There’s no place quite like Austin, Texas. At AQUILA, we love living in the “Live Music Capital of the World” and exploring all that our incredible city has to offer.
With countless local events, it can be tough to keep track of exactly what’s happening each month. That’s why we’ve pulled together our Austin expertise for this comprehensive month-by-month guide to all the major annual events that take place in Austin.
Read Now: Why Austin Is a Great Place for Your Business
From New Year’s Day to New Year’s Eve, there’s something for everyone year-round. Events include food and music festivals, races, shopping bazaars, and more.
Jump to a specific month: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
January
Polar Bear Splash at Barton Springs Pool
This decades-old tradition continues. Splashing into the 68-degree water of Barton Springs pool (which is usually warmer than the air at this time of year) is a favorite way for Austinites to dive into the new year!
When: January 1, 2024, always on New Year’s Day
Where: Barton Springs Pool
3M Half Marathon
Known as the “fast half,” the 3M Half Marathon hosts over 7,000 runners and leads them throughout Austin’s greatest sites. The participants run through Austin’s weirdest and most-loved neighborhoods, The University of Texas campus, and the Capitol. There is live music and the Longhorn Band as well as plenty of food trucks to enjoy at the finish line!
When: January 21, 2024
Where: Start line: 9842 Stonelake Blvd.Austin; Finish line: Texas State Capitol
Le Garage Sale (Spring & Fall)
Every January and August, hundreds of Austinites line up to get incredible deals on clothes, accessories, home decor, and furniture from 80+ local businesses. Top-tier boutiques and local stores bring their signature selection and excess inventory together under one roof. Enjoy bargain hunting while enjoying coffee, cocktails, and a high-energy atmosphere.
When: January 27 – 28, 2024, typically the last weekend of January
Where: Palmer Events Center
February
Austin Marathon
This is the Superbowl for Austin runners! See the iconic landmarks such as the UT Tower, the “I Love You Mural” and Lady Bird Lake while traversing a number of Austin’s most iconic neighborhoods such as South Congress and Hyde Park.
Cheering crowds encourage the athletes throughout the race, but are especially loud as the runners close in on the finish line in front of the Texas State Capitol on historic Congress Ave. If running’s not your speed, grab some friends, a cup of coffee, and a cowbell to join in on the fun.
The Austin Marathon has grown to become the 25th largest marathon in the USA, attracting top endurance athletes from around the globe. But don’t worry, there are plenty of tutu-clad athletes just in it for the story and the unique belt buckle medal!
When: February 18, 2024
Where: Downtown Austin
Local Insight
Uber is often jammed in the morning before the race (some runners reported 30-minute waits!), so allow enough time to get to the starting line, or ask a friend or family member to take you.
Also, many nearby restaurants give discounts to participants who come in for brunch after the race. Wear your medal with pride and be sure to ask your server if they have any specials!
Austin FC (Continues through October)
Austin FC is an American professional soccer club based in Austin, Texas. The club competes in Major League Soccer as a member of the Western Conference. Founded in 2018, the club began to play in the 2021 season. Their home stadium is Q2 Stadium in North Austin.
When: Season opener is at home on February 24 against Minnesota
Where: Q2 Stadium
March
Amplify Austin
Amplify Austin is the annual designated 24-hour community-wide day of online giving. In 2021, Amplify Austin raised more than $12 million for more than 700 local nonprofits.
When: March 6 – 7, 2024
Where: Online
SXSW
SXSW is a world-renown film, interactive technology, and music festival that takes over downtown Austin for 10 days. It attracts hundreds of thousands of creative and curious minds alike. The overall festival is actually divided into three main micro festivals, SXSW Interactive, SXSW Film, SXSW Music.
SXSW Interactive
Exhibitors from around the world give a glimpse of the future at the Trade Show and Technology Exhibition Hall while speakers provide insight on a wide variety of trends and topics in numerous TED Talk-style sessions. Explore sessions that dive into brands & marketing, design, code & programming, government, health & wellness, intelligent future, style and workplace.
SXSW Film Festival
The Film Festival celebrates raw innovation and emerging talent from both behind and in front of the camera. Featuring dramas, documentaries, comedies, genre standouts, and more, the festival has become known for its high caliber, diverse films presented, and for its enthusiastic audiences.
