Events
Events listed on the Austin Events Wall Calendar
- Heart o’ Texas Orchid Society Show & Sale
Still brings the flower power after 42 years.
hotos.org - Zilker Garden Festival
Head over to the Zilker Botanical Garden for this 56th annual family-friendly event with vendors, garden talks and more.
zilkergarden.org - Art City Austin
Downtown’s 2nd Street District hosts art installations and interactive art projects.
artallianceaustin.org - Louisiana Swamp Thing and Crawfish Festival
Enjoy tons of crawfish and other bayou delicacies, as well as Cajun and zydeco music.
roadwayevents.com - Old Settler’s Music Festival
Four days of camping and multiple stages of bluegrass, roots and Americana bands.
oldsettlersmusicfest.org - Austin Reggae Festival
Local and national bands be jammin’ for the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas.
austinreggaefest.com - Pitch & Pooch
Pitch and putt for a good cause, and check out the dog show. Money raised benefits the Dream Come True Foundation.
everyonesdreamcometrue.com - Eeyore’s Birthday Party
Wear a costume or just some body paint, then join the huge drum circle at Pease Park.
eeyores.org - Lonestar Rod & Kustom Round Up
Hosted by the Kontinentals, it features a swap meet, mini-bike races and live music.
lonestarroundup.com - Wiener Dog Races
Okay, so Buda’s not exactly in Austin’s city limits, but wiener dog racing is worth the drive.
budalionsclub.com - Dragon Boat Festival & Race
Dragons race at Lady Bird Lake’s Festival Beach. Performances, food and more.
asianamericancc.com - Keep Austin Beautiful Clean Sweep
Thousands of volunteers clean up tons of trash at more than 100 sites.
keepaustinbeautiful.org - Moontower Comedy & Oddity Fest
National headliners, up-and-comers and local Austin-based comedians perform at theatres and bars.
moontowercomedyfestival.com - A Taste of Health: Austin Chef Showdown
Sample and vote on the tastiest healthy entrees from local restaurants.
austinchefshowdown.com - Texas Round-Up
Help promote healthy living by running the 5K or walking the family mile.
texasroundup.org - Texas Burlesque Festival
This three-day festival celebrates all things burlesque, vaudeville and cabaret.
texasburlesquefest.com - Corporate Battle of the Bands
Local bands rock out for supremacy. Check out the silent auction and help support HAAM.
myhaam.org - Record Store Day
This special day celebrates independently owned record stores. Expect exclusive releases and discounts.
recordstoreday.com - Austin Autism Bike Ride
Now’s the time to ride for the Autism Society of Greater Austin.
austinautismbikeride.org - Texas Road Rash Inline Skate
Smile for post-race photos of the gnarliest road rashes after the full- or half-marathon.
texasroadrash.com - Fusebox Festival
This fest showcases cutting-edge contemporary art and performance art.
fuseboxfestival.com - Texas VegFest
A tasty and entertaining homage to the plant-based diet.
texasvegfest.com - West Austin Studio Tour
Support and learn from local artists during this self-guided tour through working studios.
west.bigmedium.org - Capitol 10K
Now in its 36th year, this 10K is one of Austin’s most popular running events.
statesman.com/s/cap10k - Yoga in the Park
Every Wednesday in April and May, head to Republic Square Park for free yoga. Classes start at noon.
austinparks.org - Austin Pet Expo
Check out obedience/agility demos, cash in on the free nail trims, or adopt a new life companion.
austinpetexpo.com - Deep Eddy Pool Splash Movie Nights
In the heat of the summer, why not enjoy a movie poolside? Movies start at dusk. Check website for schedule.
deepeddy.org - Dry Comal Creek Grape Stomp
Head to New Braunfels for this competitive stomping event, and get your name printed on the label of Dry Comal Creek’s 2013 “Foot Pressed” red table wine. Stomp two weekends.
drycomalcreek.com - ‘Austin Chronicle’ Hot Sauce Festival
Compete or just eat at one of the world’s largest hot sauce festivals. Go early. The sauce is free, but the lines get long.
