It’s clear to say that in a city full of talent, Austinites enjoy live music, even if the conditions are less than ideal. Rain, dust and heat can’t stop us from enjoying what we love most: contributing to the growth of the music industry and our economy. We are so thankful that the City of Austin understands this and continues to promote live music festivals.
Austin Festivals and Events in 2020
January
FronteraFest
January 14- February 15
Multiple Locations
It’s time to heat up your winter nights again, with the 27th season of FronteraFest at Hyde Park Theatre! The Short Fringe, the Long Fringe, BYOV, or Mi Casa (as always and ever), FronteraFest is five weeks of alternative, offbeat, new, and just plain off-the-wall fringe theatre. Every night they present a new, unjuried bill of four or five plays no longer than 25 minutes each. Taking place at venues across Austin, this celebration is a great way to see the city while supporting the arts. Too bad there’s no actual way to expect the unexpected because that is your only hope!
PrintAustin EXPO20
January 15- February 15
Multiple Locations
With several professional print shops, nationally recognized university printmaking programs, internationally acclaimed print collections, and a thriving printmaking community, Austin is a hub for printmaking in Texas! The PrintAustin team is working with organizations and individuals throughout the Austin visual arts community to showcase fine art prints during this annual event. Their month-long event celebrates the art of original printmaking and educating the public about the traditions of printmaking, as well as showcasing the innovations of the contemporary approach. So, come out and support local artists!
MLK March, Festival, and Food Drive
January 20
300 E 23rd St , Austin, TX 78712
The Annual Community March celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy while uplifting diversity and multi-culturalism in our city. The MLK Community March kicks off at 9 a.m.with a short program at the MLK Statue on the University of Texas campus. You will then march to the historic Huston-Tillotson University, where exciting activities are planned. The MLK Community Festival will include all types of vendors and local musical artists to make this year’s celebration the best ever! All businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals are invited to march and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy!
Kerrville Renaissance Festival
January 24- January 26
4000 Riverside Dr, Kerrville, TX 78028
Travel back in time to the middle ages, filled with adventure, music, romance, and fun for the whole family! Play games of skill, eat a turkey leg, and shop in their Marketplace featuring over 40 artisans!. You can also enjoy the Kerrville Renaissance Festival’s headlining entertainers and musical acts on seven stages. Though it occurs in Texas over two weekends in January and February, the adventure of a lifetime begins here! Huzzah!
Migrations World Dance and Music Festival
January 31- February 2
1209 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Round Rock, TX 78664
The Migrations World Dance and Music Festival is inspired by the way dance were passed through families, communities, from culture to culture, sharing and morphing from initial forms into the myriad of fusions, styles, and beautiful shapes it takes now. The festival is a three-day workshop that celebrates and focuses on dances from around the world, such as belly dance, flamenco, drum, zills, Bollywood, Chinese classical dance, ATS, classical Indian dance, and more! Not only will there be dancing, but there will be two nights of shows with live music!
Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival
January 31- February 2
900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Performers with many tattoos and skilled tattoo artists will feature a unique balance of entertainment and education at the festival. Seminars are offered for those interested in tattoo art history, form, and meaning. Tattoo contests are held throughout the festival, allowing attendees the chance to have the craft tattoos practiced on them by professional, skilled tattoo artists!
February
Kerrville Renaissance Festival
February 1- February 2
4000 Riverside Dr, Kerrville, TX 78028
Travel back in time to the middle ages, filled with adventure, music, romance, and fun for the whole family! Play games of skill, eat a turkey leg, and shop in their Marketplace featuring over 40 artisans!. You can also enjoy the Kerrville Renaissance Festival’s headlining entertainers and musical acts on seven stages. Though it occurs in Texas over two weekends in January and February, the adventure of a lifetime begins here! Huzzah!
Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Festival
February 14- February 15
Multiple Locations
Celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend in Fredericksburg, Texas. Champagne. Rose’. Live Music. Hot Air Balloons. Helicopters. Fireworks. Oysters. Crawfish Boil. Cocktails. Vendors. Come enjoy an amazing Valentine’s Weekend experience in the heart of the Texas Hill Country! Capped at a limited number of guests the entire weekend, purchase your tickets early as they sell out each year.
Excused Absence Comedy Festival
February 15
4803 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
Excused Absence Comedy Festival is a chance for comedy fans of all ages to see award-winning adult and youth comics in an age-appropriate setting. This marathon-style event is organized in show blocks that feature youth acts opening for some of Austin’s most beloved improv troupes. Workshops, improv jams, and social events round out the weekend!
Robotters International Festival
February 17- February 18
2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park, TX 78613
The inaugural Robotters International Festival is three events in one: a K-12 STEM competition, a consumer robot showcase, and an expert speaker seminar. From 5-year-old future engineers to some of today’s leading roboticists, they are inviting people from all over the world, including the US, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Brazil to participate.
OUTsider Fest
February 19- February 23
Multiple Locations
OUTsider is an Austin-based transmedia nonprofit that celebrates the bold originality and creative nonconformity of the LGBTQ+ communities through the presentation of provocative, overlooked, and out-of-the-box film, dance, theater, performance art, music, writing, and visual art. Through its annual festival and conference, OUTsider unites queer artists, audiences, and scholars from around the globe to exchange ideas, ignite conversations, transcend boundaries and experience new pleasures through artistic discovery!
Jugglefest XXVII
February 21- February 23
1201 Payton Gin Rd, Austin, TX 78758
Celebrating its 27th year, Jugglefest is a three-day event full of workshops, games, demonstrations, and shows featuring juggling, unicycling, and related circus arts. There will be 21 hours of workshops, games, door prizes, trick trading, and more! Everyone is welcome to come on down to pick up the basics, learn some new tricks, meet some crazy people, or just chill out and watch.
Carnaval Brasileiro
February 22
2015 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
Austin’s Carnaval Brasileiro is one of the biggest Brazilian Carnaval celebrations outside of Brazil. Their unique semi-cohesive and conscious environment have been growing like Austin. Brasileiro-style samba, costumes, and wild abandon can all be seen in the heart of Texas. So come out and celebrate Carnaval with your family and friends!
VEGANCHILL Fest
February 23
979 Springdale Rd Suite #160, Austin, TX 78702
Come out for Veganchill Fest, the biggest Adult Vegan Party in Texas on Sunday, February 23rd! Doors will open at 12 pm for general admission, and 11 am for VIP ticket holders. There will be Slow-flow yoga at 11 am for VIP ticket holders. Live DJ and entertainment throughout the whole event and live drag queen performances. Not to mention live art painting, games, raffles, and gifts! There will be 40+ vegan vendors and AC inside the venue. Four bars will be serving the coldest drinks you can find in TX!
Lake Travis Film Festival
February 29- March 1
3324 Ranch Rd 620 S, Austin, TX 78738
Welcome to the Lake Travis Film Festival! They are delighted to premiere their first-ever film festival in the Lake Travis area. Adjacent to Austin, the Lake Travis community provides some of the best views in Central Texas, come on out to where the real stars shine bright. Check out the schedule now!
Austin Oyster Festival
February 29
422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
Austin Oyster Festival presents a variety of Gulf and East Coast oysters prepared in nearly every way imaginable; on the half shell, grilled, roasted, fried, in gumbo, and more! With other offerings, including Creole BBQ shrimp, Shrimp Po’Boys, and Crispy Spiced Pommes Frites, the beautiful bivalves will be enjoyed with perfect accompaniments. Also, Bloody Mary Bars featuring Bloody Revolution, mineral water by Topo Chico, specialty cocktails by Deep Eddy Vodka, premium wine selections from favorite brands, and craft beers will round out the extensive beverage menu!
