Weekly Market Update October 6, 2026 | |
🏡 Mortgage Market Update
October 6, 2026
Rates Remain Above 7%
Mortgage Rates Start October Under Pressure
If you are thinking about buying, selling, or refinancing a home, mortgage rates are once again taking center stage.
After spending much of the year below 7%, mortgage rates have moved sharply higher in recent weeks. Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 7.28% on October 1, up from 7.03% the previous week and 6.34% a year ago.
Daily rate estimates on October 5 were even higher, with some national averages around 7.3%–7.5% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, depending on the source, borrower profile and loan characteristics.
What's Driving Mortgage Rates Higher?
One of the biggest factors is the bond market.
The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield climbed to roughly 5.3% on October 5, while the 30-year Treasury yield approached 5.7%. Higher Treasury yields generally put upward pressure on mortgage rates.
Investors are also watching inflation, economic growth and Federal Reserve policy very closely.
Recent economic data continue to suggest that the economy is holding up relatively well, while inflation pressures remain a concern. The combination has made investors less confident that interest rates will fall quickly.
Mortgage Applications Are Feeling the Pressure
Higher rates are already affecting borrower activity.
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, total mortgage applications fell 6% for the week ending September 25. Purchase applications declined 4%, while refinance applications fell 9%. The MBA also reported that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached approximately 7.30%, its highest level since
November 2023.
Interestingly, adjustable-rate mortgages are attracting more attention. The MBA reported that ARMs represented 10.3% of mortgage applications, the highest share since October 2025, as borrowers look for alternatives to today's higher fixed rates.
What Does This Mean for Austin-Area Buyers?
For buyers in the Greater Austin and Hill Country markets, today's rates make monthly payment planning more important than ever.
But higher rates don't necessarily mean buyers should automatically wait.
Today's market may provide opportunities that weren't available when competition was stronger. Buyers may have more negotiating leverage, more choices and greater opportunities to ask sellers for concessions.
Depending on the property and transaction, seller concessions could potentially help with:
• Closing costs
• A temporary or permanent rate buydown
• Prepaid expenses
• Other allowable buyer expenses
The right strategy depends on the buyer's financial situation, loan program and the specific property.
What About Sellers?
Sellers should pay close attention to affordability.
When mortgage rates rise, buyers' purchasing power can decline. That makes accurate pricing and strong marketing even more important.
A home that is priced correctly from day one can stand out from competing listings and attract the buyers who are still actively shopping.
For sellers, the goal isn't simply to get the highest possible asking price.
The goal is to create the strongest overall combination of price, terms, presentation and marketing to attract a qualified buyer.
The Bottom Line
Mortgage rates are currently being influenced by a complicated mix of Treasury yields, inflation, economic growth and expectations for Federal Reserve policy.
The latest numbers tell us one thing clearly:
We're not back in a 6% mortgage-rate environment yet.
But buyers shouldn't make a real estate decision based solely on trying to predict the exact day rates will fall.
A buyer who finds the right home today may be able to refinance in the future if rates improve. On the other hand, waiting for a lower rate could mean competing against more buyers if falling rates bring additional demand back into the market.
The best strategy is to look at the complete financial picture — purchase price, interest rate, monthly payment, seller concessions and long-term plans.
Question of the Week
If mortgage rates dropped significantly tomorrow, would you buy immediately — or would you still wait for home prices to come down?
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Last 30 Days Numbers for
Travis County
Currently there are over 5,000 Homes that are Active
There are 691 Pending Contracts
928 Homes have Closed
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🏡 City / Neighborhood Spotlight: Rollingwood
A Small Community with a Big West Austin Lifestyle
If you're looking for a community that offers beautiful homes, a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and easy access to Austin, Rollingwood deserves a closer look.
Located just west of downtown Austin, Rollingwood is a small incorporated city in the 78746 area. With roughly 1,300 residents, it offers a more intimate, residential feel while putting residents close to downtown Austin, Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake, and the businesses and restaurants of West Austin.
🌳 Why People Love Rollingwood
One of Rollingwood's biggest attractions is its combination of location and neighborhood feel.
