Events
A Year-Round Guide for 2025
Austin, Texas, is a city known for its vibrant cultural scene, live music, and diverse events that draw visitors from all over the world. As the capital of Texas, Austin offers a year-round calendar filled with festivals, concerts, and unique celebrations that reflect the city’s rich history and dynamic contemporary culture. This guide will take you through the key events happening in Austin in 2025, providing detailed information on what makes each event special, how to attend, and insider tips to enhance your experience.
January
Free Week
- Dates: January 1-7, 2025
- Location: Various venues, Downtown Austin
- Contact Information: info@freeweekaustin.com
Description: Free Week is a city-wide celebration of Austin’s live music scene, offering free concerts at multiple venues across downtown. This event showcases local bands and emerging artists, providing a platform for them to gain exposure and fans.
Highlights: Over 100 performances at various bars and clubs, local food trucks, and a lively downtown atmosphere.
Tickets: Free entry at participating venues.
Tips: Arrive early to secure a spot at popular venues and dress comfortably for walking between locations.
Austin's Park Fun Park New Year's Celebration
- Dates: January 1, 2025
- Location: 16231 IH-35 N, Pflugerville, TX 78660
- Contact Information: (512) 670-9600
Description: This family-friendly event features a range of activities, including go-kart racing, mini-golf, arcade games, and fireworks to ring in the New Year.
Highlights: Fireworks display, unlimited rides and attractions, and special New Year’s themed activities.
Tickets: General admission starts at $20. Tickets can be purchased online or at the park.
Tips: Purchase tickets in advance and bring a jacket for the evening fireworks show.
MLK Community March and Festival
- Dates: January 20, 2025
- Location: Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702
- Contact Information: info@mlkcelebration.com
Description: Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this event includes a march from the University of Texas campus to Huston-Tillotson University, followed by a festival with live music, food, and community activities.
Highlights: Inspirational speeches, diverse food vendors, and live performances.
Tickets: Free to attend.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for the march and bring water and sunscreen.
February
Carnaval Brasileiro
Date: February 15, 2025
Location: Palmer Events Center
Contact: info@carnavalbrasileiro.com
Address: 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Description: Carnaval Brasileiro is one of the largest Brazilian Carnaval celebrations outside Brazil. It features live samba music, vibrant costumes, and an electric party atmosphere.
Highlights: Samba bands, colorful costumes, and a lively dance floor.
Austin Oyster Festival
Date: February 22, 2025
Location: Republic Square
Contact: info@austinoysterfestival.com
Address: 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
Description: This festival celebrates the love of oysters with fresh oyster dishes, live music, and local beers. It’s a feast for seafood lovers and a great way to enjoy Austin’s culinary scene.
Highlights: Oyster shucking, live music, and delicious seafood.
Texas Rollergirls Season Opener
Date: February 29, 2025
Location: Austin Sports Center
Contact: info@texasrollergirls.org
Address: 425 Woodward St, Austin, TX 78704
Description: Kick off the roller derby season with the Texas Rollergirls. Known for their fierce competition and high-energy bouts, this is a thrilling event for sports fans.
Highlights: Roller derby matches, energetic crowd, and athletic performances.
March
South by Southwest (SXSW)
Date: March 13-22, 2025
Location: Various locations throughout Austin
Contact: info@sxsw.com
Address: 500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
Description: SXSW is a world-famous festival that features music, film, and interactive media. It draws global attention and showcases the latest trends and innovations in entertainment and technology.
Highlights: Live concerts, film screenings, tech conferences, and networking events.
ABC Kite Fest
Date: March 29, 2025
Location: Zilker Park
Contact: info@abckitefest.org
Address: 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Description: This family-friendly event fills the skies over Zilker Park with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes. It’s a joyful celebration of spring and a great day out for all ages.
Highlights: Kite flying competitions, kite-making workshops, and children’s activities.
Rodeo Austin
Date: March 14-28, 2025
Location: Travis County Expo Center
Contact: info@rodeoaustin.com
Address: 7311 Decker Ln, Austin, TX 78724
Description: Rodeo Austin combines traditional rodeo events with live music and a fair. It’s a quintessential Texan experience that attracts visitors from all over.
Highlights: Rodeo competitions, live concerts, carnival rides, and fair food.
April
Art City Austin
Date: April 11-12, 2025
Location: Republic Square
Contact: info@artcityaustin.org
Address: 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
Description: Art City Austin is a juried art fair that features works from local and national artists. It’s a vibrant celebration of creativity in the heart of the city.
Highlights: Art exhibits, live demonstrations, and interactive art installations.
Fusebox Festival
Date: April 15-19, 2025
Location: Various venues in Austin
Contact: info@fuseboxfestival.com
Address: Locations vary; main office at 1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702
Description: This contemporary performance festival showcases innovative works across theater, dance, music, and visual arts.
Highlights: Avant-garde performances, experimental art, and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Eeyore’s Birthday Party
Date: April 25, 2025
Location: Pease District Park
Contact: info@eeyores.org
Address: 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703
Description: This whimsical event celebrates Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh with a day of music, costumes, and family-friendly activities.
