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.

Austin has plenty of things to do in the summer, but one of the city’s best traditions is also one of the easiest on your wallet:

Free outdoor musical theater.

This July, you have two great options — the longtime Zilker Summer Musical in Zilker Park and the newer Magnolia Musical Theatre production at Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave.

Both are free.

Both are outdoors.

Both are great for a summer night.

And they’re completely different experiences.

ZILKER SUMMER MUSICAL

If you’ve lived in Austin for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard of the Zilker Summer Musical.

It’s one of Austin’s longest-running summer traditions, dating back to 1959.

The 2026 production is the classic movie musical Singin’ in the Rain.

And yes, that means the famous rain sequence is coming to the outdoor stage.

The show runs July 10 through August 15, with performances Thursday through Sunday at approximately 8:15 p.m. at the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater.

Best of all:

Admission is free.

Donations are encouraged because the program depends heavily on community support to keep the performances free.

WHY ZILKER IS SUCH AN AUSTIN TRADITION

This isn’t a new summer concert series that just showed up.

The Zilker Summer Musical has been part of Austin’s cultural identity for more than six decades.

You aren’t sitting inside a traditional theater.

You’re sitting outside on the hillside in Zilker Park, under the Texas summer sky, watching a full-scale musical.

Bring a blanket.

Bring some snacks.

Bring friends.

And make an entire evening out of it.

THIS YEAR’S SHOW: SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

If you’re familiar with the classic Gene Kelly movie, you already know what you’re getting.

If you aren’t, you’re in for a fun introduction.

The musical includes the famous songs, dancing, comedy and romance from the classic film.

And the production’s biggest attraction may be the iconic rainstorm.

Seeing Singin’ in the Rain performed outdoors in an Austin summer is a pretty perfect combination.

THE BEST PART: IT’S FREE

This is one of those Austin experiences where you can legitimately have a great date night for almost nothing.

Admission:

Free.

You can bring your own picnic.

Sit on the lawn.

Watch a professional-scale production.

And enjoy one of Austin’s signature outdoor venues.

BUT PARKING IS NO LONGER FREE

This is an important change for 2026.

The musical itself remains free, but parking is now paid.

Zilker Theatre Productions says paid parking helps support the long-term sustainability of the program and rising production costs.

So don’t show up assuming you can park for free just because the show doesn’t cost anything.

GET THERE EARLY

This is one of the biggest Zilker Summer Musical tips.

Don’t arrive at 8:05 p.m. for an 8:15 show.

Give yourself time to:

Park.

Walk.

Find a good spot.

Get settled.

Eat.

Have a drink.

And enjoy the atmosphere before the show starts.

The City of Austin also extends Zilker Park shuttle service hours during the summer musical season, with a stop at the Hillside Theater.

BRING A BLANKET

The hillside is made for it.

Spread out a blanket.

Sit back.

And watch the show.

If you prefer a chair, check the current event rules before bringing one.

MAKE IT A PICNIC

This is one of the best ways to experience the Zilker musical.

Don’t treat it like:

“Drive there, watch the show, leave.”

Instead:

Grab food.

Bring a picnic.

Get to the park early.

Hang out.

Watch the sunset.

Then watch the musical.

That’s the Austin way.

BEST DATE NIGHT

Want a cheap summer date?

Here’s the move:

Pick up dinner.

Bring a blanket.

Head to Zilker.

Watch the sunset.

Watch Singin’ in the Rain.

Then grab drinks afterward.

You just created an Austin date night without spending Broadway-ticket money.

BEST FAMILY NIGHT

It’s also a great family activity.

The show is rated G, and the outdoor setting makes it much more casual than taking children to a traditional theater.

Kids can move around before the show.

You can bring snacks.

And nobody has to worry about being perfectly quiet while you’re getting settled.

THE BEST TIME TO GO

If you want the biggest traditional Austin summer experience:

Friday or Saturday night.

If you prefer something a little more relaxed:

Thursday or Sunday.

And remember that the production continues into August, so you don’t have to squeeze it into the first weekend.

---

THEN HEAD WEST FOR ANOTHER FREE MUSICAL

Here’s the part many Austinites still don’t realize:

There’s another major free outdoor musical happening at Hill Country Galleria.

And it’s become its own summer tradition.

MAGNOLIA MUSICAL THEATRE

The 2026 production is The Addams Family.

And yes, it’s exactly as fun and weird as it sounds.

The show runs July 15 through August 15, Wednesday through Saturday nights at 8 p.m.

And once again:

Admission is free.

No tickets are required.

The performances take place on the Central Lawn and Pavilion at Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

If you’re looking for something completely different from Singin’ in the Rain, this is it.

The Addams Family is dark comedy, musical theater and ridiculous family drama all rolled into one.

It’s based on the famous Addams Family characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams.

And it makes for a perfect summer outdoor production.

WHY THE GALLERIA SHOW IS SPECIAL

The Hill Country Galleria production has grown into an annual summer musical tradition of its own.

The outdoor lawn creates a completely different atmosphere from a conventional theater.

You can:

Bring friends.

Bring the kids.

Grab dinner.

Shop.

Get drinks.

Then spread out on the lawn and watch the show.

And because admission is free, you don’t have to make it a huge financial commitment.

NO TICKETS REQUIRED

This is one of the best things about the Magnolia production.

You don’t have to coordinate a ticket purchase.

You don’t have to worry about ticket prices.

You can simply show up.

The official event information says admission is free and no tickets are required.

GET THERE EARLY ANYWAY

Free doesn’t mean unpopular.

A good outdoor performance can attract a crowd.

Get there early enough to find a good place on the lawn.

Then use the time before the show to explore the Galleria.

MAKE IT A FULL EVENING

The Hill Country Galleria is actually perfect for this.

You have shopping.

Restaurants.

Bars.

Dessert.

And the outdoor performance area.

So you can turn the musical into a full date or family night.

THE PERFECT GALLERIA DATE

Here’s the plan:

Arrive around 6:30.