March
BBQ Austin
March 6- March 7
9100 Decker Lake Rd, Austin, TX 78724
If your a big fan of smokey barbeque, as most of us do in Texas, don’t miss this chance to see and taste some of the best barbeque in Texas! At BBQ Austin, cities from all over Texas send their best bbq teams to compete in the Invitational Division for the title of “State of Texas BBQ Grand Champion.” Additionally, all teams compete for the title and purse of “BBQ Austin Grand Champion.” Not to mention, you can also enjoy free samples!
Water Lantern Festival
March 7
4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723
Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime! This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven’t met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience.
The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival
March 9
713 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Direct from the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival, and Whole Earth Provision Co. presents the first of two nights of the 2020 edition of the World Tour with films that explore remote landscapes and cultures as well as adrenaline-fueled action sports. This event will be sure to captivate and amaze the explorer within you. Proceeds from your ticket will support our Texas State Parks!
SXSW 2020- CANCELLED
March 13- March 22
Multiple Locations
If you want to stay in Austin this spring break, then head out to SXSW! The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conferences and Festivals offer the unique convergence of original music, independent films, and emerging technologies. Check out their website and browse the programming overview by day and start building your own customized schedule today as you get ready for your next SXSW adventure! Stay tuned for more programming announcements throughout the 2020 season!
Austin Music & Arts Festival
March 14
3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
Join the City of Round Rock, Bud Light, Coca-Cola, and Outlaw Nation are at the Austin Music & Arts Festival! Come and enjoy major concerts, professional artists, a classic car show, a custom motorcycle show, a camper and RV show, and dozens of fun attractions and highlights. National recording artists will be performing throughout the afternoon and evening on the main stage, as well as juried visual artists presenting the heritage and the culture of Round Rock’s great art community. And best of all, admission is FREE! So, bring the whole family for a fantastic weekend of fun.
Festival of Color and Love
March 14
400 Barsana Rd, Austin, TX 78737
Come out and play with colors and feel like a kid again at the Festival of Color and Love! There will be live music performed, Bollywood dance performances, and delicious authentic Indian food! If you don’t know how to Bollywood dance, there will be dance workshops so you can participate in their famous Holi Rain Dance!
Rodeo Austin
March 14- March 28
9100 Decker Lake Rd, Austin, TX 78724
Rodeo Austin is a family-friendly event and offers something for everyone! The top-ranked athletes in each rodeo event compete in Rodeo Austin for the title of Champion! In an action-packed two hours, fans enjoy extreme competition, bullfighting entertainment, and the fan-favorite Mutton Bustin’. There will be a carnival, shopping, food and a variety of shows and special attractions. Rodeo Austin also hosts over 100 live music performances during the fifteen-day Fair and Rodeo with a variety of music from Texas country to punk rock! Exhibitors from Texas and across the nation travel to Austin each year to show their animals as well!
St. Patrick’s Day Austin- CANCELLED
March 15
10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, Austin, TX 78754
Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day 2020 by grabbing your friends and family for an epic weekend of Irish celebration! St. Patrick’s Day Austin is the best place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day since they are committed to authentic Irish culture. No green beer (just the finest Irish imports in the color the Irish gods intended) and no leprechauns! Come for fierce Irish tradition and fun for the whole family!
South By San José
March 18- March 21
1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
South x San José will return to the Hotel San José and Jo’s parking lot for the 21st year with live music, local vendors, and good times. Rain or shine and the party is always and forever free to attend. Stay tuned for music announcements!
Indie Fest
March 20- March 21
200 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Indie Fest is a FREE Independent Artists Showcase event happening during Music Week in Austin next March 2020. Texas Indie Fest 2020 will be a two day independent music showcase featuring the best emerging artists from around the country.
Urban Music Fest
March 27- March 28
900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
The Urban Music Fest is Austin’s only music festival focused on R&B, neo-soul, and hip-hop music! UMF has had over 500 musicians play on the Auditorium Shores, and 10,000 festival attendees come to the festival! This year’s festival will be a fun-filled weekend full of great entertainment and community participation! All are welcomed to join in the fun!
Blanton Block Party
March 28
200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712
Join The Blanton for a free day-to-night community festival to kick off Spring and celebrate the big changes on our block. Explore a revolutionary period in Latin American art through our exhibition “The Avant-Garde Networks of Amauta: Argentina, Mexico, and Peru in the 1920s” and learn how Amauta magazine connected artists and ideas internationally. The Blanton Block Party is the perfect fusion of live music and world-class art, providing outdoor family art activities, local food, and tours throughout the day! Event parking will be offered at a special rate of $5.
Mighty Texas Dog Walk 2020
March 28
305 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Join thousands of dogs and their best friends for a scenic stroll, free samples galore, and amazing advice from top vets and trainers. This year’s costume & team theme is Dogs Are Magic! There will also be lots of cool selfie backdrops for you and your dog! Dogs will also be receiving awards such as Team Raising the Most Donations, Largest Team, and Best Team Costumes. The grand prize winner will receive 2 SXSW wristbands for the individual biggest fundraiser from a team! You can also save $10 when you pre-register online!
Zilker Kite Festival
March 29
2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Let your imagination take flight! On March 29th, join thousands of Austinites in Zilker Park for the 91st Zilker Kite Fest! Held each year in March, the Zilker Kite Fest is one of Austin’s most beloved, family-friendly traditions. Zilker Kite Fest boasts day-long activities for all ages, including the traditional kite-flying contest and showcase, and MossFest, a children’s music concert. Soar into spring and join thousands of Austinites for a free, all-day event filled with kite making, flying, and gazing!
April
Bluebonnet Festival
April 10- April 12
Multiple Locations
The Bluebonnet Festival is hosted by the Chappell Hill Historical Society, a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of the community’s history and historic buildings. The festival boasts more than 250 juried exhibitors including home décor, gardening, artists, craftsmen, jewelry, clothing, and more! There will also be delicious country-style food, live entertainment and music, and tours of the historic community. A special Children’s Activity Corner provides pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, barrel train and more! This is a great event to go to with your family and friends!
Fusebox Festival
April 15- April 19
Multiple Locations
Fusebox Festival is a city-wide celebration featuring artists from all over the world! Their goal is to put on a festival built that creates a space for the unexpected, for disruption, for discovery, and for experimentation. It’s also a powerful moment to connect, imagine new things together, and build community. The performances, the parties, the meals, and the discussions leverage and celebrate the potential of the live situation!
Old Settler’s Music Festival
April 16- April 19
1616 FM3158, Dale, TX 78616
At Old Settler’s Music Festival, there are almost three dozen bands, performance workshops, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, music stores, youth talent competition, gospel shows, Friday and Saturday concerts at the Salt Lick Pavilion, wholesome food, libations and more! Some of this year’s lineup includes Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Brandi Carlile, The Del McCoury Band and more! They also offer camping at the festival creating a cultural experience all of its own, and the grounds rival some of the most beautiful festival camping sites in the world! The best part is that kids twelve and under get in free when accompanied by a paying adult! This year they are now offering multi-day “teen” priced tickets!
Art City Fine Arts Festival
April 17- April 19
422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
Each April, Art City Austin: Fine Arts Festival; presented by the nonprofit organization Art Alliance Austin, promotes visual art and the art marketplace in Austin. 2019 marks the 69th year of this event! Approximately 150 local and national artists will exhibit outdoors under the canopy and throughout the grounds creating a centralized hub for art in downtown Austin! There are even more events Friday night including a party with music, performance, activations, and much more!
