Upcoming Events in Austin
March 2020 Events
GT World Challenge America
March 6th - March 8th
The GT World Challenge America will return to COTA to open their 2020 season. The 90-minute SprintX style format provides racing fans with some of the most exhilarating competition in the motorsports world. For the sixth time at COTA, GT World Challenge America will bring an action-packed weekend with roaring engines from seven different manufacturers as drivers go door to door in a highly competitive series! Click here for more details.
38th Annual Austin Music Awards
March 11th
The Society for the Preservation of Texas Music and The Austin Chronicle are proud to present the 38th annual Austin Music Awards at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. Hosted by comedian Chris Cubas, and 2019 Best Guitarist winner, Jackie Venson. Founded in 1983 by The Austin Chronicle, Austin Music Awards annually recognizes the accomplishments of local artists and industry professionals who have forged Austin’s international music reputation. Click here for more details.
South by southwest 2020
March 13th - March 22nd
If you want to stay in Austin this spring break, then head out to SXSW! The South by Southwest 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! Click here for more details.
Austin Home & Garden Show
March 27th - March 29th
The Austin Home & Garden Show is a vibrant marketplace where you can shop for home-related products and services, experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals. With hundreds of booths to explore and several unique feature displays to enjoy, this is a valuable event for all Austin homeowners! Click here for more details.
Blanton Block Party
March 28th
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! Click here for more details.
Mighty Texas Dog Walk
March 28th
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. Click here for more details.
Zilker Kite Festival
March 29th
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! Click here for more details.
February 2020 Events
Gary Clark Jr. at acl live
February 6th
Voices for Justice is the signature fundraising event for Proclaim Justice, Inc., a 501(c)(3) dedicated to winning freedom for inmates who are factually innocent of the crimes for which they were convicted. All proceeds from the event will support winning freedom for innocent victims who are falsely imprisoned. Click here for more details.
Jo’s Coffee Chili Cook-off
February 9th
Join Jo’s Coffee for their 15th Annual Chili Cook-Off benefitting Urban Roots Farm. The event supports non-profit groups addressing hunger issues locally and draws amateur and professional culinary talent into a fierce battle for the prized trophy chili pot. Entry is free, so enjoy the day and listen to some great live music! Chili tasting wristbands are $25 and are available day of. Winner’s will be announced at 3 pm, so get your vote in early! Click here for more details.
Excused absence comedy festival
February 15th - February 17th
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! Click here for more details.
Austin Marathon
February 16th
The 2020 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K presented by Under Armour will fill Austin’s streets with more than 20,000 runners! Runners will race along open roads that pass iconic landmarks and enjoy miles of Austin unique neighborhoods such as SoCo district and Hyde Park and get greeted by cheering crowds as you close in on the finish line in front of the Texas State Capitol on historic Congress Ave! Click here for more details.
OUTsider 2020
February 19th - February 23rd
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. Click here for more details.
VEGANChill Fest
February 23rd
Come out for Veganchill Fest, the biggest Adult Vegan Party in Texas! There will be Slow-flow yoga 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 Texas! Click here for more details.
Austin oyster Festival
February 29th
Austin Oyster Festival presents a variety of Gulf and East Coast oysters prepared in nearly every way imaginable! 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! Click here for more details.
January 2020 Events
Home & Garden Show 2020
January 10th - January 12th
The Austin Home & Garden Show is a vibrant marketplace where you can shop for home-related products and services, experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals. Click for more details.
Get Fit 2020 with Ballet Austin
January 12th
Ballet Austin is going to help you make healthy choices, and renew and revive your health and fitness goals. This is your opportunity to try a variety of fitness and conditioning classes, try the Pilates reformer, learn more about living healthy, visit with local health and wellness experts in their exhibit area, sample healthy foods, hear presentations from experts in the field, and have fun! Click for more details.
Star Of Texas Tattoo Art Revival
January 14th - February 14th
FronteraFest is back for the 27th season 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. Click for more details.
3m half marathon
January 19th
Join over 7,500 fellow runners in Austin to run a personal best at the 3M Half Marathon! 3M Half is a fun and fast stand-alone half marathon boasting one of the fastest half marathon courses in the country. You’ll enjoy a point-to-point course with mostly downhill running that takes you past some of Austin’s finest locations and finishes downtown near the Texas State Capitol. Click for more details.
hi how are you day 2020
January 22nd
Hi How Are You day 2020 is the third annual celebration of the life and legacy of the late great Daniel Johnston is both a tribute and a call to action to remove the stigma around mental health and to encourage conversations about well-being. The lineup includes Cage The Elephant, White Denim, Jason Falkner, Tunde Adebimpe (TV on the Radio), Katie Schecter, and more to be announced soon! Click for more details.
margarita bar crawl austin
January 25th
Bar Crawl Unlimited is a small business that has one goal; create memories that will last a lifetime! Their events are immensely popular, but for this theme, they will keep the numbers lower to enhance the experience of the ticket holders. Click for more details.