SXSW Music
Each year the SXSW Music Festival hosts a curated mix of artists performing in bars, clubs, parks, churches, hotels, and more. Hundreds of up-and-coming music artists play at venues all over the downtown district from early afternoon to late into each night. Not limited in genre or regional focus, audiences can enjoy a variety of musical styles.
When: March 8 – 16, 2024
Where: Downtown Austin
Local Insight
Outside the event, hundreds of unofficial events, parties, and networking go on throughout the week. If you get an invite – go! These are great opportunities to connect, see the local side of Austin, and have fun.
Also, with so many people downtown, rideshares can be hard to come by or may have a surge fee. If you’re a local, it may make more sense to drive yourself – the parking garages near the convention center often have open parking spots if you get there in the morning.
Rodeo Austin
Austin hosts one of the Top 10 Pro Rodeos every March. Top-ranking athletes in bareback riding, steer wrestling, roping and mutton-bustin’ compete nightly for the championship.
Following the rodeo events each night is a concert from chart-topping country artists (and more). 2018 performers include Dwight Yoakam, Josh Turner, and the Beach Boys. Come early to partake in the fairgrounds, the livestock show, a petting zoo, pony rides, and much more for the whole family.
When: March 8-23, 2024
Where: Travis County Expo Center
Local Insight
If you’re headed out with a large group, it can be a time and money savings to rent a bus because parking can be tricky/expensive!
And be sure to use the opportunity to wear your cowboy boots or other closed-toed shoes since much of the fairground is dirt.
Round Rock Express Season (continues through September)
The Round Rock Express is Austin’s premier baseball team. As an affiliate of the Houston Astros and founded by none other than Nolan Ryan and family, this team is primed for Texas lovers and locals alike.
When: Season begins March 29, 2024
Where: Dell Diamond
April
Cap10K
The Statesman Capitol 10K is the largest 10K race in Texas and one of the top 10 in the nation. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a beginner, the Cap10K is a rite of spring in Austin since 1978. Costumes are welcome, so come participate in your favorite superhero get-up with family and friends!
When: April 7, 2024
Where: Start line: South Congress Avenue (Ann Richards Bridge); Finish: Vic Mathias Shores Main Event Lawn
Local Insight
It is always fun to participate in the costume contest with family or friends- tutus are always a big hit!
ABC Kite Festival
The ABC Kite Festival in Zilker Park offers activities for all ages, including the traditional kite-flying contest, a fun run, and a children’s music concert called Moss Fest.
Swing into spring and join thousands of Austinites at Zilker Park for a free, all-day event filled with kite-making and flying.
Originally founded as a kite contest in 1929, this annual kite festival was designed to spur creativity in Austin children and is now one of the country’s longest-running festivals of its kind. The ABC Kite Fest is one of Austin’s most beloved, family-friendly traditions.
When: April 14, 2024
Where: Zilker Park
Local Insight
Even if you don’t bring a kite, this festival is the perfect excuse to pack a picnic and enjoy the sunshine with friends or family.
View this post on InstagramMarch has arrived! 🙌 We are SO excited to be less than a month away from the 91st ABC Kite Fest.
Bluebonnet Festival
There’s something for everyone at the Bluebonnet Festival! The festival is held in Burnet, Texas (just 75 minutes outside of Austin) and is known as the “most exciting small-town festival in Texas.”
The annual Bluebonnet Festival features live music, a parade, a 5K and 10K Fun Run, pet parade, demolition derby, car show, gunfighters old town shootout, duck derby, bike decorating contest, wiener dog race, wildflower show, arts and crafts, and more (if you can believe it!)
When: April 12-14, 2024
Where: Burnet, TX
Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas
Circuit of the Americas (COTA) hosts the only North American round of the world’s premier motorcycle racing championship, drawing many of the world’s best motorcyclists to Texas. Austin’s keen love for motorcycles coupled with COTA’s cutting-edge racing facility ensures that audiences can expect a fun-filled weekend of world-class two-wheeled excitement alongside an incredible schedule of off-track entertainment.
When: April 12-14, 2024
Where: Circuit of the Americas
Local Insight
If you are sensitive to loud noises, bring earplugs; the motorcycles can be loud as they fly by.