Walk around the Galleria.

Grab dinner.

Get dessert.

Find a good spot on the lawn.

Watch The Addams Family at 8.

Then grab a late-night drink.

That’s an entire evening without buying a theater ticket.

THE PERFECT FAMILY NIGHT

Bring the kids.

Have dinner.

Walk around.

Let them burn off some energy.

Grab a spot on the lawn.

Watch the show.

Then head home.

The outdoor environment makes the whole experience less formal than traditional theater.

ZILKER VS. HILL COUNTRY GALLERIA

So which one should you see?

Honestly:

See both.

They’re free.

They’re different shows.

They’re different locations.

And they offer two completely different Austin summer experiences.

ZILKER SUMMER MUSICAL

Show: Singin’ in the Rain

Dates: July 10–August 15

Days: Thursday–Sunday

Time: Approximately 8:15 p.m.

Location: Zilker Hillside Theater

Admission: Free

Parking: Paid

Best for: Classic Austin tradition, picnics, dates, families, longtime Austinites

HILL COUNTRY GALLERIA

Show: The Addams Family

Dates: July 15–August 15

Days: Wednesday–Saturday

Time: 8 p.m.

Location: Central Lawn and Pavilion

Admission: Free

Best for: Families, date nights, Lake Travis/West Austin residents, people who want to combine dinner and shopping with theater

THE BEST PART: YOU CAN SEE BOTH

Here’s a summer challenge:

See Singin’ in the Rain at Zilker.

Then see The Addams Family at Hill Country Galleria.

Now you’ve seen two completely different productions.

And you didn’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on theater tickets.

THE ULTIMATE FREE THEATER WEEKEND

Try this:

FRIDAY

Head to Zilker.

Bring a picnic.

Watch Singin’ in the Rain.

SATURDAY

Drive to Bee Cave.

Have dinner at the Galleria.

Watch The Addams Family.

Two nights.

Two musicals.

Two completely different Austin experiences.

DON’T FORGET THE WEATHER

It’s July in Central Texas.

That means:

Heat.

Outdoor theater is amazing, but you need to prepare.

Bring water.

Wear comfortable clothing.

Bring sunscreen.

Wear sunglasses before sunset.

And don’t underestimate how hot it can remain after dark.

THE BEST CLOTHING

Forget dressing up.

Both shows are casual outdoor experiences.

Wear:

Shorts.

A comfortable shirt.

Sneakers or sandals.

And bring something lightweight if the temperature drops later.

BRING BUG SPRAY

You’re outside.

It’s summer.

Enough said.

THE BIGGEST ZILKER TIP

Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out parking.

Zilker can get extremely busy during major events.

Plan your route.

Consider public transportation or rideshare.

And give yourself plenty of time.

THE BIGGEST GALLERIA TIP

Make a reservation for dinner if you’re going at a popular time.

You don’t need a reservation for the musical, but nearby restaurants can get busy on summer evenings.

Or eat early and grab your spot on the lawn afterward.

THE BEST BUDGET NIGHT

If you’re trying to spend as little as possible:

Bring your own picnic.

Go to Zilker.

Watch the free show.

That’s it.

Or do the same at the Galleria and eat something inexpensive beforehand.

THE BEST “SHOW YOUR FRIENDS AUSTIN” NIGHT

Take visitors to Zilker.

There’s something about sitting under the stars at Zilker Park watching a musical that feels unmistakably Austin.

Then, on another night, take them to Bee Cave for The Addams Family.

Now they’ve seen two completely different sides of the area.

WHY THESE SHOWS MATTER

Austin is famous for live music.

But the city has an equally interesting theater tradition.

The Zilker Summer Musical has been entertaining Austinites since 1959.

And now Magnolia Musical Theatre is creating another outdoor summer theater tradition west of the city.

That means you don’t have to spend a fortune to experience live theater in Austin.

You just have to know where to look.

THE BALLER ATX SUMMER THEATER STRATEGY

See both.

Go early.

Bring a blanket.

Bring water.

Pack a picnic when appropriate.

Wear comfortable clothes.

Plan parking ahead of time.

Don’t assume free admission means you can arrive at the last second.

And most importantly:

Enjoy the fact that Austin is giving you two major outdoor musicals for free.

THE BOTTOM LINE

July is the perfect month to rediscover Austin’s outdoor theater scene.

At Zilker Park, Singin’ in the Rain brings one of Hollywood’s most beloved musicals to the Hillside Theater from July 10 through August 15. It’s free, open to the public and performed Thursday through Sunday nights.

Then, beginning July 15, The Addams Family takes over the lawn at Hill Country Galleria through August 15. It’s also free, requires no tickets and runs Wednesday through Saturday nights at 8 p.m.

One is a classic Austin tradition.

The other is a newer summer tradition that’s growing quickly.

One is in Zilker Park.

The other is in Bee Cave.

One gives you Singin’ in the Rain.

The other gives you The Addams Family.

And both give you something that’s becoming harder and harder to find:

A great night out in Austin that doesn’t require buying an expensive ticket.

Grab a blanket.

Bring some friends.

Pack a picnic.

And make July your month for outdoor theater.

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.

If you think Austin’s music scene is only about country, blues, rock and live bands, you’re missing an entire side of the city that comes alive after dark.

Austin has a serious electronic music scene.

And November is one of the best months to experience it.

The centerpiece is Seismic Dance Event 8.0, the city’s premier boutique electronic music festival, which returns to The Concourse Project for another weekend of house, techno, melodic electronic music and some of the biggest names in the global underground dance scene.

But Seismic is only the beginning.

The festival is part of a much larger Austin EDM culture that includes warehouse parties, after-hours events, secret-location parties, tunnel parties and late-night sets that can keep going long after the official festival schedule ends.

If you’re looking for the Austin that exists after midnight, November is the month to explore it.

WHAT IS SEISMIC?

Seismic Dance Event is Austin’s boutique electronic music festival.

