Local Events We Love

Skate beneath the stars – and overlooking Lady Bird Lake – at Austin’s premier ice-skating rink and winter experience. From November 22, 2024, through January 5, 2025, Ice Rodeo at Four Seasons Hotel Austin features an outdoor ice rink, outdoor dining cabins, pop-up lounges, immersive holiday décor and spectacular art installations.

Originating in 2003 at Emo’s, this celebration of live music has grown into a city-wide phenomenon, featuring dozens of free performances across more than 10 venues in the Red River Cultural District. Attendees can enjoy local and regional talent at popular spots like Mohawk, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, and Cheer Up Charlies.

The City-Wide Vintage Sale is a woman-owned small business that has served as an incubator for small businesses since 1977. Their customers include vintage store owners, set designers, interior designers, recyclers, sustainers, bargain hunters and anyone who loves great vintage at great prices!

This legendary half marathon offers a fast and scenic 13.1-mile course through the heart of Austin, making it ideal for runners aiming to set personal records. Participants can enjoy live music along the route, a DJ at the finish line, and a festive atmosphere with food and entertainment post-race.

The Roosevelt Room's Master Class Series on Classic Cocktails is a hands-on event designed for cocktail enthusiasts. This class will teach participants the fundamentals of crafting classic cocktails, covering techniques, ingredients, and presentation. Led by expert mixologists, attendees will gain valuable skills in a fun and interactive atmosphere.

The event features a variety of activities, including a march, an oratory competition, and scholarship awards, all aimed at promoting justice, equity, and community unity.

This event encourages open conversations about mental health and well-being, reminding everyone to ask "HI, HOW ARE YOU?" with genuine intent.

The Tribeza Interiors Tour 2025 is an exciting event that showcases the finest in home design and architecture across Austin. This annual tour invites attendees to explore a curated selection of stunning residences, each reflecting unique styles and innovative design concepts.

The Candlelight Concert Series offers a unique musical experience in stunning candlelit settings. Featuring a diverse range of themes and genres—including classical, jazz, pop, and movie soundtracks—these performances create an enchanting atmosphere for attendees. Each concert is designed to immerse the audience in the beauty of live music, making it a memorable event for music lovers.

Embrace the magic of winter nights at Luminations, where nature and artistry meet in a dazzling display of lights across the Central Gardens. Wander through all-new light installations, enjoy immersive projections, and sip on holiday-themed cocktails as you explore the illuminated pathways!

Who needs the icy North Pole when you can experience the electrifying vibes at The Light Park? Charge up your holiday spirit as you cruise through millions of dazzling lights, synced perfectly to the rhythm of festive tunes, courtesy of DJ Polar Ice. Amp up the fun with some tasty treats and zappy beverages, and get ready to be shocked by the sheer brilliance of it all.

Waltz into the winter season with the spectacular 62nd annual presentation of The Nutcracker…the longest-running production of this holiday classic in the state of Texas!

Featuring exquisite costumes and astonishing sets, enjoy the artistry of a cast of more than one hundred artists on stage. With live accompaniment by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Tchaikovsky’s timeless score comes to life with music and choreography sure to warm the season and create lasting magical memories! 

Join KUT News, KUTX 98.9 & the Downtown Austin Alliance for the 30th Annual Tree Lighting, Sing-Along and Stroll. Ring in the holidays with artisan vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa and more -- the Holiday Stroll is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season!

What began as a small gathering in 1965 known as the "Yule Fest" has now grown to be a community-wide celebration of the unique spirit and people that make Austin the place we love to call home. The Trail now features more than 2 million lights illuminating the park, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels. Today, the Austin Trail of Lights is one of the three largest events in Austin and receives national accolades while remaining a deeply cherished local tradition.

The Watchmaker’s Song is a whimsical version of the Nutcracker holiday favorite that engages the audience in both the traditional components of the Nutcracker Ballet and also some elements of the original story by E.T.A. Hoffman.

