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.
March
St. Paddy’s Day Festival (Virtual)
Austin boasts the largest Saint Patrick’s Festival in Central Texas and is a great way to explore genuine Irish culture and arts. There are no silly and inauthentic symbols, such as leprechauns and the infamous green bear, and everything showcased at this festival is true to its Irish heritage.
When: March 17, 2021
Where: Virtual
Web: St. Paddy’s Day Festival
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ABC Kite Fest
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: March 27-28, 2021
Where: Zilker Park
Web: abckitefest.org
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HONK!TX Festival (Postponed for 2021)
HONK!TX is a nonprofit, community-driven festival that brings street and brass bands from around the country to perform for free in the public spaces of Austin. Mobile and unamplified, HONK!TX bands transform everyday locations into spontaneous stages, dissolving the line between crowd and performers and inviting everyone to celebrate the joys of music and community. A range of genres are represented: New Orleans second-line brass, European Klezmer and Balkan, Brazilian, West African, and more. HONK!TX is a celebration of community, collaboration, and creative expression. Join the revelry!
When: March (Postponed) 2021
Where: Various Venues
Web: honktx.org
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April
Austin International Poetry Festival (Virtual)
AIPF is the country’s largest non-juried poetryfestival. The festival brings fresh voices to the stage to mix with the voices of established poets, and to allow young poets to read and publish their poetry.
When: April 9-10, 2021
Where: Virtual
Web: Austin International Poetry Festival
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Old Settlers Music Festival (Postponed)
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: April (Postponed) 2021
Where: Salt Lick Pavillion
Web: oldsettlersmusicfest.org
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Fusebox Festival (Postponed for 2021)
Fusebox Festival in an annual contemporary art + performance festival that takes place in April each year. The festival springs to life in over 20 different venues and sites around Austin and features artists from all over the world.
When: April (Postponed) 2021
Where: Various Austin Venues
Web: fuseboxfestival.com
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Art City Austin (Postponed for 2021)
Art City Austin is a three-day art fair and festival at Republic Square. This historic event is a celebrated combination of street art and contemporary art from local and national artists maintaining its designation of Austin’s annual Art event of the year. Art, art installations, art talks, live music and great food truck eats.
When: April (Postponed) 2021
Where: Republic Square
Web: Art City Austin
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Austin Reggae Fest (Cancelled for 2021)
Bob Marley inspired weekend festival. Live music, food and unique vendors.
When: April (Cancelled) 2021
Where: Auditorium Shores
Web: austinreggaefest.com
Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K
The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K brings together the local and tourism community to RUN AUSTIN, The #1 City in America. The event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. With a downtown finish and finish line festival within proximity to the hottest hotels, restaurants, and shops, Austin Marathon weekend is the perfect running event for locals, visitors and families looking for an unforgettable experience.
Participants are treated to experience Austin’s finest! They race along open roads that pass iconic landmarks like UT Tower, The I Love You Mural, and Austin Power Plant; enjoy miles of Austin unique neighborhoods such as SOCO district and Hyde Park; and are greeted by cheering crowds as they close in on the finish line in front of the Texas State Capitol on historic Congress Ave.
Come explore our culture-rich city and truly experience The Live Music Capital of the World with live music on course and downtown concert. Running the #1 city in America will be an experience you’ll never forget.
When: April 25, 2021
Where: Palmer Events Center
Web: Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K
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May
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 8-9, 2021
Where: Palmer Events Center
Web: austinrecords.com
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June
Austin Ice Cream Festival (No 2021 Date Yet)
What’s better than ice cream on a hot summer day? How about tons of ice cream at the Annual Austin Ice Cream Festival! Join us at Fiesta Gardens on Saturday, June 23 for family fun from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sample lots of frozen treats, enter ice cream eating contests and have some fun a rock wall, inflatables, dunk tank, yard games, water gun fights, live music and more!
When: June (TBD) 2021
Where: Fiesta Gardens
Web: Austin Ice Cream Festival
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ATX Television Festival (Virtual)
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: June 11-21,2021
Where: Virtual
Web: atxfestival.com
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August
Bat Fest
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: August 28, 2021
Where: Congress Ave. Bridge
Web: roadwayevents.com
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Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival (No 2021 Date Yet)
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) 2021
Where: Fiesta Gardens
Web: Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival
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September
The Lonestar Round Up
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: September 3-4, 2021
Where: Travis County Expo Center
Web: lonestarroundup.com
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Fall Pecan Street Festival (2021 TBD)
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) 2021
Where: 6th Street
Web: pecanstreetfestival.org
Austin Museum Day (2021 TBD)
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) 2021
Where: Museums in Austin
Web: austinmuseums.org
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Moontower Comedy Festival
Moontower Comedy Festival, presented by the Paramount and State Theatres, brings the funniest comics to Austin each year.
When: September 22-25, 2021
Where: All Over Austin
Web: Moontower Comedy Festival
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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 23-30, 2021
Where: All over Austin
Web: fantasticfest.com
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St. Elias Mediterranean Festival – No 2021 Date Yet
Celebrate Austin’s international flavor. St. Elias is one of Central Texas’ Top 10 Food Festivals (Austin Chronicle). For more than eighty years, the St. Elias Mediterranean Festival has been bringing to Austin the food, music, and culture of the Mediterranean and Middle East, and the festival will be back again this year for another two days of fun and festivities on the grounds of St. Elias Orthodox Church in downtown Austin.
