MyAustin Magazine

SXSW CONFERENCES & FESTIVALS
2026-03-12 - 2026-03-18 | TX
SXSW takes over Austin March 12–18 for 7 days of nonstop inspiration, culture, and connection 🌎✨
Experience 850+ conference sessions featuring global leaders and creators, 600+ mentor and networking events, and a city-wide takeover with 4,400 musicians performing across 300+ live showcases 🎶 Catch 460 film and TV screenings 🎬, laugh through four nights of comedy 😂, and explore 450 brand activations pushing innovation, tech, music, and storytelling forward. SXSW is where ideas collide, creativity thrives, and what’s next gets built — live in Austin.

HONK! TX
2026-03-27 - 2026-03-29
HONK!TX 2026: Austin’s Free Community Brass & Street Band Festival 🌳🏙️
HONK!TX returns to Austin, Texas March 27–29, 2026 with a joyful, community-powered celebration of music, movement, and creative expression 🎺🎶 This nonprofit, volunteer-run festival brings together street and brass bands from Austin, across the U.S., and around the world — all performing for free in public spaces 🌍✨ Mobile and unamplified, HONK! bands transform everyday locations into organic stages, breaking down the barrier between performers and audiences and inviting everyone to join the revelry.

ABC Kite Fest
2026-04-11
🪁🌈 98th ABC Kite Fest – Let Your Imagination Take Flight! 🌈🪁
Get ready to soar into fun at the 98th ABC Kite Fest on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Zilker Park, Austin, TX 🇺🇸✨! From 10 AM to 5 PM, enjoy a day full of colorful kites, family-friendly activities, and sky-high excitement 🎉🪁. Free admission makes it the perfect outing for all ages—let your imagination take flight! 🌟💨🎈

Cinco de Mayo Festival (Mexic-Arte Museum)
2026-04-23 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
Date: May 2, 2026Location: Republic Square, Downtown AustinAdmission: Free
This Cinco de Mayo celebration is one of the most authentic cultural events happening in Austin, hosted by the Mexic-Arte Museum and rooted in community rather than tourism. Expect traditional music, local food vendors, and artisan booths showcasing handmade goods from local creators. The event brings together families, artists, and residents for a daytime festival that feels vibrant but still grounded in Austin’s cultural identity. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning while supporting local vendors and experiencing something meaningful within the community.

Blues on the Green
2026-05-01 08:00 - 2026-05-15 17:00
Date: Early May 2026 (season opener expected)Location: Zilker ParkAdmission: Free
Blues on the Green is a local favorite that perfectly captures Austin’s outdoor music culture. Held at Zilker Park, this free concert series brings the community together for live performances in a relaxed, picnic-style setting. People bring blankets, snacks, and friends, creating a laid-back atmosphere that feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a concert. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy live music while actually experiencing Austin like a local.

iHeartCountry Festival (Moody Center)
2026-05-02 08:00 - 17:00
Date: May 2, 2026Location: Moody Center ATXAdmission: Ticketed
This one-night-only concert brings a stacked lineup of country artists to Austin, making it one of the biggest music events of the month. While it draws a large crowd, it’s still a strong fit for locals who love live music and want a high-energy night out without traveling for a festival. With major names performing and a full arena atmosphere, it’s a great option if you’re looking for something lively and memorable to kick off May.

First Thursday on South Congress
2026-05-07 08:00 - 17:00
Date: May 7, 2026Location: South Congress AvenueAdmission: Free
First Thursday on South Congress is a monthly tradition that feels like a neighborhood block party stretched across one of Austin’s most loved streets. Local shops stay open late, food trucks line the sidewalks, and musicians pop up throughout the area creating a lively but still relaxed vibe. It’s a go-to for locals who want to shop small, grab a bite, and enjoy the city without committing to a full event. The atmosphere is social, walkable, and perfect for a casual night out with friends.

PECAN STREET FESTIVAL 2026
2026-05-09 - 2026-05-10
🎉🎨 Pecan Street Festival – Austin’s Ultimate Arts & Music Weekend! 🎶🛍️
Experience the Pecan Street Festival at Hill Country Galleria with live music, local vendors, incredible artists, and tasty eats 🍔🎨🎵! Fun for all ages includes kids’ art workshops, a full block of carnival rides, and dance lessons 💃🛝🎈.
Spring Dates:📅 Sat May 9, 2026 | 11 AM – 9 PM📅 Sun May 10, 2026 | 11 AM – 8 PM
✅ FREE Admission & FREE Parking 🅿️ – come and go as you please! Rideshare & carpooling encouraged for easy access 🚗✨. A weekend full of fun, art, music, and family-friendly vibes you won’t want to miss!

ILLFest 2026
2026-05-29 - 2026-05-31
ILLfest: Austin’s Ultimate Electronic Music & Art Festival🌈🌀
ILLfest brings some of the world’s best electronic musicians to Austin for a mind-bending, multi-sensory experience 🔊✨ Happening May 29–31 in Austin, Texas, this two-day festival blends cutting-edge electronic music with immersive art installations and trippy visuals around every corner 🎶🎨 From bass-heavy sets to surreal sights, ILLfest is where music, art, and creativity collide for an unforgettable weekend.

AUSTIN MUSEUM DAY
2026-09-20
🏛️🎨 Austin Museum Day 2026 – Free Art, History & Fun for All! 🎶🧬
Mark your calendars for September 20, 2026 and dive into the 29th Annual Austin Museum Day! Explore 30+ Austin-area museums for free 🆓, featuring art, culture, history, music, nature, and science 🖼️🎵🌿🔬. Enjoy guided tours, hands-on activities, and self-guided exhibits perfect for all ages 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨. A day of learning, creativity, and family fun you won’t want to miss! 🎉🏛️💫

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS MUSIC FESTIVAL
2026-10-02 - 2026-10-11
ACL Fest 2026: Two Weekends of Music in Austin 🎉🎶
ACL Fest is back — and bigger than ever — celebrating 25 years in Austin at Zilker Park 🎸🔥 Join music lovers from around the world October 2–4 and October 9–11, 2026 for two weekends packed with 100+ live performances across nine stages 🌎🎤 From 3-day GA to VIP and Platinum experiences, ACL offers something for every kind of fan. The 2026 lineup is still to be announced, but the experience, energy, and Austin spirit are guaranteed.

AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL
2026-10-29 - 2026-11-05
🎬✨ Austin Film Festival 2026 – Celebrate Storytelling & Creativity! ✨🎥
From October 29 – November 5, 2026, the Austin Film Festival inspires and champions writers, filmmakers, and storytellers from all backgrounds 🎭📝🎬. Enjoy an 8-day film festival, 4-day conference, and year-round programs including a Young Filmmakers Program, podcasts, TV & radio shows 🎙️📺🌟. As Ron Howard says, it’s all about finding your voice, unleashing creativity, and having fun 🎉🎨💫.