Residents enjoy:
• Close proximity to downtown Austin
• Access to Eanes ISD
• Mature trees and established residential streets
• Larger lots and a variety of custom homes
• Rollingwood Park and its recreational facilities
• A strong community atmosphere
• Convenient access to Bee Cave Road and Mopac
Rollingwood Park is a centerpiece of the community, with playgrounds, athletic fields, walking areas and recreational programs. The park has long been closely connected to Rollingwood's family-oriented community and youth sports programs.
🎓 Schools
For families, schools are an important part of the Rollingwood story.
Rollingwood is served by Eanes Independent School District, which includes highly regarded West Austin schools. Buyers should always verify the specific school assignment for an individual property because attendance boundaries can change.
🏠 What Is the Real Estate Market Like?
Rollingwood is a small, low-inventory market, so individual sales can have a significant impact on statistics.
As of September 2026, Realtor.com reported approximately 5 active listings, with a median listing price of about $3.92 million.
Another current market source showed a median sale price around $4.1 million for the most recent three-month period, illustrating just how much individual luxury sales can influence Rollingwood's numbers.
For additional context, Rollingwood's Q2 2026 median sales price was approximately $3.76 million, with an average of 32 days on market.
The takeaway: Rollingwood is not a high-volume market. Inventory is limited, properties can vary dramatically in size and condition, and pricing a particular home requires looking closely at comparable sales rather than relying solely on a neighborhood-wide median.
🌆 Location, Location, Location
This may be Rollingwood's biggest selling point.
You can enjoy a quiet residential setting while remaining only minutes from many of Austin's major attractions, employment centers, restaurants, shopping and outdoor recreation.
The nearby Shops at Mira Vista provide convenient neighborhood shopping and services, while downtown Austin and the broader West Austin area are close by. Shops at Mira Vista
👨👩👧👦 Who Is Rollingwood Best For?
Rollingwood can be particularly appealing to:
• Families looking for Eanes ISD
• Buyers wanting a premium West Austin location
• Professionals who want convenient access to downtown
• Buyers looking for established neighborhoods rather than large master-planned communities
• Those who value privacy, mature landscaping and larger residential properties
• Homeowners who want proximity to Austin without living in the middle of the city
💡 Sean's Take
Rollingwood is one of those communities where the location is difficult to duplicate.
You're getting the feel of an established neighborhood, the convenience of being close to Austin, access to Eanes ISD, and a relatively limited supply of homes.
Because there aren't a large number of properties changing hands each year, understanding the individual home—not just the neighborhood average—is especially important when buying or selling in Rollingwood.
📍 Thinking About Rollingwood?
Whether you're considering buying, selling, or simply curious about what your Rollingwood home might be worth, I'd be happy to provide a current look at the market.
Question of the Week:
👉 If you could live anywhere in the Greater Austin area, would a community like Rollingwood—with a quiet neighborhood feel but close-in Austin location—be on your list?
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Did You Know....
Is Austin Still a Good Real Estate Investment in 2026?
The short answer: Yes—but the investment strategy has changed.
For years, Austin real estate seemed almost synonymous with rapid appreciation. Strong population growth, technology expansion, new businesses, and limited housing supply helped drive home prices dramatically higher.
But 2026 is a different market.
Austin buyers have more choices, sellers have less pricing power, mortgage rates remain a major consideration, and investors have to look beyond simply buying a property and waiting for prices to rise.
So, is Austin still a good real estate investment in 2026?
I believe the answer is yes—but today's Austin investor needs to be more selective, more analytical, and more patient.
Austin's Market Has Become More Investor-Friendly
One of the biggest changes in the Austin market is that buyers have regained negotiating power.
According to Unlock MLS, the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA recorded a median residential sales price of $412,000 in August 2026, down 6.4% from the previous year. The market had approximately 5.1 months of inventory, giving buyers considerably more breathing room than they had during the frenzied market of a few years ago.
For investors, that can create opportunities.
Instead of competing against multiple buyers and paying well above asking price, investors may be able to negotiate:
- A lower purchase price
- Seller-paid closing costs
- Interest-rate buydowns
- Repairs or improvements
- Better terms
- More favorable inspection concessions
In other words, the opportunity may be in the acquisition rather than simply waiting for appreciation.
