The best events and festivals in Austin

Starts the weekend of the first week of the year
Various venues

Kick the new year and your new budget goals off right with a whole week of free live shows during the aptly named Free Week. Started as a way to get people into venues, it continues to be a means to amass newfound fans for local and regional bands. While there are always several shows during the week, the weekend is even busier with additional parties and promotions to send off the first week of the year.

All these shows are free, but don’t worry, the bands still get paid (of course, you’ll still need to pay for any drinks you order).

Mid-to-late-March
Rodeo Arena

Part concert series, part fairgrounds, part chance to finally say this isn’t your first rodeo, come out for an opportunity to take part in an iconic aspect of Texan culture. The Rodeo Austin is a cowboy experience featuring livestock and live music across multiple days, accompanied by a carnival filled with games and rides. Break out (or in) your boots and get your steps in during a bucking good time.

Tickets include access to the fairgrounds and concert series. For those who wish to visit the fairgrounds, a separate ticket is available at a reduced cost.

Mid-March
Downtown Austin

There’s a reason you’ve heard of this one. The entertainment and tech worlds flock to Austin every spring for a week of concerts, premieres, actors and activations at South by Southwest. With panels hosted by the best in their field (and even a history of past and would-be presidential figures), studios showcasing their latest and greatest content, and brands pushing the boundaries of guerrilla marketing, it’s an unforgettable experience that people remember to book in advance year after year.

To get in, you’ll need to (or convince your employer to) pay for a badge. Badges cover Innovation, Film & TV, and Music. Each gets primary access to their respective events, whereas the platinum badge grants a broad range of primary access. Want a badge for free? Volunteer!

Mid-April
Various theaters and comedy clubs

For two weeks, comedians take over multiple clubs and theaters across the city (including a main stage at the Paramount). From names you know to names you’ll leave wanting to remember, this is an absolute showcase of the comedic field as stars and up-and-comers take these stages. Even podcasts come out to record live episodes, providing a chance to see your favorite voices in person.

While badges can get you into multiple shows, if only a handful of acts on the long lineup appeal to you, single tickets are available as well

Last Saturday of April
Pease Park

An old Austin tradition still going strong despite the constant waves of change, this vestige of the city’s hippie roots keeps the bohemian spirit alive. Eeyore’s Birthday is less about the fictional character and more about the reality of maintaining the free spirit of the city, as guests are invited to this parkwide picnic. Bands play, drum circles are formed and plenty of freak flags fly. Go in with an open mind and open arms to receive the free hugs, and walk away with a deeper connection to the soul of Austin.

Free to attend, guests of the famously depressed donkey are encouraged to share donations to the hosts, the Friends of the Forest Foundation. Through the funds raised at this festival, they continue to support local nonprofits across town.

First Saturday of June
Downtown Austin

This isn’t your typical Pride parade. Queerbomb is an inclusive and queer radical expressionist parade every June, focusing on keeping the activism alive for the LGBTQ+ community. Leaving no letter unaddressed as political forces target specific corners of the community, Queerbomb is a lively and free-to-attend celebration, free from corporate influences, allowing for complete freedom of expression for every attendee.

Free to attend, though as a grassroots organization that relies on donations and volunteer work, Queerbomb welcomes whatever attendees can provide to keep the rebellious spirit alive.

Early August
Zilker Park

As the summer slows down, smooth, somber tones fill the air in Zilker every year during Blues on the Green. The park’s great lawn transforms into a massive evening picnic as festivalgoers lay out gingham blankets and pour wine for an evening of Austin-based artists on stage during the sunset. Performances by country, folk, rock and large Latin ensembles accompany the blues bands for a diverse sound every summer.

Free to attend, but prepare to spend on some of the local food vendors when you realize you need more than the cheese and crackers you packed.

Late May (Memorial Day Weekend)
Downtown Austin

Concentrating the out-of-this-world culinary talents of the city into one weekend-long foodie festival, Hot Luck is the can’t-miss meal of Memorial Day. Started by brisket legend Aaron Franklin, Mohawk bar owner James Moody and the cofounder of Feast Portland, Mike Thelin, this trio continues to bring in the greatest hits of Austin chefs, along with musical acts to spice things up. If there’s ever been a chance to taste what makes this city a food destination, Hot Luck is it.

