Here is our list of the Best Austin Festivals. The annual ATX festival schedule is a wonder to behold. It is befitting a town as festival crazy at Austin. From music, to food, to art, racing, sports, beer, ice cream and bats, Austin has it all for the fest fan. Check out our more complete daily Austin Entertainment Events Calendar and our Best Austin Holiday Events page.

February

March

SXSW

SXSW Austin TX
Attendees in line for SXSW showcases on 6th Street. – Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

For 10 event packed days the world of film, music and multimedia artists are focused on Austin during this internationally-recognized event.

When: March 8-16, 2024
Where: Everywhere
Web: sxsw.com

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Rodeo Austin

Rodeo Austin
Kristen Thompson photo. With permission – Kristen Thompson

Where weird meets western. March 8 kicks off the festivities. Great rodeo, BBQ tasting, amazing live music, plus Austin’s largest carnival.

When: March 8-23, 2024
Where: 9100 Decker Lake Rd
Web: rodeoaustin.com

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April

UTOPiAfest

UTOPiAfest
UTOPiAfest photo used with permission by UTOPiAfest

This family-friendly festival brings a magical, extraordinary experience of listening to artists you love, and discovering new favorites, while savoring local hill country cuisine, beverages under the towering oaks and vast Texas sky. We know that when nature welcomes music surrounded by top-notch hospitality, art installations, workshops, creating a unique festival experience.

When: April 5-9, 2024
Where: Four Sisters Ranch
Web: utopiafest.com

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Kerrville Folk Festival

Kerrville Folklife Festival main stage. Permission: Dalis Allen - Producer Kerrville Folk Festival
Kerrville Folklife Festival main stage. Permission: Dalis Allen – Producer Kerrville Folk Festival

The Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest continuously running music festival of its kind in North America. For over two full weeks each May and June, over 30,000 guests come from all over the world to experience the magic of what we simply call “Kerrville”. The Festival is known internationally as a Mecca for singer songwriters of varying musical style. It’s a place where those just developing their skills have the opportunity to play their music along- side master craftsmen.

When: April 5-8, 2024
Where: Quiet Valley Ranch
Web: kerrvillefolkfestival.org

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Moontower Comedy Festival

Onstage at The Velveeta Room at the Moontower Comedy Festival. Photo: Will Taylor - LostinAustin.org
Onstage at The Velveeta Room at the Moontower Comedy Festival. Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

Moontower Comedy Festival, presented by the Paramount and State Theatres, brings the funniest comics to Austin each year.

When: April 10-21, 2024
Where: All Over Austin
Web: Moontower Comedy Festival

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Squirrel Fest

To celebrate Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park, Pease Park Conservancy and presenting sponsor, H-E-B, bring you Squirrel Fest – a day of music, fun, and a movie in the park! At this free, family-friendly event, you can enjoy music, activities, food, and Kingsbury Commons park amenities, followed by the movie, Zootopia, on the Great Lawn after dark. This is a community-wide event so feel free to share it with friends!

When: April 13, 2024
Where: Pease Park
Web: Squirrel Fest

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ABC Kite Fest

ABC Austin Kite Festival
ABC Kite Fest at Zilker Park. Photo: Ben Porter . Approved by Emma Chase – Red Fan Communications

ABC Kite Fest is one of Austin’s best-known annual events. Held on the first Sunday of March, it is the kick-off to the hundreds of springtime activities in Austin. Everyone is welcome to attend (pets too!). There is no admission to attend or to participate in the contest. Most folks come out to see the spectacular sight of hundreds of kites in the sky and to enjoy a spring day in the park.

When: April 14, 2024
Where: Zilker Park
Web: abckitefest.org

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Old Settlers Music Festival

Old Settlers Music Festival - Photo permission by Ex. Dir. Jean Spivey
Old Settlers Music Festival – Photo permission by Ex. Dir. Jean Spivey

A nationally recognized music festival with a down-home Texas feel, Old Settler’s Music Festival brings Americana and roots music with a laid-back family vibe.

