The Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival returns this month, bringing one of Austin’s most unique food traditions back for its 36th annual edition.

And there’s a big change this year:

The festival has a new home.

After being held at Far Out Lounge in recent years, the festival moves to Radio/East, giving the event a new East Austin setting for 2026.

SAVE THE DATE

The 36th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival takes place:

Sunday, August 30

3–9 p.m.

Radio/East

3504 Montopolis Drive

The event benefits the Central Texas Food Bank.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, plus taxes and fees.

And the event is cashless, so bring a card or another accepted cashless payment method.

THIS ISN’T JUST A HOT SAUCE TASTING

If you’ve never been, don’t think of this as walking into a store and trying three bottles of Tabasco.

This is a full-on Austin food festival.

You’ll find:

Hundreds of hot sauce tastings.

Local sauce makers.

Food vendors.

Cold drinks.

Live music.

Hot sauce competitions.

And plenty of people discovering that the sauce they thought they could handle was, in fact, much hotter than they expected.

THE NEW LOCATION

The move to Radio/East is one of the biggest changes for 2026.

The festival previously took place at Far Out Lounge in South Austin.

Now it’s moving east to Montopolis.

That gives longtime attendees a reason to check out the festival all over again.

The new location is at 3504 Montopolis Drive, just southeast of downtown Austin.

WHY THE MOVE MATTERS

The Hot Sauce Festival has always been about more than the sauce.

The venue becomes part of the experience.

Radio/East gives the festival a different neighborhood feel and a new layout to explore.

Instead of simply repeating last year’s event, 2026 gives longtime attendees a chance to experience the festival in a completely different setting.

THE BEST PART: TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

This is the ultimate hot-sauce shopping trip.

You don’t have to stare at a shelf and wonder:

“Is this actually good?”

You can taste it.

Try something mild.

Try something smoky.

Try something fruity.

Try something garlicky.

Then work your way toward the sauces that make you question your life decisions.

DON’T START WITH THE HOTTEST SAUCE

This is the number-one beginner mistake.

You walk in.

See a bottle labeled something ridiculous.

Think:

“I can handle spicy food.”

Then five minutes later you’re searching for milk.

Don’t do it.

Start with flavor.

Then increase the heat.

THERE’S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOT AND GOOD

That’s one of the best things about the festival.

The goal isn’t necessarily to find the sauce that burns the most.

A great hot sauce should actually taste good.

You might find a sauce that’s smoky.

Another that’s sweet.

Another that’s acidic.

Another that’s loaded with garlic.

Another that’s built around a specific pepper.

The heat should be part of the experience—not the entire experience.

LOCAL SAUCE MAKERS ARE THE STARS

The festival brings together hot sauce makers from Central Texas and beyond.

The 2026 vendor list includes makers such as Fantastic Fuego, Freaky Ferments, Mad Man Sauces, Stanky Sauce, Wicked Provisions Hot Sauce, Bindu Bites, Boerne Brand, Cowboy Spice Company and others, with additional vendors still being announced.

This is your chance to discover small sauce companies you probably aren’t going to find at your neighborhood grocery store.

FIND YOUR NEW FAVORITE AUSTIN SAUCE

One of the best strategies is to buy sauces from local Austin makers.

Austin has a surprisingly deep hot-sauce culture.

And some local producers have built serious reputations through the festival’s competition.

For example, Fantastic Fuego has multiple Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival awards associated with its sauces.

Don’t just buy the biggest brand.

Try something local.

THE COMPETITION

The festival isn’t just about eating.

There is an actual competition.

Sauce makers compete for awards judged by a panel of judges.

There is also a People’s Choice component, allowing festival attendees to have a say in which sauce deserves recognition.

So pay attention to the winners.

A festival award can be a great way to discover what to buy.

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE IS YOUR FRIEND

If you’re overwhelmed by dozens of bottles:

Look for the sauces people are talking about.

Ask vendors:

“What’s your most popular sauce?”

Then ask:

“What’s your personal favorite?”

Those two answers can be surprisingly different.

BUY BOTTLES

This isn’t the event to leave empty-handed.

You have already tasted the sauces.

You know which ones you like.

Buy a few bottles.

Bring them home.

Put them on:

Eggs.

Tacos.

Pizza.

Chicken.

Burgers.

BBQ.

French fries.

Everything.

BUILD A HOT-SAUCE COLLECTION

Here’s a better strategy than buying five sauces that all taste similar.

Buy:

One everyday sauce.

One smoky sauce.

One fruity sauce.

One Mexican-style sauce.

One crazy-hot sauce.

Now you have a hot-sauce lineup for almost anything.

THE BEST AUSTIN BREAKFAST USE

Take your new sauces home and put them on breakfast tacos.

Eggs.

Potatoes.

Bacon.

Cheese.

Hot sauce.

That’s one of the easiest ways to make an ordinary Austin breakfast better.

HOT SAUCE + TACOS

Obviously.

Austin tacos and hot sauce are basically a perfect combination.

Try your new sauces on tacos and figure out which one becomes your new go-to.