Austin Still Has a Strong Economic Foundation
Real estate ultimately follows jobs, population and economic activity.
And Austin continues to have important economic advantages.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas reported that Austin employment was up 24.1% compared with the pandemic period, substantially outperforming Texas and the nation over the same period. Its July 2026 data also showed broad-based employment growth across the Austin economy.
Opportunity Austin reported that the region added approximately 23,800 jobs during the year ending July 2026, representing 1.7% employment growth.
That matters to real estate investors because strong employment helps support:
Housing demand → rental demand → household formation → long-term real estate demand.
Austin also continues to attract businesses, entrepreneurs, technology companies and professionals looking for opportunities in Central Texas.
That doesn't guarantee rising property values every year—but it provides an important foundation for long-term real estate demand.
The Big Difference: Don't Expect Every Property to Appreciate Quickly
This is perhaps the most important lesson for an Austin investor in 2026.
The days of buying almost anything in Austin and expecting double-digit appreciation may be behind us.
The Texas Real Estate Research Center reported that Austin remained one of the weaker major Texas markets for home-price performance, with prices down 1.4% year over year in July 2026. At the same time, Austin's sales pace was running about 9% above the previous year through July.
That creates an interesting combination:
Prices are under pressure, but buyers are still active.
For investors, that can be an attractive setup.
You don't necessarily need to buy at the absolute bottom of the market. Instead, you want to find a property where the numbers make sense today, while allowing for potential long-term appreciation.
What About Rental Properties?
Rental properties require a little more homework in 2026.
Austin experienced a substantial amount of new apartment and housing construction, which has helped increase rental supply and put pressure on rents.
The Dallas Fed reported that Austin apartment rents were down 1.8% year over year in July, although rents increased slightly from June. The average market-rate apartment rent was approximately $1,460.
That means investors shouldn't assume that rents will automatically increase every year.
Instead, calculate the property based on today's realistic rent, not an optimistic future rent.
Before purchasing a rental property, consider:
- Purchase price
- Down payment
- Mortgage rate
- Property taxes
- Insurance
- HOA fees
- Maintenance
- Vacancy
- Property management
- Expected rent
- Cash flow
- Potential appreciation
- Resale demand
A property that looks inexpensive isn't necessarily a good investment if the ongoing expenses consume the rental income.
Where I See Potential Opportunity
One of the advantages of investing in the Greater Austin area is that you don't have to limit your search to downtown Austin.
Investors may want to look at a variety of markets and property types throughout Central Texas, including:
Austin
Potentially attractive for investors seeking established neighborhoods, employment access, rental demand and long-term appreciation potential.
Round Rock / Georgetown
Strong population growth, established employment centers and a broad range of housing options can make these areas worth evaluating.
Leander / Cedar Park
These communities continue to benefit from their proximity to Austin while offering different price points and housing options.
Buda / Kyle
For investors looking for communities south of Austin, these markets can offer opportunities at different price points.
Dripping Springs
A market worth watching for investors interested in the Hill Country lifestyle, new construction and longer-term land and housing demand.
Lakeway / Bee Cave / Spicewood
For investors targeting higher-end properties, lifestyle-driven demand, lake communities and Hill Country appeal can create a different investment profile than traditional rental markets.
The key is that each submarket behaves differently.
An investment that works in Georgetown may not make sense in Bee Cave. A rental strategy that works in Austin may not work in Spicewood.
That's why analyzing the individual property—and not just the city—is critical.
New Construction Could Be an Interesting Opportunity
Another factor investors should pay attention to in 2026 is new construction.
Builders have been competing for buyers in a more balanced market, which can create opportunities for buyers who know how to compare the total cost of ownership, rather than simply comparing list prices.
Builders may offer incentives such as:
- Closing-cost assistance
- Mortgage-rate incentives
- Design-center allowances
- Upgrades
- Lot incentives
- Temporary or permanent rate buydowns
But investors should be careful.
A builder incentive doesn't automatically make a property a good investment.
