Austin is where culture, creativity, and celebration collide. From world-famous music festivals to mouthwatering food events and adrenaline-pumping races, the city never slows down and knows well how to throw a festival.
If you’re looking for the ultimate Austin experience in 2025, we’ve got you covered. Stay on top of all the action with an events calendar Austin locals and visitors rely on. Get ready to mark your calendar because these must-attend events will have you dancing, eating, exploring, and celebrating all year long. Let’s not wait to explore some exciting adventures below!
SXSW
Event: A globally celebrated festival and conference bringing together tech, music, film, and more.
Location: Spanning multiple venues in Downtown Austin.
Dates: Mark your calendar for March 7-15, 2025!
When people think of Austin festivals, South by Southwest is often the first name that pops up. Since 1987, this event has brought together tech, music, and media in one big celebration.
Every March, top professionals from around the world come to Austin to network, watch indie films, enjoy live music, hear inspiring talks, and check out new tech.
Want to join the fun? Follow SXSW on Instagram for open events and cool experiences!
Rodeo
Event: Rodeo Austin – A thrilling festival featuring ProRodeo events, livestock shows, live music, and carnival attractions.
Location: Travis County Expo Center, Austin, TX.
Dates: Mark your calendar for March 14-29, 2025!
When people think of Austin’s spring events, Rodeo Austin is a highlight. Since 1938, this festival has grown into a major family event, offering a mix of ProRodeo competitions, livestock exhibitions, daily concerts, and carnival fun.
Every year, top rodeo athletes compete in events like barrel racing and team roping. The festival also includes a Junior Livestock Show and educational activities focused on agricultural education. Live music performances feature renowned artists, making it a must-visit for both rodeo fans and music lovers.
Want to join the fun? Check out an events calendar Austin locals trust for the latest schedule, or visit the Rodeo Austin website for tickets and the full lineup of events.
NASCAR at COTA
Event: NASCAR at COTA – A thrilling motorsport event featuring the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series, bringing high-speed racing action to the Circuit of The Americas.
Location: Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd., Austin, TX 78617.
Dates: Mark your calendar for February 28 – March 2, 2025!
When people think of motorsport events in Austin, NASCAR at COTA is a highlight. Since its inception, this event has grown into a major racing spectacle, offering a mix of NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series competitions. The Circuit of The Americas provides a challenging 20-turn road course, ensuring an exciting weekend for racing fans.
Every year, top NASCAR drivers compete in the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, which is part of the NASCAR Cup Series. The event also includes the Focused Health 250 Xfinity Series race. Fans can enjoy the high-speed action, meet drivers, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Circuit of The Americas.
Want to join the action? Visit NASCARatCOTA.com for tickets and event details.
ABC Kite Festival
Event: A fun spring event at Zilker Park with kites, contests, and music for kids.
Location: Zilker Park
Dates: April 5, 2025
Looking for a fun outdoor event for all ages? The ABC Kite Fest is a great choice!
Held every year at Zilker Park, this free festival is all about kites. Enjoy flying shows, design contests, races, and kite-themed fun.
Kids can take a break with moon bounces and arts-and-crafts. Even pets can join with a dog obstacle course and big open lawns to run and play. Check out an events calendar Austin visitors rely on (you can make one for your WordPress site with our plugin Simple Calendar!) to stay updated on festival dates and activities.
Eeyore’s Birthday Party
Event: Eeyore’s Birthday Party – A quirky and bohemian festival celebrating music, community, and the essence of ‘keeping Austin weird.’
Location: Pease District Park, 1100 Kingsbury St., Austin, TX 78703.
Dates: Mark your calendar for April 26, 2025!
When people think of Austin’s most iconic events, Eeyore’s Birthday Party is a standout. Since the 1970s, this celebration has grown into a beloved tradition, blending music, art, and community spirit.
Organized by the Friends of the Forest non-profit group, the festival transforms Pease District Park into a vibrant gathering place where attendees can enjoy live music, drum circles, and eclectic costumes.
Every year, Austinites from all walks of life come together to spread out picnic blankets, strum guitars, and bask in the laid-back atmosphere. It’s a unique event embodying the city’s motto of ‘keeping Austin weird.’ Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Eeyore’s Birthday Party is an experience not to be missed.
Pecan Street Festival
Event: A fun festival in Downtown Austin with arts, live music, food, and activities for kids.
Location: Sixth Street Historic District
Dates: Mark your calendars from May 3-4, 2025!
Sixth Street is known for bars and parties, but it also has a rich history. The Pecan Street Association wants people to remember its beauty and importance. For 50 years, they have hosted a yearly festival celebrating art, music, and creativity in this famous area of Austin. If you’re planning your trip, an events calendar Austin offers can help you stay updated on all the exciting happenings.
