23 Things You Have to Do in Austin This Year
These are the must-hit festivals, concerts, events, and most fun things to do this year in Austin, broken down by month.
Whether you know it as the Live Music Capital of the World, Bat City, or its more formally recognized government-issued name, you better believe there’s something going down in Austin every night of the week. However, what’s best to do on any given trip in this Lone Star beacon of activities definitely depends on what time of the year you’re visiting — which is where our list comes in. From the stage speakers at Zilker Park, from the rooftop parties on game day, and even from the dashboards of vehicles jingling through the winter trail of lights, the party doesn’t stop.
These are the greatest events month-by-month, not the touristy recommendation you might get from an average travel site. Here’s our mammoth monthly events calendar of the best things to do in Austin, straight from the mouths and hearts of the locals.
January
January 5–6, 2025
Various
It wouldn’t be Austin if 2025 wasn’t kicked off with some serious live music. Nothing does that better than city tradition, and all-around showapoolza, Free Week. For our recent transplants, we will explain: originally started as a way to keep venues alive during the traditional low-business time of early January, Free Week features tons of free (get it?) shows from amazing performers across a plethora of local stages. Get a sweaty start to the new year by hitting the dance floor of venues like Stubb’s and Swan Dive in what has been referred to as “a locals-only SXSW.”
Ready to go? This event is free.
January 17–19, 2025
LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue
South Austin meat mecca, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue is everyone’s top spot for succulent sliced beef and mouth-watering cuts of pork. Bring some of their brisket know-how to your own backyard by signing up for this January’s New School BBQ University. At this three-day weekend-long class session, you’ll learn how to trim, season, and smoke chicken, beef, and hog from the pit-masters themselves. And, if you want to take your newfound skills beyond a Fourth of July barbecue, the event also features educational panels on starting up a small business and developing marketing plans.
Ready to go? $30 per month.
February
February 2, 2025
The Paper + Craft Pantry
Whilst Lunar New Year actually falls on January 29, celebrations traditionally take place the following weekend, with a slew of ATX’s East and Southeast Asian businesses feasting to the Year of the Snake. On the Sunday, The Paper + Craft Pantry will be putting on a colorful display of lion dancing, dragon dancing and kids' entertainment, completely free of charge. You can, of course, show up and support by treating yourselves to their vendor market pop-up, packed with original arts, crafts, books and food by local Asian small businesses.
Ready to go? This event is free and family-friendly.
February 22–March 2, 2025
Westwood Country Club
When Shania Twain sang, “let’s go girls,” she might as well have been referring to the all-female professional tennis showdown, the ATX Open. While 2025 may be only its third year running, this event has never failed to deliver a grand slam line-up of the best females with a forehand around. Two notable names are already set to make their Bat City debut on the courts this February: eight-time Women’s Tennis Association singles champion, Madison Keys, and the player currently ranked number 6 in the world, Jessica Pegula. True ball buffs even have an extra opportunity to get more time in with these tennis stars (and down some mimosas) at the ATX Open’s special meet-and-greet event, the Ladies’ Day Brunch.
Ready to go? Get tickets here.
Season kicks off late February 2025, exact dates TBD
Q2 Stadium
There’s nothing like the rush of celebrating a goal in the stands with the green-and-black decked crowd at an Austin FC game. The hometown passion for this Major League Soccer team will have your heart beating loud for the full 90-minute play time — although you may not hear it over the triumphal sounds of the volunteer band which plays at every match. It’s this kind of outstanding atmosphere that has made every one of Austin FC’s home matches sell out the Q2 Stadium. Expect to leave the experience with a newfound appreciation for “the greatest game,” and a voice that’s hoarse from screaming “Verde! Listos!”
Ready to go? Grab tickets here.
March
March 7–15, 2025
Various locations
The big kahuna of all Austin events has to be SXSW, the festival where professionals and fans from tech, movies, music, and an ever-growing number of industries meet for pop-ups, performances, interactive arts, and more. Regardless of your involvement and/or wristband status, be sure to get out and there and catch at least one new mind-blowing band that you could soon see topping the Billboard charts — just some of the household names the festival was instrumental in launching include John Mayer, Kid Cudi, and Odd Future.
Ready to go?Grab tickets here.
March 2025 dates TBD
Luck, Texas
Without question, there is no one more beloved in Austin than the exalted Willie Nelson. Should you have any doubt that this is true, just visit the massive sculpture of him that sits at the corner of West 2nd Street and Lavaca. And his signature SXSW adjacent-event, the Luck Reunion, is the perfect chance to see why Willie is king. The whole she-bang goes down about a 45-minute drive from Austin at the country legend’s ranch in Luck, which is set up like an old Western film set. There, you can sip on free tequila cocktails and White Claws all day long, and watch intimate sets on the small stages, including ones in a salon that looks like it came straight from a John Wayne film. Previous headliners include Tyler Childers, Jason Isabell, and, Japanese Breakfast, while the night always ends with a set by the Red Headed Stranger himself. Just be sure to keep an eye on Luck’s social media and sign up for their mailing list, as tickets are only released in certain quantities on special days.