austinchronicle.com/hotsauce - Texas Tax-Free Weekend
During Texas’ annual tax holiday, most clothing and footwear priced less than $100 can be purchased tax-free.
window.state.tx.us - Austin Ice Cream Festival
Celebrate the greatest food ever invented, all while benefiting local charities.
www.icecreamfestival.org - Austin Italian Festival
Italian wine, dancing, crafts, gifts and more at Laguna Gloria.
atasteofitalyinaustin.com - Out of Bounds Comedy Festival
Comedians and troupes from around the country show Austinites their comedy chops and throw down in a mini-golf tourney.
outofboundsimprov.com - Lake Travis Hot Air Balloon Flyover
Watch dozens of hot air balloons float over Lake Travis in the early morning. Flight may be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather.
centraltexasballooning.com - Bat Fest
Celebrate the world’s largest urban Mexican free-tailed bat colony at a family-friendly event. Try the “bat wings” and “Batinis.”
roadwayevents.com - Fall Home & Garden Show
The Austin Convention Center becomes a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement and gardening needs.
austinhomeandgardenshow.com - Cherrywood Art Fair
This neighborhood fundraiser benefits the Eastside arts scene.
cherrywoodartfair.org - Zilker Holiday Tree & Trail of Lights
An Austin institution, the Zilker Holiday Tree was first lit on Dec. 10, 1967.
austintrailoflights.org - Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Live music and more than 130 artists and merchants take part in this Austin tradition.
armadillobazaar.com - Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Cool, hip and unusual gifts for sale by more than 100 artists.
bluegenieartbazaar.com - Luminations at the Wildflower Center
This display has 3,000 luminarias and 5,000 twinkle lights.
wildflower.org - Wild Ideas
Get in the holiday mood and go shopping at the Wildflower Center.
wildflower.org - Eat Drink Local Week
Participating restaurants feature special menu items sourced locally (read: fresher, tastier and more sustainable).
edibleaustin.com - German-Texan Heritage Society Christmas Market
A German holiday market of crafts and imported goods.
germantexans.org - Urban Farm Bicycle Tour
Tour the city’s biggest urban farming operations, learn how they do their thing and sample some of the local produce.
edibleaustin.com - Austin’s New Year
Ring in the New Year at this free, family-friendly, alcohol-free event at Auditorium Shores. Fireworks included.
austintexas.gov/department/austins-new-year - Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll
Be a part of this kickoff to the holiday season. It’s free.
downtownaustinholidays.com - Austin Symphony Christmas Sing-Along
Holiday carols with the symphony.
austinsymphony.org - Lights of Love 5K
Kicks off the holiday season with snow, Santa, Ronald McDonald and hot chocolate. You can even bring your four-legged friend!
rmhc-austin.org/LOL-5K - Modern Home Tour Austin
Tour some of the city’s architecturally modern marvels designed by local architects.
modernhometouraustin.com - Livestrong Austin Marathon and Half Marathon
This is Austin’s annual full marathon. Run, volunteer or cheer at this nationally recognized charitable event.
youraustinmarathon.com - Texas Photo Roundup
Join stars of the editorial and commercial photography world as they share ideas, review portfolios and teach hands-on workshops.
texasphotoroundup.com - Carnaval Brasileiro
Live samba music, conga lines, costumes and wild abandon fill the Palmer Events Center at one of the biggest Carnaval celebrations outside of Brazil.
sambaparty.com - Art Night Austin
This is the gallery-touring preview party for the spring’s Art City Austin. Ticket includes cuisine from top restaurants, drinks and transportation between galleries.
artallianceaustin.org - Austin Jugglefest
Three days of circus art, juggling and unicycling with demonstrations, workshops and plenty of games. Now in its 20th year!
juggling.place.org/jugglefest - Austin Energy Regional Science Festival
Experience one of Texas’ largest regional science fairs, which showcases the work of more than 2,000 students from 3rd through 12th grades.
sciencefest.org - That Takes the Cake!