Instead of trying to compete with massive EDM festivals that attract tens of thousands of people, Seismic focuses on the underground side of electronic music.

House.

Techno.

Melodic house.

Progressive.

Minimal.

Deep electronic.

The festival is intentionally smaller and more intimate, which is one of the reasons it has developed such a loyal following.

The Concourse Project becomes a giant electronic playground, with multiple stages, elaborate production, art installations, food, drinks and thousands of people who are there specifically for the music.

SEISMIC 8.0

Seismic Dance Event 8.0 continues the festival’s evolution as one of Austin’s most important electronic music weekends.

The event brings together internationally recognized DJs, underground favorites and emerging artists for multiple days of nonstop electronic music.

And unlike a traditional music festival where you might spend the entire weekend jumping between completely different genres, Seismic stays focused.

This is a festival for people who actually love electronic music.

THE CONCOURSE PROJECT

The Concourse Project is one of the reasons Seismic works so well.

The venue is located near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and was designed specifically for large-scale electronic music events.

The sound system.

The lighting.

The production.

The multiple rooms.

The outdoor areas.

Everything is built around the music.

This isn’t a converted football stadium where somebody happens to be playing EDM.

This is an electronic music venue hosting an electronic music festival.

There’s a difference.

THE MUSIC IS THE POINT

At Seismic, you don’t necessarily go because you recognize every name on the lineup.

That’s part of the fun.

You might go to see one headliner and end up spending three hours at another stage because you discovered an artist you’ve never heard before.

That’s how the underground scene works.

You follow the sound.

Not necessarily the name.

HOUSE MUSIC

House is one of the foundations of the Seismic experience.

Four-on-the-floor beats.

Deep bass.

Grooves.

Vocals.

Long transitions.

Music designed to keep people moving.

If you’re new to electronic music, house is probably one of the easiest places to start.

TECHNO

Then there’s techno.

Darker.

More hypnotic.

More repetitive.

More intense.

The kind of music that makes more sense at 2 a.m. than it does at 2 p.m.

And that’s exactly why Austin’s underground scene has embraced it.

MELODIC ELECTRONIC MUSIC

Melodic house and techno bring another dimension.

These sets can build slowly.

Huge atmospheric breakdowns.

Emotional melodies.

Then the beat comes back.

It’s the kind of music that works just as well with your eyes closed as it does with a massive production happening in front of you.

DON’T PLAN EVERY SET

Here’s one of the best Seismic tips:

Don’t create a schedule that has you running from stage to stage every 30 minutes.

Pick your must-see artists.

Then leave some room.

Electronic music is about the flow.

You might discover a DJ you never heard of.

Stay.

That’s the point.

THE BEST SEISMIC EXPERIENCE

Arrive earlier than you think you need to.

Walk around.

Figure out the different stages.

Check out the production.

Listen to a couple of artists you’ve never heard.

Get food.

Grab a drink.

Then settle into the night.

Don’t treat Seismic like you’re checking names off a list.

THE CROWD IS DIFFERENT

One of the things longtime Seismic attendees appreciate is the crowd.

People are there for the music.

You’re going to see people who know exactly what they’re listening to.

But you’re also going to see people who are discovering electronic music for the first time.

And that’s okay.

The scene is generally welcoming.

Come to dance.

Come respectfully.

Let people enjoy themselves.

WHAT TO WEAR

Austin EDM fashion is its own thing.

You will see:

Black.

Mesh.

Neon.

Cowboy hats.

Glitter.

Athletic wear.

Festival outfits.

Minimal outfits.

And people dressed like they’re going to the club.

Wear whatever you’re comfortable dancing in.

Just remember that you’re going to be moving for hours.

Comfort wins.

SHOES MATTER

This deserves its own section.

Wear comfortable shoes.

You are going to stand.

You are going to walk.

You are going to dance.

Your feet will hurt.

Don’t make the mistake of sacrificing comfort for an outfit.

HYDRATION IS IMPORTANT

Dance music events are physically demanding.

You’re moving for hours.

The venue can get hot.

You’re surrounded by thousands of people.

Drink water.

Take breaks.

Eat something.

And pace yourself.

EAT BEFORE YOU GO CRAZY

Don’t start the night without eating.

Electronic music can make six hours feel like one hour.

You look at the clock and suddenly it’s midnight.

Then you realize you’ve had nothing but drinks since dinner.

Eat.

THE AUSTIN EDM SCENE DOESN’T END WHEN SEISMIC ENDS

This is where things get interesting.

If you’re new to Austin’s EDM scene, you might think the festival is the whole experience.

It isn’t.

Seismic is more like the gateway.

The real underground scene continues throughout the city.

AFTER-HOURS

Austin has a growing after-hours culture.

When the official clubs close, electronic music doesn’t necessarily stop.

DJs move to different venues.

Promoters organize late-night events.

Warehouse-style spaces become temporary dance floors.

And people who aren’t ready to go home keep dancing.

TUNNEL EDM PARTIES

One of the most interesting parts of Austin’s underground electronic culture is the fascination with tunnel parties.

These events take advantage of unusual urban spaces such as tunnels, underpasses and industrial environments to create temporary electronic music experiences.

The atmosphere is completely different from a traditional nightclub.

Concrete walls.

Minimal lighting.

Massive sound.

People dancing underground.

It can feel more like an underground European rave than a typical Austin night out.

THE TUNNEL IS PART OF THE EXPERIENCE

At a normal club, the venue is part of the entertainment.

At a tunnel party, the location itself becomes part of the show.

You aren’t just listening to techno.

You’re listening to techno inside a giant piece of Austin infrastructure.

The acoustics.

The darkness.

The lights.

The crowd.

It creates a completely different feeling.

HOW TO FIND THESE EVENTS

This is where you have to become a little more plugged into the scene.

Underground parties aren’t always promoted months in advance with giant billboards.

Follow local promoters.

Follow Austin DJs.

Follow electronic music collectives.

Check event platforms.

Watch social media.

Join legitimate local EDM communities.

