Austin Events and Festivals
(Austin, Texas - TX, USA)
Austin is mainly known for its calendar of fantastic music festivals and lively events, boasting the likes of the huge and world renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) musical gathering, which helps contribute to Austin's reputation as the 'Live Music Capital of the World'.
The city of Austin also celebrates its culture through a number of arts festivals and a major film festival, as well as its Mexican fair and a host of other things to do.
National Public Holidays
- 1st January - New Year's Day
- Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
- 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
- Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
- Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
- 4th July - Independence Day
- First Monday in September - Labor Day
- Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
- 11th November - Veterans Day
- 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
- 25th December - Christmas Day
Austin Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015
January
- Annual Tenant Show - mid-January to mid-February, various art works including sculptures, photography and jewelry are available at the Guadalupe Arts Centre
February
- Carnaval Brasileiro - early February, a colorful extravaganza of samba music and merriment culminating in one of the largest Brazilian parties outside of Brazil
- Motorola Marathon - mid-February, taking in downtown Austin and Town Lake this is the perfect chance to tour the city and some of its best sights if you're a runner
March
- Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo - mid-March, plenty of rodeo and cowboy activity in this two-week, western-style event
- South by Southwest (SXSW) - mid to late March, Austin's biggest calendar event sees over one thousand acts perform in front of thousands of enthusiastic spectators from around the world
April
- Zilker Garden Festival - early April, held at the Zilker Botanical Gardens, Austin's number one flower festival also features plenty of food and music, arts and crafts, and children's games
- Old Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival - late April, an extravaganza of arts and crafts vendors and music on bustling Sixth Street
May
- Taste of Mexico - early May, celebrating Mexican heritage at the Mexic-Arte Museum with oodles of traditional Mexican dishes provided by quality restaurants in the region
- Free Sunday Concerts - late May to late August, three months of free Sunday evening entertainment at Wooldridge Park
June
- Republic of Texas Biker Rally - early June, the largest motorcycle event in Texas, this is an exciting bike event for Harley riders and motorcycle enthusiasts, with plenty of entertainment including concerts and bike tricks
July
Fourth of July Fireworks and Symphony - July 4th, the yearly celebration of independence at Austin's Town Lake is marked by music and a spectacular fireworks display
August
- Spirit Echoes Fine Art Festival - mid-August, held at the Crockett Centre and featuring live music and fun for the children, the Spirit Echoes Fine Art Festival includes painters, jewelers and glass blowers
September
- Old Pecan Street Fall Festival - late September to early October, another fun festival on this historic and popular street featuring music, artists and plenty of food
October
- Austin City Limits Music Festival - early October, a two weekend concert performed by more than 100 bands. The massive audience includes fans from all corners of the globe
- Austin Film Festival - mid-October, one of the country's most revered film festivals, takes place at the much lauded Paramount Theatre among other venues in central Austin
- Halloween on Sixth Street - October 31, one of the largest gatherings in the country to celebrate Halloween when thousands of locals and visitors dress up in scary costumes
November
- Victorian Christmas on Sixth Street - late November, another worthwhile festival on Austin's Sixth Street (formerly Old Pecan Street) where plenty of food and drink make for a merry introduction to the festivities
December
- Trails of Lights and Zilker Christmas Tree - all December, a month-long festival of lights in Zilker Metropolitan Park which includes the lighting of the Zilker Christmas Tree