Highlights: Live music, drum circles, costume contests, and food stalls.
May
Pecan Street Festival
Date: May 2-3, 2025
Location: Sixth Street Historic District
Contact: info@pecanstreetfestival.org
Address: East Sixth Street, Austin, TX 78701
Description: One of the largest and longest-running arts and crafts festivals in the nation, the Pecan Street Festival features over 300 artisan vendors, live music, and food.
Highlights: Handcrafted goods, live performances, and diverse culinary options.
West Austin Studio Tour
Date: May 9-10 & 16-17, 2025
Location: Various studios and galleries in West Austin
Contact: info@weststudioarttour.com
Address: Locations vary; main office at 916 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78702
Description: This self-guided tour showcases the work of local artists in their studios and galleries, offering a unique insight into Austin’s creative community.
Highlights: Open studios, artist talks, and art demonstrations.
Hot Luck Festival
Date: May 21-24, 2025
Location: Various venues in Austin
Contact: info@hotluckfest.com
Address: Locations vary; main office at 2113 Wells Branch Pkwy, Austin, TX 78728
Description: A celebration of food and music, Hot Luck Festival features renowned chefs and musicians in a series of events that blend culinary and musical experiences.
Highlights: Chef showcases, live music, and food tastings.
June
ATX Television Festival
Date: June 4-7, 2025
Location: Various venues in Downtown Austin
Contact: info@atxfestival.com
Address: 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Description: This festival celebrates television with screenings, panels, and events featuring industry professionals and fans.
Highlights: TV show premieres, Q&A sessions with creators and actors, and fan meetups.
Juneteenth Emancipation Celebration
Date: June 19, 2025
Location: Rosewood Park
Contact: info@juneteenthaustin.com
Address: 2300 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702
Description: This celebration marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas with a parade, live music, and cultural performances.
Highlights: Parade, live entertainment, and community gatherings.
Keep Austin Weird Fest and 5K
Date: June 27, 2025
Location: Downtown Austin
Contact: info@keepaustinweirdfest.com
Address: 800 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Description: A quirky festival and 5K run that celebrates Austin’s unique culture and creativity.
Highlights: Costume contest, live music, and family-friendly activities.
July
Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks
Date: July 4, 2025
Location: Vic Mathias Shores
Contact: info@austinsymphony.org
Address: 900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Description: Celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic concert by the Austin Symphony followed by a spectacular fireworks display over Lady Bird Lake.
Highlights: Live symphony performance, fireworks, and food vendors.
Bat Fest
Date: July 26, 2025
Location: Congress Avenue Bridge
Contact: info@batfest.com
Address: Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Description: This unique festival celebrates Austin’s bat population with live music, food, and bat-watching as they emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk.
Highlights: Bat flight viewing, live entertainment, and local vendors.
Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival
Date: July 4, 2025
Location: Hill Country Galleria
Contact: info@hillcountrygalleria.com
Address: 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
Description: Another great way to celebrate July 4th with live music, food, and family-friendly activities at the Hill Country Galleria.
Highlights: Fireworks, live performances, and outdoor shopping.
August
Bat Fest
Date: August 24, 2025
Location: Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, Austin, TX 78704
Contact: www.roadwayevents.com
Description: A unique celebration of Austin’s famous bat colony, featuring live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts.
Highlights and Features: Watch millions of bats take flight at dusk, enjoy performances on multiple stages, and shop at the local vendor market.
Practical Information: Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the gate. Parking is available nearby, but biking or using rideshare is recommended.
Tips: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot on the bridge for the bat flight.
Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival
Date: August 31, 2025
Location: Far Out Lounge, 8504 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745
Contact: www.austinchronicle.com/hotsauce
Description: The ultimate celebration of spicy flavors, featuring hot sauce tastings, live music, and food trucks.
Highlights and Features: Sample hundreds of hot sauces from local and regional vendors, and vote for your favorites.
Practical Information: Free to attend with a donation of three non-perishable food items for the Central Texas Food Bank.
Tips: Bring water to cool down after trying the spiciest sauces and wear comfortable shoes for walking around the venue.
Austin Ice Cream Festival
Date: August 10, 2025
Location: Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St, Austin, TX 78702
Contact: www.austinicecreamfestival.com
Description: A family-friendly event celebrating all things ice cream, featuring local and national vendors, live music, and activities for kids.
Highlights and Features: Unlimited ice cream samples, ice cream eating contests, and live performances by local bands.
Practical Information: Tickets start at $15 for general admission. Parking is available at the venue, but rideshare is encouraged due to limited spaces.
Tips: Bring sunscreen and a hat, as this is an outdoor event. Arrive early to avoid lines at popular vendors.
September
Out of Bounds Comedy Festival
Date: September 3–8, 2025
Location: Various venues across Austin
Contact: www.outofboundscomedy.com
Description: A week-long comedy festival featuring stand-up, improv, and sketch performances from local and national comedians.
Highlights and Features: Workshops for aspiring comedians, late-night performances, and unique improv shows.
Practical Information: Tickets start at $10 per show, with festival passes available. Parking varies by venue.