And pay attention to announcements closer to the event.

Some underground events release their final location information shortly before the event.

DON’T EXPECT A GIANT WEBSITE

The underground scene doesn’t always work like ACL.

You might see a flyer.

A DJ announcement.

A ticket link.

A location that’s only revealed later.

Or a promoter announcing an event through social media.

That’s part of the culture.

BUT USE COMMON SENSE

Underground doesn’t mean unsafe.

If you’re attending a party in an unfamiliar location, know where you’re going.

Go with friends.

Have transportation planned.

Keep your phone charged.

Don’t wander into private property.

Follow the event’s instructions.

And leave if something doesn’t feel right.

The best underground parties are the ones where everyone can enjoy the music safely.

DON’T TRESPASS FOR A RAVE

This should be obvious.

If somebody posts a cool-looking tunnel or abandoned building online, don’t assume it’s an invitation.

Stick to organized events and legitimate spaces.

There are plenty of legal ways to experience Austin’s underground sound.

THE WAREHOUSE SCENE

Austin’s industrial areas have become important to the electronic community.

Large open spaces can accommodate sound systems and production that wouldn’t work in a traditional nightclub.

That creates a different kind of event.

Instead of:

Bar → dance floor → bar → exit

you get:

Music → art → people → lights → sound → dance floor

It feels more immersive.

WHY AUSTIN WORKS FOR EDM

Austin already had the infrastructure for an underground electronic scene.

It’s a city built around live music.

People are willing to stay out late.

There are independent promoters.

There are musicians everywhere.

There are creative people everywhere.

And the city has a long history of weird venues and unconventional performances.

Electronic music fits right in.

EAST AUSTIN

East Austin has become an important part of the nightlife ecosystem.

You can find cocktail bars.

Clubs.

Music venues.

Pop-ups.

DJ nights.

And events that blur the line between traditional nightlife and underground dance culture.

It’s a good area to explore before heading to a late-night event.

RED RIVER

Red River is another important part of Austin’s nightlife.

It’s traditionally associated with live music, but electronic music has increasingly found a home in the district.

This is where you can go from a concert to a DJ set without crossing half the city.

THE CONCOURSE PROJECT IS DIFFERENT

The Concourse isn’t trying to be a neighborhood bar.

It’s designed for major electronic events.

That makes it ideal for Seismic.

You get:

Huge sound.

Huge lighting.

Multiple stages.

Large crowds.

Serious production.

And the ability to move between different sounds.

SEISMIC VS. A NORMAL NIGHT OUT

A normal Austin night might be:

Dinner.

Bar.

Live music.

Another bar.

Home.

Seismic is:

Music.

Dance.

Food.

Drinks.

Production.

Crowds.

More music.

More dancing.

And possibly an after-hours event afterward.

It’s a completely different type of night.

THE BEST WAY TO DO SEISMIC

Don’t start at 9 p.m.

If the festival begins in the afternoon, arrive earlier.

See smaller artists.

Explore.

Get comfortable with the layout.

Then gradually work your way toward the later sets.

By midnight, you’ll already know where everything is.

DON’T SPEND THE ENTIRE NIGHT AT ONE STAGE

Unless you’re watching your absolute favorite artist.

Move.

Electronic festivals are built around multiple stages.

The whole point is discovering different sounds.

USE THE SMALLER STAGES

This is where you may find your favorite set.

The biggest stage gets the biggest names.

The smaller rooms often get the DJs who are willing to take more risks.

Go explore.

FOLLOW THE SOUND

If you hear something interesting coming from another stage, go investigate.

Don’t worry about your schedule.

You can always leave.

THE BEST SEISMIC MEMORY

It might not be the headliner.

It might be the DJ you accidentally discovered at 1:15 a.m.

You walk into a smaller room.

You hear a bassline.

You stay.

Thirty minutes later, you’re still there.

That’s how electronic music works.

FOOD BETWEEN SETS

Don’t wait until you’re starving.

Use the gaps between sets.

Grab something.

Sit down.

Hydrate.

Then go back.

THE DRINK STRATEGY

You don’t need to drink all night.

Sometimes the best Seismic night is:

One drink.

Water.

Dance.

Food.

Water.

Another drink.

Dance.

That way you can actually remember the night.

THE BUDDY SYSTEM

Go with friends.

Especially if you’re planning on exploring after-hours events.

Have a meeting point.

Have transportation.

And don’t leave somebody behind.

HAVE A BACKUP PLAN

If the after-party you planned doesn’t work out, don’t panic.

Austin has plenty of nightlife.

You can always find another bar, DJ set or late-night food option.

The city doesn’t shut down just because your original plan changed.

AFTER SEISMIC: THE REAL NIGHT BEGINS

This is where the hardcore crowd separates from the casual festivalgoers.

Some people go home after the headliner.

Others aren’t even thinking about going home.

They’re looking for the after-party.

And Austin’s EDM community knows how to keep the night going.

DON’T CHASE EVERY AFTER-PARTY

There will always be another party.

You don’t need to attend everything.

Choose the event that fits your vibe.

If you want house, find house.

If you want techno, find techno.

If you want something more experimental, look for that.

THE UNDERGROUND DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN SECRET

There’s a difference between underground music and illegal activity.

You can find underground sounds at legitimate venues and organized events.

Look for established promoters and reputable venues.

Support the people putting on the shows.

SUPPORT LOCAL DJS

Don’t just follow international headliners.

Austin has talented local DJs.

Go see them.

Buy their music.

Follow their events.

Share their sets.

That’s how the scene grows.

THE BEST NOVEMBER EDM WEEKEND

Here’s the perfect plan:

Friday

Start with dinner.

Go to Seismic.

Stay late.

Find an after-hours event if you still have energy.

Saturday

Sleep in.

Eat a huge breakfast.

Go back to Seismic.

Explore a completely different stage.

Stay for the late-night sets.

Sunday

Come back for the final day.

See your favorite artists.

Don’t try to stay until sunrise.