Compare the property's price, expected rent, taxes, HOA, location and resale potential against comparable existing homes.
The best deal isn't necessarily the home with the biggest incentive. It's the property with the strongest overall numbers.
What Could Make Austin Real Estate More Attractive?
There are several potential catalysts investors should watch.
1. Mortgage rates
Financing costs remain one of the biggest obstacles facing both homeowners and investors.
If mortgage rates eventually decline, affordability could improve and buyer demand could increase.
2. Continued job growth
Austin's long-term investment story depends heavily on employment.
Technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, professional services and other industries will continue to influence housing demand.
3. Population growth
More people moving to Central Texas means more households needing somewhere to live.
4. Improved affordability
Austin's housing market has become more accessible to buyers compared with the peak of the pandemic-era boom.
That could eventually attract buyers who had previously been priced out.
5. Negotiating power
Perhaps the most immediate opportunity is simply having more leverage.
Investors who can identify motivated sellers and negotiate effectively may be able to create equity at the time of purchase.
What Are the Biggest Risks?
No investment is guaranteed, and Austin real estate has several risks investors need to understand.
Interest rates: Higher financing costs can significantly affect cash flow.
Property taxes: Texas property taxes can materially affect investment returns.
Insurance: Insurance premiums and availability need to be evaluated carefully.
Oversupply: Continued construction can create competition for both buyers and renters.
Rental growth: Investors shouldn't assume rents will rise rapidly.
Economic conditions: A slowdown in employment could reduce housing and rental demand.
Overpaying: Even a great city can be a bad investment if you pay too much for the property.
This last point may be the most important.
You don't make money simply because you bought in Austin. You make money because you bought the right property at the right price and managed the investment well.
So, Is Austin Still a Good Investment in 2026?
Yes—but I would call it a market for investors, not speculators.
Austin's 2026 market offers something that investors didn't have during the peak of the boom: choice and negotiating power.
The market is no longer about rushing to buy before prices increase tomorrow.
It's about finding opportunities where the numbers make sense.
For a long-term investor, that can be a significant advantage.
The Texas Real Estate Research Center's latest outlook continues to identify jobs, population and interest rates as major drivers of the housing market, while its 2026 forecast calls for modest statewide price growth rather than another boom.
That reinforces an important point:
Real estate investing is a long-term strategy.
If you're looking at Austin real estate with a five-, ten-, or even fifteen-year horizon, today's market may provide opportunities that weren't available when competition was at its peak.
The Bottom Line
I wouldn't buy an Austin investment property simply because someone says, "Austin is going to boom again."
I would buy because:
The location is strong.
The property is priced correctly.
The numbers work.
The rental demand makes sense.
The property has long-term appeal.
And the investment fits your financial goals.
That's a much stronger investment strategy than trying to predict exactly when the market will hit bottom.
Thinking About Investing in Greater Austin?
Whether you're considering a rental property, second home, new construction, land or a long-term investment, I'd be happy to help you evaluate the opportunity from a real estate perspective.
Sean Reece
Realty Texas
📞 512-638-9246
🌐 sean-reece.realtytexas.com
Real estate investments involve risk, and past market performance does not guarantee future results. Investment decisions should be evaluated based on your individual financial situation, investment objectives and professional financial/tax advice.
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$599,000
1717 Cherry Glade TRL Trail,
Georgetown, TX 78628
3,440 Sqft
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
1 Level
Garage Spaces: 2
Built 2015
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This Single Family Residence is located in the Oaks/San Gabriel Sec 1-B subdivision of Georgetown, Williamson County, Texas.
The home includes 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with approximately 3,440 sq ft of living space on a 0.21-acre lot.. Built in 2015, the residence features 1 stories, Composition roof, and Rain Gutters exterior.
Interior specifications include Wood flooring, Breakfast Bar, Built-in Features, Ceiling Fan(s), Crown Molding, Separate/ Formal Dining Room, Double Vanity, Entrance Foyer, Eat-in Kitchen, Granite Counters, High Ceilings, Kitchen Island, Multiple Dining Areas, Main Level Primary, Open Floorplan, Pantry, Recessed Lighting, Storage, Study, Walk- In Closet(s), High Speed Internet, and a kitchen with and appliances: Dishwasher, Electric Oven, Free- Standing Refrigerator, Disposal, Microwave.
