Annual Events & Festivals

Weekends are the raison d’être for life in Austin. Weekday workdays are the equivalent of bench time, as far as many Austinites are concerned. The generally benign climate affords residents and visitors the opportunity to live life outdoors, and perhaps that is why so many weekend activities are linked to appreciation of sun, sky, and landscape. It is significant to note that springtime is the most active of all seasons when it comes to outdoor fiestas and festivals. This, after all, is when the Hill Country blossoms, the sun shines, and the sky is generally blue. (It is also the time when hotels are full and few rental cars are available.)

It is impossible to list all the annual events and festivals that take place in Austin and the surrounding Central Texas area. We have chosen some favorites and those that are both widely popular and long-standing. One characteristic of this list is the number of annual events that celebrate local culture, ethnic traditions, and historic events. Texans, nonnatives and newcomers will note, are eager to explore their past and have a strong sense of their state’s history and culture. Other events are just sheer expressions of what could be called Texas joy, an embracing of local life and folkways. Whether it is a Woodstock-style romp or an old-fashioned church picnic, the operative word is celebration. So go forth and celebrate!

One note before you do: Admission prices, times, and even dates may vary from those listed. Many events are sponsored by nonprofit groups that face the vagaries of economic needs and demands, so it is a good idea to check the local media and make a call for additional information before you go.