Go home and recover.

THE SEISMIC BEGINNER’S CHECKLIST

Buy your ticket early.

Download the schedule.

Pick your must-see artists.

Leave room for discoveries.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Bring ear protection.

Drink water.

Eat.

Take breaks.

Explore every stage.

Check out the activations.

Follow local DJs.

Look for legitimate after-hours events.

Use rideshare or a designated driver.

Stay with your friends.

Don’t trespass.

And don’t feel like you have to stay until sunrise.

THE EDM VERSION OF AUSTIN

Austin’s music identity is much bigger than guitar music.

There’s country.

Blues.

Punk.

Indie.

Hip-hop.

Latin music.

And electronic music.

The EDM community has become an important part of the city’s nightlife.

Seismic is the biggest expression of that scene.

But the smaller events are where you can really see the culture developing.

WHY THE UNDERGROUND SCENE MATTERS

Big festivals introduce people to electronic music.

Small parties build the community.

Local DJs get opportunities.

Promoters experiment.

New venues develop.

People discover new sounds.

And the scene continues to evolve.

That’s why November is such a good time to explore Austin’s electronic side.

THE BALLER ATX SEISMIC CHECKLIST

Get to Seismic early.

Explore the entire venue.

Don’t stay at the main stage all night.

Check out the smaller rooms.

See at least one artist you’ve never heard.

Eat.

Hydrate.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Bring earplugs.

Plan your ride home.

Follow local Austin DJs.

Look for legitimate after-hours events.

Check out tunnel and warehouse-style events only when they’re organized and permitted.

Go with friends.

And let the music dictate where you end up.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Austin’s EDM scene is one of the city’s best-kept nightlife secrets.

You have major electronic venues.

Local DJs.

Underground promoters.

Warehouse-style events.

Late-night parties.

And unusual experiences that you won’t find on the typical Austin tourist itinerary.

And then there’s Seismic Dance Event 8.0.

Seismic is the perfect introduction because it gives you the full electronic experience in one place.

Multiple stages.

World-class DJs.

House.

Techno.

Melodic music.

Big production.

And thousands of people who came specifically to dance.

But once you discover Seismic, don’t stop there.

Follow the local DJs.

Find the smaller parties.

Check out legitimate tunnel events.

Explore the warehouse-style scene.

Go to after-hours sets.

And discover the side of Austin that doesn’t really get started until most people have already gone home.

Because Austin’s live music reputation may have been built on guitars and amplifiers.

But after midnight, the city has another soundtrack.

Four-on-the-floor beats.

Deep bass.

Dark rooms.

Flashing lights.

And people dancing until the sun comes up.

That’s Austin’s EDM scene.

And November is one of the best times to get into it.

Absolutely — for October 2025, I’ll make this one heavily about ACL Fest itself, but especially the things happening inside Zilker Park beyond the stages, with a strong insider focus on Tito’s activations, That Tito’s Lounge, drinks, shade, food, brand experiences, and ways to make ACL feel like more than just walking from stage to stage. The 2025 festival ran October 3–5 and October 10–12 at Zilker Park. (Austin City Limits Festival)

October in Austin: ACL Fest — The Best Things Happening Inside Zilker Park That Aren’t on the Main Stage

October 2025

Everybody knows about Austin City Limits Music Festival.

The giant stages.

The massive headliners.

The crowds.

The food.

The music.

But if you’re going to ACL Fest and your entire strategy is simply walking from one stage to another, you’re missing a huge part of the experience.

One of the best things about ACL is everything happening inside the park between sets.

There are brand activations.

Pop-up experiences.

Food installations.

Lounge areas.

Photo opportunities.

Freebies.

Games.

Air-conditioned spaces.

Special experiences.

And some of the best people-watching in Austin.

And if you know what you’re doing, you can turn ACL from a three-day music marathon into a full-day Austin experience.

The 2025 festival returned to Zilker Park for two weekends, October 3–5 and October 10–12, with more than 100 performances spread across nine stages. The festival also featured Austin food and drink favorites alongside its music lineup. (Austin City Limits Festival)

But one of the biggest insider tips of ACL is this:

Don’t spend every minute standing in front of a stage.

Get out there and explore.

THE FIRST STOP: THAT TITO’S LOUNGE

If there is one ACL activation you should know about before walking through the gates, it’s That Tito’s Lounge.

Tito’s has become one of the most coveted experiences inside ACL because it gives regular festivalgoers a taste of the VIP experience without requiring a VIP ticket.

And that’s the important part.

You don’t necessarily need to be a VIP to get inside.

You need to win your way in.

In 2025, Tito’s brought back That Tito’s Lounge, a hidden retreat located behind the Tito’s Stage. The lounge offered air-conditioned bathrooms, free Tito’s cocktails, merchandise, TVs showing festival performances and football, and side-stage access for closer views of artists. (Chron)

Read that again.

Air conditioning.

Clean bathrooms.

Free cocktails.

Side-stage views.

Football on TV.

At ACL.

That’s basically the festival equivalent of finding the secret level.

THE TITO’S LOUNGE IS NOT JUST A BAR

This is what makes the activation so good.

You aren’t just walking up to a Tito’s booth and getting a branded drink.

The lounge is designed as an escape from the festival.

You’ve been walking around Zilker Park for hours.

You’re hot.

You’re tired.

Your feet hurt.

Your phone is dying.

You need a bathroom.

You want a drink.

And then you walk into an air-conditioned Tito’s space.

That’s a completely different ACL experience.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TITO’S LOUNGE?

This is where it gets interesting.

Tito’s doesn’t simply hand out wristbands to everyone who asks.

For 2025, festivalgoers could try to win access through a Tito’s activation.

The 2025 activation featured a refrigerator-themed booth where people could test their luck with a claw machine. Winning earned access to the lounge. (Chron)

And yes, people were willing to wait in line and try multiple times.

Because once you know what’s waiting inside, the lounge suddenly becomes one of the most valuable prizes at ACL.