HOT SAUCE + BBQ

Texas BBQ also needs a hot-sauce strategy.

Brisket.

Ribs.

Sausage.

Pulled pork.

Chicken.

Try different sauces and figure out what works.

And don’t drown good brisket in sauce.

A little goes a long way.

HOT SAUCE + PIZZA

This one is underrated.

A good hot sauce can completely change pizza.

Especially pepper-forward or smoky sauces.

Try it.

You’ll understand.

DON’T FORGET THE FOOD

You’re going to need something to eat.

The festival includes local food trucks and vendors, so you don’t have to survive entirely on hot-sauce samples.

And trust us:

You will want something substantial between rounds of spicy tasting.

DRINK WATER

This should be obvious.

But once you’re tasting dozens of sauces, it’s easy to forget.

Drink water.

Especially in August.

You’re outside.

It’s Austin.

It’s hot.

And you’re intentionally putting peppers into your mouth.

Hydrate.

BRING CASH?

Don’t.

The 2026 festival is cashless.

Bring a credit or debit card or another accepted cashless payment method.

DON’T WEAR WHITE

This deserves its own section.

You’re eating hot sauce.

There will be food.

There will be drinks.

There will probably be salsa.

There will definitely be something red.

Wear something you don’t mind getting messy.

THE BEST OUTFIT

Shorts.

Comfortable shoes.

T-shirt.

Sunglasses.

Hat.

And absolutely nothing white.

AUGUST HEAT IS REAL

The festival runs from 3–9 p.m.

That’s good because the sun will start dropping during the event.

But the first part of the festival will still be hot.

Wear sunscreen.

Drink water.

Take breaks.

And don’t try to spend six straight hours standing in the sun.

GO LATE

If you’re mostly interested in music and hanging out rather than being first in line for every sauce, consider arriving later in the afternoon.

The event continues until 9 p.m., giving you plenty of time to experience it without spending the entire afternoon in peak heat.

OR GO EARLY

If your priority is tasting and shopping:

Go early.

You’ll have more time to visit vendors, sample sauces and buy bottles before you’re tired.

There’s no wrong answer.

It depends on what you want from the festival.

THE PERFECT HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL DATE

Here’s a great Austin date:

Arrive around 4 p.m.

Try sauces together.

Find your favorite.

Split some food.

Grab a cold drink.

Listen to live music.

Buy a few bottles.

Then head somewhere else for dinner.

It’s different from the typical Austin date night.

And that’s the point.

THE PERFECT GUYS’ DAY

Bring your friends.

Set a rule:

Everyone has to find one sauce nobody else has tried.

Taste everything.

Vote on the best.

Buy bottles.

Then go eat BBQ.

That’s a Saturday—or in this case, Sunday—well spent.

THE PERFECT GIRLS’ DAY

Same concept.

Find interesting sauces.

Take pictures.

Try the weird flavors.

Find your favorite.

Grab food.

Listen to music.

Then head out for drinks afterward.

THE PERFECT FAMILY DAY

The festival is an all-ages event.

That means you can bring the family, although parents should obviously keep an eye on kids around extremely spicy products.

For kids, the fun isn’t necessarily about seeing how much heat they can tolerate.

It’s about trying different flavors and discovering how many different things can be made from peppers.

DON’T TURN IT INTO A CHALLENGE

You do not get an award for eating the hottest sauce.

Unless you’re actually participating in a competition, there’s no reason to punish yourself.

Taste.

Enjoy.

Move on.

THE BEST FESTIVAL HACK

Bring a small notebook.

Seriously.

You’re going to taste a dozen sauces.

Then 20.

Then 30.

After a while, they’re going to blur together.

Write down the ones you love.

Take pictures of the bottles.

Then go back and buy them.

ANOTHER HACK: TAKE PICTURES

Take a picture of every bottle you really like.

Especially the label.

You’ll thank yourself later.

Otherwise, you’ll get home and say:

“What was that amazing green sauce?”

And have no idea.

BUY FOR GIFTS

Hot sauce makes a great Texas gift.

Especially if you’re visiting Austin and need something small to take home.

Buy a few bottles.

Wrap them up.

Give them to friends.

They’ll remember Austin every time they use it.

THE FESTIVAL IS ALSO A FOODIE EVENT

Even if you’re not obsessed with hot sauce, there’s plenty to enjoy.

The festival combines:

Food.

Music.

Drinks.

Local businesses.

Competition.

Shopping.

And a very Austin atmosphere.

It’s basically a food festival built around one ingredient.

LIVE MUSIC MAKES IT BETTER

Once your mouth needs a break from the peppers, listen to the music.

The festival includes live performances as part of the event.

That’s important because it gives you something to do between tastings.

Eat.

Drink.

Listen.

Taste.

Repeat.

THE FESTIVAL SUPPORTS THE FOOD BANK

This isn’t just a party.

The Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival benefits the Central Texas Food Bank.

So your ticket helps support hunger relief in Central Texas.

That’s a pretty good reason to buy a ticket.

THIS IS A VERY AUSTIN EVENT

Think about it.

Austin.

August.

Hot sauce.

Live music.