Austin Reggae Festival
The Austin Reggae Festival is an event for Reggae or world-infused music lovers. While showing your support for the genre, you can also help raise funds for the Capital Area Food Bank, visit artisan vendors, and purchase unique gifts. This Reggae-filled event promises to inspire guests with uplifting music that serves to teach a message of community support and peace.
When: April 19-21, 2024
Where: Auditorium Shores
Mack, Jack & McConaughey
With award-winning actor and local Matthew McConaughey, ACM award-winning recording artist Jack Ingram, and ESPN analyst and University of Texas coaching legend Mack Brown, this two-day non-profit gala and concert series raises millions each year for youth organizations. Some of the fun events include a golf tournament, a fashion show hosted by Camila Alves McConaughey, and a concert with an unmatched line-up.
When: April 25 – 26, 2024
Where: ACL Live at Moody Theater
Eeyore’s Birthday
Since the mid-1960s, Eeyore’s Birthday Party has been a beloved Austin tradition that celebrates the birthday of Eeyore from the treasured Winnie the Pooh books. This free festival acts as a fundraiser benefiting local non-profit groups and features live music, drumming circles, and games for the whole family. Costumes are encouraged, and contests offer prizes for the wackiest and most whimsical ensembles.
When: April 27, 2024
Local Insight
Events are more child-friendly towards the beginning of the day!
May
Pecan Street Festival
The Pecan Street Festival is one of the largest, and longest-running, arts/crafts and music festivals in the nation. Like Austin itself, the Pecan Street Festival is eclectic. Some come to buy art, others come for the food or the music, but they all come to take part in a tradition that is 100% Austin.
When: May 4 & 5, 2024
Where: Sixth Street Historic District
June
Maudie’s Moonlight Margarita Run
This run is a 5k course along the streets bordering Lady Bird Lake. All 21+ runners are greeted at the finish line with a margarita! There is also a post-race party with a catered dinner from Maudie’s Tex-Mex (this costs extra to attend).
When: June 5, 2024
Local Insight
The run usually starts around 8 p.m. so plan on eating dinner after (or something light before). The margaritas at the end are small but taste delicious!
July
Austin Symphony 4th of July
Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks is an Austin tradition. Free fireworks, a live performance with great food and drinks, and a variety of local arts & crafts vendors make this a one-stop July 4th family must!
When: Always on July 4th
Where: Vic Mathias Shores
Local Insight
Bring your own chair or blanket. Parking can be tough, but nearby TxDOT parking lots are free for the holiday.
August
Bat Fest
If you live in Austin, you know that 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under Congress bridge at dusk every day. This festival celebrates this uniquely Austin natural phenomenon with three stages worth of live music, more than 75 arts & crafts vendors, delicious food and drinks, fun children’s activities, a bat costume contest, and other bat activities.
Where: Congress Ave Bridge
September
Texas Football Season (Continues Through November)
Longhorn fan or not, there is nothing like a UT tailgate and an exciting three hours in DKR Stadium. Join 100,000 fans in a sea of burnt orange to cheer on the city of Austin’s most beloved team. Tailgating and barbecuing begin bright and early on game day on San Jacinto Boulevard and Martin Luther King Drive, right next to one of America’s largest collegiate stadiums. If you’re just going to witness the height of tradition that is Texas football and jump on the Longhorn bandwagon for the day, we won’t tell! Just make sure to yell “Hook ‘Em Horns!” once or twice.
When: Season opener is at home on August 31, 2024 versus Colorado State
Where: Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium
View this post on InstagramCelebrating #WorldPhotographyDay with a few our favorite shots from 2019. 🤘 #ThisIsTexas #HookEm
October
Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival
ACL is an annual music festival held in Austin on two consecutive three-day weekends in October. The festival brings the Austin slogan “live music capital of the world” to life on eight stages throughout Zilker Park. The festival is a great weekend to enjoy all that Austin has to offer with family and friends while listening to 140+ of your favorite famous and up-and-coming artists.
When: October 4-6 & 11-13, 2024
Where: Zilker Park
Local Insight
Arrange for a rideshare or friend to drop you off at Austin High School and walk over the walking bridge underneath Mopac. Uber and Lyft partner with ACL, but rates can be raised substantially.