GET TO TITO’S EARLY

This is one of my biggest ACL tips.

Don’t wait until you’re exhausted.

If you’re already dying from the heat and decide at 7 p.m. that you want to try the Tito’s activation, you’re probably going to be competing with everybody else who had the exact same idea.

Go earlier.

Find the Tito’s activation.

Figure out how the day’s game or challenge works.

Try your luck.

Then go back to enjoying the festival.

THE TITO’S LOUNGE IS BASICALLY A RESET BUTTON

This is how you should use it.

Spend a few hours watching music.

Walk around.

Get food.

Check out activations.

Then use the Tito’s Lounge as your reset point if you win access.

Cool down.

Use the bathroom.

Have a drink.

Charge your phone if charging is available.

Watch a set on the TVs.

Hang out.

Then go back outside.

Instead of fighting through six straight hours of crowds, you’ve built yourself a break.

THE FREE TITO’S COCKTAILS ARE A BIG DEAL

Let’s be honest.

ACL drinks aren’t cheap.

So when you’re able to get into a lounge offering complimentary Tito’s cocktails, that’s a pretty valuable perk.

The lounge has become famous among ACL regulars for exactly that reason.

You get the festival atmosphere without paying festival-bar prices for every drink.

Just remember the obvious:

Drink responsibly.

You’ve still got hours of walking and music ahead of you.

THE AIR-CONDITIONED BATHROOMS MAY BE THE REAL PRIZE

I’m not joking.

At a festival in Austin, an air-conditioned bathroom can feel like a luxury resort.

After several hours in the October sun, you will understand.

This is one of those things that doesn’t sound exciting when you’re sitting at home reading an article.

But after you’ve been outside for five hours, you’re going to understand why people want into the Tito’s Lounge.

SIDE-STAGE ACCESS

Another major perk of the lounge is the ability to get closer views of performances from the side-stage area.

That means the lounge isn’t simply an escape from the festival.

It can actually give you a better way to experience the music.

You can cool off and still be close to what’s happening.

That’s the perfect combination.

FOOTBALL AT ACL

Here’s another detail that makes the Tito’s Lounge particularly Austin.

The lounge has TVs showing football.

So if ACL falls on a Saturday or Sunday when there’s a big game, you don’t necessarily have to choose between music festival and football.

You can potentially do both.

Watch a set.

Go to Tito’s.

Catch some football.

Have a cocktail.

Then head back out.

That’s a very Austin way to spend a Saturday.

THE TITO’S ACTIVATION IS PART OF THE FUN

Even if you don’t win lounge access, don’t just walk past the Tito’s activation.

That’s part of the festival experience.

The brands spend a lot of money creating these experiences.

They’re designed to give you something to do between sets.

And some of them are genuinely fun.

ACL IS BASICALLY A GIANT PLAYGROUND

This is the mindset I recommend.

Think of Zilker Park as having two festivals happening simultaneously.

There’s the music festival.

And there’s the activation festival.

The first one is obvious.

The second one is where the insider fun happens.

DON’T MISS THE FOOD

ACL has one of the better festival food programs around.

This isn’t just standard carnival food.

The festival brings in Austin restaurants and food businesses, making the food itself part of the experience.

In 2025, the festival added vendors including Oko, Brotherton’s BBQ and JABS Burgers & Fries, while returning favorites included Salt & Time and Koko’s Bavarian. (Eater Austin)

So don’t show up having already decided you’re going to eat nothing but festival pizza.

Explore.

ACL EATS

One of the best things about ACL is that you can actually eat your way through the festival.

Tacos.

Barbecue.

Burgers.

Asian food.

Desserts.

Coffee.

Beer.

Cocktails.

It’s basically Austin’s restaurant scene condensed into Zilker Park.

TRY SOMETHING YOU’VE NEVER HAD

Here’s a simple rule:

Don’t eat the same thing every day.

You’re at ACL for three days.

Try something different each day.

Maybe barbecue Friday.

Tacos Saturday.

Something completely different Sunday.

And save room for dessert.

ACL SWEETS

The dessert selection deserves attention too.

The festival’s ACL Sweets section has included Austin favorites such as Amy’s Ice Creams and Tiff’s Treats, along with newer additions such as Gati Ice Cream and San Ginés in 2025. (Eater Austin)

And let’s be honest.

After walking around ACL all day, an ice cream isn’t a bad idea.

DON’T IGNORE THE LOCAL BUSINESSES

One of the coolest parts of ACL is seeing Austin restaurants outside their normal neighborhoods.

You may recognize a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try.

You may discover a place you’ve never heard of.

Write down the names of anything you love.

Then visit the actual restaurant after the festival.

That’s one of the best souvenirs you can take home.

THE ACTIVATIONS ARE PERFECT FOR BETWEEN SETS

This is the real strategy.

Let’s say your favorite band finishes at 4:30.

Your next must-see artist doesn’t start until 6.

Don’t stand around staring at the stage.

You’ve got 90 minutes.

Go explore.

Find an activation.

Get a drink.

Grab food.

Take pictures.

Visit a lounge.

Then head back toward your next stage.

DON’T TRY TO SEE EVERY BAND

This is probably the biggest ACL mistake.

You can’t see everything.

Don’t try.

Pick your must-see artists.

Then leave gaps.

Those gaps are where the best unexpected experiences happen.

THE “THREE MUST-SEES” RULE

For each day, pick three artists you absolutely don’t want to miss.

Everything else is flexible.

If you discover a great smaller artist, stay.

If your feet hurt, take a break.

If your friends want to check out an activation, go with them.

ACL is more fun when you aren’t treating it like an appointment calendar.

THE BEST ACL PEOPLE-WATCHING

Go somewhere away from the main stages.

Sit down.

Watch people.

Austin attracts some seriously creative festival outfits.

Cowboy hats.

Boots.

Sequins.

Vintage.

Denim.

Costumes.

You will see everything.

And that’s part of the show.

