
Free afternoon: Lone Star Zine Fest.
Something useful: The costume sale, with a shopping budget.
Saturday with friends: Oktoberfest.
A date worth booking: Atomic Pulse.
The weird night out: UnFOUseen Circumstances.
I’d reserve Atomic Pulse first, then add one daytime stop. Sunday’s zine fest and costume sale leave room for a slower finish to the weekend.
One I’m watching
ConcertDome’s Strings in Space is on my coverage radar for Saturday. The organizer says the 6:30 PM show is already sold out and expects the other sessions to fill, so I’m keeping it out of the five bookable recommendations. I’ll share more after I’ve seen it.
Your turn: Which sounds most like your weekend: costume hunting, tiny books or a weird night out? Hit reply. I want to know what you’re actually making time for.
See you out there,
Don
FOOD · CULTURE · MOVEMENT · PEOPLE