Tickets range from $15 to $595, depending on their access to key events. Whole Enchilada tickets provide full access, along with exclusive events.

First and second weekend in October
Zilker Park

If spring belongs to SXSW, then fall belongs to ACL. Prominent names in music come into the city’s limits and park it in Zilker for two weekends’ worth of live acts. Every year, the lineup consists of a blend of genres and fame levels that have seen future megastars take smaller stages before blowing up alongside chart toppers, sending off the evening during the sunset shows. With six days of live music over two weeks, there’s a reason locals keep coming back—even after inevitably complaining about the latest lineup.

Wristbands vary in price depending on the access, ranging from single-day wristbands to weekend passes. There are also tiered wristbands that come with lounges and perks for those who need a bit more glamor during this glamping-esque music festival.

Mid-to-late-September
Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar

A love letter to genre films, Fantastic Fest is Alamo Drafthouse’s own festival dedicated to horror, sci-fi, fantasy, action and cult films. Entirely held at their theater on South Lamar, festival goers can get comfortable knowing they’re never far from the next screening of the latest horror hit, the premiere of the next great show or a rewatch of a recently uncovered cult classic. Come for the chance to hear from actors, directors and writers, but stay for the opportunity to connect with fellow film fanatics during the various parties and surprise screenings.

Badges come with various levels of access and price points, starting with the Second Half badge. This most affordable option only offers screenings during the second half of the festival, to the Cult Member badge. Opt for an all-access badge for all eight days and early access to reserve seats for screenings.

Late September
Various East Austin Bars

You might have done a bar crawl before, but never one like this. Like something out of a sitcom, the East Side Mini Open sees several neighborhood bars set up their own challenging mini golf holes for an open tournament. Whether solo or in a group, players are provided putters and balls at each location and only have to worry about keeping their scores between each bar.

Tickets are typically $45 per person to access all 12 courses, but if you want to watch the fun from the sidelines, it’s still free to visit each bar.

Mid-October
Circuit of Americas

For three days, Formula 1 brings a world-class racing event to the Circuit of the Americas with the United States Grand Prix. The glitz and glamor of a Grand Prix mingle under the Texan sun as potential racing champs zip around the track. There’s also the star-studded lineup at the Germania Amphitheater, situated alongside the racetrack, that elevates the party atmosphere to the next level after each race.

Tickets range from single-day admission, including the post-race performance, to three-day admission bands for the complete experience.

Early November
Waterloo Greenway

As the nights get longer, come out and see the creek glow. Every November, the Waterloo Greenway and AIA Austin commission local architects and artists to design interactive light installations carefully integrated into the creek’s landscape for the Creek Show. Wander along the trail and encounter larger-than-life installations. No two Creek Shows are the same, as both the theme and artworks change for each new year.

While a ticketed event, there are typically plenty of free nights available during weekdays. During busier periods, there is also an option to skip the line for those willing to pay an extra fee.

Typically starts in December
West 37th Street

While most cities have a “Candy Cane Lane” with the expected holiday decor, none have what Austin does on 37th Street. Every holiday season, these neighbors come out and showcase their truly unique light displays, adding an Austin twist to the festivities. Expect the unexpected as each house invites passersby to rethink what holiday decor can be, such as aliens, dinosaurs and a stuffed animal petting zoo, and enjoy the slow pace of the street as crowds linger and mingle on the sidewalks.

Essentially a free, multi-week-long block party, all that’s asked of guests is to be mindful of not parking on the street, not trying to enter a stranger’s house uninvited and to vote in the cat mayor elections.

December
Zilker Park

A long-running local tradition, Zilker Park shines with holiday spirit every year during the Austin Trail of Lights. Instead of simply driving through, visitors walk along the 1.25 miles of lights, allowing them to take their time (and photos) with each festive display. A holiday village is set up in the middle of the park and typically hosts seasonal shops and attractions; the Ferris wheel offers a high vantage point for taking in the illuminated sights.

A ticketed event, they do offer several free nights, but keep in mind that the crowds tend to be bigger during those nights.