Hot Luck
Event: The ultimate Austin barbecue festival, plus plenty of cocktails and live music.
Location: Downtown Austin and East Austin
Dates: Mark your calendars from May 22-25, 2025!
Created by Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, Hot Luck is a top Memorial Day event in Austin.
It has become a must-visit for food lovers in just a few years. Chefs and pitmasters from across the country come to show off their skills. Guests enjoy delicious bites, live music, and refreshing drinks. It’s the perfect way to start summer!
Soul Food Truck Fest
Event: Soul Food Truck Fest – A vibrant celebration of soul food, live music, and community spirit, featuring Austin’s best Black-owned food trucks.
Location: Austin, TX, Waterloo Park (Exact location may vary; check for updates).
Dates: Typically held in June; exact dates for 2025 are not confirmed, but similar events like Soul Food Truck Fest are scheduled around June 15.
When people think of Austin’s culinary festivals, Soul Food Truck Fest is a highlight. This event brings together the city’s top Black-owned food trucks, offering a diverse array of soul food, Cajun, and BBQ delights. The festival is complemented by live music performances and a lively marketplace, making it a fun outing for the whole family.
Every year, attendees can enjoy the rich flavors of Texas soul food while supporting local vendors and artisans. The event is a celebration of community and culture, providing a platform for Black-owned businesses to showcase their culinary talents.
Cine Las Americas International Film Festival
Event: Cine Las Americas International Film Festival – A premier showcase of contemporary films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and Indigenous communities of the Americas, featuring a diverse range of narratives, documentaries, and music videos.
Location: Various venues in Austin, Texas, including AFS Cinema and other locations around the city.
Dates: Mark your calendar for May 14-18, 2025!
Since its inception, this event has grown into a leading platform for showcasing Latinx and Indigenous films, offering a unique cinematic experience that spans the Americas. The festival includes feature-length and short films, documentaries, and music videos, all presented with English subtitles when necessary.
Every year, the festival hosts panels, workshops, and special events, making it a must-visit for film enthusiasts. Beyond this festival, the events calendar Austin offers is packed with cultural experiences, from independent film screenings to industry networking events. Awards are given in both juried and audience favorite categories, highlighting the best works in various genres.
Bat Fest
Event: A lively celebration honoring Austin’s beloved bats, featuring live music, delicious food, and the mesmerizing spectacle of the Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony.
Location: Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, 100 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704.
Dates: Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 11:45 PM.
Bat Fest is a cherished Austin tradition that brings together over 40,000 people to celebrate the city’s unofficial mascot—the bat. The highlight of the evening is watching over 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge, creating a breathtaking spectacle in the night sky.
Every year, attendees can enjoy multiple stages of live music, a kids’ zone with fun activities, and an array of arts and crafts vendors. The Bat Costume Contest is a popular attraction, encouraging creativity and fun for all ages. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Bat Fest is a unique event that embodies the spirit of Austin.
Austin Pride Festival
Event: One of Texas’s largest and most inclusive LGBTQ+ events, featuring a vibrant parade, live music, and a variety of food and drinks.
Location: Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., Austin, TX 78702 (venue to be confirmed for 2025)
Dates: Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 23, 2025, with festivities running from Thursday, August 21, to Sunday, August 24, 2025.
Austin Pride is a big deal in Texas, bringing together thousands of people to celebrate diversity and inclusivity. The event includes a spectacular nighttime parade that starts at the Texas State Capitol and marches down Congress Avenue. On the festival day, you can enjoy live music performances, drag shows, and plenty of food and drink options.
Every year, the festival offers something for everyone, from carnival rides to vendor booths and family-friendly activities. If you’re planning your trip, be sure to check the events calendar Austin has to stay updated on Pride celebrations and other exciting events happening around the city. It’s a time to connect with the community, enjoy great entertainment, and show support for LGBTQ+ rights.
Hot Sauce Festival
Event: A spicy celebration featuring dozens of hot sauces from local and commercial bottlers, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
Location: The Far Out Lounge and Stage, 8504 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745.
Dates: The 2024 event was held on September 8; check the Austin Chronicle’s website for the 2025 date.
The Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival is a beloved event in Austin, offering attendees a chance to taste a variety of hot sauces from renowned brands like Yellowbird Hot Sauce and Hill Country Hot Peppers. The festival includes live music performances, food trucks, and on-site vendors, making it a fun day out for anyone who loves spicy food.
Every year, the festival serves as a major fundraiser for the Central Texas Food Bank. Attendees can vote for their favorite hot sauces in the People’s Choice Awards, and winners are announced on stage during the event.
Lonestar Round Up
Event: A thrilling celebration of vintage cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles, complemented by live music, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere.