Star Of Texas Tattoo Art Revival
January 31st - February 2nd
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! Click for more details.
December 2019 Events
ZACH Theatre Presents:
"A Christmas Carol"
November 20th - December 29th
"A Christmas Carol" is back to ring in the holidays! This rockin' show provides a modern twist on the classic tale. In fact, this show has proven to be such a hit among locals and visitors that it is the most popular show in the theatre's history. Click for more details.
Mozart’s Christmas Light Show
November 21st – January 5th
Mozart’s Christmas Light Show has become an annual tradition for many Austinites. Every year, they decorate the deck with over 1 million LED lights and set up a show to some favorite holiday tunes. Admission is free and there is no assigned seating, so bring the whole crew and enjoy! Click for more details.
Ice Skating at Whole Foods
November 23rd - January 21st
Austin ice skating has returned to the rooftop plaza at Whole Foods Market’s flagship store for its 13th season. Enjoy this festive, wintry activity at the landmark location on North Lamar Boulevard between 5th and 6th Streets. It is real ice, so Austinites can relive childhood memories or introduce their own children to this strange, frozen substance we don’t see much of in Austin. Click for more details.
Ballet Austin's "The Nutcracker"
December 7th - 22nd
Ballet Austin kicks off the season with the 57th annual production of "The Nutcracker." This family-friendly show brings a fresh experience to the beloved holiday tradition. Click for more details.
Austin Trail of Lights
December 10th-23rd
The 55th Annual Trail of Lights is part of the essential Austin experience, lighting up the season with a celebration of community, memories and fun. The annual Tree Lighting ceremony will be held in November, then the 5k fun run will kick off the spectacular season in early December. Plan your visit early and don't forget to take a spin under the Zilker Tree! Click for more details.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
December 13th-24th
The Palmer Events Center hosts The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, which makes holiday shopping fun with nearly 200 artists and makers, live music daily, interactive activities, local food and two full bars.
Austin's New Year
December 31st
Auditorium Shores hosts this alcohol-free, family-friendly event celebrates the diversity and creativity of the city with visual art installations, jugglers, storytellers, fire dancers and other festive performances. Click for more details.
November 2019 Events
Formula 1
November 1st - 3rd
International drivers will be in Austin this November to compete in the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas track. This event promises three days of racing, camping, live music events and more. Click for more details.
Wurstfest
November 1st - 10th
Wurstfest is a unique annual celebration rich in German Culture and full of Texas fun! Located near the headwaters of the beautiful Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas! Here you’ll enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German, Texan and domestic beer, special events and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian Style Entertainment. Click for more details.
Austin Tequila Fest
November 2nd
The Austin Tequila Fest is a cultural experience where agave lovers, enthusiasts, novices, and connoisseurs gather to learn, taste, and enjoy many 100% de Agave spirits including Tequila, Mezcal, and Sotol. Two ticket options available for VIP and General Admission. Click for more details.
East Austin Studio Tour
November 16th - 17th
Big Medium’s East Austin Studio Tour (EAST) is a free, annual, self‑guided art event spanning two weekends in November. EAST provides opportunities for the public to meet the artists of Austin in their creative spaces. Click for more details.
ThunderCloud Subs’ Turkey Trot
November 28th
The ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot, one of Austin’s most beloved Thanksgiving traditions, started in 1991 with just a handful of volunteers and 600 participants. Today it has grown to be the largest 5 mile run in Texas, with more than 700 volunteers and over 20,000 participants from all over the U.S. and beyond. What a great way to work up a Thanksgiving-sized appetite. Click for more details.
Austin Area Jazz Festival
November 29th - 30th
Located at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. Join the Austin Area Jazz Fest for a celebration of music, culture, diversity and the arts. Enjoy entertainment from top-tier local and national jazz musicians, be wowed by talented visual artists and enjoy an extraordinary weekend of live music and fun. Click for more details.
Chuy’s Christmas Parade
November 30th
This spirited holiday parade features a procession of giant balloons, marching bands, vintage cars, celebrities and floats to usher in the season of giving. Benefiting Operation Blue Santa so Bring New, Unwrapped Toys to Donate! At a designated time during the Parade Procession, all units will stop to collect the toys. Santa's Helpers will line the parade route and help spectators give their toy. All the toys will be distributed by the Operation Blue Santa Program to another child just in time for the holidays. Click for more details.