Food trucks.

Local makers.

Cold drinks.

And a charitable cause.

It doesn’t get much more Austin than that.

THE BALLER ATX HOT SAUCE STRATEGY

Buy your ticket in advance.

It’s cheaper than paying at the door.

Go with friends.

Start with mild sauces.

Work your way up.

Drink plenty of water.

Eat real food.

Take pictures of sauces you love.

Buy bottles to take home.

Vote for your favorite.

Listen to the music.

Don’t wear white.

And most importantly:

Don’t confuse “hottest” with “best.”

THE BOTTOM LINE

The 36th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival comes to Radio/East on Sunday, August 30, from 3–9 p.m.

This year is a little different because the festival has moved to a new East Austin home at 3504 Montopolis Drive.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and the festival benefits the Central Texas Food Bank.

You’ll be able to sample hundreds of hot sauces, meet local sauce makers, buy bottles, eat, drink, listen to live music and see which sauces win the judges’ and People’s Choice awards.

And that’s why this is one of those Austin events you should experience at least once.

You don’t have to be a hot-sauce fanatic.

You just have to like food.

Because by the end of the day, you’re going to have a new favorite sauce.

You might even discover that you like something hotter than you thought.

Just remember:

Start slow.

Hydrate.

Eat something.

Don’t wear white.

And when someone tells you:

“Try this one. It’s not that hot.”

Don’t trust them.

For more than 50 years, if you heard someone say Pecan Street Festival, you probably pictured one thing:

Dirty 6th.

Artists lining the sidewalks.

Food vendors.

Live music.

Crowds walking from booth to booth.

The old buildings of downtown Austin surrounding the festival.

And one of Austin’s most recognizable streets temporarily becoming an enormous outdoor arts festival.

But if you’re heading to the Pecan Street Festival in 2026 expecting that experience, there’s something you need to know:

It’s not on Sixth Street anymore.

The Pecan Street Festival has moved to the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave.

And that is one of the biggest changes to this longtime Austin tradition in decades.

THE NEW LOCATION

The 2026 spring Pecan Street Festival takes place May 9–10 at Hill Country Galleria, located at 12700 Hill Country Blvd. in Bee Cave.

Admission is free.

Parking is free.

And the festival remains a two-day event featuring arts, crafts, food, live music and family activities.

So yes, the name still says Pecan Street.

But you’re going to be several miles west of the actual street that inspired the name.

WHY DID IT MOVE?

This wasn’t simply a decision to find a bigger parking lot.

The festival’s longtime home became increasingly difficult to use.

Sixth Street has changed dramatically over the past several years.

New pedestrian infrastructure, including large bollards installed along the street, reduced the space available for vendor booths.

Festival organizers said the changes would have drastically reduced the number of vendors they could accommodate.

There were also concerns about vendor security and the changing environment around the downtown Sixth Street area.

The result was a difficult choice:

Keep trying to squeeze the festival into a space that no longer worked…

or find somewhere else.

They chose somewhere else.

WHY HILL COUNTRY GALLERIA?

The Hill Country Galleria wasn’t a completely random choice.

Festival organizers already had a relationship with the property and had experience producing events there.

The location offers something Sixth Street increasingly couldn’t:

Space.

Lots of it.

There is room for vendors.

Room for crowds.

Parking.

Wide walkways.

Restaurants.

Stores.

And a more controlled environment for a family-oriented festival.

Organizers also said vendors appreciated being able to leave their booths and merchandise in a safer environment overnight.

BUT LET’S BE HONEST…

It’s going to feel different.

Very different.

And that’s probably the biggest thing longtime Pecan Street Festival fans need to understand.

You’re no longer walking down historic Sixth Street surrounded by downtown Austin architecture.

You’re walking through a suburban outdoor shopping district in Bee Cave.

That’s not necessarily bad.

It’s just not the same.

THE OLD PECAN STREET

The festival’s name comes from Austin history.

Sixth Street was originally called Pecan Street.

When Austin’s original street names were changed to numbers, Pecan Street became Sixth Street.

The festival kept the old name as a tribute to the street’s history.

So even though the festival has moved, the name still connects it to Austin’s past.

THE SIXTH STREET EXPERIENCE

For longtime attendees, the old location was part of the attraction.

You could:

Browse art.

Grab a turkey leg.

Listen to a band.

Walk into a downtown bar.

Grab a drink.

Walk another block.

Find another band.

Stop for food.

Keep shopping.

Then wander toward Congress Avenue.

The festival and downtown nightlife naturally blended together.

That won’t happen in the same way at Hill Country Galleria.

THE NEW EXPERIENCE

The new Pecan Street Festival is more contained.

You park.

Walk into the festival area.

Browse vendors.

Listen to music.

Eat.

Shop.

Hang out.

Then you have the surrounding Galleria shops and restaurants available.

It’s easier.

It’s cleaner.

It’s more organized.

And for families, it may actually be more comfortable.

THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGE: PARKING

Let’s talk about something longtime downtown attendees won’t miss:

Parking headaches.

The new location offers free parking.

That’s a major advantage.

