Many people first fall in love with Austin after they come to town for one of the city’s big music festivals. Austin has too many events and festivals to count, but there are only a few that attract thousands of residents and out-of-towners. Here are the standout events.

South by Southwest

SXSW has grown exponentially since its inception in 1987. This major festival, held in March, encompasses interactive, film, and music components. The music festival is particularly well-known, showcasing bands from all stages of their careers. Furthermore, SXSW attracts tens of thousands of attendees, prompting the need for enhanced crowd management.

Austin Film Festival

This increasingly star-studded event, taking place in late October, focuses on the art of screenwriting. Panels with prominent screenwriters and directors occur throughout the day, followed by screenings at downtown venues like the Paramount Theater. Moreover, networking thrives at the Driskill Bar, where attendees mingle in luxurious surroundings.

Circuit of the Americas Grand Prix

Taking place in October, the COTA Grand Prix attracts an entirely different crowd compared to the Austin Film Festival and SXSW. Dedicated F1 fans often travel globally to attend races, making this an upscale event. To add to the unique experience, some fans opt for helicopter rides from downtown Austin to the track.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

This event spans two three-day weekends in early October. Approximately 70,000 music enthusiasts congregate at Zilker Park daily, enjoying performances across multiple stages. Inspired by the renowned Austin City Limits TV show, the festival emphasizes a blend of both emerging and established musical talents.

Republic of Texas Biker Rally

During ROT Rally weekend in mid-June, downtown Austin comes alive with roaring motorcycles as bikers from all over descend on the area. The event features both a trade show and a lively party atmosphere at the Travis County Expo Center, coupled with a festive parade along Congress Avenue, attracting both veterans and curious onlookers.

Texas Book Festival

Austin prides itself on its literary scene, making the Texas Book Festival a perfect fit. Held in late October on the state capitol grounds, this festival showcases over 250 authors, hosts events for all ages, and provides opportunities for attendees to engage with literature in a lively environment inclusive of food trucks and exhibitors.

Austin Food and Wine Festival

Each April, the Austin Food and Wine Festival showcases high-profile chefs and an array of culinary events, including talks, cooking demonstrations, and tastings. This festival embraces Texas traditions, featuring local barbecue and Tex-Mex delicacies along the shores of Lady Bird Lake.

Austin Hot Sauce Festival

The Austin Hot Sauce Festival, held every August, has evolved from a local competition into a grand festivity at Auditorium Shores, featuring local restaurants and hot sauce producers. From red sauce to specialty varieties, there are several categories and tons of cold beverages to accompany the spicy food and live music.

Batfest

Every August, Batfest celebrates resident bats under the Congress Avenue Bridge, featuring bat-themed booths and live music performances as attendees witness the spectacular sight of bats emerging at sunset. Both adults and children can join in on costume contests, making the event enjoyable for the entire family.

Pecan Street Festival

As one of the oldest arts-and-crafts festivals in Austin, the Pecan Street Festival occurs in the spring and fall along 6th Street. This vibrant event showcases fine art, mixed-media pieces, and provides a platform for artists to connect with attendees, all while enjoying live music and a variety of food trucks.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

For unique holiday gifts, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a must-visit. Located at the Palmer Events Center, this festive event features handcrafted items, live music, delicious food, and fun activities for children, ensuring a memorable shopping experience.

Texas Relays

Every March, the Texas Relays stand out as one of the preeminent track-and-field events in the nation. Situated on the University of Texas campus, this competition showcases some of the best athletes, many of whom use this platform to launch their careers.

ABC Kite Festival

The ABC Kite Festival, popularly known as the Zilker Kite Festival, captivates both children and adults as hundreds of colorful kites fill the sky over Zilker Park. With competitions in various kite categories and food booths, the event promises a day of fun and excitement.