Austin Reggae Festival
April 17- April 19
900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
The Austin Reggae Festival brings three days of incredible dub music with international food and art vendors to the city’s most picturesque outdoor venue! Headliners for the 2020 event include Patoranking, Kabaka Pyramid, The Expendables, Tori Lattore, Collie Buddz, EARTHKRY, Julian Marley & The Uprising, Gondwana, and Tessellated! The Austin Reggae Festival benefits the Central Texas Food Bank, and over the last decade, this event has raised more than $1,000,000 to help feed hungry families in the Central Texas region.
Moontower Comedy Festival
April 22- April 25
Multiple Locations
Moontower Comedy Festival is presented by the Paramount Theatre, and brings you some of the funniest, wittiest and oddest world-class comics from around the globe! This marathon of side-splitting nights throughout the city brings over 100 comedians doing everything from stand-up and sketch to improv and musical comedy! National headliners such as Marlon Wayans, Ronny Chieng, Middleditch and Schwartz, Nick Kroll, Last Podcast on the Left, Nikki Glaser, Andrew Schulz and more, 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!
Texas Burlesque Festival
April 24- April 25
701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
The Texas Burlesque Festival is a two-day hoedown and showdown celebrating the revival of burlesque, cabaret and vaudeville! This festival is a weekend that overflows with opportunities to refine your bump and grind including parties, a roundtable with brunch, workshops, and performances. Their mission is to foster a supportive community among performers in Texas, across the United States and the world through networking and professional performance opportunities.
Founders Day Festival
April 24- April 26
511 Mercer St, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
The Founders Day Festival is the largest annual community event in Dripping Springs! The three-day festival celebrates the founding of Dripping Springs and its community since 1850 and offers a variety of family-friendly activities. The spring festival kicks off with the Grand Parade followed by live music on two stages! There will be a carnival, cook-off competitions and arts and crafts vendors, and more! This festival offers something for everyone to participate in!
Red Poppy Festival
April 24- April 26
Downtown Georgetown Georgetown, TX
Known as the “Red Poppy Capital Of Texas,” Georgetown is one of the few places in the United States where red poppies grow naturally every year. So come over and celebrate its signature red poppies with the 21st Annual Red Poppy Festival, April 24-26! The festival encompasses three days of concerts (headliners are Mark Chesnutt and Dysfunkshun Junkshun), parades, contests, art, food and family fun in the downtown area.
Texas Community Music Festival
April 24- May 5
4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
Over the years, the performances at The Texas Community Music Festival have run the musical gamut, from traditional bierhaus music to full-sized orchestras; from Middle Eastern Belly Dancers to Scottish pipe and drums to “All That Jazz.” They’ve even had a few “zombie invasions!” Musicians are ranging in age from 9 to well past 90. If the music lives in Texas, the music’s been performed live at the Texas Community Music Festival!
Eeyore’s Birthday
April 25
1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78705
Eeyore’s Birthday Party is a fundraiser to benefit non-profit groups in Austin. Some of these groups will be selling hot and cold food (there will also be a vegetarian menu), soft drinks, juices, spring water, and Texas beer! Make sure to wear a costume since there will be costume contests and other games with prizes for children of all ages! There will be plenty of activities to participate in such as face painting, henna, and temporary tattoos. All while engaging in these activities, you can listen to live music! Happy Birthday, Eeyore!
Lake Travis SpringFest
April 25
12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
SpringFest is the premier event in the South Lake Travis area at the Hill Country Galleria! Presented by St. David’s Emergency Center, the festival is the perfect community and family fun event on a perfect Spring weekend in Lake Travis. SpringFest is expecting record attendance this year, so mark your calendars and save the date for SpringFest 2020!
Sunset Valley Art Fest
April 25
3205 Jones Rd, Sunset Valley, TX 78745
Sunset Valley Art Fest is gearing up time for their 14th Annual Art Fest in 2020! The festival is free of admission, is a one-day event that includes over 70 vendors that work in a variety of art forms, from jewelry to woodwork to oil paintings. The festival also features local food vendors and live music from Austin-area artists on both the main stage and the kids’ stage. The Sunset Valley Art Fest is a great family affair with activities for both children and adults!
Buda Wiener Dog Races
April 25- April 26
1761 South FM 1626, Buda, TX 78610
Every spring the Buda Lion’s Club hosts their annual Buda Wiener Dog Races at Buda City Park. Their yearly country fair and fundraiser begins with the cutest pet parade, followed by the nationally known Wiener Dog Races, where the speediest dachshunds take to the track! Not to mention that there will also be a BBQ cook-off, a bake-off, arts and crafts, games for the kids, a washer tournament and lots of entertainment!
Austin Food and Wine Festival
April 26- April 28
Multiple Locations
The Austin Food and Wine Festival marks a collaboration between C3 Presents and some of Texas’ most celebrated chefs and restaurateurs! Some of the chefs for this year’s lineup include Anne Burrell, Jam Sanitchat, Aarón Sánchez, Scott Conant, JJ Johnson, Mashama Bailey, and Andrew Zimmern! This is their 9th year bringing the food and wine festival into Texas, and they promise to give you a gourmet celebration unlike any other! There will be cooking demos, wine and cocktail seminars, a Grand Taste Pavilion, 40 food artisans and an autograph tent! A portion of the Festival’s proceeds will benefit The Austin Food & Wine Alliance, who are dedicated to fostering awareness and innovation in Central Texas.
May
Kentucky Derby Party and Hot Air Balloon Festival
May 1- May 2
13628 Gregg Manor Rd, Manor, TX 78653
Watch the Official Kentucky Derby in style! The Victory Cup Polo Match, which has been called “The Best Kentucky Derby Party in Texas”! Dust off the lucky hats, pastel dresses and seersucker suits, and bring the kids and dogs for a day of fun at the Victory Cup Polo Match and Kentucky Derby Party! Hot Air Balloons are a fun and important part of this festival but extremely weather contingent. Balloons. Polo. Live Music. Fashion. Food. Drinks. Vendors. In its fifteenth year, this event isn’t just a polo match or balloon festival, it’s a networking and social destination drawing thousands for each event. For those who are primarily attending to see balloons only please come prepared to enjoy the full festival schedule and understand that weather may ground balloons.
Pecan Street Festival
May 2- May 3
6th Street, Austin, TX
The Pecan Street Festival is one of the largest, and longest-running, arts and crafts and music festivals in the nation! Named after 6th Street’s original name, this family-friendly street festival takes place twice a year in Austin’s downtown entertainment district. Pecan Street Festival offers several blocks of family fun, from local art to live music and entertainment. Of course, no Austin festival would be complete without food! Experience all of this and more each May and September in the lively streets of downtown Austin.
CLAIFF23
May 6- May 10
Multiple Locations
Cine Las Americas invites filmmakers, producers, and distributors to participate in the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival, now in its twenty-second consecutive year! The festival showcases contemporary films and videos from Latin America (North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean) and the Iberian Peninsula. Films and videos made by or about Latinxs in the U.S. or the rest of the world, as well as films and videos by or about Indigenous groups of the Americas, are also invited to participate!
Hill Country Film Festival
May 7- May 10
Multiple Locations
The Hill Country Film festival is a celebration of independent film, screens over 90 independent films (short and feature length), hosts revealing Question and Answers, provides captivating filmmaker panel discussions and nightly festival parties giving attendees a chance to rub elbows with filmmakers! All these activities and events will be held at Fritztown Cinema in Fredericksburg.
Touch-a-Truck
May 9
2200 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
Touch-A-Truck is a family-friendly event that provides an opportunity for kids of all ages to come to Camp Mabry and explore the vehicles they’ve seen in movies, books, and just driving around town. From fire trucks and ambulances to backhoes and bulldozers, Touch-A-Truck has them all! This year’s event will also feature food trucks and a Kid Zone complete with a petting zoo, face painting, barrel train rides, and more.
