Weekend Watch: Formula 1 returns and Boo at the Zoo
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following the end of this year's Austin City Limits music festival, the city now begins preparations for Formula 1 to return to COTA, along with the return of a songwriters festival in Dripping Springs. Plus, a musical favorite in Georgetown, the zoo getting spooky, a Disney trail, and a chili cookoff you won't want to miss.
Weekend Forecast
This weekend will be a mixed bag, with Saturday expected to be warmer, with highs in the mid-to-low 90s. A front is then expected to arrive soon after, bringing a small drop in temperatures Sunday. Either way, no reason not to enjoy the weekend!
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
Formula 1 returns to the Circuit of the Americas! Three days of non-stop action with racing, food, and lots and lots of music. Plus, Lucha Libre Wrestling returns along with Mariachi, line dancing lessons, and more. Did we mention that world-famous DJ Kygo will be hitting the stage on October 17 and country music legend Garth Brooks will perform on October 18? Add on top of that lots and lots of racing. Tickets are still available, and you can check them out, along with a schedule of everything happening, on the Circuit of the Americas website.
Songwriter Festival
Music lovers rejoice as another music festival kicks off, this time in Dripping Springs. The 11th Annual Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival is a 3-day music fest with something for everyone. There are 7 different stages, with 70 shows, and over 35 songwriters. Kicking off on Friday, October 17, and running through Sunday, October 19, the festival is jam-packed with plenty to do, and the downtown show is free for everyone. Plus, on each day, special performances include a songwriters session, a young artist stage, a gospel brunch, and a final jam. For a full schedule and more, be sure to visit their website.
In the Heights
Hamilton isn't the only hit musical Lin-Manuel Miranda created. In the Heights, which runs at the Georgetown Palace Theatre through November 2, is set over three days in the Washington Heights neighborhood in Upper Manhattan. It's a roller-coaster of emotions, and the music is seeping with Latino pride. The show will run each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with a few matinees. Be sure to swing by their theatre for tickets at 810 S Austin Ave in Georgetown.
Boo at the Zoo
The Austin Zoo is getting into the spooky fun as they bring back Boo at the Zoo. Taking place this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18) and next weekend (Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25) at the Austin Zoo, located at 10808 Rawhide Trail, the event is everything Halloween. They encourage visitors to come dressed up in their favorite costume and have fun with the family-friendly games that are scattered throughout the zoo. Plus, there will be a spooky train, a haunted house, and an area for you to enjoy a picnic if you bring one! For more information, including how to buy tickets, be sure to visit their website.
Kyle City Fest
Kyle knows how to throw a party, and they are ready to do it all over again. Taking place on Saturday, October 18, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at La Verde Park, the festival celebrates all things Kyle. From music to games, and even a Chili Cook-off, the City of Kyle is putting all this together around the State of the City address from Mayor Mitchell. To top it all off, there will be fireworks to enjoy. The entire event is free for the entire family. For more information, including a schedule, be sure to visit their website.
Nightmare Before Christmas Trail of Lights
Only two cities are lucky enough to enjoy this special trail of lights, and Austin was selected to enjoy The Nightmare Before Christmas. Taking place at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and running through November 30, the trail features all your favorites from Jack to Sally, Zero to the big, bad Oogie Boogie. Each section features special moments from the movie and iconic locations. Feel free to take plenty of pictures along the way with the entire family. For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, be sure to visit their website.