Location: Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX.
Dates: Mark your calendar for May 2-3, 2025!
The Lonestar Round Up is a beloved event in Austin, attracting car enthusiasts from all over the country. This annual gathering showcases a stunning array of vintage hot rods and custom cars, offering attendees a chance to admire these vehicles up close. The event also features live music performances, unique shopping opportunities with artists and vendors, and a variety of food and drinks to enjoy.
Beyond the festival itself, Austin is packed with activities, and staying informed through an events calendar Austin visitors rely on can help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re exploring other car shows, live music gigs, or food festivals happening around town, there’s always something exciting to experience. General admission is $20, and kids under 12 get in free. Parking is also free, making it an accessible event for all.
Fantastic Fest
Event: A ‘genre film’ festival featuring horror, sci-fi, and fantasy movies, hosted by Alamo Drafthouse.
Location: Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
Dates: September 18-25, 2025
Fantastic Fest is a must-see for fans of horror, fantasy, sci-fi, action, and cult films. Every mid-September, it takes over Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin. Every screen plays a film from these exciting genres. The festival shows rare movies and has premiered big films like ‘Zombieland’ and ‘There Will Be Blood’.
Filmmakers like Tim Burton and Paul Thomas Anderson have done Q&As here. Movie lovers come every year to see what’s new!
Levitation
Event: A psych rock and EDM festival with shows across Downtown and East Austin each fall.
Location: Downtown Austin and East Austin venues
Dates: September 25-28, 2025
Levitation is a top Austin music festival for fans of new indie artists and unique beats. It takes place across venues in Downtown and East Austin. With psych rock, EDM, punk, and metal, it’s all about music and dancing!
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Event: Austin’s biggest music festival showcases iconic legacy musicians, current chart-toppers, and indie acts.
Location: Zilker Park
Dates: October 3-5 and October 10-12, 2025
Austin City Limits takes over Zilker Park the first two weekends of October. It’s one of the biggest music festivals in the U.S., featuring stars like Dua Lipa, Foo Fighters, and Tyler the Creator.
Texas Book Festival
Event: The Texas Book Festival is a vibrant celebration of literature, featuring renowned authors, engaging panels, book signings, cooking demonstrations, and a lively atmosphere that fosters a love for reading.
Location: Downtown Austin, with events held at the Texas Capitol, tents along 11th Street and Congress Avenue, and nearby venues like the State Theater and The Contemporary Austin-Jones Center.
Dates: Save the dates for November 8-9, 2025!
The Texas Book Festival is one of the largest and most acclaimed literary events in the United States, attracting thousands of book lovers each year.
This free and open-to-the-public event offers something for everyone: from children’s storytime to adult panels, book signings, and a Saturday night Lit Crawl. The festival features over 250 authors, cooking demonstrations, and a variety of food options from local vendors.
For those planning their literary adventures, checking this events calendar Austin list can help map out upcoming book signings, author meet-and-greets, and storytelling sessions throughout the year. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just discovering your love for books, the Texas Book Festival is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Food and Wine Festival
Event: The Austin Food & Wine Festival is a vibrant culinary celebration, featuring renowned chefs, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live music, all set against the stunning backdrop of Austin’s skyline.
Location: Auditorium Shores, 800 W Riverside Dr, Austin
Dates: Although the 2024 dates were November 1-3, stay tuned for the 2025 festival announcements!
The Austin Food & Wine Festival is a premier culinary event that draws thousands of food enthusiasts to Austin each year. This festival showcases the city’s vibrant food scene, featuring over 50 local and national chefs, more than 40 wine and spirit vendors, and live music performances.
Attendees can enjoy a wide range of culinary delights, from traditional Texas barbecue to innovative fusion dishes and artisanal desserts. The festival also includes interactive cooking demos, wine and spirit tastings, and the popular Rock Your Taco competition.
General admission tickets typically range from $150 to $200, with VIP options available for a more exclusive experience.
Austin Trail of Lights
Event: The Austin Trail of Lights is a magical holiday celebration, transforming Zilker Park into a winter wonderland with over 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, and more than 70 festive displays.
Location: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Dates: Join the festivities from December 10 to 23, 2024, with nightly events from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
This iconic event attracts over 300,000 visitors annually, transforming the city into a winter wonderland. With dazzling light displays, holiday scenes, and festive rides, the Trail of Lights is a must-see during the season.
Looking for more holiday cheer? The events calendar in Austin is packed with seasonal festivities, from Christmas markets to live performances, ensuring there’s always something magical to experience.
General admission is free on select nights, while premium passes offer early entry and VIP perks. Parking and shuttle services are available, making it easy to plan a stress-free visit.
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