Climate control systems include Central, Electric, Fireplace(s), Hot Water heating and Central Air, Electric cooling.. Exterior elements include Rear Porch, Covered, Enclosed, Patio, Porch, Screened, Fenced, Masonry, Wood fencing, and Back Yard, Front Yard, Near Golf Course, Sprinklers In Rear, Sprinklers In Front, Landscaped, Sprinklers Automatic, Few Trees, Trees Medium Size, Trees Small Size.
Parking includes 2 spaces garage with Attached, Door- Single, Driveway, Garage Faces Front, Garage, Garage Door Opener, Inside Entrance.
The location provides access to nearby schools including Tierra Rosa Elementary, Liberty Hill (Liberty Hill) Middle School, and Legacy Ranch High School.
| | Preferred Lender Highlight | |
🌟 Top 10 Things To Do Around Greater Austin
October 6-13, 2026
Fall is officially in full swing around Greater Austin! From ACL Fest and Oktoberfest to pumpkin festivals, Halloween fun, live music and Austin FC, there’s something for just about everyone this week.
Here are 10 things worth checking out:
- PUMPKIN NIGHTS AUSTIN 🎃
Wednesday, October 7 – Tuesday, October 13
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM on weekdays
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM on weekends
Pioneer Farms
10621 Pioneer Farms Drive
Austin, TX 78754
Walk through a half-mile trail featuring more than 10,000 hand-carved and custom-designed pumpkins, nine immersive themed areas, fire shows, food and family activities.
A great fall activity for families, couples or anyone looking for some Halloween fun without the traditional haunted-house scares.
- MUSIC ON THE TRAIL 🎶
Wednesday, October 7
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Rainey Street Trailhead
36 East Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Enjoy free live music along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. Bring a blanket, relax outdoors and enjoy some local Austin music.
Best of all — it’s FREE!
- GLOW IN THE PARK ✨
Thursday, October 8
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Waterloo Park
500 East 12th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Experience an evening of community, entertainment and celebration at Waterloo Greenway’s annual Glow in the Park.
The event combines music, food, art and outdoor fun while supporting Waterloo Greenway’s community programs and park improvements.
- AUSTIN CITY LIMITS MUSIC FESTIVAL – WEEKEND TWO 🎸
Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11
Festival hours: approximately 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2100 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78746
ACL Fest returns for its second weekend with another huge lineup of artists across multiple stages.
Whether you’re a longtime Austin music fan or just want to experience one of the city’s signature events, ACL is one of the biggest weekends on Austin’s annual calendar.
- BOO AT THE ZOO 👻
Friday, October 9 & Saturday, October 10
5:45 PM – 9:00 PM
Austin Zoo
10808 Rawhide Trail
Austin, TX 78736
Put on your Halloween costume and head to the Austin Zoo after dark!
Boo at the Zoo features a spooky train ride, haunted houses, nighttime animal viewing and special entertainment.
Tickets are approximately $25 per person.
- AUSTIN OKTOBERFEST 🍺
Saturday, October 10
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
German Free School
507 East 10th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Grab your lederhosen and celebrate Austin’s German heritage at the 22nd annual Austin Oktoberfest.
Enjoy German food, beer, live music and plenty of traditional Oktoberfest atmosphere in the historic German Free School.
A fun event for adults, families and visitors looking for something a little different.
- TEXAS PUMPKIN FEST 🎃
Saturday, October 10
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
VFW Post 10427
8760 FM 2243
Leander, TX 78641
Head north to Leander for one of the area’s biggest fall celebrations.
Texas Pumpkin Fest features a giant pumpkin patch, carnival rides, live entertainment, professional wrestling, train rides, a petting zoo, games, food and plenty of fall photo opportunities.
The festival runs weekends through November 1, plus October 12 and October 30.
