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, 2022, always on New Year’s Day
Where: Barton Springs Pool
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 23, 2022
Where: Start line: 9842 Stonelake Blvd.Austin; Finish line: Texas State Capitol
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 22 – 23, 2022, typically the last weekend of January
Where: Palmer Events Center
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 20, 2022
Where: Start & Finish Line: Congress & 2nd Avenue
Uber is often jammed in the morning before the race (some runners reported 30-minute waits!), so allow enough time to 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!
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 2 – 3, 2022
Where: Online
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.
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.
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 the high caliber, diverse films presented, and for its enthusiastic audiences.
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 late into each night. Not limited in genre or regional focus, audiences can enjoy a variety of musical styles.
When: March 11 – 20, 2022
Where: Downtown Austin
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.
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 12 – 26, 2022
Where: Travis County Expo Center
If you’re headed out with a large group, it can be a time and money save 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, as much of the fare ground is dirt.
One of the most prestigious PGA Tour tournaments in the world, Dell Match Play is where you can find many of golf’s brightest stars on one course. After previously being held in San Francisco and Arizona, the tournament made the move to Austin in 2016 and plans to remain at the Austin Country Club through at least 2019. The Dell Match Play is a unique experience – with Lake Austin as the backdrop, the weekend attracts golf lovers and socialites alike.
When: March 23 – 27, 2022
Where: Austin Country Club (4408 Long Champ Drive)
Getting a rideshare at the end of the day is hard to come by. For easy access to and from, coordinate a ride with a friend or family member beforehand or recruit a group to rent a shuttle.
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 3, 2022
Where: Zilker Park
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.
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 10, 2022
Where: Start line: South Congress Avenue (Ann Richards Bridge); Finish: Vic Mathias Shores Main Event Lawn
It is always fun to participate in the costume contest with family or friends- tutus are always a big hit!
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 April 5, 2022
Where: Dell Diamond
An annual music festival held just outside of Austin, Old Settler’s is an Austin tradition. Featuring four days of live music, attendees camp on the festival grounds.
When: April 21 – 24, 2022
Where: Tilmon, TX
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, weiner dog race, wildflower show, arts and crafts, and more (if you can believe it!)
When: April 8 – 10, 2022
Where: Burnet, TX
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 8 – 10, 2022
Where: Circuit of the Americas
If you are sensitive to loud noises, bring earplugs; the motorcycles can be loud as they fly by.
Horseshoe Bay Resort’s annual Balloon Festival is a treat for the whole family! The festival brings over 20 beautiful hot air balloons, plus local Hill Country wine vendors, live music and entertainers for a weekend full of fun. There are additional activities for resort club members and guests, including an Easter egg hunt on Easter morning.
When: April 15 – 16, 2022
Where: Horseshoe Bay Resort (45 minutes west of Austin)
Great Easter weekend for the family! While the kids play, adults can enjoy the VIP party and lunch tickets.
The Austin Reggae Festival is the event for the Reggae or world-infused music lover. 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 2 – 24, 2022
Where: Auditorium Shores
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 28 – 29, 2022
Where: ACL Live at Moody Theater
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 7 – 8, 2022
Where: Sixth Street Historic District
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: May 7, 2022
Where: Pease District Park
Events are more child-friendly towards the beginning of the day!
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 2, 2022
Where: Walter Seaholm Drive
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!
Year after year, The Republic Of Texas Biker Rally brings motorcycle enthusiasts to Austin to see some of the best motorcycle acts and attractions in the country. ROT Rally has something for every motorcycle lover to enjoy! This year will feature a night parade and party, a MotoRide, wrestling, bike giveaways, hundreds of vendors, and three nights of incredible music like ZZ Top, Shooter Jennings and the Dirty River Boys.
When: June 9 – 23, 2022
Where: Travis County Expo Center
This can be one of the busiest weekends of the year in downtown Austin. Be sure to plan ahead if you’re headed into the central downtown area.
An Austin summer tradition, Blues on the Green is a music series at Zilker Park. Each show starts at 8pm and pairs two Austin artists together for a crowd-pleasing show on the lawn. What started as a celebration of the blues has evolved into a diverse showcase for Austin-based artists of a variety of genres, from country and rock to singer-songwriters, large Latin music ensembles and yes, good ol’ fashioned blues.
When: June 14 & 15, July 19 & 20
Where: Zilker Park
Get a group together, bring a cooler with snack and refreshments, and set up a picnic blanket to enjoy the show. Dogs and children encouraged! There are also various food vendors set up.
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: July 4, 2022
Where: Vic Mathias Shores
Bring your own chair or blanket. Parking can be tough, but nearby TxDot parking lots are free for the holiday.
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.
When: August 27, 2022
Where: Congress Ave Bridge
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 begins 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 September 3, 2022 versus ULM
Where: Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium
This is same wonderful Pecan Street Festival as the one offered in the spring. If you miss the first one, you aren’t out of luck! You have a second chance to enjoy the festival each September.
Come see local artists, find fresh food and listen to great music on Austin’s historic 6th Street. It is one of the largest, longest-running arts and craft music festivals in the U.S!
When: September 17-18, 2022
Where: Sixth Street Historic District
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 30, 2022
Where: Palmer Events Center
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 it’s 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!
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 7 – 9 & 14 – 16, 2022
Where: Zilker Park
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.
Around thirty vendors of all shapes and sizes – local restaurants, top chefs, home-cooks, and neighbors will all go head-to-head in four categories – Meaty, Spicy, Veggie and Wild Card. Over the years, the variety of queso offered at The Quesoff has been nothing short of extraordinary from queso ice cream to tandoori queso and everything in between. This is a must-do for all queso lovers!
When: October 8, 2022
Where: Mohawk Austin (912 Red River Street)
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&A’s, 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 27 – November 3, 2022
Where: Various locations around central Austin
A member of the American Hockey League and a primary affiliate of the Dallas Stars NHL team, the Texas Stars regularly move players to NHL teams across the country. The players are good, the beer and ice are cold, and the games are a lot of fun.
When: Season opener is October 14, 2022
Where: HEB Center
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 27 – November 3, 2022
Where: Circuit of the Americas Track
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’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 5-6, 12-13, 19-20
Where: Various locations across Austin
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
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 4 – 6, 2022
Where: Auditorium Shores at Town Lake
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.
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 and while visiting trunk shows, mini runway events, designer showcases and more.
When: November 11-13, 2022
Where: The Domain
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 16 – 20, 2022
Where: Palmer Events Center
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.
An Austin holiday tradition, be sure to check out Zach Theatre’s rockin’ take on Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. Featuring the classic story mixed with popular songs and Christmas carols, this performance is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
When: November 16, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Where: Zach Theatre
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: Begins November 26
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)
Book before late October or you’ll run the risk of the train being sold out!
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: November 26, 2022, always Thanksgiving Day
Where: Start & Finish Line: The Long Center for the Performing Arts
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.
Just north of Austin, the town of Georgetown gathers on the day after Thanksgiving each year to light the town square. Join the mayor as thousands of lights come aglow across the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.”
When: November 27, 2022, always the Friday after Thanksgiving
Where: Georgetown, TX
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.
When: November 27, 2022
Where: Zilker Park
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 8
Where: Zilker Park
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.
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 3, 2022
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 3 – 23, 2022
Where: The Long Center
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 17 – Friday, December 23, 2022
Where: Palmer Events Center
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: December 31, 2022, always New Year’s Eve
Where: Paramount Theatre
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: December 31, 2022, always New Year’s Eve
Where: Auditorium Shores
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