Tips: Plan your schedule early to catch your favorite performers, as some shows sell out quickly.
Pecan Street Festival
Date: September 21–22, 2025
Location: Sixth Street Historic District, Austin, TX
Contact: www.pecanstreetfestival.org
Description: One of Austin’s oldest arts and crafts festivals, featuring local artisans, food vendors, and live music.
Highlights and Features: Over 300 art and crafts booths, performances by local musicians, and family-friendly activities.
Practical Information: Free admission. Parking is limited, so public transportation or rideshare is encouraged.
Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and get first dibs on unique handmade items.
Fantastic Fest
Date: September 19–26, 2025
Location: Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, 1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Contact: www.fantasticfest.com
Description: The largest genre film festival in the U.S., celebrating horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and action films from around the world.
Highlights and Features: Exclusive film premieres, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and themed parties.
Practical Information: Ticket packages start at $150. Parking is available at the venue.
Tips: Book tickets early, as this festival attracts film enthusiasts from all over the world.
October
Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL)
Date: October 3–5 and October 10–12, 2025
Location: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Contact: www.aclfestival.com
Description: Austin’s premier music festival, featuring an eclectic lineup of artists across multiple genres.
Highlights and Features: Eight stages with performances by global superstars and local favorites, plus food trucks and vendor markets.
Practical Information: Tickets start at $300 for a three-day pass. Public transportation and biking are recommended due to limited parking.
Tips: Bring a refillable water bottle and download the ACL app to plan your schedule.
Texas Book Festival
Date: October 26–27, 2025
Location: Texas State Capitol Grounds, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Contact: www.texasbookfestival.org
Description: A celebration of literature and storytelling, featuring author panels, book signings, and family-friendly activities.
Highlights and Features: Appearances by bestselling authors, free workshops, and a kids’ activity area.
Practical Information: Free admission. Parking is available downtown, but public transportation is encouraged.
Tips: Check the schedule early to plan for popular author talks, as seating is limited.
Austin Film Festival (AFF)
Date: October 24–31, 2025
Location: Various venues across Austin
Contact: www.austinfilmfestival.com
Description: A premier festival for screenwriters and filmmakers, showcasing films and offering panels with industry professionals.
Highlights and Features: Screenings of independent and major films, plus workshops and networking events.
Practical Information: Tickets start at $50 for individual films; festival badges are available.
Tips: Attend the panel discussions for insider tips on screenwriting and filmmaking.
November
Austin Celtic Festival
Date: November 2–3, 2025
Location: Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, Austin, TX 78754
Contact: www.austincelticfestival.com
Description: A celebration of Celtic culture with traditional music, dancing, and historical reenactments.
Highlights and Features: Live performances by Irish and Scottish bands, Highland games, and workshops.
Practical Information: Tickets start at $20. Parking is available on-site.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a blanket to enjoy performances on the lawn.
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
Date: November 16–18, 2025
Location: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617
Contact: www.circuitoftheamericas.com
Description: A thrilling weekend of Formula 1 racing, live music, and fan experiences.
Highlights and Features: World-class racing, live concerts, and interactive fan zones.
Practical Information: Tickets start at $150 for general admission. Parking passes are available for purchase.
Tips: Arrive early to explore all the fan activities and bring ear protection for the races.
Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival
Date: November 23, 2025
Location: Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Ln, Austin, TX 78724
Contact: www.austinpowwow.net
Description: A celebration of Native American culture featuring traditional dancing, drumming, and crafts.
Highlights and Features: The Grand Entry Ceremony, authentic Native foods, and a large arts and crafts market.
Practical Information: Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Parking is available on-site.
Tips: Arrive early to enjoy the Grand Entry Ceremony, a highlight of the event.
December
Trail of Lights
Date: December 8–23, 2025
Location: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Contact: www.austintrailoflights.org
Description: Austin’s beloved holiday tradition, featuring dazzling light displays, festive music, and family-friendly activities.
Highlights and Features: Over two million lights, photo opportunities with Santa, and holiday-themed food vendors.
Practical Information: General admission is free on select nights, with tickets starting at $5 on premium nights. Parking must be reserved in advance or use the shuttle service.
Tips: Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds and dress warmly for the outdoor experience.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Date: December 13–24, 2025
Location: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Contact: www.armadillobazaar.com
Description: A holiday shopping event featuring unique handmade gifts, local art, and live music.
Highlights and Features: Over 175 artists, nightly live music performances, and festive food and drinks.
Practical Information: Tickets are $10. Parking is available at the venue.
Tips: Shop early for the best selection of handmade gifts and enjoy the live music while browsing.
Austin’s New Year (ANY)
Date: December 31, 2025
Location: Auditorium Shores, 900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Contact: www.austinsnewyear.com
Description: A free, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music, food trucks, and a fireworks show.
Highlights and Features: Performances by local bands, interactive art installations, and a spectacular midnight fireworks display.
Practical Information: Free admission. Public transportation or rideshare is recommended due to high attendance.
Tips: Arrive early to claim a good spot for the fireworks and bring a blanket or chairs for comfort.