When: Postponed until April 2025
Where: 1616 FM 3158, Tilmon TX
Web: oldsettlersmusicfest.org

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The Lonestar Round Up

Lone Star Roundup
Lone Star Roundup – Photo: Permission LSR

The Lonestar Round Up is a huge outdoor car show and live music festival featuring vintage hot rods and custom cars driven here from all over the country, that has become an annual pilgrimage to Austin for folks from all over the world. Held on the rolling grounds of the Travis County Expo Center just minutes east of downtown Austin, the Round Up is a unique celebration of cars, culture and music that just has to be experienced in person.

When: April 19-20, 2024
Where: Travis County Expo Center
Web: lonestarroundup.com

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Austin Reggae Fest

Austin Reggae Fest photo from Austin Reggae Fest FB page w/ permission.
Austin Reggae Fest photo from Austin Reggae Fest FB page w/ permission.

Bob Marley inspired weekend festival. Live music, food and unique vendors.

When: April 19-21, 2024
Where: Auditorium Shores
Web: austinreggaefest.com


May

Eeyore’s Birthday

Heart of the Eeyore's Festival Drum Circle - Photo: Will Taylor  - LostinAustin.org6street.com
Heart of the Eeyore’s Festival Drum Circle – Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org6street.com

AUSTIN, Texas — Eeyore’s Birthday Party, named for the gloomy donkey in the Winnie the Pooh tales, is a community celebration of what makes the Capital City weird and fun. It’s the city’s longest running celebration of body paint, drum circles and outrageous costumes. In other words, it’s all things Austin and more. This unusual festival of springtime and weirdness had modest beginnings in 1963 when a group of University of Texas students celebrated spring break in Eastwoods Park. Back then, it was mostly about maypoles, sandwiches and beer. Attendance was by invitation only. Among the invitees one year was former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and her daughter, Lynda, who were said to have had a great time. Lloyd Birdwell came up with the idea for Eeyore’s Birthday Party when he was a UT grad student 57 years ago. Birdwell, who passed away at age 70 in 2014, named the birthday bash to honor Eeyore, who – according to A.A. Milne’s stories – became saddened when he thought his friends had forgotten his birthday. Today, an Eeyore sculpture stands in Austin’s Eastwoods Park with a plaque honoring Birdwell. The celebration moved to Pease Park in the 1970s. As the counter-culture and hippie movement spread, things got a little more, well, relaxed. Do-it-yourself musicians popped up, and so did the drums – lots of drums. – Bob Garcia-Buckalew – KVUE

When: May 4, 2024
Where: Pease Park
Web: Eeyore’s Birthday


Spring Pecan Street Festival

Spring Pecan Street Festival - Photo: Will Taylor - LostinAustin.org
Spring Pecan Street Festival – Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

The Pecan Street Festival is one of the oldest events in Austin. Part live music festival, arts & craft vendor show & classic carnival, the festival offers often unique and the more classic fair food options like turkey legs and funnel cake.

When: May 4-5,2024
Where: 6th Street
Web: pecanstreetfestival.org


Austin Record Convention

Austin Record Convention photo: Yimay Yang courtesy Austin Record Convention.
Austin Record Convention photo: Yimay Yang courtesy Austin Record Convention.

The Austin Record Convention is the largest sale of recorded music in the USA. There is more music and related memorabilia available here, at one time, than anywhere else. Ranging from the 78’s of the 1930s to the latest compact discs of today, over one million 78s, 45s, LPs, CDs, cassettes, posters and collectibles (probably even a few 8-track tapes!) are in the auditorium. Over 300 different dealers from all over the USA and Europe are spread out over 50,000 square feet of floor space. The show is so big that to see everything takes most of the weekend, so if you’re in a hurry we have tables where customers can post search announcements in hopes of locating specific items.

When: May 4-5, 2024
Where: Palmer Events Center
Web: austinrecords.com

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ATX Television Festival

ATX Television Fest
Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

A weekend of panels, screenings and events where attendees can hear from actors, writers, directors, creators, showrunners, music supervisors, casting directors and studio executives involved in all stages of bringing their favorite series to the small screen.