October 2019 Events
Austin City Limits music Festival
October 4th - 6th & 11th - 13th
ACL Festival takes place at Zilker Park in Austin, and has grown to 2 weekends, 8 stages and over 130 bands. One of the country's largest celebrations of music, this six-day festival brings the magic of the famed public TV series Austin City Limits outside the studio and into Austin's most beloved park with more than 140 musical acts on eight stages over two weekends. Click for more details.
Gruene Music & wine Festival
October 11th - 13th
The Gruene Music & Wine Fest is 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. Click for more details.
Austin Oktoberfest 2019
October 12th, from 11:00am to 7:00pm
The German-Texan Heritage Society brings one of the most authentic Oktoberfest in town. We’re located in the heart of the Red River Cultural District where you will find one of Austin’s best kept secrets, the German Free School. Our family friendly event offers a lot of kids activities.And of course German food and drinks. Click for more details.
Austin Fermentation Festival
October 20th, from 10:00am to 4:00pm
The Austin Fermentation Festival is a free educational event that celebrates all things fermented in Central Texas. Join us for a day filled with workshops focused on fermented foods, an expanded farmers’ market with a focus on fermented products, specialty dishes from local chefs that feature fermented ingredients, live music and a silent auction with prizes from wonderful local businesses! Click for more details.
Austin Film Festival
October 24th - 31st
Austin Film Festival showcases an outstanding program of narrative, animation and documentary features and shorts, including premieres, advanced screenings, and independent films. Click for more details.
Austin Lobster Festival
October 26th, from 12:00p to 8:00p
The Austin Lobster Festival provides Fresh Live Maine Lobster, prepared to mouth-watering perfection. You can also dance away the calories to a variety of popular artists throughout the day on the dance floor, enjoy tasty eats in the food tent, take a Free Souvenir E-Photo, sip on adult beverages (beer, wine, specialty drinks — infamous Signature drinks and Margaritas), and play lawn games. There is something for everyone, including kids! Click for more details.
Viva la Vida Festival
October 26th, from 12:00p to 6:00p
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. Click for more details.
September 2019 Events
Austin Oktoberfest
September 28th, from 5:00pm to 11:00pm
The Austin Saengerrunde will open its doors to 7th Annual AustOberfest (Austin + Oktoberfest) celebrating Central Texas German heritage with German-style sausage, lots of bier, contest stage, bowling and live music. Click for more details.
Pecan Street Festival
September 21st, from 11:00am to 10:00pm & September 22nd, from 11:00am to 8:00pm
The Pecan Street Festival is a free two-day arts festival held twice yearly in downtown Austin’s Sixth Street Historic District. Taking place the first Saturday & Sunday in May and the last Saturday & Sunday in September, the juried festival attracts hundreds of local and national artisans offering original handcrafted creations in a variety of mediums, from metal, wood, fiber, clay, leather, glass and stone to repurposed materials of all kinds. Click for more details.
Austin Margarita Festival
September 14th, from 12:00pm to 8:00pm
This year, the Austin Margarita Festival will grace the downtown area, just across the Congress Avenue Bridge, on the Austin American-Statesman’s riverside property. The 21+, one day event is a reflection of Austin’s plethora of eclectic styles and artistry, only this diversity shows through in the 20+ Margarita Flavors, including the Bourbon St. Hurricane, Grapefruit Groupie and Jalapeno Pepper. Click for more details.
International Music Festival
September 7th, from 12:30pm to 5:15pm & September 8th, from 12:30pm to 6:15 pm
Texas Music Museum’s 9th International Music Festival features diverse and accomplished Texas artists who perform authentic international–specific song, music and dance to promote appreciation of music and traditions from many cultures that are now part of the Austin and Texas ethnic fabric, including Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, the Indian sub-continent, Latin/Central/South Americas, and the Middle East. Click for more details.
Babes Fest
September 5th - 9th
Babes Fest is an annual convening of minds in Austin, Texas, celebrating and amplifying women and nonbinary artists. As a weekend-long exhibition, our performances, panels, pop-up markets, film screenings and networking hours span music, film, art, creative education and comedy. Click for more details.
Zilker Relays
September 6th at 6:30pm
The Zilker Relays is a 10-mile race with teams comprised of 4 runners. Each participant runs a 2.5 mile loop from one central festival/transition area. The team concept of the Zilker Relays is not unique, but the combination of a relay, festival home base, drinks and music, make this experience a favorite for runners of all calibers and ages. You don't have to train like a marathoner for this one. All you have to do is be willing to run/jog/walk/stroll 2.5 miles, enjoy live music and great food and get 3 of your siblings/kids/buddies/colleagues to come join you for this one of a kind running experience. Click for more details.
Out of bounds comedy Festival
August 27th to September 2nd
The Out of Bounds Comedy Festival (OoB) is a live performance festival that showcases the best in improv, sketch and standup. OoB is Austin's longest-running comedy festival and the largest multi-disciplinary comedy festival in the south. Click for more details.