Discover the packed calendar of Austin's top annual events. As the Live Music Capital of the World®, the city offers year-round excitement. Click into the bi-monthly guides for the city's top experiences, including world-famous music festivals, high-octane sports events, family-friendly holiday fun, and essential film and art gatherings.
Kick off the winter season with the brightest Austin events! December is packed with festive holiday cheer, from dazzling light displays at Mozart's Festival of Lights to beloved traditions like Ballet Austin's "The Nutcracker" and the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar for unique local shopping. Say goodbye to the year with the free, family-friendly celebration at Austin's New Year on Auditorium Shores, complete with fireworks over downtown. Then, keep the party going in January with Free Week—a major Red River Cultural District music festival where hundreds of local bands play for free across multiple venues. For Austin sports fans, January also brings major road races like the Austin International Half Marathon.
The Austin event scene heats up as winter fades. February brings major Austin sports events like the Austin Marathon and the vibrant cultural celebration of Carnaval Brasileiro. But the real marquee action starts in March with the arrival of the globally renowned SXSW Conference & Festivals (South by Southwest), dominating Downtown Austin with film, music, and innovative tech. The spring excitement continues with the professional tennis of the ATX Open, high-octane NASCAR at COTA (Circuit of The Americas), and the tradition of Rodeo Austin at the Travis County Expo Center, complete with concerts and livestock shows.
Experience the best of Austin's spring weather with massive outdoor gatherings and beloved local traditions. April is a hub for arts and culture, including the multi-disciplinary Fusebox Festival, the reggae rhythms of Austin Reggae Fest at Auditorium Shores, and the stunning aerial displays of the ABC Kite Fest at Zilker Park. The festivities continue into May with the unique, eclectic Eeyore's Annual Birthday Party in Pease Park and the star-studded comedy lineup of the Moontower Comedy Festival across various venues. Don't miss a chance to see some of the state's best runners at the Statesman Cap10K race through Downtown Austin.
As the heat rises, Austin moves to the water and into the air-conditioning for summer fun. While these months traditionally feature fewer large-scale signature events, there is no shortage of local shows, live music, and outdoor activities. June is a great time to explore Lake Travis events or catch a touring show at a major venue. July's highlight is the 4th of July celebration, often featuring a spectacular fireworks display over Lady Bird Lake with the Austin Symphony Orchestra—a must-see local event. Look for free, classic entertainment under the stars with the Zilker Summer Musical series.
Wrap up summer and ease into fall with unique Austin events. August is the height of bat season and the perfect time to celebrate the city's unofficial mascot at Bat Fest on the Congress Avenue Bridge as 1.5 million bats take flight. As the weather cools, September brings lively celebrations with Central Texas Oktoberfest events and big-screen action with the aGLIFF Prism Film Festival. Don't miss the free, popular Blues on the Green concert series in Zilker Park.
As the year starts to wrap, Austin's event calendar is packed with some of the biggest names in sports, music, and film. October is dominated by the massive ACL Music Festival over two weekends in Zilker Park, and the high-speed thrills of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas. Then, in November, film and literature take center stage with the esteemed Austin Film Festival and the Texas Book Festival—attracting authors and readers to the Capitol grounds. For holiday shoppers, A Christmas Affair offers premier retail therapy.
Ready to explore what's happening? For places to stay and dining options near the biggest event venues, we've got everything to make your trip extraordinary.
