The Top Festivals and Events in Austin: A Guide to Year-Round Fun
Austin, Texas is an exciting and vibrant city full of culture, music, food and entertainment. It’s no wonder why it is home to some of the most popular festivals and events in the country! From the Austin Marathon which draws just under 20,000 runners each year to live music festivals like SXSW that bring together artists from around the world, there’s something for everyone in this eclectic city. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or an adrenaline-pumping race day experience, Austin has it all! So come join us as we explore all that Austin has to offer with our guide to the best festivals and events throughout the year.
January
- 3M Half Marathon: Start the new year off with a healthy and challenging run through Austin’s scenic neighborhoods. The 13.1-mile race ends in downtown Austin.
- Free Week: Austin’s music scene comes to life with free shows all around town. Catch your favorite local bands and discover new ones at venues all over Austin.
February
March
- SXSW (South by Southwest): Join the buzz in Austin as thousands of people from around the world flock to the city for this famous festival featuring music, film, and interactive media.
- Rodeo Austin: Put on your cowboy boots and hat and head to the rodeo for some bull riding, barrel racing, and live music. There’s plenty of fun for the whole family, including a petting zoo and carnival rides.
- NASCAR at COTA: Hear the roar of the engines and watch the high-speed action at the Circuit of the Americas track, featuring NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series races.
April
- Kite Fest: Fly your kite high at this festival celebrating all things kite-related. Take in the beautiful sight of hundreds of colorful kites in the sky, plus enjoy food, music, and games.
- Reggae Fest: Get ready to jam to some reggae beats at this festival featuring live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts.
- Moontower Just For Laughs Comedy Festival: Laugh your heart out with some of the biggest names in comedy at this festival. From stand-up shows to podcast recordings, there’s something for everyone.
May
- Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival: Celebrate the arrival of spring with this festival featuring local artists, food vendors, and live music. Stroll down historic Sixth Street and take in the sights and sounds of the festival.
- Hot Luck Festival: Calling all foodies! This festival brings together world-renowned chefs for three days of culinary indulgence. With food events ranging from a backyard barbecue to a live-fire cookout, there’s plenty to satisfy your taste buds.
June
- Soul Food Truck Fest: Get ready to feast on some delicious soul food from some of Austin’s best food trucks. Live music and a marketplace make this festival a fun day out for the whole family.
- Cine Las Americas International Film Festival: Watch some of the best independent films from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal at this film festival. Panels, workshops, and other events make this festival a must-see for movie lovers.
July
- Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic: This legendary picnic hosted by the one and only Willie Nelson has been a staple event in Austin for over four decades. The event features performances from top country music artists and is a must-attend for any true music lover.
August
- Bat Fest – Join over 40,000 people for the ultimate celebration of Austin’s unofficial mascot, the bat. The event features live music, food and drinks, and of course, the famous bat colony emerging from under the Congress Avenue Bridge.
- Austin Pride – Austin Pride is one of the biggest and most inclusive LGBTQ+ events in Texas. The event features a colorful parade, live music, and plenty of food and drinks.
September
- Hot Sauce Festival: The Hot Sauce Festival is a spicy celebration of all things hot and saucy. Sample hot sauces from over 350 vendors, enjoy live music, and participate in contests and games.
- Lonestar Roundup: Get your engines revving for the Lonestar Roundup, a celebration of vintage cars and hot rods. The event features car shows, live music, and plenty of food and drinks.
October
- Austin City Limits Music Festival: ACL Fest is a music festival that needs no introduction. This iconic event brings together some of the biggest names in music for two weekends of non-stop music, food, and fun.
- Austin Film Festival: The Austin Film Festival is a celebration of cinema, featuring film screenings, panels with filmmakers and industry professionals, and networking events for aspiring filmmakers.
- Formula 1: Get ready for high-speed thrills at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. The event features some of the fastest cars in the world racing around the Circuit of the Americas track in Austin.
- Texas Book Festival: The Texas Book Festival is a celebration of all things literary. The event features book signings, author talks, and panel discussions with some of the biggest names in the literary world.
November
- Food & Wine Festival: The Austin Food & Wine Festival is a food lover’s dream come true. Sample dishes from top chefs and restaurants, enjoy live music, and attend cooking demonstrations and wine tastings.
- Austin Powwow: Experience the rich traditions and culture of Native American tribes at the Austin Powwow. The event features traditional dance and music performances, arts and crafts vendors, and food trucks.
December
- Trail of Lights: The Austin Trail of Lights is a dazzling display of over 2 million lights in Zilker Park. Walk through the park and marvel at the beautiful light displays, enjoy live music, and indulge in delicious food and drinks.
Austin is a vibrant city with events for everyone, from music and film lovers to foodies and car enthusiasts. This blog provided just a sample of the many exciting festivals Austin has to offer throughout the year, so if you’re planning on visiting be sure to check out local online calendars like When, Where What and Do512 for more information about upcoming events. With its diverse offerings of entertainment and culture, there’s something in Austin that will appeal to any visitor!