- AUSTIN FC vs. NASHVILLE SC ⚽
Saturday, October 10
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Q2 Stadium
10414 McKalla Place
Austin, TX 78758
Cheer on Austin FC as they take on Nashville SC at Q2 Stadium.
If you haven’t experienced an Austin FC match yet, this is a great opportunity to enjoy one of Austin’s most energetic sports atmospheres.
- MOVIES BEHIND THE MUSEUM: “HOPPERS” 🎬
Saturday, October 10
Museum doors open at 6:00 PM
Movie begins at 7:30 PM
Texas Science & Natural History Museum
2400 Trinity Street
Austin, TX 78712
Enjoy an outdoor screening of “Hoppers” with access to the museum before the movie.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair, explore the museum and then settle in for a movie under the stars.
A fun option for families!
- EASTSIDE KINGS FESTIVAL 🎷
Monday, October 12 & Tuesday, October 13
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Historic East Austin
Around East 12th Street & Chicon Street
Celebrate blues, jazz and gospel music during the 13th Annual Eastside Kings Festival.
The festival features more than 20 bands, local vendors, food and music across several venues in historic East Austin.
It’s a great way to experience Austin’s rich musical heritage and support local businesses and artists.
AUSTIN AREA BONUS:
HAUNTED SHORES – FAMILY HALLOWEEN WALKTHROUGH 👻
Saturday, October 10
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark
16107 FM 2769, Suite D
Leander, TX 78641
Looking for something spooky closer to Lake Travis?
Haunted Shores transforms the former waterpark into a Halloween walkthrough featuring haunted scenes, creepy characters and plenty of Halloween atmosphere.
WHICH ONE WOULD YOU PICK?
🎃 Pumpkin Nights
🎸 ACL Fest
👻 Boo at the Zoo
🍺 Oktoberfest
⚽ Austin FC
🎬 Movies Behind the Museum
🌽 Texas Pumpkin Fest
Drop your favorite in the comments!
PLEASE NOTE:
Event dates, times, ticket availability and locations can change. Please check with the event organizer before heading out.
Have a great week exploring Greater Austin!
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Bonus: Fall Fun Around Greater Austin and the Texas Hill Country
Fall in Central Texas has its own personality. We may still need sunscreen at the pumpkin patch, but October brings plenty of reasons to get outside, explore a neighboring town, and enjoy the communities we call home.
From hayrides in Marble Falls and glowing pumpkin displays in Austin to costume celebrations and Hill Country food festivals, this season offers something for families, couples, grandparents, and friends. Whether you want a quick afternoon outing or a full weekend getaway, here are some fall activities to add to your calendar.
Event information checked October 5, 2026. Confirm hours, ticket availability, and weather updates with organizers before heading out.
Pumpkin Patches and Farm Adventures
Sweet Berry Farm — Marble Falls
For residents of Spicewood, Lake Travis, and the western Hill Country, Sweet Berry Farm offers a fall outing close to home. Its Harvest of Fall Fun combines pumpkin shopping and seasonal photo opportunities with hayrides, pumpkin painting, goat feeding, a barrel train, and several mazes. Families can also enjoy flower picking and making a scarecrow. Sweet Berry Farm
This is a good choice for a multigenerational outing: browse pumpkins, take family pictures, and choose activities that fit your group’s interests.
Location: 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls
Current hours: Thursday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Monday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Check the farm’s daily updates before making the drive. On October 2, the farm reported wet conditions affecting the barrel train and hayrides—a useful reminder that outdoor activities depend on the weather. Fresh News
Plan your visit to Sweet Berry Farm
Sweet Eats Adventure Farm — Georgetown
If your idea of fall fun includes enough activities to fill an entire day, Sweet Eats deserves a spot on your list.
The 2026 Fall Festival runs September 19–November 8, featuring a 4.5-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch with more than 40 pumpkin varieties, pig races, pony rides, wagon rides, a petting zoo, and apple cannons. General admission includes the farm’s advertised collection of more than 30 activities. Sweet Eats Adventure Farm
For an evening outing, the farm advertises fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights in October, excluding Halloween night. October 31 has an earlier closing time of 6 p.m. Sweet Eats Adventure Farm
Location: 14400 E. State Highway 29, Georgetown
Best fit: Families who want a full day of farm activities, or groups looking to combine daytime pumpkin fun with evening entertainment.