West Austin Studio Tour
May 9- May 10
916 Springdale Rd, Bldg 2 #101, Austin, TX 78702
Big Medium’s West Austin Studio Tour (WEST) is a free, annual, self-guided art event spanning two weekends in May. WEST, a non-profit organization, provides opportunities for the public to meet the artists and artisans of Austin in their creative spaces. Through their programs and partnerships, they work to foster the arts and facilitate an inclusive cultural dialogue between artists and their communities.
Deutschen Pfest
May 15- May 17
515 City Park Rd, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Deutschen Pfest is Pflugerville’s most popular pfestival! The festival is always bursting with pfun all weekend long! There will be plenty of activities to participate in, including the Miss Pflugerville Pageant, the Deutschen Pfest parade, the Deutschen Pfest 5K, a children’s area, a carnival, live music and much more! And let’s not forget that children 6 and under are free and all proceeds support Pflugerville park projects! Make sure to wear your wristband while entering gated areas of the festival.
Saengerrunde Maifest
May 16
51607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
The Saengerrunde is the oldest ethnic organization in Austin that provides an atmosphere which encourages members and guests to preserve and enjoy the German heritage. German Bier Festival hosts their annual Saengerrunde Maifest to keep celebrating German heritage and German food in Texas. Enjoy special tastings from Texas craft brewers, a community cookout and plenty of fun which includes live music, dancing, and local vendors will round out the event.
West Austin Studio Tour
May 16- May 17
916 Springdale Rd, Bldg 2 #101, Austin, TX 78702
Big Medium’s West Austin Studio Tour (WEST) is a free, annual, self-guided art event spanning two weekends in May. WEST, a non-profit organization, provides opportunities for the public to meet the artists and artisans of Austin in their creative spaces. Through their programs and partnerships, they work to foster the arts and facilitate an inclusive cultural dialogue between artists and their communities.
Austin Sketch Fest
May 20- May 24
Multiple Locations
Austin Sketch Fest is a sketch comedy showcase held every year over Memorial Day weekend! This year’s headliners are Ego Nwodim and Amber Ruffin. Austin Sketch Fest is presented by ColdTowne Theater and features comedy groups from Austin and all over the country. In addition to the annual festival, ColdTowne Theater hosts alternative comedy shows year-round with stand-up, improv and sketch shows taking place seven days a week.
Hot Luck Fest
May 21- May 24
Multiple Locations
Hot Luck is a food festival that happens at the fire and where creative cooks turn their inspiration into food. And that food feeds the people, and the music, and the next round of crazy ideas that flicker to life! Created by James Beard Award-winner Aaron Franklin, Guerilla Suit principal and Mohawk owner James Moody, and Mike Thelin, co-founder of Feast Portland, it is a DIY casserole of the culinary and music world. The 2020 TBA. Hot Luck is proud to donate a portion of the festival’s proceeds to The SAFE Alliance.
Kerrville Folk Festival
May 21- June 4
3876 Medina Hwy, Kerrville, TX 78028
The Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest continuously running music festival in the United States! The festival is celebrated by a community who considers themselves family and is the second largest community in Kerrville. Over the course of 18 days, there will be activities of all sorts including workshops, yoga and more! The festival’s goal is to develop artistic expression, especially the art of songwriting, in a loving, family-friendly environment.
Austin Greek Festival
May 22- May 24
414 St Stephens School Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Come to the land of plenty, amazing Greece, without leaving the beautiful Hill Country views. Experience the Second Annual AUSTIN GREEK FESTIVAL at the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, May 22-24, 2020. The three-day event will feature delicious, authentic Greek cuisine, dance, and fun, all served with renowned Greek hospitality. Listen to a live Greek band from Greece and learn the newest Greek dances, watch Greek dance performances, drop your kids off at the KidZone while you go shopping for Greek souvenirs, enjoy delicious Greek food, wine, and pastries and take a tour of the beautiful Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Mark your calendars and join the fun!
JMBLYA
TBA
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617
JMBLYA brings only the finest rising talents from the world of hip-hop to the stage for fans to discover and enjoy! JMBLYA is the perfect opportunity for you to broaden your interests and learn about some new artists that are sure to break out onto the scene in the next few years due to their talents!
Finding Euphoria Festival
TBA
9507 Sherman Rd, Austin, TX 78742
Euphoria Festival’s vision is to create an opportunity to reconnect with the values and vibes that made the festival all possible. So this year, they are changing things up and are presenting Finding Euphoria Festival Series; a two-day, scaled back version of the festival, offering a more intimate experience for you. Finding Euphoria is a place to reconnect, experience great music and meet up at The Ranch. Car camping will be offered for those who wish to extend the Finding Euphoria experience, but only 2,000 attendees will be able to enter the festival. Make sure to get your tickets sooner than later!
Blues on the Green
TBA
2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Austinites are always longing for live music, and during these long summer nights, there are plenty of chances to get your fill! Blues on the Green is the longest series of free summertime concerts hosted by KGSR Radio Austin! KGSR invites music lovers to Zilker Park every Wednesday of every month in the summer to enjoy a family (and pet-friendly!) night of music in a comfortable atmosphere. These free concerts feature performances by popular local bands with a variety of different genres. The audience is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, pack a picnic and bring the whole family out for a unique musical experience!
June
Maker Fest
June 6
1008 Pfluger St W, Pflugerville, TX 78660
The Pflugerville Library welcomes makers, artists, and crafters of all types to demonstrate their talents with hands-on demos and art & crafts. Unlock your creativity while trying out activities such as making quilts, coding, building robots, screen printing, stop-motion animation, laser cutting, Pi gaming, hand sewing, 3-D painting and just about everything in between. This is a great event for you to go with the entire family!
ATX Television Festival
June 4- June 7
Multiple Locations
ATX Television Festival is the first festival devoted to Television’s history and future and is a four-day event that celebrates the television medium: looking back at its history, where it is now, and where it is headed. The festival consists of panels, screenings, and events where attendees and leaders in the TV industry talk, watch, and experience television together as one community.
Soul to Sole Festival
June 10- June 14
701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Tapestry Dance Company, North America’s only full-time, professional repertory tap dance company presents its annual festival of rhythm with the 19th Annual Soul to Sole International Tap Festival. With master classes taught by a faculty of critically acclaimed artists, this one-of-a-kind festival brings dancers and teachers from around the world together!
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
June 11- June 14
Multiple Locations
The Republic of Texas Biker Rally, otherwise known as ROT Rally, is the largest motorcycle rally in Texas and the fourth largest motorcycle rally in the US. Held every year on the weekend after Memorial Day, hundreds of bikers gather at the Travis County Expo Center and ride along the hilly roads of Austin for an entire weekend. On the Friday of that weekend, the City of Austin closes off parts of Congress Ave. for the largest biker party in a downtown area. In 2006, ROT Rally was awarded a Guinness World Record for being the “Longest Parade of Motorcycles Known to Mankind”.
Blanco Lavender Fest
June 12- June 14
Multiple Locations
For many years, visitors to the Texas Hill Country have enjoyed the beauty of the rough landscape and winding rivers. Come out to Blanco County and visit local lavender farms, lavender markets, listen to live music, eat delicious food and more! There will also be a Beer and Wine Tent serving up a signature drink of the festival that’s bubbly and sweet! You will want to be sure to stop and get one! The Blanco Lavender Festival is a major fundraiser for the year for the Blanco Chamber of Commerce.