You don’t have to spend $20–$40 trying to find a downtown parking garage.

You don’t have to walk half a mile from your car.

And you don’t have to worry about Sixth Street road closures.

The official festival information specifically lists free parking.

THE SECOND BIG ADVANTAGE: SPACE

The Hill Country Galleria gives the festival more room to spread out.

That means vendors aren’t fighting for every square foot of sidewalk.

Crowds aren’t squeezed between buildings.

And you can take your time browsing.

THE THIRD ADVANTAGE: FAMILIES

If you’ve ever tried taking small children to a giant downtown street festival, you know the challenge.

Crowds.

Traffic.

Crosswalks.

Bars.

Noise.

Limited parking.

The Galleria environment is much easier for families.

There are kid-focused activities associated with the festival, including rides, face painting, interactive activities and other entertainment, although specific offerings can vary by edition.

THE BIGGEST DISADVANTAGE

The atmosphere.

You can’t recreate historic Sixth Street.

There’s no substitute for walking down a street that’s been transformed into an enormous Austin festival.

That’s the part longtime attendees are probably going to miss the most.

THE NEW Pecan Street FESTIVAL IS STILL FREE

This is important.

Despite the move, the festival remains free admission.

You don’t need a wristband.

You don’t need a ticket.

You don’t need to buy a VIP package.

Just show up.

That’s one of the reasons it remains one of the better free festival experiences around Austin.

WHAT WILL YOU FIND?

The festival continues to focus on:

Art

Handmade crafts

Jewelry

Home décor

Clothing

Local goods

Food

Live music

Family activities

The festival has historically featured hundreds of artisans from Austin and around the country.

THIS IS A SHOPPING FESTIVAL

If you’ve never been before, don’t think of Pecan Street Festival as primarily a music festival.

Music is important.

But the heart of the festival is the vendors.

This is where you go when you want to find something you aren’t going to see at Target.

Handmade jewelry.

Artwork.

Woodwork.

Leather goods.

Clothing.

Pottery.

Decorations.

Texas-themed items.

And plenty of things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them.

THE BEST WAY TO SHOP

Don’t buy something the second you see it.

Walk around first.

Look at everything.

Then go back.

You’ll probably find three booths selling similar items.

And you’ll probably discover something completely different that you like better.

BRING A CREDIT CARD

Most vendors accept cards these days, but don’t assume every small artisan will.

Having some cash as a backup isn’t a bad idea.

Especially if you’re buying from smaller independent vendors.

THE FOOD

Pecan Street Festival has always been known for festival food.

Think:

Turkey legs.

Funnel cakes.

Lemonade.

Food trucks.

Snacks.

Sweets.

And plenty of things you probably shouldn’t eat every day.

That’s part of the fun.

The festival has historically offered dozens of food vendors, ranging from indulgent fair food to healthier options.

DON’T EAT BEFORE YOU GO

Or at least don’t eat a huge meal.

The food is part of the experience.

Walk around.

Find something that smells amazing.

Then eat it.

That’s how you do Pecan Street Festival.

THE NEW LOCATION HAS ANOTHER ADVANTAGE

You’re surrounded by restaurants.

If you want an actual sit-down meal rather than festival food, the Hill Country Galleria gives you plenty of options nearby.

That means you can turn the festival into a full afternoon.

Festival.

Shopping.

Lunch.

Drinks.

Shopping again.

Then home.

THE MUSIC

Music remains a major part of the festival.

The traditional festival featured more than 60 musical acts across multiple stages.

The 2026 spring schedule includes performances throughout both Saturday and Sunday, including local and regional artists.

Don’t make the mistake of treating the music as background noise.

Some of the best parts of Pecan Street Festival have always been discovering an artist you weren’t expecting.

MAKE THE MUSIC PART OF YOUR DAY

Look at the schedule before you arrive.

Pick two or three artists you want to see.

Then build your shopping around them.

Don’t spend the entire day standing at the stage.

The vendors are the other half of the festival.

SATURDAY VS. SUNDAY

If you want the biggest festival energy:

Saturday.

If you want a slightly more relaxed experience:

Sunday.

Sunday is also a good option if you’re bringing kids or don’t like dealing with the biggest crowds.

THE BEST TIME TO GO

Go earlier.

Especially if you want to browse the vendors without huge crowds.

Late morning is a great time to arrive.

You can shop.

Listen to music.

Eat lunch.

And be finished before the afternoon heat gets intense.

AVOID THE AFTERNOON HEAT

This is May in Central Texas.

You already know what that means.

It can get hot.

Wear sunscreen.

Wear sunglasses.

Bring water.

Wear comfortable shoes.

And don’t forget a hat.

THE PERFECT OUTFIT

Think:

Shorts.

T-shirt.

Comfortable sneakers.

Sunglasses.

Hat.

Sunscreen.

And a reusable shopping bag.

You’re going to buy something.

BRING A BAG

Seriously.

You don’t want to be walking around carrying six little shopping bags.

Bring a large reusable tote.

It makes shopping much easier.

THE BEST PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

The old Sixth Street setting is gone.

So don’t expect the same historic downtown photos.

