Austin, Texas, is a city that offers something for everyone. There’s always an exciting event in this vibrant city, from music festivals to motorbike rallies. Whether you’re looking for a unique cultural experience or just want to have some fun with friends and family, Austin has it all! We look at some of the most popular events and festivals happening in Austin throughout the year so you can plan your next visit accordingly. So let’s get started!
South by Southwest (SXSW)
SXSW is a March music, film, and interactive media festival. South by Southwest (SXSW) is one of the most popular festivals in Austin, Texas, that draws over 400,000 attendees each year. It has been held annually since 1987 and focuses on music, film, and interactive media. The festival starts with music-based events, followed by a film festival and then the Interactive portion.
Austin Reggae Festival
The Austin Reggae Festival is held annually every April, celebrating international reggae and world music. Founded in 1998, the event features live music from local, national, and international reggae musicians, food vendors, artisans, and other musical performances showcasing traditional reggae-influenced culture. The festival is produced by the nonprofit Reggae Angels and serves as a fundraiser for local charities. In addition to providing a great venue for enjoying music, the festival also honors Austin’s rich diversity of cultures and strives to promote unity among all people. Whether you’re an experienced reggae fan or just curious about the scene, it’s a great way to experience the unique sound of reggae music! So join us in April for the Austin Reggae Festival and celebrate music, culture, and community.
The festival is limited to just one day each year, so don’t miss out on your chance to experience this amazing event! Discover the Austin Reggae Festival.
Moontower Just for Laughs Comedy Festival
The Moontower Just for Laughs Comedy Festival is held in April at both the Paramount Theatre and Stateside Theatre. Each year, the comedic event attracts some of the biggest names in comedy worldwide. National headliners like Dave Chappelle, Ali Wong, Bill Burr, up-and-coming comedians, and some of Austin’s best local talent make this one of the country’s most unique and entertaining comedy festivals.
The event has multiple showings throughout the evening, giving attendees plenty of opportunities to laugh their way through an amazing weekend. Each performance is jam-packed with hilarious jokes and witty one-liners, leaving guests laughing uncontrollably. The after-party at the Alamo Drafthouse is perfect for grabbing a drink and discussing your favorite sets.
If you’re looking for an uproariously good time, look no further than The Moontower Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Austin, TX. Whether you’re a fan of stand-up, sketch comedy, or improv, this is the perfect event to get your laugh on.
Austin Kite Fest
The Austin Kite Fest is an event that has been held in April at Zilker Park since 1929, making it the oldest kite festival in the nation. This free, family-friendly event features hundreds of vibrant kites soaring in the sky, as well as competitions for kite flying and decorating.
Pecan Street Festival
The Pecan Street Festival is an incredible bi-annual arts and crafts festival held in Austin, Texas, every May and September. The festival has been around since 1995 and is beloved by locals and visitors. It’s a great way to experience some of the best that Austin has to offer.
Held twice a year on Sixth Street in downtown Austin, the festival features more than 300 local and regional artisans selling handmade goods such as jewelry, clothing, pottery, furniture, and much more. An array of delicious food vendors also serve mouthwatering treats while browsing the unique goods. Live music fills the air with various genres, from rock and country to salsa and blues.
The Pecan Street Festival is the perfect place to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir or find new artwork for your home. The festival has something for everyone and is a great way to explore and celebrate Austin’s culture, art, and craftsmanship. Don’t miss out on this Austin gem!
The Pecan Street Festival will be a blast at any time of year.
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
The Republic of Texas Biker Rally is an annual motorcycle rally in Austin, Texas, every June. This event attracts over 40,000 riders and spectators from all around the world. It’s one of the largest biker rallies in the United States and is known for its vast array of attractions and amenities. The event features live music, stunt shows, bike shows, and vendors selling various goods. The rally allows any rider or spectator to make the most out of their experience by participating in many activities. It’s also great for families and friends who want to watch the action unfold! So if you’re looking for an exciting weekend of adventure, head down to Austin this June for the Republic of Texas Biker Rally. You won’t regret it!
Making sure to stay safe while having an amazing time is key when attending any event like the Republic of Texas Biker Rally, so make sure you follow all safety guidelines and regulations set forth by the event organizers. Have fun, and enjoy your experience!
Happy Riding!
Zilker Summer Musical
The Zilker Summer Musical is a popular Austin event that brings together theater enthusiasts from all over. Held at the Zilker Hillside Theater in the heart of Zilker Park, this free summer musical runs Thursdays through Sundays, beginning around sunset and lasting until late evening.
For months leading up to the opening night, actors, directors, and theater technicians work diligently to bring the show together. From set construction and prop assembly to rehearsing lines and perfecting song lyrics, there’s a lot of hard work that goes into making this musical come alive.