Ready to go? Snag tickets here.
March 2025 dates TBD
Various locations
In Austin, we truly love our parks. Whether it’s Zilker, Walnut Creek, or everything in between, we certainly are a city with A+ green space. You can show your appreciation (and even get some freebies in return) at the Austin Parks Foundation’s It’s My Park Day. Register to volunteer at the park of your choice and spend the day giving back some much needed TLC to the land. In return, a bunch of local businesses will give you discount cards for your time. So, wrangle the whole crew to sign up as group and, after your good deed is complete, you can all reward yourselves with a coupon for a free beer or coffee at participating locations.
Ready to go? Sign up to volunteer here.
April
April 9–19, 2025
Various locations
With the emergence of Joe Rogan-owned club, Comedy Mothership, and the relocation of one of New York’s favorite comedian haunts, The Creek and The Cave, the stand-up scene in Austin has exploded as fast as a viral video of keyboard-playing kittens. Another key player in this eruption of laughter has to be the Moontower Comedy Festival, which, with last year’s stacked line-up of over 150 comedians, has become one of the largest comedy festivals in North America. During this event, you can catch both big-names, such as previous headliners Jeff Ross and Marc Maron, as well as up-and-comers testing their material on the mic across the city’s deluxe arenas and intimate performance spaces.
Ready to go? Grab tickets here.
April 2025 dates TBD
The Far Out Lounge & Stage
Take a trip through a prismatic spectacle of sights, sounds, and extreme reverb at this local favorite festival. Started by riff-blasting band, and Austin native sons, The Black Angels, Psych Fest pays tribute to all forms of psychedelic music with a line-up which spans every sub-genre and style. Past headliners have run the gamut, including hardcore noise rock bands, such as Metz, synth-y lo-fi soul groups, like Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and artists so experimental it is hard to even pin them down in a description, e.g. Yves Tumor. Just as magical as the music are the stage’s background visuals: kaleidoscopes of wiggling patterns, dripping paint splatter, and dancing liquid blobs which are custom-created for each set by renowned artists and illustrators.
Ready to go? Grab tickets here.
April 2025 dates TBD
Distribution Hall
Local nonprofit, Future Front Texas continues its mission of amplifying female and queer voices every April at their amazing pop-up bazaar, The Front Market Spring Season. You can bask in the warmth of the sunshine while browsing the wares of over 175 vendors, which have, in the past, included hand-painted cowboy boots from MKLFRIEND, and trees designed to survive the studio apartment lifestyle from Urbn Trees. Not to mention the all-day DJs, yummy noshes, and workshops which will serve as the perfect pairing to your purchases.
Ready to go? Grab tickets here.
May
May 29–June 1, 2025
Various locations
Enter a real-life version of your Netflix queue at this panel discussion and premiere heavy festival that toasts all things television. Since they often announce their event programming sometime in the late Fall, you’ll have to stay tuned to their social media channels for official details. However, past appearances include the cast and creators of both recent small-screen sensations, such as The Righteous Gemstones and Fargo, and beloved sitcom standard go-tos, like Cheers and Scrubs.
Ready to go? Book here.
May 22–25, 2025
Various locations
Texas foodies wait every year for the moment to take their taste buds to nirvana at Hot Luck, the esteemed food and music festival co-founded by renowned local chef, Aaron Franklin. At this event, some of the country’s top culinary minds showcase their cuisine styles in three days of food parties revolving around themes like retro supper clubs, big-top state fairs, and open-fire cooking. You can end your day of dining indulgence on the dance floor with the slate of fantastic live shows that also go down during the Memorial Day weekend bonanza.
Ready to go? Find tickets here.
May 2025 dates TBD
Various locations
The Cine Las Americas International Film Festival, which highlights Latinx and Indigenous films and filmmakers, splashes across Austin’s various screens this May. For its 27th year, they are offering a whopping amount of cinema for your viewing pleasure: narratives, documentaries, music videos, and more from over 25 different countries. And, they still keep a distinctive Lone Star standpoint alive as well with the “Hecho en Tejas” Shorts Competition, which features films produced in Texas.
Ready to go? Grab tickets here.
June
June 14, 2025
Blanton Museum of Art
Outside of the mass sightings of burnt orange during football season, it can be easy to forget that Austin is home to a world-class university. And you don’t have to be a coed to access their top benefit: the Blanton Museum of Art. Maximize your day of browsing the collection of ancient Greek sculpture and modern Cubist paintings by going to the museum for their monthly event series, Blanton All Day. On these days, the Blanton’s outdoor grassy expanse becomes colored by a multitude of picnic blankets, as attendees enjoy live music, talks, noshes and cocktails from on-site food vendors, and art-related activities. When you’ve had your fill of the sun, the museum’s indoor galleries are open for browsing till 8 pm.
