Best Austin Festivals | Complete 2021 Austin Festival Guide

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.

November

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 7-8, 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 12-22, 2020
Where: Waller Creek
Web: creekshow.com

February

Austin Marathon, Half Narathon and 5K

Racers set their watches as they wait to take off from the start of the Austin Half Marathon. DEBORAH CANNON / AMERICAN-STATESMAN

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: February 12-14, 2021
Where: Palmer Events Center

Web: St. Patrick's Day Austin

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, 2021
Where: Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms
Phone: (512) 431-6290
Web: St. Patrick's Day Austin

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, 2021
Where: Everywhere
Web: sxsw.com

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 13-27, 2021
Where: 9100 Decker Lake Rd
Web: rodeoaustin.com

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: March TBA 2021
Where: Zilker Park
Web: abckitefest.org

April

HONK!TX Festival

HonkATX Festival. Photo permission HonkATX - Alan Hutcheson.

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: April TBA, 2021
Where: Various Venues
Web: honktx.org

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Old Settlers Music Festival

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 TBA, 2021
Where: Salt Lick Pavillion
Web: oldsettlersmusicfest.org

Fusebox Festival

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 TBA, 2021
Where: Various Austin Venues
Web: fuseboxfestival.com

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: April TBA, 2021
Where: Travis County Expo Center
Web: lonestarroundup.com

Art City Austin

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 TBA, 2021
Where: Republic Square
Web: Art City Austin

Austin Reggae Fest

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

When: April 16-18, 2021
Where: Auditorium Shores
Web: austinreggaefest.com

June

Virtual ATX Television Festival From the Couch

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 5-7, 2020
Where: Virtual
Web: atxfestival.com

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 29, 2020
Where: Congress Ave. Bridge
Web: roadwayevents.com

September

The Lonestar Round Up

When: September 4-5, 2020
Where: Travis County Expo Center
Web: lonestarroundup.com

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: September 17-19, 2020
Where: Burnet, TX.
Web: utopiafest.com

Fall Pecan Street Festival

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: Sept. 19-20, 2020
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. 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 20, 2020
Where: Museums in Austin
Web: austinmuseums.org

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 24- October 1, 2020
Where: All over Austin
Web: fantasticfest.com

St. Elias Mediterranean Festival

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: TBD
Where: 11th Street
Web: mediterraneanfestival.org

Texas Tribune Festival

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 24-26, 2020
Where: Various Austin Locations
Phone: (512) 716-8603
Web: Texas Tribune Festival

October

ACL Music Festival

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 2-4 and October 9-11, 2020
Where: Zilker Park
Web: aclfestival.com

Gruene Music & Wine Festival

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 8-11, 2020
Where: Gruene, TX.
Web: gruenemusicandwinefest.org

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: October 8-18, 2020
Where: Quiet Valley Ranch
Web: kerrvillefolkfestival.org

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 9-11, 2020
Where: Marketplatz Square, Fredericksburg, TX
Web: texasmesquiteartfestivals.com

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Texas Trucklandia Fest

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: Saturday, October 17, 2020
Where: 305 S Congress Ave
Web: trucklandia.com

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: October 17-18, 2020
Where: Palmer Events Center
Web: austinrecords.com

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 22-29, 2020
Where: All over Austin
Web: austinfilmfestival.com

Texas Craft Brewers Festival

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 24, 2020
Where: Fiesta Gardens
Web: texascraftbrewersfestival.org

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest

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: TBA
Where: The Long Center
Web: Texas Monthly BBQ Fest

Austin Celtic Festival

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: TBA
Where: Pioneer Farms
Web: Austin Celtic Festival

LostinAustin

With a tent stake planted firmly in the underbelly of Austin's downtown life.

Austin Festivals 2021

Texas Book Festival

Waller Creek Show

Austin Marathon, Half Narathon and 5K

St. Patrick's Day Festival

SXSW

Rodeo Austin

ABC Kite Fest

HONK!TX Festival

Old Settlers Music Festival

Fusebox Festival

The Lonestar Round Up

Art City Austin

Austin Reggae Fest

Virtual ATX Television Festival From the Couch

Bat Fest

The Lonestar Round Up

UTOPiAfest

Fall Pecan Street Festival

Austin Museum Day

Fantastic Fest

St. Elias Mediterranean Festival

Texas Tribune Festival

ACL Music Festival

Gruene Music & Wine Festival

Kerrville Folk Festival

Texas Mesquite Arts Festival

Texas Trucklandia Fest

Austin Record Convention

Austin Film Festival

Texas Craft Brewers Festival

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest

Austin Celtic Festival

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Austin Festivals 2021

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