Here is our list of the best Austin festivals. Austin likes to party and the annual festival schedule can leave your head spinning. From music, to food, to art, racing, sports, beer, ice cream and bats, Austin has it all for the fest fan.
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 21-28, 2017
Where: All over Austin
Web: fantasticfest.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. 22-23, 2017
Where: 6th Street
Web: pecanstreetfestival.org
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: Sept. 29-30, 2017
Where: 11th Street
Web: mediterraneanfestival.org
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: September 30, 2017
Where: Fiesta Gardens
Web: texascraftbrewersfestival.org
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: September 30 to October 1, 2017
Where: Palmer Events Center
Web: austinrecords.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 5-8, 2017
Where: Gruene, TX.
Web: gruenemusicandwinefest.org
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 6-8 and October 13-15, 2017
Where: Zilker Park
Web: aclfestival.com
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 13-15, 2017
Where: Marketplatz Square, Fredericksburg, TX
Web: texasmesquiteartfestivals.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 26-November 2, 2017
Where: All over Austin
Web: austinfilmfestival.com
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 4-5, 2017
Where: State Capitol Grounds
Web: texasbookfestival.org
Sound on Sound Festival
Sound On Sound Fest aims to transform the typical festival experience for their fans, hyper-focusing on stellar bookings of indie, punk, hip hop, metal, dance music, comedy, and live panel discussions. With a fan first approach to the on-site experience, all are welcome as we move into the future.
When: November 10-12, 2017
Where: Sherwood Forest
Web: soundonsoundfest.com
Wizard World
Join tens of thousands of fans as they converge at Austin Comic Con Wizard World Convention to celebrate the best in pop culture. Austin Comic Con brings it all – Movies, Comics, Toys, Video Gaming, Games, TV, Anime, Manga, Horror, Wrestling, MMA, Original Art, Collectibles & More! Austin Comic Con is brought to you by the group who produces the most widely attended Comic Con tour!
When: November 17-19, 2017
Where: Austin Convention Center
Web: wizardworld.com/comiccon
Zilker Kite Fest
Zilker Kite Festival 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 4, 2018
Where: Zilker Park
Web: abckitefestival.org/
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 9-18, 2018
Where: Everywhere
Web: sxsw.com
Rodeo Austin
Where weird meets western. March 3-4 kicks off the festivities. Great rodeo, BBQ tasting, concerts by Kyle Park and Charlie Robison, plus Austin’s largest carnival.
When: March 10-24, 2018
Where: 9100 Decker Lake Rd
Web: rodeoaustin.com
Zilker Garden Festival
For over 50 years, the annual Zilker Garden Festival has been a one-stop, garden shopping destination when spring arrives in Austin and Central Texas. A family-friendly event, the garden festival offers something for everyone. Plants, music, food, vendors and clinics all to help you get ready for spring.
When: March 24-25, 2018
Where: Zilker Botanical Gardens
Web: zilkergarden.org
Art City Austin
Art City Austin, our community’s three-day art fair and festival, will return for its 67th year March 31 –April 2, 2017 at the Palmer Event Center. 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.
When: March 30- April 1, 2018
Where: Palmer Events Center
Web: artallianceaustin.org
HONK!TX Festival
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 30- April 1, 2018
Where: Various Venues
Web: honktx.org
Euphoria Fest
Electronic dance music, live bands and more, Austin’s Euphoria music & camping festival is an “euphoric” experience featuring world-class music. Camping, interactive art, unique vendors, and great food.
When: April 5-8, 2018
Where: Carson Creek Ranch
Web: euphoriafest.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 6-7, 2018
Where: Travis County Expo Center
Web: lonestarroundup.com
Fusebox Festival
Fusebox is an idea engine. A space where artists and audiences can take risks, ask questions, break rules, blur boundaries, and explore ideas together. It is a platform for visionary works, unabashed play, and new ways of engaging with our world.
When: April 11-15, 2018
Where: Various Austin Venues
Web: fuseboxfestival.com
Austin Reggae Fest
Bob Marley inspired weekend festival. Live music, food and unique vendors.
