Where is the Texas Book Festival held?

The Texas Book Festival takes place on the Texas State Capitol grounds and the surrounding streets in downtown Austin.

Is the Creek Show a ticketed event?

Yes, the Creek Show at Waterloo Greenway is a ticketed event, with tickets typically priced around $12.16.

What is the best way to get around downtown during event weekends?

Downtown Austin is highly walkable, but rideshare services are also readily available for trips to venues like the Omni Barton Creek Resort or Q2 Stadium.

Are there any free events this week?

Yes, the Texas Book Festival is free to the public, and many of the Austin Studio Tour locations are also free to visit.

What's Happening in Austin: Nov 9 – Nov 15

Cover photo: illustrative stock photograph by Trac Vu / Pexels, sourced through Canva. This image does not depict the specific events or venues in this roundup.

Quick Answer

This week in Austin features the prestigious Texas Book Festival on the Capitol grounds, the PGA Tour's Austin Championship at Omni Barton Creek, and the ongoing Creek Show at Waterloo Greenway. Visitors can also enjoy the Austin Studio Tour and the Texas Craft Brewers Festival. It is a perfect week to experience the city's literary, athletic, and artistic culture.

Texas Book Festival

The Texas Book Festival returns to the Texas State Capitol grounds and surrounding downtown streets on November 14 and 15. As one of the nation's most prestigious literary gatherings, this free event features hundreds of authors, book signings, and panel discussions. It is an essential stop for readers and writers alike, offering a unique chance to engage with literary giants in the heart of the city. For those planning their visit, staying in a luxury downtown rental ensures you are within walking distance of the Capitol, allowing you to avoid event-day parking hassles.

PGA Tour: Austin Championship

Golf enthusiasts should head to the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa from November 9 through November 15 for the PGA Tour: Austin Championship. This FedExCup Fall event features 120 of the world's top professional golfers competing on the championship-level Fazio Canyons course. It is a premier sporting event that highlights the scenic beauty of the Texas Hill Country. After a day on the course, retreat to the city center to enjoy Austin's legendary nightlife and best live sporting events.

Creek Show at Waterloo Greenway

Experience the magic of the Creek Show, a recurring light-based art installation held at Waterloo Greenway. Running nightly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, this event showcases ten stunning installations created by local artists along the creek. It is a visually spectacular way to spend an evening in the Red River Cultural District. Before heading to the show, grab a refined dinner at TenTen, a modern Japanese spot in the heart of downtown.

Texas Craft Brewers Festival

On November 14, head to Fiesta Gardens for the Texas Craft Brewers Festival. This event is the largest beer festival dedicated exclusively to Texas brewers, offering a chance to sample hundreds of small-batch pours from across the state. It is a fantastic way to support local artisans while enjoying the waterfront views at Fiesta Gardens. For those looking to continue the evening, the nearby Rainey Street Bar District offers a perfect transition from the festival to Austin's iconic bungalow bar scene.

Austin Studio Tour

Starting November 14, the Austin Studio Tour invites art lovers to explore private studios and galleries across the city. This self-guided event provides a rare glimpse into the creative process of Austin's vibrant artist community. Whether you are an avid collector or simply looking for inspiration, the tour is a must-do. Make sure to stop by the Dougherty Arts Center, which serves as a hub for the tour and features rotating exhibits from local artists.

Where to Stay in Austin

For those visiting Austin for these premier events, The Downtown Modern offers the ultimate luxury boutique experience. Located in the heart of the city, our rentals provide a sophisticated, private sanctuary that is perfectly positioned for easy access to the Texas State Capitol, the Red River Cultural District, and the hike-and-bike trails along Lady Bird Lake. Whether you are in town for the Texas Book Festival or a weekend of golf, our properties offer the high-end amenities and concierge-level comfort you need to make your Austin stay truly unforgettable.