Juneteenth
June 19
MLKing Jr. Blvd/Comal Street, Austin, TX
Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day” commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas and the United States. Everywhere in Austin, African Americans celebrate this historical day with parades, a 2K walk and run, food, vendors, Miss Juneteenth Austin Scholarship Pageant, and much more fun!
Greater Austin Comic Con
June 20- June 24
2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Due to popular demand, Greater Austin Comic Con returns to H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. GACC is a celebration that brings all things pop culture together. GACC will provide two family-friendly, entertainment fun-filled days of vendors, gaming competitions, cosplay contests, superhero theme car show, and lots of entertainment for kids. GACC will have guests that include movie and TV Stars, Sports Stars, world-renowned cosplay artists, game developers, comic book creators, artist/writers and so much more.
East Side Classic
June 21
3501 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
East Side Classic is a vintage motorcycle and scooter show benefiting Austin Pets Alive! Come out and check out dozens of vintage motorcycles and scooters, listen to live music, look at unique motorcycle helmets and participate in the raffle! All the proceeds from the raffle will benefit charity! East Side Classic is free and welcomes dogs!
African American Book Festival
June 27
1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702
Since 2007, the Austin African American Book Festival has worked to promote empowerment through literature. This free, annual literary event showcases new works by and about African Americans, and notable speakers and authors will discuss their works and facilitate conversations. They are a community event that brings readers and writers together and produces dialogue, creativity, and activism.
Blues on the Green
TBA
2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Austinites are always longing for live music, and during these long summer nights, there are plenty of chances to get your fill! Blues on the Green is the longest series of free summertime concerts hosted by KGSR Radio Austin! KGSR invites music lovers to Zilker Park every Wednesday of every month in the summer to enjoy a family (and pet-friendly!) night of music in a comfortable atmosphere. These free concerts feature performances by popular local bands with a variety of different genres. The audience is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, pack a picnic and bring the whole family out for a unique musical experience!
July
RTX Austin
July 3- July 5
500 E Cesar Chavez St #4th, Austin, TX 78701
RTX is the world’s greatest celebration of gaming, animation, comedy, and internet culture. With events in London, Sydney, and its flagship convention in Austin, TX, RTX is where fantastic entertainment and the best fans in the world meet up for the best weekend of the year. At RTX, there will be awesome panels, special guests, screenings, and much more!
Body Mind Spirit Expo
July 18- July 19
900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Body Mind Spirit brings refreshed energy this year through new thought presentations, wonderful exhibits, the best advances in alternative health and the nation’s finest selections of psychics and mediums. These exhibits and presentations will have you smiling throughout the entire weekend! Make sure to mark your calendars, and enjoy the expo!
Float Fest
July 24- July 27
2855 S, US-183, Gonzales, TX 78629
Whether you love music, rides, or just want to spend a weekend floating the river with friends, we guarantee that you will have fun at Float Fest this July! Float Fest is an annual music festival on the San Marcos River and this year’s lineup is better than ever! This year’s lineup is TBA!
Classic Game Fest
July 25- July 26
900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Enjoy 70,000 square feet of retro video games and fun at one of the largest retro game conventions in the country! This two-day fest includes free play on game systems and arcades, the opportunity to buy and sell classic games and consoles, and more. Overlooking Lady Bird Lake and the downtown Austin skyline, the Palmer Events Center is conveniently located only a short walk from many hotels, restaurants, bus stops, and bike rental stations. You are guaranteed to have a great time!
Quesoff 2020
TBA
912 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Quesoff, a celebration of all things melted cheese, will take place at The Mohawk. Around thirty vendors of all shapes and sizes such as restaurants, top chefs, home-cooks, neighbors, brothers, sisters will all go head to head in four categories; Meaty, Spicy, Veggie, and Wild Card. A Best in Show will also be awarded and the end of the competition! Quesoff is honored to benefit the Central Texas Food Bank; entry will be free with a donation of two canned goods or a $3 donation per person. Bags of chips will be available for $5. This event is not BYOC.
Blues on the Green
TBA
2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Austinites are always longing for live music, and during these long summer nights, there are plenty of chances to get your fill! Blues on the Green is the longest series of free summertime concerts hosted by KGSR Radio Austin! KGSR invites music lovers to Zilker Park every Wednesday of every month in the summer to enjoy a family (and pet-friendly!) night of music in a comfortable atmosphere. These free concerts feature performances by popular local bands with a variety of different genres. The audience is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, pack a picnic and bring the whole family out for a unique musical experience!
August
Austin PRIDE Parade and Festival
August 10
2101 Jesse E. Segovia St, Austin, TX 78702
The 2020 Austin PRIDE Festival and Parade will take over Austin at Fiesta Gardens! There will be two stages that will hold many entertainers and performers. With over 400,000 attending in 2019, this year will be even BIGGER! You have to come and expect amazing entertainment from Austin PRIDE, and this year will be no exception! Attendants can also see pet parades, eat food from local food vendors, and experience carnival-themed games and activities. This year, Festival Tickets purchased in advance will be able to enter the Festival at any entrance.
Bat Fest
August 29
100 South Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
The Bat Fest is a major Austin attraction of watching the bats emerge from under the Congress Bridge and now has become a festival that takes place once a year. Bat watchers can enjoy live music, local food, and drinks while gazing at 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly into the night sky. Everyone in attendance can also enjoy a bat costume contest and fun children’s activities like arts and crafts. Come on out to the Bat Fest and make it a night to remember!
Capital City Black Film Festival
TBA
500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78704
Now in its seventh year, Capital City Black Film Festival celebrates African American filmmakers from across the nation and provides a stage for burgeoning talent. This intimate festival celebrates the beautiful storytelling and unique, and yet still universal, the perspective of talented African Americans filmmakers. This festival packs in the fun with four days of events, seminars, parties, screenings, and more! CCBFF includes year-round events and opportunities to experience the brilliant works of black artists and filmmakers from across the globe. This year special guests will include Viola Davis and Julius Tennon!
Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival
TBA
2101 Jesse E. Segovia St, Austin, TX 78702
The Austin Hot Sauce Festival is a massive gathering of people who want to feel the burn. Each year, more than 15,000 people flock to Fiesta Gardens to try as many different types of sauce as they can during this one-day event. More than 350 varieties of hot sauce are represented, and you can also expect to find plenty of food at this event. Beyond the sauce and the food, the festival includes live music as well as entertainment for the whole family. Bands from many genres fill the roster and get the people moving after they’ve had their fill of heat. The festival is free to the public, but organizers ask that they bring non-perishable food to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas!
Cedar Park Rodeo
TBA
2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park, TX 78613
The Cedar Park Rodeo returns to H-E-B Center! Get ready for two evenings of professional rodeo events including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, girls barrel racing, girls breakaway roping, team roping, and mutton busting. You will not want to miss these two days of action-packed family entertainment! Cedar Park Rodeo is sanctioned by the Cowboys Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA).
Blues on the Green
TBA
2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Austinites are always longing for live music, and during these long summer nights, there are plenty of chances to get your fill! Blues on the Green is the longest series of free summertime concerts hosted by KGSR Radio Austin! KGSR invites music lovers to Zilker Park every Wednesday of every month in the summer to enjoy a family (and pet-friendly!) night of music in a comfortable atmosphere. These free concerts feature performances by popular local bands with a variety of different genres. The audience is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, pack a picnic and bring the whole family out for a unique musical experience!
September
Out Of Bounds Comedy Festival
September 1- September 7
Multiple Locations
The Out of Bounds Comedy Festival is a 7-day, multi-venue festival of all things comedy, featuring the world’s best in hundreds of improv, sketch, and stand-up shows over Labor Day Weekend! Their mission is to bring worldwide attention to the Austin comedy community by strengthening performer networks, providing educational opportunities and stimulating both Austin tourism and industry interest.