Instead, take pictures of:

The vendors.

Your friends shopping.

Live music.

Food.

Your purchases.

The festival crowds.

And the Hill Country surroundings.

Make the new location part of the story.

THIS IS A GOOD “AUSTIN WITH KIDS” EVENT

If you have visitors coming into town and want something easy and free, Pecan Street Festival is a good option.

You can spend two or three hours there without committing an entire day.

And if the kids get bored:

Go shopping.

Get food.

Walk around the Galleria.

Then leave.

THIS IS ALSO A GOOD DATE

Here’s a simple date:

Drive to Bee Cave.

Walk around Pecan Street Festival.

Find some art.

Split a funnel cake.

Listen to music.

Buy something ridiculous.

Then get drinks or dinner at the Galleria.

Easy.

No reservation required for the festival itself.

THE “I’M NOT BUYING ANYTHING” RULE

Everyone says this.

Then someone sees something handmade.

And suddenly:

“This would look really good in the house.”

Don’t fight it.

Just accept that you’re probably leaving with something.

THE BEST FESTIVAL PURCHASE

Something you’ll actually use.

Don’t buy random festival junk.

Look for:

Art.

Jewelry.

Furniture.

Home décor.

Handmade clothing.

Local products.

Something that reminds you of Austin.

SUPPORT THE ARTISTS

This is an important part of the festival.

You’re not buying from a giant corporation.

You’re buying directly from artists and small businesses.

If you like something:

Ask the artist about it.

Ask where they’re from.

Ask how they made it.

That’s part of what makes the festival interesting.

THE FESTIVAL STILL SUPPORTS AUSTIN

The move doesn’t mean the festival has abandoned its Austin roots.

The Pecan Street Association says festival proceeds support community organizations and causes, including arts, preservation and other Austin-area nonprofits.

So even though you’re shopping in Bee Cave, the festival’s connection to Austin remains part of its mission.

THE IRONY OF THE NAME

There’s something funny about calling it the Pecan Street Festival when it’s no longer on Pecan Street.

But remember:

The name is historical.

Pecan Street became Sixth Street.

The festival was named after the original street.

And now the festival has moved while keeping the name that connects it to its history.

It’s a little weird.

Which honestly makes it pretty Austin.

THE BIG QUESTION: IS IT STILL WORTH GOING?

Yes.

But go with the right expectations.

If you’re expecting the old Sixth Street festival:

You may be disappointed.

If you’re looking for a free weekend arts festival with music, food and hundreds of vendors:

It’s still worth checking out.

THE OLD VS. THE NEW

OLD LOCATION

Sixth Street

Downtown Austin

Historic buildings

Street festival atmosphere

Bars everywhere

Limited parking

Dense crowds

More urban energy

NEW LOCATION

Hill Country Galleria

Bee Cave

Free parking

More space

More controlled environment

Family-friendly

Restaurants and shopping nearby

Easier logistics

Less downtown Austin atmosphere

Neither is automatically better.

They’re just different.

THE BALLER ATX STRATEGY

Here’s how I’d do the new Pecan Street Festival:

Arrive around 11 a.m.

Park for free.

Walk the entire festival before buying anything.

Check out the music schedule.

Grab festival food.

Shop for something unique.

Take a break at a nearby restaurant.

Come back for another round of shopping.

Catch the afternoon music.

Leave before you’re completely exhausted.

Easy.

THE BEST FREE FESTIVAL FOR SHOPPING

If your idea of a good weekend event is:

“I want to walk around and find cool stuff.”

This is your festival.

It’s basically an enormous outdoor art market with music and food attached.

THE BEST FREE FESTIVAL FOR FAMILIES

Again:

Pecan Street Festival.

Free admission.

Free parking.

Food.

Music.

Shopping.

Kid activities.

And no complicated ticketing system.

THE BEST FESTIVAL FOR VISITORS

If you have someone visiting Austin who has already done:

Barton Springs.

The Capitol.

Sixth Street.

South Congress.

The bats.

Then take them to Pecan Street Festival.

It gives them a different side of Austin.

THE BIGGEST CHANGE TO UNDERSTAND

The Pecan Street Festival didn’t simply move a few blocks.

It moved from downtown Austin to Bee Cave.

That’s a major cultural shift.

The festival’s organizers say the move was necessary because of the physical and logistical changes affecting Sixth Street, while the Hill Country Galleria provides more room, parking and security.

For longtime Austinites, that may take some getting used to.

BUT MAYBE THAT’S OKAY

Austin changes.

That’s one of the city’s defining characteristics.

Restaurants move.

Bars close.

Neighborhoods change.

Festivals evolve.

And sometimes traditions have to find a new place to survive.

The Pecan Street Festival is doing exactly that.

THE BOTTOM LINE

For more than 50 years, the Pecan Street Festival was one of the defining events on Sixth Street.

In 2026, that chapter is over.

The festival is now at Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave, and the May 9–10 spring festival offers free admission, free parking, live music, food, hundreds of artists and family activities.

Yes, longtime Austin residents are going to miss Sixth Street.

That’s understandable.