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, Austin’s Winter Arts Fest, returns for its 49th season December 14-23, 2024, at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, TX. Featuring nearly 200 artists, live music on an intimate stage from 30 bands, and festive vibes, this 10 day celebration offers a unique shopping experience. With fine art to handmade gifts, live performances, and a welcoming atmosphere, the Armadillo is an iconic Austin tradition that honors community and creativity.

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar has been an Austin holiday market tradition for two decades - today, it features the handmade, unique work of over 200 artists, selected from a talented pool of more than 400 applicants. Get your holiday shopping done at the best local market in town!

Miracle on 5th Street is Austin’s very own Miracle cocktail pop-up. The 2024 holiday season will be the eighth year for one of the largest and most popular Miracle locations in the world! Sip one of the many Christmas cocktails crafted by jolly staff, enjoy a Snowball Old Fashioned and some festive snacks with friends, or take your next profile picture while sitting on Santa’s throne. It's Christmas cheer like you've never seen it before - it's Miracle on 5th Street!

Mozart's will have live entertainment throughout Dec, showcasing classical favorites like Texas and Celtic Christmas music, performances on our one-of-a-kind, light-up Steinway piano and some special surprise acts! Tickets are available for Lake Austin boat cruises for up to 22 guests, guided donut boats and private immersive light "euro igloos" for groups of up to 10. These new offerings are perfect for enjoying the holiday splendor, with packaged tasty treat options to complete your evening in lights.

A unique annual celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun! Located near the headwaters of the beautiful Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas.

Here you’ll enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German, Texan and domestic beer, special events and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian Style Entertainment.

From Central Texas favorites to the country’s top-rated purveyors, awaken your palate with delectable bites from iconic chefs and restaurants! Create the perfect pair when you sip from a wide selection of spirits, wines, and brews among views of the extraordinary Austin skyline.

Held annually since 2010, Texas Monthly BBQ Fest is the state’s premier barbecue celebration. The two-day festival in Lockhart is comprised of the BBQ World’s Fair on Saturday, November 2 and the Top 50 Picnic on Sunday, November 3.

Feeding Texas is the official beneficiary of the festival, leading the unified effort for a hunger-free Texas.

This Fall Festival has a 4.5-Acre Themed Corn Maze and Texas-Sized Pumpkin Patch featuring over 40 unique varieties of pumpkins! Enjoy daily pig races, a petting zoo, pony rides, wagon rides, apple cannons, and over 30 exciting farm-themed activities.

Since 2014, Waterloo Greenway and AIA Austin have commissioned site-specific work by Austin-based architects, landscape architects, artists, and designers that explore different themes related to Waterloo Greenway. As part of the highly-anticipated celebration, an all-star team of Creek Show alumni artists and designers have been invited to create a new series of light-based immersive spectacles along Waller Creek.

Through a desire for connectivity and exchange, the East Austin Studio Tour was formed with just 28 studios in 2003. Now celebrating 20 years, the studio tours have transformed to include over 500 artists across the city and serve 60,000 attendees each year.

The state’s largest annual celebration of small and independent Texas craft breweries! The Texas Craft Brewers Festival is a sampling-focused festival featuring more than 200 distinct Texas-brewed craft beers.

Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Our annual Festival features more than 250 authors of the year’s best books and attracts 40,000 book lovers, and we also produce impactful programs across the state year-round.

Austin's famous Thanksgiving Run! With many options for all ages and running paces, everyone in the family can participate. 100% of all proceeds for this event are donated to Caritas of Austin. During the past 34 years, ThunderCloud has given more than $5 million to Caritas.

Fortlandia aims to connect people of all ages to the environment by evoking a sense of childhood play and wonder. Get ready to explore a brand new lineup of custom designed forts in our Family Garden this fall. Your secret hideout awaits!

At Pumpkin Nights, guests venture along a half-mile walking path, where they discover the Forbidden City, a Pirate’s Cove, and more fantastical lands built using over 5,000 hand-carved real and artificial pumpkins. The celebration continues with entertainment and games in The Village, a festival area.

Spanning two weekends in October, this iconic festival features a diverse lineup of world-renowned artists, from rock and indie to hip-hop and electronic. With multiple stages, local food vendors, and art installations, ACL offers an unforgettable experience for all ages, showcasing the vibrant music culture that makes Austin the "Live Music Capital of the World."