UTOPiafest
September 17- September 19
105 Co Rd 114, Burnet, TX 78611
Imagine the 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! Utopia Fest knows that when nature welcomes music surrounded by top-notch hospitality, art installations, workshops, creating a unique festival experience, each guest will truly understand what makes this experience so special. Guests will enjoy world-class music production, as well as a wide variety of workshops and activities, creating a well-rounded festival experience! This year’s lineup is TBA!
Texas Tribune Festival
September 24- September 26
1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
The 2020 Texas Tribune Festival is upon us! Join the Texas Tribune in downtown Austin for three days of unique perspectives, thoughtful conversation, and networking, all in the shadow of the Texas Capitol! This year there will be more than 300 leading figures in politics, public policy, networking events, and journalism who will join thousands of Texans to discuss big-picture solutions to the most pressing policy issues facing our state and our nation! Texas Tribune Festival program is bigger and better than ever before!
Fantastic Fest
September 24- October 1
1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Experience the world of sci-fi, horror, and gore at Alamo Drafthouse’s annual film festival. Fantastic Fest is the largest film festival in the U.S. that specializes in the genres of horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and action. The festival has premiered major horror flicks like Zombieland, There Will Be Blood and Apocalypto. Celebrity guests in the past have included Mel Gibson, Bill Murray, Paul Rudd, and Jon Favreau.
Austin Oktoberfest
TBA
1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
The Austin Saengerrunde will open its doors to 8th Annual AustOberfest celebrating Central Texas German heritage with German-style sausage, lots of bier, contest stage, bowling, and live music! The price of the ticket includes unlimited German-style sausage from some of Central Texas’ best meat purveyors Including Meyer’s Elgin Smokehouse, Stiles Switch, Louie Mueller, Southside Market, Micklethwait Craft Meats, Frank, Scholz Garten, and more! Texas German Bier tastings are also included along with bowling and live music entertainment from the Austin Polka Band and the Chainlink Band! Come out to AustOberfest, and enjoy delicious beer and food with family and friends!
Pecan Street Festival
TBA
6th Street, Austin, TX
The Pecan Street Festival is one of the largest, and longest-running, arts and crafts and music festivals in the nation! Named after 6th Street’s original name, this family-friendly street festival takes place twice a year in Austin’s downtown entertainment district. Pecan Street Festival offers several blocks of family fun, from local art to live music and entertainment. Of course, no Austin festival would be complete without food! Experience all of this and more each May and September in the lively streets of downtown Austin.
Sonic Transmissions Festival
TBA
1413 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78721
Founded and curated by Ingebrigt Håker Flaten and presented by Self Sabotage Records, Sonic Transmissions Festival is a three-day showcase presenting a far-reaching spectrum of genres, such as free jazz, post-punk, world music, experimental hip-hop, improvised music, and more. Sonic Transmissions Festival was born out of a passion for bringing audiences and musicians from different communities together to collaborate, experience, and explore the possibilities of what a music festival can express to audiences today! The lineup is TBA!
Waterloo Music Festival
TBA
701 Dalton Ln, Austin, TX 78742
Waterloo is an independent festival that celebrates the roots of Austin music culture and will feature three full days of nationally renowned jam bands performing alongside the city’s finest musical acts during a weekend of camping! The event will be held at Carson Creek Ranch, a venue just ten minutes from downtown Austin with over 60 acres of Pecan-tree-lined campgrounds and scenic views overlooking the Colorado River. The festival is produced by Austin event promoters Unknown Entertainment, Havin’ a Ball Productions and Heard Presents. This year’s lineup includes the String Cheese Incident, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Oteil & Friends and more!
Fajita Fiesta
TBA
203 Railroad St # 1C, Buda, TX 78610
Fajita Fiesta is an event that offers something for all ages! Fiesta goers will experience the blending of foods, music, and cultures. They will also rediscover Texas through sights, sounds, and their taste buds! The tantalizing aroma of sizzling fajitas will fill the air of Buda, Texas; attracting people from the Rio Grande to the north of the Mason Dixon Line. In Texas, grilling is not just a weekend pass time but a competitive sport! At Fajita Fiesta grill masters and pit masters alike will compete for top dollar cash payouts, trophies, bragging rights, and to find out on that given day, which is the best of the best!
October
Oktoberfest
October 2- October 4
126 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Celebrate Fredericksburg’s German heritage at Oktoberfest! There will be lots of food and drinks, dance contests, music on four stages all weekend, artisans, Kinderpark, souvenirs and more! It’s fun for the whole family! The weekend will be filled with many activities including OkTUBAfest on Friday, a Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance on Saturday and a 42 domino tournament on Sunday! Oktoberfest is held at Marktplatz.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
October 2- October 4
2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Austin City Limits Music Festival is an annual multi-day music festival that takes place each fall in Austin’s Zilker Park! Festivalgoers enjoy six days of music, food, and art set against the dazzling downtown skyline. The festival brings together over 130 musical acts of all genres from country to electronic to rock. Today ACL is one of the most popular music festivals in the nation, attracting approximately 450,000 attendees each year. The event has actually become so popular that tickets often sell out within a few days of being announced on the ACL website!
Texas Renaissance Festival
October 3- November 29
21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission, TX 77363
The Texas Renaissance Festival is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed Renaissance theme park where the sights, sounds, tastes, and beauty of the 16th Century come alive for eight magically-themed weekends! They welcome more than half a million guests annually and feature nearly 500 costumed performers on 17 stages; 400 shoppes including international food purveyors, unique artisans, merchants, and craft vendors; human-powered rides; an abundance of strolling performers and the Royal Fireworks display at dusk! Memories made here will become timeless!
Austin City Limits Music Festival
October 9- October 11
2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Austin City Limits Music Festival is an annual multi-day music festival that takes place each fall in Austin’s Zilker Park! Festivalgoers enjoy six days of music, food, and art set against the dazzling downtown skyline. The festival brings together over 130 musical acts of all genres from country to electronic to rock. Today ACL is one of the most popular music festivals in the nation, attracting approximately 450,000 attendees each year. The event has actually become so popular that tickets often sell out within a few days of being announced on the ACL website!
Texas Mesquite Arts Festival
October 9- October 11
126 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
The Mesquite Arts Festival has become one of the top events in Fredericksburg. Visitors will be treated to 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 scrollwork, handsome pen and pencil sets, unique Christmas tree ornaments, and sculpted vases, all carefully crafted of mesquite.
Kyle Founders’ Parade
October 10
1231-1301 W Center St, Kyle, TX 78640
The town of Kyle was first settled around the 15th of October, 1880 and on Saturday, October 10, 2020, beginning at 10 a.m, the Kyle Founders’ Parade will once again pass through downtown. The parade participants will gather at Gregg-Clarke Park and head east on Center Street. The parade will end at the Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park’s Gazebo, and when the last parade entry arrives at the Gazebo, everyone will gather and sing “Happy Birthday” to Kyle and have a piece of birthday cake to celebrate!
LEVITATION
October 22- October 25
Multiple Locations
Founded in 2008, by members of The Black Angels and friends, the independent event has sparked a movement inspiring the creation of similar events across the globe. LEVITATION was named in honor of Austin’s psychedelic rock pioneers. The 13th Floor Elevators, who reunited and performed at LEVITATION 2015 for the band’s 50th anniversary. LEVITATION creates a walkable, intimate, and community-focused event that showcases the city’s world-renowned music venues. Following up on a massive weekend of sold-out shows in 2019, LEVITATION 2020 will expand and further explore the possibilities and creative opportunities in Austin’s diverse Red River District and East Side venues and art spaces!