This sugar art show and cake competition features celebrity demonstrations as well as on-site decorating competitions and classes. This year’s theme is Cake to the Air: All Cleared for Cake Off.
thattakesthecake.org - Mardi Gras Downtown
Join the huge party on Sixth Street, or head to one of Austin’s New Orleans-themed restaurants. - East End Fourth Fridays
Music, arts & crafts, kids’ activities and more family fun at this monthly event at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard.
diversearts.org - Wildflower Center Free Admission Month
The entire month of January, explore the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for free.
wildflower.org - Nerd Nite
Every second Wednesday of the month, sip on drinks, partake in some nerdery, or try your cards at nerd speed dating.
austin.nerdnite.com - MomCom
What better place for moms to meet up than at the Oasis. This is an event for entrepreneurial moms, wanna-be entrepreneurial moms and working moms to connect.
momcomaustin.com - West End Galleries First Thursday
The first Thursday of every month, six galleries along West Sixth offer wine and art until 8pm.
artaustin.org/westend.html - Barton Springs Polar Bear Splash
Head down to Barton Springs to swim in this annual New Year’s Day event. Then call your friends up north so you can brag about it.
sosalliance.org - Tree Talk Winter Walk
Explore the beauty and benefits of native trees and shrubs on this guided walk, check out the kids’ tree climb, or participate in an educational tree scavenger hunt.
wildflower.org - Hyde Park Theatre FronteraFest
A “fringe theatre” festival. Short-form bills feature a potpourri of theatre, comedy, dancing and musical pieces. Long-form shows are 90 minutes or less. Venues include theatres, public places and private homes.
fronterafest.org - MLK Celebration
March from the UT campus to the Capitol, then head over to Huston-Tillotson University for a cultural festival of food, music and activities.
mlkcelebration.com - First Thursday
This monthly event happens up and down South Congress and features live music and local vendors.
www.firstthursday.info - Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival
This tattoo convention features vendors, panels, contests and a tattoo-design gallery.
golivefast.com/contentsaus.php - 3M Half Marathon
Run one of the largest stand-alone half marathons in Texas. This year’s race benefits Communities in Schools, an organization that works to keep kids in school.
3mhalfmarathon.com - Red River Free Week
Take advantage of this free week of music, and check out some local bands you haven’t seen live. - Austin Home & Garden Show
This is the place to find everything you need for your home or garden. Got ideas? With a little help, you can make them a reality.
showtechnology.com - Austin Gorilla Run
Run a 5K in a gorilla suit? No, really, gorilla suits are provided. And it’s all to benefit mountain gorillas.
austingorillarun.com - Anime Overload
Partake in events, panels and workshops during Austin’s Japanese animation and pop-culture convention.
animeoverload.net - Rooster Teeth Expo
Play new video games and learn how to create online content at this entertainment expo and fan convention.
rtxevent.com - Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks
More than 100,000 people enjoy this free evening of fireworks and symphony music. It’s an Austin tradition.
austinsymphony.org - Bastille Day Festival
Visit the French Legation Museum, and celebrate all things French: wine, food, music and more.
afaustin.org - Music Under the Star
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum hosts free music every Friday evening in July.
thestoryoftexas.com - Lady Bird Tribute Day
Free admission to the Wildflower Center and free seeds to honor Lady Bird Johnson on the anniversary of her passing.
wildflower.org - Movies in the Park
Free movies are shown at Republic Square Park, preceded by themed activities and contests (various dates throughout the summer and fall).
austinparks.org - Zilker Summer Musical
In its 55th year, this free, annual production runs throughout the summer at the Zilker Hillside Theater. This year’s musical is Little Shop of Horrors. Thursdays through Sundays July-August.
zilker.org - Forest Creek Central Texas Amateur
Some of the best Central Texas amateur golfers will head to Round Rock to tee off in this 16th annual golf tournament.
forestcreek.com - Go Texan Restaurant Round-Up
Celebrate the cuisine of the Lone Star State with the Department of Agriculture’s Go Texan Restaurant Program. See website for a list of participating restaurants, which donate a portion of their week’s proceeds to food banks across Texas.
gotexanrestaurantroundup.com - National Donut Day
Originally created by the Salvation Army in 1938 to honor the women who served donuts to soldiers during WWI, this is one sweet holiday.
