When you want to escape for the weekend to try great food, listen to amazing music or catch up on the latest and greatest in pop culture, Central Texas always has the answer with a yearly lineup of great festivals. It was hard for us at Patten Title to pick our favorites, but for locals and tourists alike, these 20 are the best of the best.
Where: Zilker Park, Austin
Dates: Oct. 6-8, 13-15, 2023
Cost: $170+
This sprawling festival features multiple stages, a food festival, activities for kids, and so much more. The ACL Fest organizers have packed in so much that they couldn’t contain it to one weekend! View Patten Title’s Guide to ACL Fest.
Where: Auditorium Shores, Austin
Dates: Nov. 2023
Cost: TBA
Whether you want to try something new, hobnob with some top chefs, or taste a few of the hundreds of wines, festival-goers can enjoy some great food that ranges from barbecue to tacos to brats. While Texas fare takes center stage, you can also enjoy taste-testing taco offerings made by chefs from across the country or sample spirits from mixologists far and wide.
Where: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio
Dates: October 6-8, 2023
Cost: $26
Actors and artists from TV shows, movies, and comics (plus a few surprise celebrities) drop in to sign autographs and mingle with fans. You can enjoy the food and spend the day shopping with some unique onsite vendors.
Where: Circuit of Americas, Austin
Dates: Nov. 10-12, 2023
Cost: $15-$20
The future is now at the largest electric vehicle exhibit in America. Check out electric scooters, cars, trucks, bikes, skateboards, motorcycles, and more. Enjoy a trip around the demo course to try out the latest in electric vehicles.
Where: Downtown Fredericksburg
Dates: Oct. 28, 2023
Cost: $5 – $25
Celebrate Texas Wine Month in October in the heart of Texas Hill Country! Eat, drink, and shop at this one-of-a-kind wine festival, which features a cooking school and some of the best wines made from Texas-grown grapes.
Where: River Star Arts and Events Park, Kerrville
Dates: January 21-22 ; 29-29 ; Feb 4-5 2024
Cost: $17 – $50
Lords and Ladies, rejoice! Dress in costume (or not) to enjoy demonstrations of medieval fighting, glass blowing, storytelling, food, and more. The 2023 version expanded to three weekends to continue the fun!
Where: 912 Red River St., Austin
Dates: Oct. 26-29, 2023
Cost: $18+
Roll in for four days of alternative, Indie and rock festivities with a Halloween theme. Prices vary by show and day
Where: Dale
Dates: AApril 18 – 21, 2024
Cost: $60 – $1,000
This is an old-fashioned bluegrass festival for campers or just day visitors. The fun includes activities for families plus workshops and talent competitions.
Where: Sixth Street between Brazos and IH 35, Austin
Dates: Sep. 16-17, 2023
Cost: Free
One of the longest-running and biggest free arts and crafts festivals in Texas, this street festival features music and arts and crafts with more than 200 vendors.
Where: 304 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin
Dates: March 16 – 18, 2024
Cost: Free
Shop for jewelry, art, apparel, and accessories at this event, which is now running in conjunction with the SXSW fes tival
Where: The Concourse Project, 8509 Burleson Rd., Austin
Dates: Nov. 10-12, 2023
Cost: $109+
Multiple stages cater to techno and underground music devotees. Indoor and outdoor venues include art installations, food trucks and more.
Where: Austin, Multiple Venues
Dates: March 8 – 16, 2024
Cost: $630 – $1,365
Known internationally, the SXSW Festival features music and film festivals, exhibitions, competitions and more, bringing pop culture and industry professionals to Austin each spring. Young, old, new and some obscure but talented musicians make this a great event for festival goers. Special events include comedy shows, parties, awards, screenings, showcases, and discussions.
Where: Travis Park, San Antonio
Dates: October 26 – 29, 2023
Cost: $80 – $150
Partnering with the James Beard Foundation, foodies will love this tasting festival for its workshops, seminars, tastes, Southern hospitality and more.
Where: Downtown Lockhart
Dates: November 4 – 5, 2023
Cost: $40 – $205
This is a celebration of the top 50 pitmasters from Texas Monthly’s 2022 honorees. If you’re into barbecue, it’s a can’t-miss event.
Where: The Big Red Barn, Round Top
Dates: October 23-28, 2023
Cost: $10-$25
Early American antiques, textiles, and early furniture and accessories, and early furniture and accessories, this is a must visit for serious antique collectors. There’s plenty of food on-site to keep you nourished.
Where: Four Sisters Ranch, Utopia
Dates: October 13 – 14, 2023; April 7 – 8, 2024
Cost: $40 – $800
With everything from live music to yoga to silent disco, the family-friendly vibe comes partly from an attendance cap of 1,500 attendees. Enjoy camping, biking, activities and listening to some cool bands.
Where: Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd., Austin
Dates: Oct. 7, 2023
Cost: $36 – $56
Lantern lovers can enjoy a spiritual night that includes lanterns on the water, food trucks, music and more.