Every year in early October, Fredericksburg sets up the big tents on Marktplatz for three days of Oktoberfest. German traditions of music, games, food and drink are celebrated in an effort reproduce the Bavarian sense of gemütlichkeit (a German-language word used to convey the idea of a state or feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer)

Feel the adrenaline at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, hosted at Circuit of The Americas. This thrilling event showcases the world's top drivers competing on a challenging track with sharp turns and elevation changes. Beyond the race, enjoy a weekend of live music, local cuisine, and a lively fan experience.

Hyde Park's Annual Costume Parade and Fire Station Fest: residents gather for a day of fun, costumes, games, and music for all ages!

Join the excitement as the U.S. Women’s National Team takes on Iceland in an international friendly.  Known for their tenacity and talent, the USWNT brings their unmatched passion for the game to the pitch, while Iceland’s rising stars aim to make their mark. Don’t miss this chance to see top-tier women’s soccer!

The 38th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour is one of Austin’s premiere fall events. Held October 26-27, 2024, the self-guided tour showcases both new builds and newly renovated homes designed by local, best-in-field architects.

The festival of Diwali is a 'celebration of light' and all that it encompasses. Bring your friends to enjoy beautiful street lights, savory food, music, cultural dance, beautiful Rangoli (Sand Art) and a fashion show! Kids can learn various arts and crafts while others can partake in free Bollywood dance lessons. Local vendors will display colorful arts and crafts, Indian clothing, and jewelry.

Mexic-Arte Museum’s 41st Annual Viva La Vida Festival and Parade is Austin’s largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event. Participants can enjoy the Education Pavilion with hands-on art activities, traditional foods, local artists and retail booths, a low-rider exhibition, and live performances throughout the day.

Put on your best costume and join the UMLAUF for a FREE family day of games, fall crafts, a costume parade, Bird of Prey show, straw pit, spider web maze, face painting, caricatures, storytime performances, visit with H-E-Buddy, educational activities, pumpkin decorating, and more!  Admission to the Garden is free for everyone! 

Participating studios across the Austin area will offer free yoga classes as an opportunity for people of every age and fitness level to try yoga for the first time, experience a new style, and discover the benefits of yoga.

This event is not just a race; it's a celebration of the vibrant Austin spirit. Participants form teams of four, each runner completing a 2.5-mile loop from a central festival/transition area. After the race, participants enjoy a festival featuring live music and food. All proceeds benefit Marathon Kids (https://marathonkids.org/).

Celebrate the world's largest urban bat colony (1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats) which take up seasonal residence beneath the Ann Richards Congress Street Bridge. Enjoy live music featuring Ghostland Observatory, Paul Wall, Information Society, Dylan Wheeler, Luniz, Core, children activities, a costume contest and more.

Eat the heat! Join the Austin Chronicle for one of the world's largest hot sauce festivals, with categories ranging from local restaurants to commercial bottlers.

Enjoy free films brought to you by Austin Parks Foundation. Residents and visitors bring their blankets or lawn chairs for a fun and relaxing evening under the beautiful Austin night sky. Dogs, picnics and lawn chairs are welcome. Movie starts at dusk.

This lively outdoor celebration on the hillside includes live mariachi music and folkloric dance performances, family-friendly art activities, and a vendor market.

Enjoy 84 weird & wild film screenings over the course of eight days, featuring both premieres and cult classics.

Enjoy dozens of Austin Area Museums for free in a celebration of art, culture, history, music, nature, science, and play.

Hundreds of music showcases and concerts will take place at various locations all over Austin including clubs, restaurants and retail stores to help raise awareness and funds for Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM).

Are you ready to dance? Austin Summer Carnival is a vibrant end of summer celebration with Brazilian, Caribbean, Latin and African rhythms. It's one of Austin’s favorite community get-togethers with music, dance, and breathtaking costumes.

Hundreds of people congregate to watch hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins “swirl” into their roosting site. Birders and non-birders alike will be entertained by the show, so bring your family, friends, and neighbors and join us for an evening of fun.

