Austin is home to dozens of festivals large and small! Here are some highlights.
January
March
- Rodeo Austin
Founded in 1938, the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo is the 4th largest indoor ProRodeo in the world. Musical headliners perform nightly.
- SXSW
Founded in 1987, this internationally known music conference now includes film and interactive portions.
- Urban Music Fest
Austin’s largest African American tourist weekend, UMF features R&B, Jazz, Blues, and Hip Hop.
- Zilker Kite Festival
Held on the first Sunday of March, the Zilker Kite Festival it is the kick-off to the hundreds of springtime activities in Austin.
April
- Austin Food+Wine Festival
Endless tastings. Top restaurants. Celebrated chefs. Beer, wine & spirits. BBQ. Live music. A gourmet taco competition.
- Austin Reggae Festival
A celebration of spring, food, and the belief that people can always peacefully co-exist when listening to world music.
- Eeyore's Birthday Party
A day-long festival taking place annually since 1963. It typically occurs on the last Saturday of April in Austin's Pease Park.
- Old Settlers Music Festival
An annual outdoor festival featuring Americana roots music, held on the second weekend of April in Driftwood, Texas.
- Moontower Comedy Festival
The festival for all things laughter-related: interviews with comedians, stand-up shows, live podcasts, and more.
May
- Blues on the Green
Usually kicking off in May, BOTG is an Austin family and pet friendly summer tradition hosted by local radio station 93.3 KGSR at Zilker park.
- Hot Luck Fest
Co-created and founded by James Beard Award-winner Aaron Franklin, this Texas-sized get-together is the true Austin festival experience blending world-class culinary talent and live music.
- Old Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival
A free two-day arts festival held in downtown Austin’s Sixth Street Historic District featuring hundreds of local and national artisans.
June
- ATX Television Festival - A celebration of all things TV: history, where it is now, and where it is headed.
- Austin African American Book Festival - Celebrated since 2007, and free and open to the public.
- Austin Symphony Concerts in the Park - Kicking off in June, these free ensemble concerts take place in the Hartman Concert Park in front of the Long Center City Terrace on Sunday evenings.
- Juneteenth
Also known as "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day," this is the oldest known African-American celebration commemorating the end of slavery.
- Republic of Texas Biker Rally
The four-day R.O.T. Rally is the largest ticketed motorcycle fest in the nation and features music, bike builds, and a rally downtown.
August
- Austin Pride
Austin's annual PRIDE Celebration and Stonewall Rally features a parade, music, food, and more.
September
- Fantastic Fest
FF is the largest genre film festival in the US, specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, action and fantastic movies from all around the world.
- Old Pecan Street Fall Festival
A free two-day arts festival held in downtown Austin’s Sixth Street Historic District featuring hundreds of local and national artisans.
- Texas Craft Brewers Festival
The greatest showcase of Texas craft beer. EVER.
- Texas Tribune Festival
A weekend of debate and dialogue featuring the biggest names in politics and policy.
October
- Austin City Limits Festival
Three-day music festival featuring 130+ acts from all over the world that takes place in Zilker Park.
- Austin Film Festival
Focusing on writers' contributions to film, AFF features screenings, panels, and interviews with artists who use written and visual language to tell a story.
- Texas Book Festival
While remaining an important showcase for the work of Texas authors, TBF also features literary programming and readings by writers from all over the world.
November
- Austin Celtic Festival
Music, dance, crafting workshops, history lectures, and highland games are some of the events featured at this festival.
- Levitation
Founded in 2008, this psychedelic rock-influenced festival is produced by the The Reverberation Appreciation Society.
December
- Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Visitors can explore an array of handmade items from 160+ artists while enjoying live local music and sips from a full bar.
- Trail of Lights
Grab a cup of hot cocoa and take a spin under the famous Zilker Holiday Tree at this most traditional of Austin events in Zilker park.