donutdayusa.com - Moonlight Margarita Run
This popular nighttime 5K around Lady Bird Lake is followed by a Tex-Mex party with margaritas.
townlaketrail.org - Republic of Texas Biker Rally
This event holds the Guinness World Record for longest parade of motorcycles.
rotrally.com - Keep Austin Weird Fest and 5K
Costumes and weirdness are everywhere you look at this 5K. A live music festival follows the race.
keepaustinweird5k.com - ATX Television Festival
Interact with actors, writers, directors, creators and studio executives involved in all stages of bringing your favorite series to the small screen.
atxfestival.com - Zilker Pops Concerts
Free concerts at Zilker Park featuring the Austin Civic Orchestra.
austincivicorchestra.org - National Trails Day
The Austin Parks Foundation and the American Hiking Society need your help with some necessary maintenance on Austin’s trails.
austinparks.org - Austin Symphony-Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park
Head down to the Long Center on Sunday evenings throughout the summer to see different ensembles from the Austin Symphony perform outside for free.
austinsymphony.org - KGSR’s Blues on the Green
Free blues music at Zilker Park, every other Wednesday throughout the summer.
kgsr.com - 101X Summer Cinema Series
Free movies on a big outdoor screen, in the park behind Central Market North. Contests and drink specials. June through August.
101x.com - Nature Nights at the Wildflower Center
The Wildflower Center has fun family activities with live plants and animals. Only $1! 6-9pm.
wildflower.org - It’s My Park! Day
Join more than 2,000 volunteers to work on various park projects around Austin.
austinparks.org - Austin Urban Music Festival
Mix it up with hip-hop, R&B and DJs at this family-friendly festival at Auditorium Shores.
urbanmusicfest.com - Rodeo Austin
This nonprofit rodeo provides scholarships to Texas students. It features bull riding, rodeo clowns and “mutton bustin’.”
rodeoaustin.com - Explore UT
They call it “the biggest open house in Texas.” Hundreds of events and programs are open to the public – everything from mariachi workshops and dancing to solar cars and ice cream. Free.
utexas.edu/events/exploreut - Mighty Texas Dog Walk
Join thousands in competing for the world record for most dogs walked.
servicedogs.org - Texas Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate the day Texas became Texas with a parade, a 5K run, a golf tournament, ceremonies and more.
celebratetexas.org - Zilker Kite Festival
Gigantic kites, homemade kites, crazy kites – hundreds of them in the air (and a few in the trees). Bring your own kite, or just hang out and watch at the 85th Kite Festival. Free.
zilkerkitefestival.com - South by Southwest
Hundreds of bands, dozens of films and plenty of interactivity. Don’t let the prices put you off; many bands also play free parties (usually accompanied by free beer/food), and single-movie passes are available.
sxsw.com - St. Patrick’s Day Austin
The Celtic Cultural Center of Texas puts on this all-day, family-friendly festival of international and local Celtic music and dancing.
stpatricksdayaustin.com - Earth Hour
Join 50 million other folks in rethinking power usage and turning out the lights for an hour.
earthhour.org - Austin Music Awards
The biggest night in Austin music.
austinchronicle.com/austin-music-awards - Cowboy Breakfast
It’s the official kickoff to Rodeo Austin. Enjoy a Texas-sized buffet and live entertainment. Free.
rodeoaustin.com - Texas Rockfest
Strategically positioned in mid-March, you could call this the other fest. Take a break from all of the SXSW hustle and bustle, and go listen to some more music.
texasrockfest.com - Sunshine Community Gardens Plant Sale
Peruse over 125 types of organic tomatoes plus peppers and eggplants. Check out one of the educational seminars or some live music.
sunshinecommunitygardens.org - ZOOMA Texas Half Marathon & 5K
Savor the splendor of spring wildflowers as you wind your way through the Texas Hill Country. The race ends at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort.
zoomarun.com/texas - Texas Relays
The annual Texas Relays bring tens of thousands of fans to Austin to watch track & field events, support friends and family, and party like crazy.
texassports.com - Shakespeare in the Park
See the Bard’s work performed on Zilker Hillside. This year’s production is a tango version of The Winter’s Tale.