When: May 30 – June 2, 2024
Where: Multi-Locations
Web: atxfestival.com

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June


August

Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival

Braving the heat at the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival. Photo: David Brendan Hall w/ permission by Austin Chronicle - Jason Stout
Braving the heat at the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival. Photo: David Brendan Hall w/ permission by Austin Chronicle – Jason Stout

What began as a small hot sauce contest in 1990 has grown into the largest competition of its kind and one of Austin’s largest and best-known annual food events, drawing as many as 10,000 spectators and over 350 entries each year.

When: August (TBD)
Where: Fiesta Gardens
Web: Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival

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September

Texas Tribune Festival

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, was interviewed by Abby Livingston at The Texas Tribune Festival . Photo with permission Texas Tribune Fest - John Jordan.
One on One with Amy Klobuchar
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, was interviewed by Abby Livingston at The Texas Tribune Festival . Photo with permission Texas Tribune Fest – John Jordan.

The Texas Tribune Festival is one of the nation’s largest, most buzzworthy political gatherings. This three-day festival brings Texans together to address the politics and policy that affect our communities, our schools, our work and our daily lives. Join in when Texas’ biggest names and the nation’s most influential public figures flock to Austin to discuss our future.

When: September 5-7, 2024
Where: Various Austin Locations
Phone: (512) 716-8603
Web: Texas Tribune Festival

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Bat Fest

Bat Fest Austin
Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from under the bridge at dusk, 2 stages with live music, more than 75 arts & crafts vendors, delicious food and drinks, fun children’s activities, a bat costume contest and other bat activities.

When: September 7, 2024
Where: Congress Ave. Bridge
Web: roadwayevents.com

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Fall Pecan Street Festival

Pecan Street Festival
Photo; Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

The Pecan Street Festival is one of the oldest events in Austin. Part live music festival, arts & craft vendor show & classic carnival, the festival offers often unique and the more classic fair food options like turkey legs and funnel cake.

When: September (TBD), 2024
Where: 6th Street
Web: pecanstreetfestival.org


Austin Museum Day

Installation view of Modern and Contemporary American Art gallery Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin
Installation view of Modern and Contemporary American Art gallery Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin. Photo permission: Blanton Museum of Art

A free, city-wide rediscovery of Austin museums. Take the entire family out on the town to enjoy local exhibits and activities at a host of participating institutions. Enjoy free access to exhibits and activities at Austin-area museums!

When: September (TBD), 2024
Where: Museums in Austin
Web: austinmuseums.org

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Fantastic Fest

Fantastic Fest
Fantastic Fest red carpet. Photo: Jack Plunkett, permission by Fantastic Fest.

Fantastic Fest is the largest genre film festival in the U.S., specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi , action and just plain fantastic movies from all around the world. Past years’ guest roster has included such talent as Tim Burton, Robert Rodriguez, Mel Gibson, Bill Murray, Keanu Reeves, Martin Landau, Winona Ryder, Edward Norton, Ryan Reynolds, Dolph Lundgren and Paul Rudd.

When: September 19-26, 2024
Where: All over Austin
Web: fantasticfest.com

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Texas Craft Brewers Festival

Texas Craft Brewers Festival
Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

Texas Craft Brewers Festival pitches its tents at Fiesta Gardens in Austin, Texas. The festival is the state’s largest craft beer event focused exclusively on Texas-produced craft beer.

When: September (TBD), 2024
Where: Fiesta Gardens
Web: texascraftbrewersfestival.org

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October

ACL Music Festival

ACL Music Fest - Photo: Will Taylor - LostinAustin.org
ACL Music Fest – Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

For two consecutive weekends the ACL Music Festival faeures multiple stages featuring music from genres including rock, indie, country, folk, electronic and hip hop. Approximately 450,000 people attend the festival each year. In addition to the music performances, there are food and drinks, an art market, a kids area for families, and other activities for attendees.