Austin Film Festival
October 22- October 29
Multiple Locations
Founded almost twenty years ago, the Austin Film Festival was the first event of its kind to bring together professional and amateur screenwriters to celebrate all things television and film. Every October, the Austin Film Festival and Conference bring producers, agents, and screenwriters together to showcase the best film talent in the nation. Past participants include Ron Howard, Sandra Bullock, Owen Wilson, and America Ferrera!
Austin Film Festival
October 22- October 29
Multiple Locations
Founded almost twenty years ago, the Austin Film Festival was the first event of its kind to bring together professional and amateur screenwriters to celebrate all things television and film. Every October, the Austin Film Festival and Conference bring producers, agents, and screenwriters together to showcase the best film talent in the nation. Past participants include Ron Howard, Sandra Bullock, Owen Wilson, and America Ferrera!
Formula 1
October 23- October 25
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617
About 8 miles southeast of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is Circuit of the Americas, the home of Austin F1 racing. The multi-million dollar facility is called “The Most Unique Motorsports Facility in the United States” and for a good reason! It is the only track built purposely for Formula One Racing in the country and puts Austin on the map as a World-Class Motorsports destination!
Texas Craft Brewers Festival
October 24
2101 Jesse E. Segovia St, Austin, TX 78702
The Texas Craft Brewers Festival and the Texas Craft Brewers Guild embrace their motto “We are a community. We support each other. We respect each other.”, and strive to be true to Texas craft beer and to benefit all involved. Today, the Texas Craft Brewers Festival remains by and for the Texas craft brewers and the Texas craft beer community. Homebrewers and entrepreneurs have launched and grown craft beer businesses to serve nearby communities. People curious to discover new tastes have become fans, and those fans devotees! Become a new fan, and discover new craft breweries in Texas!
Food and Wine Fest
October 24
126 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Held in historic, downtown Fredericksburg, the Food and Wine Festival is a full-course celebration of Texas food, wine, beer, music, specialty booths, food court, and fun! Texas wineries, gourmet chefs, will hold demonstrating shows, and there will also be a silent auction and live music! There are also several additional special events to attend including special dinners and a brunch for which tickets must be purchased in advance!
37th Annual Viva La Vida Parade & Festival
TBA
100-200 block E. 4th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Mexic-Arte Museum’s Viva La Vida Fest is Austin’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. The festival features a Grand Procession, the Education Pavilion with hands-on art activities and artist demos, and a celebration with traditional foods, local artist and retail booths, a low-rider exhibition, live music and performances throughout the day!
Straw Fest
TBA
605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704
The UMLAUF’s 6th annual Straw Fest is a community-wide event centered on family fun. Straw Fest will feature a number of family-friendly interactive activities! For the first time in the UMLAUF’s history, they have created Austin’s first family and pet fall fashion show for this year’s event! Now that sounds like fun! There are plenty of fun activities to engage in, including pumpkin carving, crafts, games, yoga, and food trucks. Make sure to bring your own pumpkin and carving tools. The UMLAUF will be at capacity with over 2,000 kids and families for this popular community-wide day of family fun.
Austin Fermentation Festival
TBA
Multiple Locations
The Austin Fermentation Festival is a free educational event that celebrates all things fermented in Central Texas and will run from 10 am to 4 pm at the Mueller Lake Park and Texas Farmers’ Market! There will be plenty of activities to engage in, such as workshops focused on fermented foods and beverages, discovering fermented foods and dishes from local chefs and vendors, wine, beer, and cider tasting, live music and more! All proceeds from this event will benefit the Texas Farmers’ Market Farmer Emergency Fund, which offers financial assistance to TFM farmers and ranchers in times of environmental, personal, or other crisis.
Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival
TBA
Dripping Springs Historic District Dripping Springs, TX
You’re invited to the heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country to come and enjoy an exciting weekend of phenomenal singer/songwriter showcases. Highlighted by a list of esteemed local and national talent, the festival features more than 30 shows a day! Audiences are treated to a wide variety of amazing songs and the people and stories behind them as groups of songwriters from all across the US play “in-the-round,” Nashville-style. This year, they’re offering people an up-close and personal chance to see, hear, and get to know some of the very talented performers who have a deep love of the art of songwriting! Put plainly; the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival is all about finely-crafted songs, and the talented folks who have written them!
Gruene Music and Wine Festival
TBA
Gruene Historic District New Braunfels, TX 78130
The Gruene Music & Wine Fest began as a one-day event in 1986 with the purpose of promoting Texas and Americana music in a fun and relaxed setting while raising funds for the United Way of Comal County. Over the years, it has become a four-day celebration not only of Texas and Americana music, but also a celebration of wine, craft beer, food and gift items handmade in the Lone Star state! All the proceeds of the event will benefit the local United Way, a charity whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people in Comal County by generating resources to meet the needs of the community.
Leander Bluegrass Festival
TBA
1101 S Bagdad Rd, Leander, TX 78641
The city of Leander will be hosting their thirteenth annual Leander Bluegrass Festival next to the Mason Homestead located at 1101 S. Bagdad Road. The best part about this event is that it’s FREE and will be featuring live music performances by local musicians, there will be plenty of concessions, super fun children’s activities, and a variety of vendors! This is the perfect event to come out with your family and friends!
November
Wurstfest
November 6- November 15
178 Landa Park Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Celebrate Fredericksburg’s German heritage at Located near the headwaters of the beautiful Comal River in New Braunfels, Wurstfest is the best ten days in sausage history! Join Wurstfest for a unique annual celebration rich in German and Bavarian culture! You’ll be able to enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German and Texan domestic beers, special events, and more!
Pfall Chili Fest
November 7
100 East Main St, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Join the city of Pflugerville for their 13th annual Pfall Chili Pfest. There are many activities to participate at the festival such as tasting the best chili, voting for your favorite, sampling the chili at any of the booths, seeing some of the hottest cars and trucks in Central Texas (classic cars, hot rods, convertibles and more), and eating as many jalapeño peppers as you can! There will also be a live music performance by Blind Innocence. The winners of the jalapeño eating contest will receive a cash prize and bragging rights! Let’s not forget about the live music, food and drink vendors and a kid’s area!
Austin Powwow
November 7
7311 Decker Ln, Austin, TX 78724
The Austin Powwow is a social gathering where many different Native American communities come together for the largest one day powwow in the country. For over 25 years, this unique Austin event has featured hundreds of Native American dancers, singers, musicians, artists, and craftsmen. Family, friends, food, art, and culture are enjoyed throughout the day. The songs and dances are disciplined art forms that are not only based on ancient traditions but are also living cultural expressions of creativity and innovation. Thousands of visitors have the opportunity to share in this exciting cultural experience!
Texas Monthly BBQ Fest
TBA
701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Unveil Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas by enjoying live music, food, and drinks! Join them for a great weekend deep in the heart of Texas for a delicious feast from more than twenty of the best ‘cue restaurants in the country! Some of the featured BBQ joints include Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue, Micklethwait Craft Meats, Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew, Terry Black’s Barbecue, Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ and much more! Festival-goers will relax on the lawn and enjoy music, sweet treats, cold beer, cocktails, interactive games with sponsors, and all of the smoked goodness they can handle.
Austin Mac & Cheese Festival 2020
TBA
701 Dalton Ln, Austin, TX 78742
The distinctively American, incredibly versatile, and unapologetically cheesiest dish everyone loves is back for the cheesiest food festival in Austin. Mac & Cheese is the reigning heavyweight champion of savory indulgence, and they’re celebrating its cheesy glory at the 4th annual Austin Mac & Cheese Festival! Enjoy mac & cheese tastings from some of Austin’s top chefs, eateries and food trucks (LORO, Micklethwait Craft Meats, The Original Black’s BBQ, Jewhungry, COVER 3 and more), as they battle it out to see who slings the best mac & cheese in town. Attendees will have the chance to vote on their favorite selections in the ultimate Mac & Cheese showdown!