austinshakespeare.org - Chaos in Tejas
This is a must-see annual hardcore and punk music event.
chaosintejas.com - Movies in the Park
The Austin Parks Foundation hosts free movie screenings at Republic Square Park.
austinparks.org - No Pants Day
Modest, clean undergarments encouraged. - Austin Fashion Week
A weeklong series of fashion events that comes to a close with a fashion show, concert and awards show.
fashionweekaustin.com - Pecan Street Festival
Nearly a quarter of a million people attend this twice-a-year arts & crafts festival on Sixth Street.
oldpecanstreetfestival.com - Cap 2K Swim
Swim in Lady Bird Lake! Legally! This charity event stretches from Red Bud Isle to the Texas Rowing Center.
cap2k.com - Bike to Work Day
Exercise, save a few bucks on gas, and get free breakfast at various locations.
austincycling.org - Fiesta Amistad
Round Rock hosts Central Texas’ largest Hispanic festival. Food, live music and family entertainment.
elamistadclub.com - O. Henry Pun-Off
Hang out on the lawn, or join the many punsters playing games onstage.
punpunpun.com - Tour of Homes
This is Central Texas’ ultimate open house.
tourofhomesatx.com - Texas Tax-Free Appliance Weekend
Purchase any type of energy-efficient appliance, and pay no Texas taxes.
window.state.tx.us - Gardens on Tour
The day before Mother’s Day, inspire Mom with a tour of private, native gardens.
wildflower.org - Pachanga Latino Music Festival
This festival showcases Latino music and art.
pachangafest.com - Adult Spelling Bee
Dust off your dictionary, and help raise money for the Austin Public Library.
austinchronicle.com - Free Comic Book Day
Participating shops give away comic books absolutely free.
freecomicbookday.com - World’s Biggest Disc Golf Weekend
Thousands of disc golf enthusiasts will play a round at more than 100 courses worldwide.
wbdgw.com - Capital of Texas Triathlon
This downtown event attracts triathletes from around the globe.
captextri.com - Ballet Under the Stars
Metamorphosis Dance Ensemble performs for free at the Zilker Hillside Theater.
metamorphosisdance.org - Kerrville Folk Festival
Enjoy folk music, camping and seminars during this multiweek festival.
kerrville-music.com - Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival
The largest of its kind in Texas, this festival features American Indian dancing, singing, arts & crafts and food.
austinpowwow.net - A Christmas Affair
A five-day market at the Palmer Events Center with more than 200 vendors, plus children’s activities and events for the teens.
jlaustin.org - Austin Celtic Festival
Four stages of Celtic dancers, actors, musicians and storytellers.
austincelticfestival.com - Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade
Bring a toy to donate, and enjoy the giant balloons, floats, bands and classic cars on Congress Avenue.
chuysparade.com - Austin Unchained
Keep the city’s economy strong by shopping at independent local businesses.
ibuyaustin.com - East Austin Studio Tour
More than 70 Eastside studios open their doors for the public’s viewing and purchasing pleasure. Explore Austin’s art scene over two weekends.
eastaustinstudiotour.com - Turkey Trot
ThunderCloud Subs’ 5-mile run/1-mile walk is an Austin institution and a good way to work up an appetite for your Turkey Day dinner.
thundercloud.com - Empty Bowl Project
Purchase locally hand-crafted bowls for $15, and fill them with soups and breads donated by local chefs. Proceeds benefit the Capital Area Food Bank’s Kids Cafe program.
austinemptybowl.org - Fun Fun Fun Fest
Punk, hardcore, indie, hip-hop and comedy magically coexist.
funfunfunfest.com - Wurstfest
New Braunfels’ “Ten Day Salute to Sausage” offers music, dancing and lots of sausage.
wurstfest.com - Operation Turkey
Volunteers deliver Thanksgiving dinners to the homeless and less fortunate people in Austin. Sign up early!
operationturkey.com - Goblins in the Garden
Trick or treat, go on a scavenger hunt, and make arts & crafts, but don’t forget to wear your costume for the costume contest.