Join us monthly in celebration of local art and creative process. Get a behind-the-scenes look at local artists’ studios within the Canopy Community at 916 Springdale Rd.

EVERY FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH: 1 pm - 4 pm

Join Austinites and visitors as downtown Austin is transformed into a glittering stage of diversity and love. Dance, cheer, and celebrate in an environment where everyone is welcomed and celebrated for who they are.

Float on kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards to a quiet area on the lake to enjoy live Latino serenades by local musicians. It’s a charming event on a full-moon night with a view of downtown Austin, Texas. This event is kid-friendly and dog-friendly.

PBR (Professional Bull Riders) are bringing the Austin Gamblers to Moody Center to represent Texas’ capital city in the PBR Camping World Team Series. Don’t miss your chance to see the world’s best bull riders as they compete in this three-day, action-packed team tournament and western lifestyle event featuring the most exciting eight-seconds in sports along with concerts, a western lifestyle expo, and non-stop entertainment.

Cheer on the University of Texas Longhorns at one of their home games at D.K.R. Texas Memorial Stadium on select Saturdays from August to November. For the first year ever, the Longhorns will compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and go head-to-head with some of the top teams in the country.

Within Zilker Park's 358 acres lies one of the crown jewels of Austin: Barton Springs Pool. The pool itself measures three acres in size, and is fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, ideal for year-round swimming.

Founded in 1955, Krause Springs is a well-known camping & swimming site located in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. It is located in Spicewood, approximately 30 miles west of Austin. Krause Springs has many natural sites to explore. There are 32 springs on the property, and several feed the man-made pool and the natural pool which flows into Lake Travis. It’s a refreshing treat to swim in the Springs during the hot summers of Texas!

Pack a picnic and enjoy the free, annual live musical at the Zilker Hillside Theater. The outdoor performances are Thursdays through Sundays, beginning around 8:15 p.m.

Every Wednesday night from June 12 -August 14 the astronomy department sponsors free public star parties on the top roof of Physics, Math, and Astronomy Building (PMA) featuring the 16-inch reflector telescope. All ages are welcome.

Every Thursday through August 15 (except for July 4th). With 22 bands and plenty of opportunity to let loose, it’s time to shake off your blankets and lawn chairs, double-check you have all the Drop-In info you need, and prepare to vibe on the Long Center's 3D-printed stage all summer long.

Flashing marquee lights. Buttery popcorn. Colossal screen. It’s that movie palace atmosphere, an air-conditioned oasis. THIS is how movies were meant to be seen. The 49th Annual Paramount Summer Classic Film Series presented by CapMetro returns in May. New films will be announced each month.

Think an art museum—but without the frames. That’s the whole premise behind Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet, immersive exhibits of the artists’ iconic artworks.

Match kickoff is at 8pm. Austin’s Q2 Stadium is 1 of 14 stadiums (and 1 of 3 soccer-specific stadiums) to host matches of the oldest national team soccer tournament in the world.

We’re celebrating 47 years of fireworks lighting up Austin’s sky! Spend this Independence Day decked out in red, white and blue for the Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4th Concert and Fireworks presented by H-E-B. Enjoy live entertainment from Sundance Head, Tameca Jones, Bidi Bidi Banda, DJ Du and more starting at 5PM. Indulge in delicious eats from Austin’s best food trucks.

Explore Vic Mathias Shores for family-friendly activities, including yard games.
This event is free and open to the public, so bring your friends and family! 

This summer, the Blanton is “Dancing about Art” every Second Saturday, with live music and dance-themed art experiences. Plus you can picnic on the Moody Patio, explore new exhibitions in the air-conditioned galleries, & more! Enjoy live dance music by The Golden Hour Orchestra, and partake in swing dance lessons by Austin Swing Syndicate

On select dates throughout the year, the Garden offers free days where no admission is charged.

Parking is always free. Zilker Botanical Garden is located on 28 acres within Zilker Metropolitan Park in the heart of downtown Austin. This “jewel in the heart of Austin” features heritage live oaks and a variety of theme gardens.