When: April 13-15, 2018
Where: Auditorium Shores
Web: austinreggaefest.com
Moontower Comedy Festival
Moontower Comedy Festival presented by the Paramount Theatre brings to Austin, TX some of the funniest, wittiest world-class comics from around the globe. This marathon of side-splitting nights throughout the city is slated to bring over 100 comedians doing everything from stand-up and sketch to improv and musical comedy. National headliners, up-and-comers and local Austin-based comedians ensure that there are options for every type of comedy fan; die-hards to those just looking for a fun night.
When: April 17-20, 2018
Where: Paramount Theater
Web: austintheatre.org
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 17-20, 2018
Where: Salt Lick Pavillion
Web: oldsettlersmusicfest.org
Austin Food + Wine Festival
Austin Food & Wine Festival where some of the country?s top chefs, restaurateurs, wine and spirit personalities to teach, share, eat, and drink! Attendees will have access to classes, demos, competitions, tasting events and concerts.
When: April 27, 2018
Where: Various venues in Austin.
Web: austinfoodandwinefestival.com
Eeyore’s Birthday
Austin’s Original Hippy Festival, Eeyore’s Birthday is a beloved Austin tradition since the 1960s. Usually held in April, this free festival celebrates the birthday of Eeyore from the cherished Winnie-the-Pooh books and also acts as a fundraiser benefiting local non-profit groups. This family-friendly festival takes place annually in Pease District Park and features live acoustic music, all-day drumming circles, games and colorful maypoles. Costumes are strongly encouraged, and there are contests offering prizes for the wackiest and most whimsical get-ups. If you’re looking for a festival where you can get loose and run around wild and free, check out Eeyore’s Birthday Party in America’s Weirdest City for a day of wonderment.
When: April 28, 2018
Where: Pease Park
Web: eeyores.org
Spring 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: May 5-6, 2018
Where: 6th Street
Web: pecanstreetfestival.org
Kerrville Folk Festival
The Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest continuously running music festival of its kind in North America. For 18 straight days and nights 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: May 24 – June 10, 2018
Where: Quiet Valley Ranch
Web: kerrville-music.com
ATX Television Festival
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 7-10, 2018
Where: Various theaters and venues in Austin
Web: atxfestival.com
ROT Biker Rally
ROT, the largest turnstile motorcycle rally in the US, is a 4-Day festival with live music, custom bikes, bike racing & attractions.
When: June 7-10, 2018
Where: All over Austin
Web: rotrally.com
Keep Austin Weird Fest & 5K
We all know it takes a certain amount of weird to fuel our beloved city of Austin. So think of the Keep Austin Weird Fest + 5K as the ultimate celebration and toast to Austin—to what it is, to what its becoming and to what it will always be, WEIRD.
Unofficially known as “the slowest 5K you’ll ever run,” the 8th Annual Keep Austin Weird 5K is an experience you’ll never forget. As you waddle, wade, paddle, or slither your way down a course through the heart of downtown Austin, you’ll enjoy various fun stops along the way. Don’t forget to wear your weird costume. Each registered runner will receive free entry into the Keep Austin Weird Festival where there will be live music and Austin-based food & drink vendors.
When: June 23, 2018
Where: Auditorium Shores
Web: keepaustinweirdfest.com
Austin Ice Cream Festival
Bring yourself, your friends, your family and even your dog to the Annual Austin Ice Cream Festival. This event will include lots of games, activities, contests and live entertainment as well as what we all scream for ICE CREAM!
When: August 11, 2018
Where: Fiesta Gardens
Web: austinicecreamfestival.com
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 18, 2018
Where: Congress Ave. Bridge
Web: roadwayevents.com
Austin Museum Day
A free, city-wide rediscovery of Austin museums. Take the entire family out on the town to enjoy local exhibits and activities at 31 participating institutions.
When: September 16, 2018
Where: Museums in Austin
Web: austinmuseums.org