But the new location solves some of the problems that had made the old festival increasingly difficult to operate.

More space.

Better parking.

More security.

More room for vendors.

A more family-friendly environment.

And the ability to keep one of Austin’s longest-running arts festivals alive.

So this May, don’t drive downtown looking for Pecan Street Festival.

Head west.

Go to Bee Cave.

Park for free.

Walk around.

Listen to some music.

Eat something ridiculous.

Buy something handmade.

Support a local artist.

And see what the next chapter of this longtime Austin tradition looks like.

Because Pecan Street Festival may have left Sixth Street…

but it isn’t going away.

AUSTIN REGGAE FESTIVAL HAS DEEP AUSTIN ROOTS

The festival dates back to 1994, when Austin’s reggae community gathered at Auditorium Shores for a tribute to Bob Marley.

The original event was free, but attendees were asked to bring two cans of non-perishable food for the Central Texas Food Bank.

The response was enormous.

The food donations overflowed the collection barrels, and organizers had to bring in a U-Haul to handle everything.

That’s the spirit that helped establish the Austin Reggae Festival as an Austin tradition.

More than three decades later, the festival continues to combine music with community and charitable giving.

2026 IS A NEW CHAPTER

If you’ve attended Austin Reggae Festival before, don’t expect everything to look exactly the same.

The 2026 edition is being presented in partnership with Reggae Rise Up, bringing a new production approach and a major national lineup to Auditorium Shores.

The festival remains three days long, but the programming and overall presentation have changed.

That makes 2026 an interesting year for both longtime fans and people attending for the first time.

THE 2026 LINEUP IS STACKED

The festival runs Friday through Sunday, with a different lineup each day.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

Stephen Marley

Steel Pulse

Collie Buddz

Mike Love

Eli-Mac

Zion Marley

That’s an incredibly strong opening day.

And having Stephen Marley and Steel Pulse on the same day gives Friday a serious roots-reggae pedigree.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Original Koffee

Tribal Seeds

HIRIE

Groundation

Irie Souljah

Cas Haley

Saturday leans heavily into the modern reggae scene while still giving longtime reggae fans plenty to love.

And Koffee is a particularly big draw.

SUNDAY, APRIL 19

Iration

Protoje

Jesse Royal

Through the Roots

Rik Jam

Audic Empire

Sunday is the perfect way to finish the weekend.

Iration brings the California reggae-rock sound, while Protoje and Jesse Royal bring serious Jamaican roots and contemporary reggae credentials.

WHO SHOULD YOU SEE?

If you’re only going one day, here’s how I’d break it down.

BEST DAY FOR REGGAE HISTORY

Friday

Stephen Marley + Steel Pulse.

This is the day for people who want legendary reggae sounds.

BEST DAY FOR MODERN REGGAE

Saturday

Koffee + Tribal Seeds + HIRIE + Groundation.

BEST DAY FOR REGGAE-ROCK

Sunday

Iration + Protoje + Jesse Royal.

IF YOU CAN ONLY SEE ONE ARTIST

That’s tough.

But if you’re making me choose:

Stephen Marley.

There’s something special about hearing Bob Marley’s music and legacy carried forward by his son in Austin.

IF YOU’RE A REGGAE PURIST

Don’t sleep on:

Steel Pulse

Groundation

Protoje

Jesse Royal

These are the names to prioritize if you’re looking for deeper roots and Jamaican influence rather than simply reggae-rock.

IF YOU’RE NEW TO REGGAE

Start with:

Iration

Collie Buddz

HIRIE

Tribal Seeds

They’re accessible entry points if your normal playlist is more rock, pop or alternative than traditional reggae.

THE BEST THING ABOUT AUDITORIUM SHORES

The location is almost perfect for this type of festival.

You’re outside.

You’re next to Lady Bird Lake.

You have the downtown Austin skyline nearby.

There’s grass.

There’s room to move.

And there’s a completely different feeling from being packed inside a concert hall.

That’s one reason the festival has remained associated with Auditorium Shores for so long.

THIS IS NOT ACL

And that’s a good thing.

Austin Reggae Festival is much more relaxed.

You’re not trying to see 14 artists in one day.

You’re not running from one side of Zilker Park to another.

You’re there to hang out.

Listen to music.

Dance.

Eat.

Drink.

Talk to people.

And enjoy the weather.

THE REGGAE FESTIVAL ATTITUDE

The best way to approach this festival is:

Slow down.

Don’t spend the entire day worrying about your schedule.

Pick a few artists you absolutely want to see.

Then enjoy the rest.

GET THERE EARLY

Don’t arrive 15 minutes before your favorite artist.

Get there early.

Walk around.

Check out the festival layout.

See what’s happening.

Get food.

Find your preferred viewing area.

Then settle in.

THE BEST SPOT TO WATCH

If you want to dance, get closer to the stage.

If you want room to relax, stay farther back.

If you’re with a group, pick a landmark and use it as your meeting spot.

Don’t rely on everyone being able to find each other in a festival crowd.

BRING A BLANKET OR CHAIR — BUT CHECK THE RULES

Outdoor festivals are perfect for sitting on the grass.