wildflower.org - Texas Book Festival
The state Capitol building and grounds play host to this big-time book event, chaired by former first lady Laura Bush. It features an impressive list of authors and speakers. Past guests include Bill Clinton and Amy Sedaris.
texasbookfestival.org - Halloween Downtown
Austin’s biggest Halloween party attracts about 100,000 people to Sixth Street every year. - Fredericksburg Oktoberfest
Make a day trip to this festival of German food, drinks, music and dancing. Two stages of oompah bands!
oktoberfestinfbg.com - Cocktails in the Park
Enjoy local food, drinks and entertainment to support the Austin Parks Foundation, which is dedicated to the development and maintenance of Austin’s many parks, trails and open spaces.
cocktailsinthepark.org - Film & Food Party
Spend a night honoring Austin for its thriving film industry and culinary brilliance. Enjoy cuisine from renowned chefs and a silent auction. All proceeds go to the Austin Film Fest’s Young Filmmakers Program.
austinfilmfestival.com - Austin Film Festival
This national-level film festival brings in big names and new films while making the screenings accessible to all Austinites.
austinfilmfestival.com - Día de los Muertos Viva la Vida Fest
A parade to celebrate and remember the departed, followed by a party and music outside the Mexic-Arte Museum downtown. Free.
mexic-artemuseum.org - Fall Plant Sale & Gardening Festival
Nearly 300 species of native plants and seeds. Guided walks, tours, tips and children’s activities included.
wildflower.org - AIA Austin Homes Tour
Check out that amazing house that you have always envied on this annual, self-guided tour, which features one-of-a-kind private Austin residences.
aiaaustin.org - Austin City Limits Music Festival
Austin’s biggest outdoor music festival. Now extended to two weekends for twice the fun.
aclfestival.com - Austin Record Convention
More than a million CDs, LPs, tapes, posters and collectibles from the U.S. and Europe.
austinrecords.com - German-Texan Heritage Society Oktoberfest
Live music, German food, a biergarten, kids’ activities and more at the German Free School.
germantexans.org - Art Outside
Apache Pass hosts this annual experimental outdoor art show.
artoutside.org - Mediterranean Festival
Now in its 81st year, St. Elias Orthodox Church hosts this annual festival filled with gyros, dolmas, shopping and dancing.
mediterraneanfestival.org - Central Texas Paranormal Conference
Para-celebrity speakers, paranormal seminars, paranormal investigations, vendors and raffles. Get your spooky on, deep in the heart of Texas.
ctparacon.com - HAAM Benefit Day
Local businesses donate at least 5% of their day’s proceeds to the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. Performances throughout the day.
myhaam.org - Talk Like a Pirate Day
The name says it all for this fun holiday celebrated by wannabe pirates across the country.
talklikeapirate.com - Austin Museum Day
More than 30 Austin museums and cultural sites – all free, all day, plus special Museum Day events.
austinmuseums.org - Diez y Seis Celebration
Celebrate Mexico’s Grito de Independencia with a fiesta and musica at the Mexican American Cultural Center.
austintexas.gov - Free Day of Yoga
Yoga studios all over town offer free classes all day. All styles, including Bikram, Ashtanga and Tantra. Beginners welcome. And don’t miss the opening festival the day before.
freedayofyoga.com - Lake Travis Underwater Cleanup
Hundreds of diving and nondiving volunteers make this fun cleanup one of the state’s largest.
keepaustinbeautiful.org - Pecan Street Festival
Nearly a quarter of a million people attend this twice-a-year arts & crafts festival on Sixth Street.
oldpecanstreetfestival.com - Fantastic Fest
A weeklong exploration of sci-fi, gore, horror and glitz, the Alamo Drafthouse’s annual genre film fest is right up Austin’s alley.
fantasticfest.com - National Public Lands Day
Help the Austin Parks Foundation spruce up the city’s green space.
austinparks.org - Austin Triathlon
This triathlon is open to all experience levels. So swim, bike and run. Or cheer, cheer, cheer.
trirock.competitor.com/austin - Yoga in the Park
Every Wednesday in September and October, head to Republic Square Park for free yoga. Classes start at noon.
austinparks.org