Ready to go? Find tickets here.
Juneteenth
June 19, 2025
Various locations
Considering Juneteenth originated in Texas, there is even more reason to celebrate this important day of freedom for African Americans in Austin. This national holiday is honored every year at the Central Texas Juneteenth Parade and Festival, a neighborhood event that consistently feels like a joyous family reunion. Marching bands, dance troupes, and decorative floats make up the procession that snakes through East Austin till reaching Rosewood Park, where the party continues with live music, food trucks, and a makers market. Keep an eye out for information on additional Juneteenth events thrown by Black historical and community institution, the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center, and educational exercise organization, Black History Bike Ride. Volunteer to help at the Central Texas Juneteenth Parade and Festival here.
Ready to go? Many events are free.
June 2025 dates TBD
Zilker Park
Before the onslaught of heat during July and August, temperate June nights are a Texan’s last chance to enjoy some outdoor activities without the threat of persistent perspiration. Mix that summer breeze with live music, a cooler of beers, and one of the most authentic Austin events around and you have Blues on the Green. This free concert series in Zilker Park has been running for almost 30 years, with a stellar lineup of acts hand-picked by music tastemakers, Austin City Limits Radio.
Ready to go? This event is free.
July
July 2025 dates TBD
Red River Cultural District
In the midst of a balmy Texas summer, comes a free musical fest that embraces these hot nights. Around 125 local acts perform across 14 venues throughout Red River Cultural District, Austin’s historical music neighborhood. The three-day fiesta aims to bring awareness to local artists and local businesses, so while admission is free, do dig deep and refresh yourselves at the many vendors who play host, such as Cheer Up Charlies and Mohawk. Music usually kicks off at around 7 pm.
Ready to go? This event is free.
August
August 7–10, 2025
Fiesta Gardens and Congress Avenue
It’s August, the best time in Austin to party without a shirt! Grab your rainbow gear, guzzle enough liquid courage to give your number to some strangers, and make your way over to the Pride Festival. This free event at Fiesta Gardens features games and carnival rides, drag queen story time, a pop-up market with an almost overwhelming amount of vendors, and food and drinks galore. The good times keep rolling with the main event: the Pride Parade down Congress, an extravaganza of exquisite floats and live performers.
Ready to go? Many events are free.
September
September 21
Various locations
Some of the most underrated gems in Austin are the wonderful museums. For those whose exploration of the city so far has been at less than Attenborough standards, you can make up for lost time by diving into these temples of art, culture, and history on Austin Museum Day 2025. More than twenty museums in Austin, including landmark art institute, The Blanton, keepers of Lone Star legends, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, and cultural mecca, Mexic-Arte Museum, will open up free of charge, offering you special programming including guided and self-guided exhibition tours, activities, and more without asking for a cent. Besides $1 frozen margaritas at Doc’s, there’s no better deal in town.
Ready to go? This event is free.
October
October 2025 dates TBD
Various locations
Every hardcore music fan in Austin knows that a true ACL Festival experience doesn’t end when the lights go down after the final headliner’s second encore. In fact, when the gates to Zilker Park close, the doors of the city’s many music venues open for ACL Fest Nights, a series of intimate shows performed by various names on the Festival’s line-up. While you can’t go wrong by hitting up any of these consistently special performances, Japanese pop goddess, Rina Sawayama, at Stubb’s on October 11 sounds like an ideal mid-week treat. Another stand-out would have to be on October 13, when iconic rockers, The Breeders, bring their fuzz-filled power chords to the stage at Stubb’s.
Ready to go? Tickets vary by venue.
November
November 2–3, 2024
Lockhart
This month is all about stuffing yourself silly, and you can kick off your Tums-filled, Fall feasting journey at the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest. Taking place in the nearby, charming town of Lockhart, the meat sweats will feel like a small price to pay for the experience to chow down on the best briskets around. In addition to all the food, Saturday’s event, the BBQ World’s Fair, will feature live music, an artisan marketplace, and cooking demos. Then, on Sunday, the Top 50 Picnic will host over 40 of the pit-master palaces featured in the publication’s prestigious list of the top Texas barbecue.
Ready to go? Free admission to the BBQ World’s Fair (purchases made inside).
December
December 10–23, 2024
Zilker Park
It’s rare to feel truly festive in this cacti-laden land, but at Zilker Park we sure can try. For a 60th year running, Austinites don their Christmas sweaters and blast the AC at dark to jingle through the Trail of Lights, a dazzling array of two million bulbs strewn across the green as if this were the northeast. Yes, there’s a lot of advertising and some of the displays are kinda corny, but isn’t that what Christmas is half about? Upgrade with lounge access on Candy Cane Lane and get extra merry on holiday cookies and cocoa.
Ready to go? Book here.