9 Events and Festivals in Austin Every Local, Newcomer, and Visitor Should Check Out
Austin, Texas, is known for many things: live music, food, and a thriving tech industry, to name a few. But another aspect of Austin’s unique cultural scene that can’t be overlooked is its abundance of festivals. From music and film to food and art, there seems to be a festival for just about every interest in Austin. These events draw in visitors from all over the country, providing a platform for local and regional talent and showcasing the city’s diverse spirit. Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment in Austin or are looking for a home in the area on Redfin, exploring the festivals in Austin is a must-do activity. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular and unique festivals in Austin, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant festival scene.
1. South by Southwest (SXSW)
South by Southwest (SXSW) is a popular annual festival and conference typically held in March. The event is one of the largest of its kind in the world, and attracts attendees from across the globe. SXSW is comprised of three main components: Interactive, Film, and Music. The Interactive portion of the festival features panels, workshops, and presentations on a variety of topics related to technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Film portion showcases a diverse selection of independent and international films, as well as premieres and special screenings. The Music portion of the festival features over 2,000 artists from a variety of genres, performing on stages throughout the city.
2. Austin Film Festival
The Austin Film Festival (AFF) is an annual event that showcases a unique selection of films from around the world, including feature-length movies, documentaries, shorts, and animations. The festival also features panels, workshops, and discussions with industry professionals for filmmakers and film enthusiasts to learn and connect.
3. Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL)
Held in October, The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival features a diverse lineup of over 100 music artists from various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, country, and more. The event is held over two consecutive weekends and attracts over 400,000 attendees from around the world. In addition to music, the festival also offers a variety of food and drink vendors, as well as interactive activities and art installations.
4. Austin Food & Wine Festival
Usually taking place in April, The Austin Food and Wine Festival is an annual event that celebrates the city’s vibrant culinary scene and features a variety of food and drink vendors, cooking demonstrations, and tastings. The festival showcases the work of local and national chefs, where attendees can sample and taste delicious food and cuisine.
5. Austin Marathon & Half Marathon
The Austin Marathon and Half Marathon attracts thousands of runners from around the world who come to test their limits on the challenging and scenic course. The marathon course takes runners on a tour of some of Austin’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods, including Lady Bird Lake, the University of Texas campus, and the vibrant downtown area. In addition to the main races, the event also includes a 5K and a Kid’s K.
6. Bat Fest
Bat Fest celebrates the city’s iconic bat colony, which is one of the largest urban bat populations in North America. The festival features live music, food and drink vendors, and a variety of activities and attractions. One of the main attractions of the Bat Fest is the bat colony emergence, which takes place at sunset in which millions of Mexican free-tailed bats take flight from under the Congress Avenue Bridge, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
7. ABC Kite Fest
The ABC Kite Fest is an annual event held in Austin, Texas, typically in March. The festival is a celebration of the simple joy of flying kites, and features a variety of kite-related activities and attractions for all ages. One of the highlights of the festival is the kite flying contest, which includes a variety of categories such as best homemade kite, most colorful kite, and highest-flying kite. The festival also features kite-making workshops, live music performances, food and drink vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The ABC Kite Fest is a unique and inclusive event that brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the thrill of kite flying. The festival also supports local non-profits, and has become an important cultural and community-building event for the city of Austin.
8. Eeyore’s Birthday Party
Inspired by the character Eeyore from A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh series, Eeyore’s Birthday Party features live music, food and drink vendors, and a variety of activities, including costume contests, face painting, and drum circles, and celebrates the anticipation of spring. The highlight of the festival is the traditional “Eeyore’s Birthday Cake.” The festival has a playful and carefree atmosphere, and is known for its inclusivity and acceptance of all people.
9. Texas Monthly BBQ Fest
The Texas Monthly BBQ Festival celebrates the state’s rich tradition of barbecue, featuring over 30 of the best pitmasters and barbecue joints from across Texas. Attendees can sample a wide variety of meats, from brisket and ribs to sausage and turkey, and learn about the different styles and techniques used in the art of Texas barbecue.
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