ACL FASHION IS AN EVENT BY ITSELF

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a festival outfit.

Comfort wins.

Especially shoes.

You can wear the greatest outfit in the history of Austin, but if your feet are destroyed by 5 p.m., you aren’t going to care.

WEAR SHOES YOU CAN WALK IN

ACL is huge.

You are going to walk.

A lot.

Then you’re going to walk some more.

Then you’re going to stand.

Then you’re going to walk again.

Wear comfortable shoes.

This is not optional.

THE SUN IS STILL A PROBLEM IN OCTOBER

Don’t let the word “October” fool you.

Austin can still be hot.

Bring sunscreen.

Wear sunglasses.

Wear a hat.

Drink water.

Take breaks.

And use the shade whenever you find it.

SHADE IS GOLD

When you find a good shaded area, remember where it is.

You’ll probably need it again.

And if you discover an air-conditioned activation?

Even better.

HYDRATE BEFORE YOU NEED WATER

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.

Drink water throughout the day.

ACL provides water refill stations, so bring an empty refillable bottle that meets the festival’s rules.

That can save you money and keep you hydrated.

YOUR PHONE IS YOUR LIFELINE

Download the ACL app.

Check the schedule.

Save your favorite artists.

Keep an eye on set times.

And make sure your phone is charged.

You do not want your phone dying while trying to find your friends at ACL.

HAVE A MEETING SPOT

Cell service can become unreliable when tens of thousands of people are packed into Zilker Park.

Don’t assume you can call your friends.

Pick a meeting place.

Something obvious.

Something stationary.

Then if somebody gets separated, they know where to go.

DON’T TRY TO MEET AT A STAGE

This sounds obvious until you try it.

“Meet me at the American Express stage.”

Which side?

Which entrance?

Where?

Instead:

“Meet at the big food area near ___.”

Or another obvious landmark.

THE THREE ENTRANCES

ACL has three main entrances: the East Barton Springs entrance, West Barton Springs entrance and Lady Bird entrance. The Lady Bird entrance is accessed from the north by walking or biking across the pedestrian bridge under MoPac, while the east and west entrances are approached from Barton Springs Road. (ACL Festival Support)

Know which entrance makes sense for your day.

Don’t automatically use the same entrance every time.

DON’T DRIVE TO ZILKER

This is one of the biggest ACL rules.

There is no festival parking at Zilker Park or in the surrounding neighborhoods.

ACL recommends using rideshare, public transportation, festival shuttles, biking or walking. (ACL Festival Support)

If you’re driving, arrange official or nearby event parking ahead of time.

Don’t just assume you’ll find a neighborhood spot.

WALKING IS ACTUALLY GREAT

If you’re staying nearby, walking or biking can be one of the easiest ways to get to ACL.

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail provides access toward the festival area. (ACL Festival Support)

And after the festival, walking can sometimes be faster than sitting in rideshare traffic.

THE FESTIVAL SHUTTLE IS YOUR FRIEND

ACL provides festival shuttle options.

If you’re staying somewhere convenient to the shuttle, use it.

It’s much easier than fighting traffic.

RIDESHARE AFTER ACL

Expect demand.

Everybody wants a ride at approximately the same time.

If you can walk a little away from the festival before requesting your ride, you may have an easier pickup.

Follow the festival’s designated rideshare instructions.

DON’T LEAVE DURING THE BIGGEST HEADLINER

Unless you absolutely have to.

The roads around Zilker are going to be packed.

If you’re not in a hurry, stay.

Get food.

Explore.

Let the crowds clear.

Then leave.

THE BEST TIME TO EXPLORE ACTIVATIONS

Early afternoon.

This is when you’re fresh.

You haven’t walked 15,000 steps yet.

You can explore.

Take pictures.

Play games.

Collect freebies.

Then spend the evening concentrating on music.

THE WORST TIME TO EXPLORE ACTIVATIONS

Right when the biggest headliner is about to start.

That’s when everybody else is moving in the same direction.

Know your schedule.

LOOK FOR THE FREE STUFF

Brands at ACL want you to interact with them.

That means games.

Giveaways.

Photo opportunities.

Samples.

Merch.

Challenges.

Experiences.

Take advantage of them.

You’re already there.

BUT DON’T LET FREE STUFF CONTROL YOUR DAY

If your favorite band starts in 15 minutes, don’t wait 30 minutes in line for a branded giveaway.

Prioritize.

The festival is ultimately about music.

THE BEST ACL DAY HAS BALANCE

Think:

40% music

20% food and drinks

20% exploring

10% relaxing

10% figuring out where you’re going

If you spend 100% of your time running between stages, you’re doing ACL wrong.

THE TITO’S STRATEGY

Here’s the Baller ATX version:

Step 1: Find the Tito’s activation early.

Step 2: Figure out the day’s challenge.

Step 3: Try to win the lounge wristband.

Step 4: If you win, don’t immediately blow the opportunity.

Step 5: Use the lounge strategically.

Cool down.

Use the bathroom.

Have a cocktail.

Watch a set.

Check football.

Take a break.

Then head back outside.

That’s how you turn a music festival into a luxury experience without buying the most expensive ticket.

DON’T BE DISAPPOINTED IF YOU DON’T WIN

The Tito’s Lounge is popular.

There are going to be plenty of people who try and don’t get in.

Don’t let that ruin your day.

You still have ACL.

You still have the music.

You still have food.

You still have other activations.

And you still have Austin.

ACL IS NOT JUST FOR MUSIC FANS

This is another reason I love the festival.

Even if your friends have completely different musical tastes, you can still have a good time.

One person can watch a DJ.

Another can check out an activation.

Someone else can get food.

Then everybody meets back up.

THE FOODIE VERSION OF ACL

If you’re more interested in food than music, make that your mission.

Research the food vendors before arriving.

Make a list.

Pick something you’ve never tried.

Try a dessert.

Get a drink.

Then find a shady place to sit.

You don’t have to spend the entire day standing at a stage.

