Slicing, savoring the top things to do in October in Austin, Texas!

It's a month filled with pumpkin carving, dress up, games, parties, laughter, scary movies, leaves on the ground, cooler weather. Bust out those tights and leggings and boots you've had hidden in your closet along with darker colored tops and scarfs. And you better be ready for some of the best Fall inspired food and drink recipes. Many people are indulging in pumpkin spice lattes and coffees at Starbucks or maybe your into autumn-scented candles that spice up and round out holiday decorating?

There's also a lot of events going on in October in Austin. Below are a top ones that I recommend for the young adult crowd:

• NXNW Oktoberfest

"Can't make it to the Hill Country for Oktoberfest? Luckily, your favorite local brewery brings all things German right to your doorstep. Adults can enjoy beer, a dog costume contest, and more. The kids meanwhile will be kept busy by balloon animals and other activities to make sure they're tired when you're nursing your hangover. Sat.-Sun., Oct. 22-23. $2 suggested donation."
NORTH BY NORTHWEST RESTAURANT & BREWERY, 10010 Capital of TX Hwy. N., 512/467-6969
www.nxnwbrew.com

• Esther's Follies

"The popular Esther's troupe delights with topical sketches, song-and-dance numbers lambasting the high-and-mighty, and more, right there on Sixth Street. You think you know Rick "I'mma secede, mofo" Perry? Not until you've seen what Esther's can do with that unintelligently designed head o' hair. Political hijinx! Comedy ripped from the tabloid headlines! And there are Ray Anderson's stunning spectacles of magic, too! Reservations recommended. Thu., 8pm; Fri.-Sat., 8 & 10pm. $20-27 (half-price for students through Sept.; discounts available Thursdays & Fridays for seniors, military)."
ESTHER'S POOL, 525 E. Sixth, 512/320-0553
www.esthersfollies.com

• Duck Duck Boom

High-energy, high-fun hijinks and sketch comedy from a troupe of (only allegedly) high professionals. This show is recommended, but only if you want to laugh your Sixth-Streeted ass off, friend. Fri., Oct. 28, 11:30pm. $5
VELVEETA ROOM, 521 E. Sixth, 512/469-9116
www.duckduckboom.com

• Murder, Mayhem & Misadventure Walking Tour

Every half hour, Save Austin's Cemeteries starts a tour of this historic graveyard, with costumed actors telling stories of untimely deaths, murders, and other tales to get you in a macabre mood. Sat., Oct. 29, 10am-4pm. Free (donations appreciated).
OAKWOOD CEMETERY, 1601 Navasota, 917-1666
www.sachome.org

• Gangster and Flapper Halloween Party at Speakeasy

Friday, Oct 28 9:00p
What do you get when you combine pearls, Al Capone, feathers, fadoras, moonshine and speakeasy? One roaring 20's Halloween Party!
at Speakeasy On The Avenue, Austin, TX

• Circus Halloween

Monday, Oct 31 9:00p
at Republic Live, Austin, TX
Insomniac, Bassrush & V Productions/Night Culture presents. A Circus Halloween Featuring Cookie Monsta Funtcase Irresponsible Voltron Cookie Monsta Dubstep producer hailing from the UK, signed to Circus Records. Also known to bring the most barbaric grime that has ever faced humankind. Biography: Cookie goes deeper than underground and refuses to let anything stand in his way.