Once the show opens, you can expect a night full of incredible performances and amazing scenery. There’s something for everyone at the Zilker Summer Musical, from beloved classic stories to exciting new plays. So grab a blanket, pack a picnic basket, and come join us for an unforgettable night of music and theater in Austin!
Blues on the Green
One of the most beloved events on Austin’s calendar is Blues on the Green, a free outdoor concert series that takes place in Zilker Park during the summer months.
Held on Wednesday evenings, the concert series features top-notch local, regional and national acts performing blues, soul, R&B and funk. It’s also an opportunity to see up-and-coming acts before they hit it big!
Each Blues on the Green event has a different theme and activities like food trucks, face painting and hula hooping. There are even family-friendly shows during the day, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Music lovers from all over come to Austin to experience Blues on the Green and spend an evening rocking out under the stars. Whether you’re a local or just visiting town, it’s an event that should not be missed!
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic is an iconic event held annually in Austin, Texas. This festival celebrates America’s Independence Day with a star-studded musical lineup headlined by Country Music legend Willie Nelson. Following the performances, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the night sky above Austin. So don’t miss this chance to celebrate America’s birthday with Willie Nelson and friends. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival
ACL is a music festival featuring a wide range of genres, held in October. Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival is a much-anticipated annual event held each October at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. It started as a one-day festival in 2002 and has since grown to be one of the largest music festivals in the world, with more than 75,000 fans attending each day over two weekends. Featuring a wide range of musical genres, ACL Music Festival offers music lovers the best of indie rock, hip-hop, EDM, and country tunes. The lineup usually includes established artists and up-and-comers who are bound to become the next big thing. With plenty of food vendors and activities throughout Zilker Park, plus the beautiful backdrop of downtown Austin, ACL Music Festival provides an unforgettable experience for music fans. So mark your calendar and join the party every October in Austin! Check out the ACL Festival website for more details.
Austin Film Festival
The Austin Film Festival (AFF) is an annual event in October. Established in 1994, it s one of the longest-running film festivals in the nation. AFF showcases independent, and studio films from around the world and offers both local and international attendees an opportunity to explore the new and exciting world of films. Attendees can watch premieres, attend filmmaking panels, join in filmmaker networking events, and more. AFF also hosts a range of awards ceremonies, including the Texas Film Awards and On Story Screenplay Competition. It’s one festival you don’t want to miss out on! Make sure to mark your calendar and plan your trip to Austin this October for the ultimate celebration of film. You won’t regret it!
In addition to its selection of films, AFF also promotes creative storytelling through its highly sought-after screenplay competition. The On Story Screenplay Competition is the destination for aspiring screenwriters to have their work showcased and possibly picked up by producers or publishers. It’s an incredible opportunity for any writer looking to take the next step in their career. The competition is judged by top industry professionals eager to discover the next great storyteller!
The Austin Film Festival is truly a unique experience for any film enthusiast and lover of stories. With its mix of films, screenplay competitions, awards shows, and networking events, there’s something for everyone at this world-renowned festival. Set aside sometime in October to attend the Austin Film Festival and be part of the action!
Texas Book Festival
Texas Book Festival is a literary festival held in October, featuring author readings, panel discussions, and more.
The Texas Book Festival is held in Austin, Texas, in the fall. It showcases the best of the state’s diverse writing community with readings, panel discussions, and book signings. Authors across Texas and beyond come to share their work and connect with readers. The festival also features performing arts, music, family activities, and food trucks. With so much to offer, the Texas Book Festival is an event that shouldn’t be missed! Whether you’re a book lover or simply looking for a fun day out with friends and family, there’s something for everyone at this unique celebration of literature. Make sure to mark your calendars for the Texas Book Festival. Your literary journey awaits!
Austin Food & Wine Festival
The Austin Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of all things food, wine, and music in Austin. Every fall, top chefs from around the region come together to showcase their delicious creations. Guests can sample wine, beer, and spirits while enjoying live music and cooking demonstrations. The festival also has a variety of interactive activities, including winemaker dinners, cooking classes, book signings, and more. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or an educational experience about food and wine culture, the Austin Food & Wine Festival is the perfect place.
Austin Studio Tour
The Austin Studio Tour is a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore the creative world of local artists. Held in November, visitors can view and purchase artwork directly from the artist’s studio. The event also features artist presentations, educational workshops, and interactive demonstrations.
Circuit of the Americas Events
The Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a world-class racing and entertainment complex in Austin, Texas. It hosts various racing events throughout the year, including the Formula 1™ United States Grand Prix, the MotoGP™ Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, and NASCAR races featuring the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Camping World Truck Series. These events offer exciting racing action and additional activities such as camping and live music. The exact dates for these events vary, so it is best to check the COTA website or the websites of the individual racing series for the most up-to-date information.
Want more festivals? Check out the city’s Austin Event Guide.