18th Annual Paella Lovers United Cookoff
TBA
18301 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619
Welcome to the wonderful world of Paella. Paella Lovers United is an Austin based group that loves Paella and holds an annual cookoff and festival each fall. They welcome you to join in on all the fun! This year will mark their 18th annual cookoff with each year getting better and more dynamic. This is an outdoor event; rain or shine. Camping is available for those wishing to make it a weekend event! The competition starts at 12:30 and runs until sunset. During that time, you will have the opportunity to see and taste the many paellas being made by their competing teams. You can also enjoy a great selection of tapas (Spanish appetizers) while listening to and watching live Flamenco music and dance!
EAST Austin Studio Tour
TBA
916 Springdale Rd Bldg 2 #101, Austin, TX 78702
EAST, a program of Big Medium, is a nonprofit organization, a self-guided art event that gives opportunities for local artists and artisans to show their creative side and expand their reach to future patrons. The self-guided tour takes place over two weekends in November and leads visitors through home and commercial studios, galleries, special exhibitions, installations, and art-themed parties! The event also features an opening party, a special culinary event with local chefs, competitions, educational programs and more.
Austin International Drag Festival
TBA
Multiple Locations
The 6th annual Austin International Drag Festival is back and more fierce than ever! Austin is now the center of the Drag Universe as hundreds of Drag Artists from all over the world descend to entertain thousands of Drag fans. Each artist will be displaying their greatest talents for your education and entertainment. So come out and watch your favorite drag queens perform, meet your favorite drag queens, shop for merch, eat amazing food, and more!
Bloody Mary Festival
TBA
1100 E 5th St, Austin, TX 7870
From SOCO to East Austin, The Bloody Mary Liberation Party scoured ATX for the craftiest and most delicious Bloody Marys, calling the event the Sunday Funday Brunch Party! Sip on Austin’s most creative and innovative Bloody Marys, created by the finest restaurants and bars around; eat yummy food and drink tastes from local companies; temp tattoos; photo ops and more! Restaurants participating are South Congress Cafe, Snooze, an AM Eatery, Z Tejas, Pitchfork Pretty, The Pickle House, Hillside Farmacy, Demitri’s Bloody Mary Seasoning, The Bloody Buddy, 1934 BBQ, Big Bayou Bloody Mary Mix, Bloody Revolution, and Hill Country Distillers. Proceeds benefit the Boneshaker Project, helping keep local kids active and healthy.
Wizard World Comic Con
TBA
500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
Join the Austin Convention Center for Wizard World Comic Con Austin! This festival features opportunities to explore movies, comics, toys, video gaming, games, TV, anime, manga, horror, wrestling, MMA, original art, collectibles, and more! This year’s lineup is TBA!
Austin Celtic Festival
TBA
10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, Austin, TX 78754
The largest gathering of Celts in Central Texas returns for its 23rd Annual Celtic Fest! The Austin Celtic Festival is internationally acclaimed as one of the few remaining festivals that celebrate the authentic music honed by the Celtic people. The Austin Celtic Festival goes beyond gimmicks to highlight traditions and achievements in a way that reminds audiences of the extraordinary craftsmanship and study that made places like Ireland and Scotland leaders in folk music and dance. Austin Celtic Festival is a friendly family event, is fun for all ages and opened to all!
Austin Tequila Fest
TBA
9041 Research Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78758
Come out and enjoy the 10th Annual Austin Tequila Fest! Savor and taste many 100% de agave tequilas, mezcals, and other agave spirits to taste and challenge your palate, move to the sounds of Latin music and witness cultural dances, and dance and enjoy live music while embracing the spirits of Mexico and cultural dances from local Austin Dance Schools. You can also savor cuisine pairings from Central Mexico and local food vendors, get festive with professional face painters, support local shops and play fun yard games and celebrate Dia De Los Muertos!
Austin Area Jazz Festival
TBA
600 River St, Austin, TX 78701
Austin Area Jazz Festival specializes in bringing a diverse culture of art, music, and entertainment to the forefront. Their events showcase national and local musical lineups that continue to surpass even their own expectations! Each year they deliver events that not only entertain but also inspire generations of artists and fans. Through AAJF’s annual celebrations, they strive to build positive relationships with all of the artists who participate, and our community, all while putting on spectacular shows! The result is always a great show and a musical experience that is second to none!
December
Austin’s New Year’s Eve
December 31
900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Bring in the New Year with a free, fun, and family-friendly celebration! Austin’s New Year will transform Vic Mathias Shores into a wonderland of music, art, special performances, and of course, Austin’s legendary food favorites, as the community closes out 2020. The New Year’s Eve event, hosted by the City of Austin, kicks off at 3 pm on December 31st, culminating with a fireworks extravaganza at 10 pm! This year’s event will feature great music on two stages, 15 local and regional bands, food trucks, kid’s activities, and multiple art installations!
Winter Wonderland
TBA
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617
Winter Wonderland at the Circuit is back and brighter than ever! This year will feature The World Famous Chinese Lantern Festival, a remarkable display of illuminated sculptures, each hand-crafted using a tradition that extends back centuries. The lanterns are created using steel frames surrounded by colorful rayon “skins” and illuminated from within by LED lights. It’s a wondrous cultural experience for people of all ages! Also featured this year will be Texas’ largest outdoor Ice Skating Rink, the Tunnel of Lights, Trips to the top of the North Pole, Carnival Rides, Camel Rides, Singing Trees, a Petting Zoo, Santa’s Workshop, a Live Music Stage and much more holiday fun for everyone!
Other Worlds Film Festival
TBA
6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752
Other Worlds Austin is Austin’s One-and-Only Science Fiction Film Festival and one of the premier SciFi Film Festivals in the US, championing filmmakers and writers and bringing the best films to the Geek Capital of the World. With a diverse and approachable team of programmers, we are building a network of SciFi fans and filmmakers, leading a loyal community, and launching SciFi films into the wider world.
6th Annual Festival of Texas Fiddling
TBA
6720 US-281, Blanco, TX 78606
Texas has the most diverse fiddle traditions of any state in the union! Along with all that fiddling comes some of the best dance traditions anywhere, from polka to the Texas two-step. The Festival of Texas Fiddling is the first and only festival that brings all of the great traditions of fiddling in the state together in a truly historic Texas dance hall. Old-Time, Western Swing, Country, Texas Polish, Cajun, Creole, Tejano, Son Huasteco, blues are all the styles of fiddling in the state and will be at the Festival of Texas Fiddling! Come out and enjoy a day full of fiddling and dancing!
AMV Fest
TBA
Multiple Locations
For the 6th annual AMV Fest, they’ve handpicked 100+ weird and wildly entertaining music videos from around the world for you to experience. There are some fabulous ways to experience these weird and wild music videos through the magic of the silver screen, a pajama party, and VR! Let your freak flag fly high inside this one-of-a-kind music video festival!
The Austin Cocktail Fest
TBA
305 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Treat yourself to a fun, unique cocktail experience at the Austin American Statesman. Shake Stir Sip is a unique cocktail festival featuring 20 different cocktails from Austin’s best Mixologists. The event was created to give the cocktail lover a new way to enjoy his or her favorite spirit. Curated with Award Winning Mixologists, Shake Stir Sip is guaranteed to be one of your favorite events. Whether you’re dancing to a new tune or eating a new treat, this event will leave you in a social utopia!