When: September (TBD) 2021
Where: 11th Street
Web: mediterraneanfestival.org
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Texas Tribune Festival (No 2021 Date Yet)
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 (TBD) 2021
Where: Various Austin Locations
Phone: (512) 716-8603
Web: Texas Tribune Festival
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October
ACL Music Festival
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 1-3 and October 8-10, 2021
Where: Zilker Park
Web: aclfestival.com
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Gruene Music and Wine Festival (No 2021 Date Yet)
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 (TBD) 2021
Where: Gruene, TX.
Web: gruenemusicandwinefest.org
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Kerrville Folk Festival (No 2021 Date Yet)
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: October (TBD) 2021
Where: Quiet Valley Ranch
Web: kerrvillefolkfestival.org
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Texas Mesquite Arts Festival
One of the largest mesquite wood artist festivals in the world. Collections of sculpted wood from the world’s absolute finest mesquite craftsmen. Items range from large furniture items such as beds, dressers and chairs made entirely from mesquite, to unique craft and gift items such as beautifully turned lamps, delicate scroll work, handsome pen and pencil sets, unique Christmas tree ornaments, and sculpted vases, all carefully crafted of mesquite.
When: October 8-10, 2021
Where: Marketplatz Square, Fredericksburg, TX
Web: texasmesquiteartfestivals.com
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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: October 15-16, 2021
Where: Burnet, TX.
Web: utopiafest.com
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Texas Trucklandia Fest (No 2021 Date Yet)
It’s a 1-Day Taste-a-Thon & Food Truck Festival at the Austin American Statesman Property, rain or shine. Be one of 1,000 judges (get a tasting/sample band). Also open for general feasting/people’s choice voting. $10,000 Best-Truck Winner !
When: October (TBD) 2021
Where: 305 S Congress Ave
Web: trucklandia.com
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Austin Film Festival
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 21-28, 2021
Where: All over Austin
Web: austinfilmfestival.com
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Texas Craft Brewers Festival (No 2021 Date Yet)
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: October (TBD) 2021
Where: Fiesta Gardens
Web: texascraftbrewersfestival.org
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Texas Monthly BBQ Fest (No 2021 Date Yet)
Welcome to the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest Weekend! The Top BBQ Joints in Texas have all been invited, so come see who will be smoking at this weekend of ‘cue. This year’s BBQ Fest features plenty of BBQ joints from across Texas, cold drinks, desserts, sides, and lots of live music.
When: October (TBA) 2021
Where: The Long Center
Web: Texas Monthly BBQ Fest
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November
Austin Food and Wine Festival
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 5-7, 2021
Where: Auditorium Shores
Web: Austin Food and Wine Festival
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Austin Celtic Festival (No 2021 Date Yet)
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 (TBA) 2021
Where: Pioneer Farms
Web: Austin Celtic Festival
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Texas Book Festival (No 2021 Date Yet)
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 (TBD) 2020
Where: State Capitol Grounds
Web: texasbookfestival.org
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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 12-21, 2021
Where: Waller Creek
Web: creekshow.com
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2022
February
Austin Oyster Festival (No 2022 Date Yet)
An annual, first-class foodie event honoring the oyster in Austin, TX held every year on the last Saturday in February.
When: February (TBD) 2022
Where: Republic Square
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Austin Marathon, Half Narathon and 5K
The Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K brings together the local and tourism community to RUN AUSTIN, The #1 City in America. The event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. With a downtown finish and finish line festival within proximity to the hottest hotels, restaurants, and shops, Austin Marathon weekend is the perfect running event for locals, visitors and families looking for an unforgettable experience.
Participants are treated to experience Austin’s finest! They race along open roads that pass iconic landmarks like UT Tower, The I Love You Mural, and Austin Power Plant; enjoy miles of Austin unique neighborhoods such as SOCO district and Hyde Park; and are greeted by cheering crowds as they close in on the finish line in front of the Texas State Capitol on historic Congress Ave.
Come explore our culture-rich city and truly experience The Live Music Capital of the World with live music on course and downtown concert. Running the #1 city in America will be an experience you’ll never forget.
When: February (TBD) 2022
Where: Palmer Events Center
Web: Austin Marathon, Half Narathon and 5K
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March
St. Patrick’s Day Festival
The Austin St. Patrick Day Festival is an authentic display of Irish culture and pride. It’s Austin’s best Irish celebration. Traditional Irish music, Irish dancers and cloggers, Pipe and Drum, Irish food and drink, horse & carriage rides and more…
When: March, TBA, 2022
Where: Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms
Phone: (512) 431-6290
Web: St. Patrick’s Day Austin
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SXSW
For 10 event packed days the world of film, music and multimedia artists are focused on Austin during this internationally-recognized event.
When: March TBA, 2022
Where: Everywhere
Web: sxsw.com
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Rodeo Austin
Where weird meets western. March 8 kicks off the festivities. Great rodeo, BBQ tasting, amazing live music, plus Austin’s largest carnival.
When: March (TBD, 2022
Where: 9100 Decker Lake Rd
Web: rodeoaustin.com
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