If you’re more of a laid-back music fester, bring a blanket and/or chairs to sit a little further back from the stage. (But note, each stage has a “no-chair” zone, so you can only bring your chair so close to the stage.) If you’re with a group, bring a flag so that it’s easy to find each other if people separate.
Formula 1 US Grand Prix
America’s only premier Formula 1 racing facility, Circuit of the Americas is the United State’s version of the most notable race tracks around the world. Circuit of the Americas is well-known for being the essential destination in Austin for both sports and live music. This year’s musical acts are yet to be announced.
Get ready for three days of non-stop racing- if you don’t have a need for speed now, a weekend at Formula 1 will most definitely give you a change of heart. No ticket into the track? No problem, you can still have fun at the free F1 Fan Fest in downtown Austin with live music, vintage cars, and plenty of racing activities.
When: October 17-20, 2024
Where: Circuit of the Americas Track
Local Insight
Shuttles run to and from the track from both a north and south location. No matter how you get to the track, know that you’ve got a decent-sized walk ahead of you to get from the drop-off and parking areas to the track itself.
Austin Film Festival
The Film Festival & Conference was the first event of its kind to take the lead in bringing professional and amateur screenwriters together to discuss the creative possibilities of writing for film and television. The conference brings producers, agents, and screenwriters together to foster the sale of screenplays.
Over 180 films, Q&As, indie breakouts, narrative and documentary competitions, and hundreds of parties will mark this year’s event. The nightly parties are an excellent wind-down from our jam-packed days of panels, roundtables, and film screenings. These casual gatherings offer the opportunity to mingle, meet, and conspire with other writers. If you are an avid movie watcher and want the scoop on potential upcoming projects, this film festival and conference are right up your alley!
When: October 24 – 31, 2024
Where: Various locations around central Austin
Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® is the most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer in the world. The 5K raises significant funds and awareness for breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship, and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. People of all ages and fitness levels, from walkers to elite runners, are welcome. Joining a race is just one of the ways you can get involved and be a part of the Komen family – grab a few friends and fundraise for a cause!
When: October 27, 2024
Where: Barton Creek Square
Local Insight: It is fun to make a team, either with family and friends or coworkers. If you fundraise enough money, your team can have its own tent in the Race Village and gain access to the VIP tent with free goodies and swag. It’s also fun to make team t-shirts. Wear pink (tutus are encouraged) and have fun while supporting an important cause!
To see why Komen is especially close to AQUILA’s heart, read our blog post on the AQUILA Website Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
November
Austin Studio Tour
Austin’s annual studio tour includes almost 500 studios, galleries, and exhibition spaces. It’s a great way to stretch your legs (walking or biking is encouraged) and an even better way to build your appreciation for local Austin art.
When: November 9 – 17, 2024
Where: Various locations across Austin
Local Insight
Take a bike and stop at the numerous restaurant, bars, and breweries all around the East Side in between visiting studios! Visit the tour’s website for recommended routes.
For tips on where to eat and drink in East Austin, check Our Ultimate Guide to East Austin
Austin Food & Wine Festival
The annual three-day Austin Food + Wine Festival features a wide array of creations from nationally acclaimed chefs to local favorites. All weekend, you can indulge in a schedule of hands-on grilling demos, up-close tastings with top chefs and sommeliers, and more, while listening to live music in the park.
When: November 2 – 3, 2024
Where: Auditorium Shores at Town Lake
Local Insight
The grilling demos are the best part of the weekend! 200 fired-up grills with skirt steaks, NY strips, filets and crispy broccolini make any line worth the wait.
Austin Fashion Week (Fall)
Fashion X Austin is the largest week of fashion events in the state of Texas and the 4th largest fashion week concept in the United States. Fashion X features events hosted by boutiques, retailers, salons, spas, and gallery spaces around town. With most events free and open to the public, you are able to party hop across Austin while visiting trunk shows, mini runway events, designer showcases, and more.
When: Taking a break for fall 2024 but will be back next year!
Where: The Domain
The Junior League of Austin’s A Christmas Affair
A Christmas Affair hosts 200 vendors in a themed environment, features children’s events, a private shopping brunch, and a visit from Santa himself! This is the largest fundraiser for The Junior League of Austin, an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The money from this four-day shopping experience allows The Junior League to further its mission and help feed 1,400 children suffering from food insecurity each week during the school year.