But festival policies can change from year to year.

Check the official rules before bringing chairs, blankets, bags or other items.

Don’t assume something allowed at last year’s festival will automatically be allowed this year.

THE WEATHER IS PART OF THE GAME

April in Austin can be beautiful.

It can also be hot.

Or windy.

Or rainy.

Or all three in the same day.

Wear sunscreen.

Bring water.

Wear comfortable shoes.

And check the forecast before you leave.

THE AUSTIN REGGAE FESTIVAL UNIFORM

This is not the place to dress like you’re going to a steakhouse.

Think:

Comfortable shorts.

T-shirt.

Sunglasses.

Hat.

Sneakers or sandals.

And something colorful if that’s your style.

The vibe is relaxed.

FOOD IS PART OF THE EXPERIENCE

One of the best things about a festival like this is that you can turn the entire day into an eating adventure.

Expect festival food, vendors and drinks throughout the event.

But don’t make the mistake of eating a huge meal right before your favorite act.

You’re going to want to dance.

WANT JAMAICAN FOOD BEFORE OR AFTER?

Austin’s Jamaican food scene is worth exploring while you’re in town.

One place to keep on your radar is Hogans Jamaican Food Spot on South Congress.

If you’re making an entire reggae weekend out of the trip, Jamaican food is the perfect way to keep the theme going outside the festival.

THE BEST REGGAE PRE-GAME

Here’s the move:

Grab Jamaican food.

Have a drink.

Head toward Auditorium Shores.

Get into the festival.

Dance.

Listen to music.

Then keep the night going downtown.

AUSTIN’S REGGAE SCENE DOESN’T STOP AT THE FESTIVAL

This is important.

Don’t think of Austin Reggae Festival as one weekend when reggae suddenly appears in Austin.

Austin has had a reggae community for decades.

And there are still places where you can hear reggae, dub, ska and related sounds throughout the year.

FLAMINGO CANTINA

If you’re serious about reggae, put Flamingo Cantina on your Austin list.

The East Sixth Street venue has been a major part of Austin’s reggae and world-music scene since the early 1990s.

It’s the kind of place where you can continue the reggae experience after the festival.

THE AFTER-PARTY STRATEGY

Don’t assume the festival has to be the final stop.

After the last act:

Head downtown.

Check the schedule at Flamingo Cantina.

Look for reggae and dub events.

See what local DJs are doing.

And follow the Austin reggae community on social media.

Festival weekend often creates additional events around town.

THE BEST REGGAE WEEKEND

Here’s how I’d do it.

FRIDAY

Austin Reggae Festival.

Stephen Marley.

Steel Pulse.

Collie Buddz.

Then head downtown.

SATURDAY

Start with Jamaican food.

Head back to Auditorium Shores.

See Koffee.

Tribal Seeds.

HIRIE.

Groundation.

Then find a late-night reggae or dancehall show.

SUNDAY

Take it easy.

Head back for Iration.

Protoje.

Jesse Royal.

Enjoy the afternoon.

Then finish the weekend with a nice dinner.

DON’T TRY TO DO EVERYTHING

This is probably the biggest mistake.

You don’t have to see every artist.

You don’t have to stay from noon until the last song.

You don’t have to be at the front of the stage all day.

Pick your moments.

Enjoy the park.

Talk to people.

Take a break.

Then come back for the artist you really want to see.

THE BEST DAY TO BRING FRIENDS

Saturday.

There’s something for almost everyone.

Modern reggae.

Roots.

Reggae-rock.

Great vocals.

A laid-back festival atmosphere.

It’s an easy festival to bring a group to even if everyone has different musical tastes.

THE BEST DAY FOR A DATE

Sunday.

The pace is relaxed.

The weather should be pleasant.

You can hang out by the lake.

Listen to music.

Eat.

Have drinks.

And watch the sunset over downtown.

THE BEST DAY FOR A GUYS’ WEEKEND

Friday.

Stephen Marley.

Steel Pulse.

Collie Buddz.

Good music.

Good drinks.

Then downtown afterward.

Easy.

THE BEST DAY FOR A GIRLS’ WEEKEND

Saturday.

Koffee.

HIRIE.

Tribal Seeds.

Great music.

Great photo opportunities.

And plenty of room to hang out.

THE BEST PHOTO

Don’t just take pictures of the stage.

Get the skyline.

Get Lady Bird Lake.

Get the crowd.

Get the festival signage.

Get your friends dancing.

And get a sunset picture.

The combination of the lake, downtown skyline and festival crowd is what makes Auditorium Shores special.

THE INSTAGRAM SHOT

Have your friends stand with the stage behind you.

Get the downtown skyline in the background.

Sunglasses on.

Drink in hand.

Music playing.

That’s the Austin Reggae Festival photo.

THE BEST PLACE TO CHILL

Move away from the densest part of the crowd.

Find some open grass.

Sit down.

Listen to the music.

Talk.

Then get up when the next artist starts.

You don’t have to stand for eight straight hours.

THE FESTIVAL IS ABOUT COMMUNITY

The Austin Reggae Festival’s history is closely connected to giving back.