Music Under the Star (MUtS) returns to the Bullock Museum this summer with electrifying performances in the new Capitol Mall Amphitheater. Experience this free outdoor summer concert from 6 to 9 p.m. 

Bring the whole family, camp chairs, and blankets to enjoy an incredible lineup of Texas artists. Food and drinks available for purchase. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

$15 paid parking is available in the Bullock Museum’s underground garage.

Hot Summer Nights is a FREE annual three-day district-wide music and arts festival held in the Red River Cultural District located in the heart of downtown Austin. Founded in 2017, Hot Summer Nights was originally created in an effort to provide additional revenue to district members, as well as paid opportunities for musicians and artists in the traditionally slower summer months.

Anni Albers (1899–1994) is considered the most important textile artist of the 20th century. Known for her wall hangings, weavings, and designs, she was also an innovative educator and printmaker. Beat the heat and check out this incredible exhibit before it's gone!

Just an hour southeast of the city, Blanco, Texas, throws this annual event to showcase its iconic blooms and Lavender Market, where visitors can shop for crafts made with the fragrant purple plant.

ACL Radio's Blues on the Green is back for another year at Zilker Park. This annual, family-friendly concert is free and open to all so bring your cooler, lay out your picnic blankets and get ready to rock the park.

Juneteenth, also known as "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day," is the oldest known African American celebration commemorating the end of slavery. This annual event features a parade with floats and entertainment, and a celebration with food and local vendors at Rosewood Park.

ASB celebrates  Dad with this annual concert at the Zilker Hillside Theatre. The band will perform a selection of patriotic melodies and family favorites including works by Frank Sinatra, John Philip Sousa, George Gershwin and Andrew Lloyd Weber.  Audience members are encouraged to picnic and spread a blanket under the pecan trees at the Zilker Hillside Theatre to celebrate Dad this Father's Day!

Yes, there’s a festival devoted to a friendly competition of finding the most perfect watermelon. It’s about an hour’s drive south of the city, but there’s a carnival, beer garden, a seed-spitting contest, a melon-eating contest, live music, and a cornhole tournament. 

Coca-Cola hosts the annual Sips & Sounds music festival featuring national headlining artists across two days and multiple stages. Enjoy live music, premium listening experiences, and a selection of local food and drink vendors.

They're staying open late every Tuesday, March 19 – May 14, to make more hours for wildflowers! Make it a date night, a picnic with friends, or come for some solo solace in nature. Each evening will feature live music from local musicians, a rolling lineup of Austin’s favorite food trucks, and take-and-walk adult beverages for purchase.

A free festival of community street bands // HONK!TX is a nonprofit, community-driven festival that brings street and brass bands from around the country to perform for free in the public spaces of Austin, Texas. Mobile and unamplified, HONK! bands transform everyday locations into spontaneous stages, dissolving the line between crowd and performers and inviting everyone to celebrate the joy of music

Established in 1978, the Statesman Capitol 10,000 has grown to become the largest 10K in Texas and sixth largest in the country. Each year, Austin’s iconic race teems with talent and personality.

Moontower Just For Laughs Comedy Fest is delivering huge stars, fan favorites, comics to watch, and beloved local talent to Austin this April. The festival will span over a two week period and host shows around Austin featuring over 20 headliners and dozens more comics.

Every year, the nation's oldest kite festival features hundreds of kites across the Austin sky. This year, the festival is hosting a weekend showcase and contest. More details to be announced soon.

Preservation Austin's annual event will take guests on a one-of-a-kind, specially curated tour of iconic historic places that speak to Austin's expansive history.

Live music, local beer, food, acrobats and costume contests surround this annual gathering of Austin's most eclectic locals. Eeyore's Birthday serves as fundraiser to benefit many local non-profits.

Authentic Greek cuisine, dance, and fun, all served with renowned Greek hospitality. Visitors can listen to a live Greek band from Greece and learn the newest Greek dances, watch Greek dance performances, shop for Greek souvenirs, enjoy Greek food, wine and pastries, and take a tour of the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church.