On Sept. 29, 2026, Lake Travis stood at 674.61 feet, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, down a tenth of a foot in 24 hours and roughly six and a half feet under the 681-foot mark that counts as full. A lot of Spicewood's social life has never depended on that number. The springs at Krause Springs keep flowing at about 68 degrees whatever the lake does. The farmers market on Highway 71 runs rain or shine. The roadhouse deck faces west no matter where the shoreline sits.
Because these things run on fixed dates, the October question is which dates to protect. Krause Springs' seasonal closing is the deadline to keep in mind.
The dates that don't move
Here is what the research turned up for the next four weeks, in the order it happens.
| Date | Where | What | Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sundays, all month | Pedernales Farmers Market, 23526 State Hwy 71 | Weekly market behind Pizzeria Sorellina | 10 a.m. |
| Fri., Oct. 9 and Sat., Oct. 10 | Poodie's Hilltop Roadhouse | Live music | 8 p.m. |
| Fri., Oct. 16 | Poodie's Hilltop Roadhouse | Live music | 8 p.m. |
| Fri., Oct. 23 | Poodie's Hilltop Roadhouse | Square Grooves | 8 p.m. |
| Sat., Oct. 24 | Poodie's Hilltop Roadhouse | Live music | 8 p.m. |
| Through Oct. 31 | Krause Springs, 424 County Road 404 | Last stretch of the season, per the usual Nov. 1 closing | 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
The Poodie's dates come from the venue's ticketing calendar and the Square Grooves listing. Calendars at roadhouses change, so confirm a show before you drive out. The Spicewood Arts season is missing from the table on purpose, and it gets its own section below.
Saturday nights, and the season that only has six
Poodie's Hilltop Roadhouse describes itself as a place for live music, food, cold beer and sunsets from a two-tiered deck. Its ticketing listing names Willie Nelson, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Asleep at the Wheel, Jerry Jeff Walker and Pat Green among the acts that have played it. In October the calendar is dense on Fridays and Saturdays, with the 8 p.m. shows listed above.
Spicewood Arts works on a much smaller scale. The nonprofit, founded in 2000, hosts six Spicewood Live concerts per season in the 250-seat event center at Spicewood Vineyards, 1419 CR 409. Its first performance was in May 2000, by the Austin Chamber Music Center, in the same place. The 27th season opened Sept. 25, 2026, with The Zeppelin Project, so the opener is already behind us. Doors typically open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. It's All Good BBQ serves dinner at 6, and wine is sold by Spicewood Vineyards. Outside alcohol is not allowed on the grounds.
With six concerts in a season and one already played, each remaining show is a one-night event. The Spicewood Live page asked visitors to check back for the 2026-27 lineup, so spicewoodarts.org is where the dates will appear. Last season's finale was a jazz concert honoring saxophonist Tony Campise, and the season also included a February fundraising gala.
The one real deadline
Krause Springs is 115 acres with 32 springs. Several of them feed a man-made pool and a natural pool with a rope swing, and the water drains toward Little Cypress Creek, a tributary of Lake Travis. The property says it never closes due to drought, unlike other nearby natural pools. KXAN reported in May 2026 that it has never gone dry even in years of extreme drought.
What closes it is the calendar. The springs are typically shut from Nov. 1 through Feb. 15 for property improvements and rest. Nov. 1 falls on a Sunday this year, so Saturday, Oct. 31 is the last Saturday. Because the closing dates are described as "usually," a call to the office at 401-236-7554 before the last weekend is worth the minute.
The property has practical rules that shape a visit.
- The gates close at 8 p.m., and no one is admitted or re-admitted after that.
- Glass containers are not allowed, and neither are pets. Service animals need management approval.
- Floats larger than 5 feet are out.
- Rideshare apps do not accept requests from Krause Springs back into Austin, so a ride home needs to be arranged in advance.
- KXAN's advice is to bring cash, water shoes, sunscreen and a bag for trash.
The property's FAQ also says the natural pool can look silty when rainfall is low and crowds are large. The upper pool is fed by springs too, and it is cleaned weekly.
Sequencing October
A weekend plan for the month falls out of the dates.
Krause Springs is an option for any Saturday or Sunday through Oct. 31, ideally with a check before the last one. Poodie's carries the Friday and Saturday nights on Oct. 9, 10, 16, 23 and 24. Spicewood Arts fills in once its next date is posted.
The lake is a separate matter, and the number above is worth checking again before a boat day. Elevation measured 674.61 feet on Sept. 29, and the Corps of Engineers publishes the current reading.
If you have a Spicewood weekend you would add to this list, Sharon Murray would like to hear it. Let's Connect.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional about your situation.