The original 1994 event was created as a tribute to Bob Marley and raised food donations for the Central Texas Food Bank.

Over the years, the festival has continued its charitable mission and has become a major community event.

That’s an important part of what separates it from a generic music festival.

THIS IS AUSTIN REGGAE

It’s not Miami.

It’s not Los Angeles.

It’s not Jamaica.

It’s Austin.

You get reggae music with:

Texas heat.

Downtown skyline.

Lady Bird Lake.

Food trucks.

Local bars.

Longtime Austin musicians.

And a very Austin crowd.

That’s what makes the festival special.

THE BIG CHANGE IN 2026

The biggest story surrounding this year’s festival is the transition to the new Reggae Rise Up era.

Longtime attendees may notice changes in the festival layout, production, vendors and overall presentation.

That has created some debate among longtime fans who are nostalgic for the festival’s older independent Austin identity.

That doesn’t mean the music isn’t worth seeing.

It means 2026 is a good year to experience the festival with an open mind and recognize that the event is evolving.

DON’T EXPECT THE OLD FESTIVAL

If you attended years ago, don’t spend the entire weekend comparing everything to the past.

Go hear the music.

See what the new production looks like.

Find your favorite artists.

Explore the grounds.

And decide for yourself.

BUT DON’T FORGET THE HISTORY

The festival has been part of Austin for more than 30 years.

That’s significant.

Austin has lost a lot of longtime events and venues over the years.

The fact that Austin Reggae Festival is still happening at Auditorium Shores is something worth celebrating.

THE BALLER ATX REGGAE FESTIVAL STRATEGY

Buy tickets early if you know you’re going.

Pick your day based on the artists you want to see.

Arrive early.

Wear comfortable clothes.

Wear sunscreen.

Drink water.

Eat before you’re starving.

Take breaks.

Don’t try to see everything.

Explore the festival grounds.

Take pictures with the skyline.

Stay for your favorite artists.

Then go downtown afterward.

THE BUDGET VERSION

You don’t have to make it a three-day festival.

Pick one day.

Buy a single-day ticket.

Eat one meal before entering.

Buy one or two drinks.

Enjoy the music.

Then head somewhere less expensive afterward.

You can have a full festival experience without turning it into a $300 weekend.

THE FULL-WEEKEND VERSION

If you’re going all three days:

Friday:

Stephen Marley + Steel Pulse

Saturday:

Koffee + HIRIE + Groundation

Sunday:

Iration + Protoje + Jesse Royal

That’s a pretty serious reggae weekend.

THE BEST REGGAE FESTIVAL HACK

Don’t leave when your favorite artist finishes.

Stick around for the next act.

This is how you discover artists you wouldn’t normally listen to.

You may walk in wanting to see Stephen Marley and leave talking about a band you had never heard before.

That’s what festivals are supposed to do.

THE BEST AFTER-FESTIVAL MOVE

Go somewhere with live music.

If there’s a reggae show at Flamingo Cantina, that’s an obvious choice.

Otherwise, check what’s happening around East Sixth, Red River and East Austin.

Austin’s live-music scene doesn’t stop when the festival gates close.

PARKING

If you’re driving, plan ahead.

Auditorium Shores is downtown, and a major festival means parking demand will be high.

The City of Austin lists downtown garages including:

City Hall Garage

One Texas Center

Palmer Events Center

RiverSouth

as parking options associated with the event. Neighborhood no-parking restrictions are actively enforced during the festival.

Don’t park illegally in a neighborhood because you don’t want to walk.

You’ll regret it.

THE BETTER OPTION: RIDE OR WALK

If you’re staying downtown or nearby, walk.

If you’re farther away, consider CapMetro or rideshare.

You’re going to be surrounded by thousands of people.

There is no prize for getting your car 200 feet closer to the entrance.

THE BIGGEST TIP OF ALL

Don’t drive after drinking.

The festival is designed around drinking, music and hanging out.

Use a designated driver.

Take a rideshare.

Use transit.

Or walk if you’re staying nearby.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Austin Reggae Festival is one of those Austin traditions that deserves more attention.

It’s been around since 1994.

It started as a Bob Marley tribute and food drive.

It grew into a major three-day festival.

And in 2026, it’s entering another chapter with Reggae Rise Up bringing a new production and national festival approach to Auditorium Shores.

This year’s lineup is strong enough to make the weekend worth checking out:

Stephen Marley.

Steel Pulse.

Collie Buddz.

Koffee.

Tribal Seeds.

HIRIE.

Groundation.

Iration.

Protoje.

Jesse Royal.

And plenty more.

But the lineup isn’t really the whole point.

The point is being outside.

Hanging out by Lady Bird Lake.

Listening to reggae.

Dancing with your friends.

Eating.

Drinking.

Watching the Austin skyline.

And enjoying one of the city’s longest-running music traditions.

So grab your sunglasses.

Put on some reggae.

Get your friends together.

And head down to Auditorium Shores.

April in Austin needs good weather, good music and good vibes.

The Austin Reggae Festival has all three.