When: October 4-6 & 11-13, 2024
Where: Zilker Park
Web: aclfestival.com

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Gruene Music and Wine Festival

Gruene Music & Wine Festival
Sampling at the Gruene Music & Wine Fest. Photo: Jim Flynn used w/ permission – The Gruene Music & Wine Fest / Krsiten King

A four day celebration not only of Texas and Americana music, but also a celebration of Texas, German and New World wines, specialty beer, food and handcrafted items.

When: October 10-13, 2024
Where: Gruene, TX.
Web: gruenemusicandwinefest.org

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Austin Film Festival

On the Runway at The Austin Film Festival. Photo: Will Taylor - LostinAustin.org
On the Runway at The Austin Film Festival. Photo: Will Taylor – LostinAustin.org

Austin Film Festival & Conference showcases the very best that the city has to offer – convenient downtown venues, fun parties at Austin’s fine bars and restaurants, and community partnerships – while presenting an outstanding program of narrative, animation and documentary features and shorts, including premieres, advanced screenings, and independent films.

When: October 24-31, 2024
Where: All over Austin
Web: austinfilmfestival.com

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November

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest

Good eats. Texas Monthly BBQ Fest. Photo courtesy Tim Taliaferro - Texas Monthly Events
Good eats. Texas Monthly BBQ Fest. Photo courtesy Tim Taliaferro – Texas Monthly Events

Texas Monthly will host its first BBQ World’s Fair open to the public on Saturday, November 5, in Lockhart, Texas. The fair will feature experiences and activities that showcase the wide, eclectic world of barbecue, its different aspects and flavors, the array of techniques behind the craft, as well as the people and culture surrounding it. The festival will wrap up on Sunday, with a ticketed Top 50 BBQ event. Time, location, and event programming is in the works and will be announced later in the year. To stay in the know about the BBQ World’s Fair and Sunday, Top 50 Event, like Texas Monthly BBQ Fest on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TMBBQFest

When: November 2-3, 2024
Where: Lockhart, TX.
Web: Texas Monthly BBQ Fest

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Austin Food and Wine Festival

Austin Food & Wine Festival
Austin Food + Wine Festival. Photo: Katrina Barber

All weekend long you’ll explore rows of renowned Central Texas chefs from top-rated restaurants, serving up their signature bites. Along the way sample sips from an array of wine and spirits exhibitors.

When: November 2-3, 2024
Where: Auditorium Shores
Web: Austin Food and Wine Festival

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Austin Celtic Festival

Austin Celtic Fest - Photo: Don Mason - permission by Austin Celtic Fest.
Austin Celtic Fest – Photo: Don Mason – permission by Austin Celtic Fest.

Austin’s annual Celtic Fest is a multi-stage and programming event of all things Celtic at the beautiful Pioneer Farms in North Austin. It is one of the few remaining festivals dedicated to authentic Celtic traditions. A friendly family event, fun for all ages and opened to all. Music, dance, highland games, Celtic animals, Celtic history, programs and lectures.

When: November (TBD), 2024
Where: Pioneer Farms
Web: Austin Celtic Festival

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Texas Book Festival

Texas Book Festival
Dan Santat at the Texas Book Festival. Photo: Daemmrich Photography with permission by Texas Book Festival

One of the largest and most prestigious literary festivals in the country, the annual Texas Book Festival features 250+ nationally and critically recognized authors, 20+ venues including the State Capitol, 80+ exhibitors, live music, local food trucks, family activities, and countless opportunities to meet authors and fellow book lovers.

When: November 16-17, 2024
Where: State Capitol Grounds
Web: texasbookfestival.org

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Waller Creek Show

Waller Creek Show
Wandering thru the art that is the annual holiday Waller Creek Show.

Immerse yourself in this free, 11-night display of illuminating art created by teams of visionary local artists, ambitious landscape architects, and extraordinary designers. On display along a twinkling Waller Creek, Creek Show is sure to leave visitors of all ages in awe as they stroll through new stunning art installations.

Presented by Waller Creek Conservancy

When: November (TBD), 2024
Where: Waller Creek
Web: creekshow.com

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