FRI · 5:45pm
Luminations
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center · South · $30
Past event
Fortlandia
Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin
This event has already happened. It took place on Thursday, October 29, 2026. See upcoming events like this
About this event
Climb upon, crawl through and explore a brand-new lineup of locally designed forts at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center this fall. From a giant cicada to a scalable armadillo, this year's secret hideouts are sure to inspire a childlike sense of wonder in visitors of all ages. Get out in nature while the weather is nice. Your secret hideout awaits!
Who's playing
The forts come from Austin architects, designers, builders and artists, chosen from dozens of submitted designs. Recent seasons have included firms such as DLR Group, LPA Design Studios and The Art Mines, alongside individual makers. The Wildflower Center has run Fortlandia for nine seasons, and it calls the exhibit homegrown.
What to expect
You wander the Family Garden and go into each fort as you like. Some are climbed, some are crawled through, and one has slides. Each fort has its own nature theme, and the aim is to show off native plants and get people curious about the outdoors. The set is new every year, so returning families see something different. The center has also held an evening session where visitors explore the forts with flashlights.
Why go
Fortlandia is a rare art show where touching and climbing is the point. It works for a family with small kids, and adults tend to enjoy the nostalgia as much as the children do. The Wildflower Center's gardens and fall weather are a good setting for a slow afternoon outside.
Where
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center · 4801 La Crosse Ave. · South, Austin TXDirections
