October 2-4: Ballet Austin's Season Opener. See Swan Lake (Act II) and The Firebird performed at The Long Center. Shows at 8 p.m. on the 2nd and 3rd; 3 p.m. on the 4th.
October 7: High Noon Talk. During this monthly event, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum hosts talks from visiting guests about the story of Texas. In this month's event at noon, a history professor discusses Texas politics in the 1920s.
October 8: 1st Annual Pink Party. The party benefits the Susan G. Komen Foundation. There will be pink cocktails, sweets and snacks, live music from a DJ, and a schwag bag. At Parkside (308 E. 6th Street) from 8 p.m.-1 p.m.
October 9-10: DarkSyde Live. The Pink Floyd repertory company celebrates Pink Floyd's entire career, with live performances of the band's music, including the entire Dark Side of the Moon.
October 10: TXRD Lonestar Rollerstars Calvello Cup Championship. Come catch a game of roller derby, as the Cherry Bombs take on the Hellcats. The game is at the Austin Convention Center; doors at 6, bout at 7.
October 10-11: 24th Annual AIA Homes Tour. The event is a showcase great designs by local architects. The self-guided tour features 14 homes from Central Austin to Lakeway and includes new construction, renovation and preservation projects with traditional and contemporary designs. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. on both days.
October 15: Mix & Make: Robot Challenge. Think you've got the skills to win it? You could take home a fabulous robot trophy! Assemble your very own robot from a grab bag of parts and be judged. Ticket price includes all supplies for the challenge, two California rolls and a drink. Held at Imperia from 5-8 p.m. Buy tickets online to save $2.
October 16: Charles Lloyd New Quartet. Enjoy this jazz legend live at the Hogg Memorial Auditorium at 8 p.m.
October 16: Beard Folks Art Show at Austin Handmade. Beard Folks Art Show featuring an interactive photo-booth by Corinne Loperfido, and bearded art by Allyson Lipkin, and more. DIY demos by The WonderCraft & music by Team Fabrication DJs. Raffle & Giveaways throughout the night. This event is from 6:30-9:30 and is free to the public.
October 17-18: Blue Lotus Art Show Tour. This free art show is in Georgetown, just 30 minutes. The first annual outdoor fine art and contemporary art festival is in Georgetown's historic downtown square and helps support Georgetown and central Texas' art education. 7th - 9th street, between Austin Ave. and Church St. The show goes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
October 20-25:Spring Awakening. This acclaimed Broadway musical has won eight Tony Awards and is gracing the stage of UT's Bass Concert Hall. There are both evening shows and matinees. Note: For mature audiences only.
October 22-29: Austin Film Festival and Conference. For the 16th year, this festival brings celebrities, screenwriters, filmmakers, agents, and more to Austin. It entails screenings, panels, and parties.
October 22-November 15:: Hamlet performed live. See William Shakespeare's classic tragedy at The City Theatre with a live music ensemble orchestra.
October 24: Mixx Make presented by Electric Promotions & TwoGroove. A spooky smorgasbord of crafts by The WonderCraft, music, coffin cake goodness from Blue Note Bakery, red rum compliments of Treaty Oak and much more. Create DIY Halloween masks, listen to music from Panjoma, Focus Group, and the Team Fabrication DJs. Photo-booth by Trevor Ray Thompson, plus a guitar giveaway. $8 at the door or $6 online. Event is at Mixx (612 E. 6th St.) from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. First 50 people get a special treat. Costumes are "encouraged & possibly rewarded" but optional.
October 24-25: Travis County Kennel Club's annual Breed Dog Show, Obedience Trials and Rally Trials. At the Travis County Exposition Center; shows begin at 8 a.m. both days and end mid-day. It is free to visit the shows and to park. On Saturday you can "Meet the Breeds" between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
October 24-25: River City Grille's Gone Fishing for Kids. There will be a fishing tournament (including one for kids) and live music. This event benefits Camp Phoenix, Legacy Fund, and the Boys&Girls Club of the Highland Lakes. It will be held in nearby Lake Marble Falls. On Saturday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
October 27: So You Think You Can Dance Tour 2009. Fans will get a chance to see their favorite dancers in person when the tour comes to The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center. The show will feature the season’s most popular routines as well as original pieces created specifically for the nationwide tour. Finalists participating include Season 5 Top 10 dancers, Ade, Brandon, Evan, Janette, Jason, Jeanine, Kayla, Kupono, Melissa, and Randi. The show is at 7:30 p.m.
October 30: Third annual Ghoulwill Ball. The event raises money for Goodwill's programs, which help people with barriers to employment find jobs in the community. There will be an open bar, heavy hors d¹ouvres, a silent auction, live music, door prizes, and entertainment such as palm readers. From 8:00 p.m.11:30 p.m. at the Driskill Hotel.