Austin Weekend Guide: October 23-25

It is a big one. The United States Grand Prix takes over Circuit of the Americas, Texas hosts Ole Miss under the lights, and there is a free concert on the LBJ Lawn before kickoff. Plan around the traffic and the weekend gets easy.

Saturday Morning Pick

Start at the SFC Farmers Market at Republic Square Park, 400 W. 4th St. It runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and downtown is the right place to be early on a day when the roads east and south will be packed. Walk the stalls, get a coffee and something baked, and leave before the game crowds start to build. Parking downtown on a Saturday morning is manageable before 10. After that, give yourself extra time.

Brunch Worth the Wait

Tzintzuntzan in Allandale (2330 W. North Loop) is the one to book. Order the chilaquiles or the steak and eggs, and grab a cold brew. Weekend reservations fill up weeks ahead, so if you did not plan ahead, check for a day-of cancellation or hit the to-go window, which opens at 8 a.m. The back courtyard is the draw, with fountains and cacti and a loose resort feel.

Closer to the middle of town, Toasty Badger on South Congress (2206 S. Congress) does a '70s diner thing. Get the pancakes or the biscuits and gravy with tomato jam and guajillo chilis. It gets packed on weekends, so reserve. The patio is quieter than the indoor room.

Live Music This Weekend

Friday night, ZHU plays Concourse Project and Kungs is at Kingdom. Satin Jackets is at The Sunset Room if you want something smaller. I could not confirm door times or prices, so check each venue's ticket page before you head out.

Saturday, the free option is the best one. Longhorn City Limits on the LBJ Lawn starts at 2 p.m. The Bright Light Social Hour plays 3 to 4 p.m., then Cold War Kids go on from 4:30 to 5:30. Texas kicks off against Ole Miss at 6:30 p.m. Later that night, Bayonne is at Mohawk's outdoor stage. Check Mohawk for doors and tickets.

If you are heading to COTA, Maroon 5 plays Friday and Post Malone plays Saturday, each about 90 minutes after track activity ends. Alesso closes Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Concert access comes with that day's race admission.

Sunday Chill

Race day is Sunday. The drivers' parade is at 1 p.m. and the 56-lap Grand Prix starts at 3 p.m. If you are not going, that is your cue to stay out of southeast Austin and take a slow day. Walk a trail, hit a pool or patio, and watch the race at a bar with the sound up. If you are going, arrive early. Sunday is the busiest day, and COTA recommends buying shuttle passes in advance from Waterloo Park or the Travis County Expo Center. Rideshares use a separate drop-off off McAngus Road.

Local Hidden Gem

Race weekend empties out the rest of town a little, which makes it a good time for the Cathedral of Junk in South Austin. It is a towering walk-through sculpture built from salvaged junk in a backyard. It has historically run on limited hours, so check its social pages for current visiting times before you go. Bring cash for a donation.

ATX Weekly App Tip

💡 ATX Weekly Tip: Open the ATX Weekly app and filter events by day before you leave the house. Saturday has a lot happening at once, and saving the two or three things you actually want keeps you from sitting in traffic deciding.