When: November 20 – 24, 2024
Where: Palmer Events Center
Local Insight
Go with a friend and plan to spend an afternoon here. There are bars and concessions set up so you can grab a glass of wine or a snack while you shop. With over 200 vendors, it can take a while to see it all.
Austin Steam Train North Pole Flyer
All aboard! A real train takes you on a trip to the “North Pole.” With a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa, and a locally baked holiday cookie, you’ll mistake the 2-hour ride for a trip to the tundra. Each car is decorated for the season and Santa spends time in each car to “check your list twice,” and pose for photographs before handing out a gift to each child to remember this special ride.
When: Various dates throughout November and December
Where: Austin Steam Train (401 E Whitestone Blvd C-100 in The Depot Shopping Center) or Bertram Depot, (170 S. Gabriel St., Bertram, TX 78605)
Local Insight
Book before late October or you’ll run the risk of the train being sold out!
ThunderCloud Sub’s Turkey Trot
The ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many Austin families and individuals who want to do something healthy before indulging in a big Thanksgiving meal. It is now known as Texas’ largest five-mile run, growing from just 600 participants in 1991 to nearly 20,000 in 2016.
One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to Caritas of Austin—a non-profit organization that provides housing, employment, education, and food services to more than 20,000 homeless, working poor, and documented refugees in Travis County.
When: Always Thanksgiving Day
Where: Start & Finish Line: The Long Center for the Performing Arts
Local Insight
There is a free party at The Long Center before and after with live music, water bottles, and light food (bananas, oranges, bagels, and cookies). Some runners dress up as turkeys, pilgrims or other Thanksgiving-themed costumes.
Zilker Tree Lighting
The annual Zilker Tree lighting starts the holiday season off in Zilker Park. This is a local Austin family tradition. The Zilker Tree is the largest man-made holiday tree, built around a historic Austin moontower. The lights extend 155 feet into the air and it is a popular spot for older Austinites to relive memories while children make new ones. Food vendors and other merchants will operate at the tree throughout the month of December. The tree lighting is usually towards the end of November and stays lit throughout December.
Where: Zilker Park
December
Trail of Lights
Since 1965 when it was then just a small gathering named “Yule Fest”, the Trail of Lights has lifted Austinites’ spirits and signaled the beginning of the holiday season. In the last 52 years, the Trail of Lights has grown to feature over 40 displays, 2 million lights, and countless fun holiday activities. It is one of the three largest events in Austin and receives national attention without losing its local charm.
When: December 10 – 23, 2024
Where: Zilker Park
Local Insight
Admission is free for the first week ($3 after the first week). A movie is usually held on the Zilker Park lawn on the last free admission night.
Trail of Lights Fun Run
Be one of the first to see the Austin Trail of Lights. Whether you walk or run, this fun run has options for all. Put on your most festive outfit and get ready to “jingle, jog, and jive.”
When: December 7, 2024
Where: Zilker Park
Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker
Austin’s favorite holiday tradition returns with all of the colorful characters from your childhood. Ballet Austin’s annual production of the world’s best-known ballet features hundreds of dancers, gorgeous sets, and costumes while the Austin Symphony Orchestra plays magical music you’ll have stuck in your head for weeks. It’s the perfect way for family and friends to celebrate the season together!
When: December 6 – 23, 2024
Where: The Long Center
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a 12-day fine art, shopping extravaganza featuring national and local award-winning artists, live music, and two bars in a festive, lively atmosphere at the Palmer Events Center. Shop, drink, and be merry!
When: December 14 – 23, 2024 (typically the 12 days leading up to Christmas day)
Where: Palmer Events Center
Bob Schneider’s New Year’s Eve Party
Bob Schneider, a beloved Austin musician, takes the historic Paramount stage to celebrate the new year. With countless hits and a few Austin Music Awards under his belt, these holiday plans are a local music lover’s ideal New Year’s Eve.
When: New Year’s Eve
Where: Paramount Theatre
Austin’s New Year
Presented by the Austin Convention Center, Austin’s New Year is a family-friendly, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve extravaganza. Admission to the event is free, and entertainment will include live music, fireworks, art, food, and more.
When: New Year’s Eve
Where: Auditorium Shores
Whether these events are something you go to every year or something you’ve never heard of, it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone in Austin all year round.