Explore Sweet Eats Fall Festival
Texas Pumpkin Fest — Leander
Texas Pumpkin Fest combines a pumpkin patch with the energy of a festival, making it a convenient option for North Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, and surrounding communities.
The 2026 season runs October 10–November 1 on Saturdays and Sundays, plus October 12 and October 30. Published hours are 10 a.m.–9 p.m., with admission listed at $15 per person and free parking. Texas Pumpkin Fest
Expect seasonal displays, photo opportunities, entertainment, and attractions. New attractions announced for 2026 include a 60-foot Ferris wheel and a 135-foot Super Slide. Check the attraction and ticket details to see which activities carry additional charges. Texas Pumpkin Fest
Location: 8760 FM 2243, Leander
Best fit: Families seeking pumpkins, entertainment, and rides in one stop.
Check Texas Pumpkin Fest details
Uhland Fall Fest — Near Kyle and Buda
South of Austin, Uhland Fall Fest offers a seasonal outing on a shaded, historic farmstead. The festival includes pumpkins, animals, live entertainment, games, food, artisan vendors, and photo opportunities, with special programming changing by weekend. Texas
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, September 26–November 1
Hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Admission: $20 single-day admission, including ticketing fees; taxes apply. Children 5 and younger and adults 65 and older receive free admission. Parking is free.
Festival address: 2400 Cotton Gin Road, Uhland
Listed parking entrance: 39 Dairy Road, Uhland. Texas
This is a good option for families planning an outing from Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, or the southern Austin area.
See Uhland Fall Fest’s weekend lineup
Hairy Man Festival — Round Rock, October 17
For a community festival with a playful local identity, head to the 32nd annual Hairy Man Festival at Cat Hollow Park.
The event features live music, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, carnival games, and family activities. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of two nonperishable food items or $2 per person to support the Round Rock Serving Center. Brushy Creek MUD
Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: Noon–5 p.m.
Location: Cat Hollow Park, 8320 O’Connor Drive, Round Rock
See Hairy Man Festival details
Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival — October 22–25
Fall outings aren’t just for children. For couples and groups of friends, the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival offers a weekend centered on Hill Country flavors.
The October 22–25 festival weekend includes four ticketed events: Opening Night, a Friday Street Dinner, Saturday’s Grand Tasting, and Sunday Brunch. The organizer advertises more than 35 wineries at the Grand Tasting, with culinary and beverage partners participating across the weekend. fbgfoodandwine.com
Choose a single event for a day trip or build a weekend around several experiences. Review each event’s ticket terms and age requirements before booking.
Explore festival events and tickets
Wurstfest — New Braunfels, November 6–15
Keep the fall calendar going into November with Wurstfest, a ten-day celebration of German culture on the banks of the Comal River.
The 2026 festival runs November 6–15, with German food, music, dancing, carnival rides, and Alpine and Bavarian entertainment. It’s an option for families, food lovers, and adults looking for a lively fall day trip. New Braunfels TX
Plan a Wurstfest visit
Fall Fun After Dark
Pumpkin Nights — Pioneer Farms, Austin
For an evening filled with glowing seasonal displays, Pumpkin Nights turns Pioneer Farms into a walking experience through illuminated pumpkin art.
The 2026 season runs September 17–October 31 on selected nights. The approximately half-mile trail passes through nine themed areas, followed by opportunities to enjoy food, entertainment, games, and photo spots in Pumpkin Village. Parking, Hours & What to Bring
Location: 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, Austin
Planning details: Purchase timed tickets online in advance. Parking is listed at $10 per car. The trail includes grass, dirt, gravel, and sand, so choose footwear for outdoor terrain and check accessibility information if needed. Parking, Hours & What to Bring
Choose a Pumpkin Nights date
Boo at the Zoo — Austin Zoo
Austin Zoo’s 2026 calendar lists Boo at the Zoo nights on October 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, and 23–24. This offers another way to work costumes and an evening outing into your family’s fall plans. Austin Zoo
Use the zoo’s current calendar and 2026 ticket listings for booking. Its separate event-description page still displays 2025 information, so confirm this year’s hours and activities when purchasing. Austin Zoo
View Austin Zoo’s current event calendar
Enjoy the Hill Country at a Slower Pace
A fall weekend doesn’t need a ticketed festival to feel special. Pack a picnic, take a hike, or plan an afternoon around a scenic drive and a small-town lunch.
Pedernales Falls State Park offers hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and limestone river scenery near Johnson City. Inks Lake State Park, near Burnet, offers nine miles of hiking trails, rocky landscapes, picnic areas, and lakeside views. Either can anchor a relaxed day outdoors. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
For a longer foliage trip, consider Lost Maples State Natural Area. Texas Parks and Wildlife notes that fall color commonly develops during the last two weeks of October and the first two weeks of November, depending on weather. Check current foliage reports before traveling; leaf color is never guaranteed. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Reserve state park day passes ahead of time, particularly for weekends and holidays. Texas Parks and Wildlife strongly recommends reservations for popular parks, with day passes available up to 30 days before a visit. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Reserve a Texas state park visit
Make a Fall Weekend Your Own
For a simple family outing, choose one pumpkin patch and leave room afterward for lunch and pumpkin decorating at home. For a date night, book Pumpkin Nights and dinner. For a community weekend, circle October 17 for the Hairy Man Festival or October 25 for Riverfest and the evening trunk-or-treat options.
A little preparation helps: bring water, wear comfortable shoes, check what admission includes, and review weather updates before leaving. Save tickets on your phone and allow extra time for parking at popular events.
The best part of fall around Greater Austin and the Hill Country is having so many ways to enjoy it close to home. Pick a place you haven’t visited, invite someone along, and make room for a new seasonal tradition.
Which fall activity is on your list this year? Reply with your favorite local festival, pumpkin patch, or neighborhood celebration—we’d love to hear about it.
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Curious what your home could sell for in today’s market?
Reach out to me by text or email, and I'll create a personal home evaluation!
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For current listings, my blog, and an
Open House Map, go to my website!!
https://sean-reece.realtytexas.com/
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My Commitment to You
As a Real Estate professional, I am committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals, trouble free and on time. I achieve that through; my consistent communication with all parties; my relentless negotiating skills; and and my deep passion for our code of ethics.
In addition my Realty Texas team has over 100 years of real estate experience and I utilize a marketing campaign that has been proven successful for many years. All of these things work together to provide you with the most confident, and positive experience.
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First-Time Homebuyer "As a first-time homebuyer, I was completely overwhelmed by the process, but Sean made everything clear and manageable. They walked me through every step, explained the paperwork in plain English, and never rushed my decision. I landed a home I love under budget, and I couldn't have done it without his patience and guidance." — Sarah M.
Out-of-State / Relocation Client "Moving across the country is stressful, but Sean was our eyes and ears on the ground. He conducted thorough video walkthroughs, gave honest feedback on neighborhood pros and cons, and managed local logistics perfectly. If you're relocating, this is the agent you want on your team." — Elena R.
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Reliable, efficient, consistent, knowledgeable, extraordinary, valuable, dedicated and flexible. These are some of the characteristics I can say truly describe Sean and his work ethics. Whenever we needed to find a new home, he has been there without any hesitation. We provided him with features we were looking for in a home and not only did he deliver he added a little extra to package that was beyond satisfying. Throughout the entire application process, he stayed in communication with us and never left us feeling uncertain. We are forever grateful to work with such an amazing real estate agent and vowed that when we are ready to purchase our forever home, Sean is who we will turn to. We thank you Sean for your time and dedication and blessed to have you as our real estate agent.
The Sewell Family
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Who Do You Know ... That I Can Serve?
Family, Friend, Neighbor, Co-worker
Forward them this email, or better yet send me their email.
Your referrals would mean the world to me!!!
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I Am Here To Be Your
Problem Solver!!
Sean Reece
Realty Texas, LLC
(512) 638-9246
sean-reece.realtytexas.com
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