THE DRINKING VERSION OF ACL

If you’re drinking:

Go slowly.

Drink water.

Eat.

Don’t mix every type of alcohol imaginable.

And remember that you still have to walk several miles.

The festival is a marathon.

Not a drinking contest.

THE DATE VERSION

ACL makes a surprisingly good date.

Pick a couple of artists.

Find good food.

Explore activations.

Take pictures.

Find a shady spot.

Watch the sunset.

Then see your favorite headliner.

It gives you plenty to do without having to sit across from each other at a restaurant for three hours.

THE FRIENDS VERSION

This is probably the best way to do it.

Everyone picks a couple of must-see artists.

Everybody has a meeting spot.

Then everybody gets some freedom.

You don’t have to stay together every second.

Meet up for food.

Meet up for a big performance.

Meet up for drinks.

Then split up again.

THE SOLO VERSION

ACL can also be done alone.

And honestly, it’s not bad.

You can move at your own pace.

If you want to see an artist, go.

If you don’t like the crowd, leave.

If you want to sit and eat for an hour, sit and eat.

If you want to explore every activation, explore.

No negotiations.

THE FAMILY VERSION

ACL is also family-friendly, with a dedicated Austin Kiddie Limits area.

Kids can have their own experience while parents enjoy the larger festival.

Just remember the heat, crowds and noise.

Bring hearing protection for young children.

Take breaks.

And don’t try to drag a child through 12 hours of music.

THE PERFECT ACL SATURDAY

11:00 a.m.

Breakfast.

12:00 p.m.

Head toward Zilker.

12:30 p.m.

Enter ACL.

1:00 p.m.

Explore activations.

2:00 p.m.

First music set.

3:00 p.m.

Food.

4:00 p.m.

Tito’s activation.

5:00 p.m.

Music.

6:30 p.m.

Cool-down break.

7:00 p.m.

Dinner.

8:00 p.m.

Big performance.

9:30 p.m.

Headliner.

10:00 p.m.

Festival closes.

10:30 p.m.

Late-night food or drinks.

That’s a full Austin day.

THE PERFECT ACL FOOD DAY

Breakfast tacos

Then:

Tacos

Then:

Barbecue

Then:

Ice cream

Then:

Late-night tacos

You really can’t go wrong.

THE BIGGEST ACL MISTAKE

Trying to maximize every minute.

Don’t.

You’ll burn out.

Instead, maximize the experience.

Sit down.

Eat.

Talk to people.

Explore.

Watch the sunset.

Take pictures.

Then go see the band you really care about.

THE BEST ACL MEMORY MIGHT NOT BE A BAND

It might be the random conversation you had with somebody.

The food you discovered.

The ridiculous outfit you saw.

The activation you stumbled across.

The free drink.

The sunset.

The person you met.

Or the moment you got lucky and won your way into That Tito’s Lounge.

That’s what makes a festival memorable.

WHY ACL FEELS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FESTIVALS

ACL is in the middle of Austin.

You’re not in a giant field two hours outside town.

You’re in Zilker Park.

Downtown is right there.

South Congress is right there.

Lady Bird Lake is right there.

Austin’s restaurants and bars are right there.

The city is part of the festival.

That’s what makes ACL special.

THE BALLER ATX ACL CHECKLIST

Download the ACL app.

Save your favorite artists.

Pick three must-see acts each day.

Explore the activations.

Find Tito’s early.

Try to win access to That Tito’s Lounge.

Take advantage of the air conditioning if you get in.

Try the Tito’s cocktails.

Check out the food vendors.

Try something new.

Find shade.

Drink water.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Charge your phone.

Have a meeting point.

Don’t drive into Zilker.

Use the shuttle, rideshare, bike or walk.

Don’t try to see everything.

And leave enough time to simply enjoy being at ACL.

THE BOTTOM LINE

ACL Fest is one of the biggest things Austin does every year, but the music is only part of the experience.

The festival takes over Zilker Park with nine stages, more than 100 performances, local food, drinks, lounges and dozens of brand activations. (Austin City Limits Festival)

And if you’re smart about it, you don’t have to spend the entire day packed shoulder-to-shoulder in front of a stage.

Explore.

Eat.

Drink.

Take pictures.

Find the hidden experiences.

And absolutely keep an eye out for That Tito’s Lounge.

In 2025, Tito’s once again created one of the most sought-after experiences inside the festival, offering lucky winners access to air-conditioned bathrooms, complimentary cocktails, merchandise, TVs and side-stage views. (Chron)

That’s the kind of ACL insider knowledge that can make a huge difference.

Because anybody can buy an ACL ticket.

The trick is knowing what to do once you’re inside the gates.

So this year, don’t just go to ACL.

Work the festival.

Find the activations.

Eat your way through Zilker.

Try to win your way into Tito’s.

Take breaks.

Discover something you didn’t plan on seeing.

And remember that the best ACL experience isn’t necessarily the one with the most bands.

It’s the one where you leave Zilker Park at the end of the night thinking:

“Damn. That was a very baller day.”

The 19th annual Bat Fest took place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, turning the Congress Avenue Bridge into a giant outdoor festival with live music, food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, a kids’ area, bat-themed activities and, of course, the famous bat emergence.

It’s basically Austin saying:

“We have 1.5 million bats under a bridge. Let’s throw a party.”

And honestly, that’s exactly what you should expect.

THIS IS NOT JUST A BAT-WATCHING EVENT

If you’ve never been to Bat Fest, don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re simply going to stand around waiting for bats.

It’s a full festival.

The 2025 event featured multiple stages of live music, food and drinks, vendors, a kids’ zone and the bat viewing itself. The event ran from approximately 3 p.m. until 11 p.m.

So you can make an entire Saturday out of it.

Come early.

Listen to music.

Eat.

Drink.

Walk around the vendors.

Take pictures.

Watch the bats.

Then stay for the rest of the music.

THE BEST PART IS THAT THE BATS ARE REAL

This isn’t some gimmick where somebody puts a bat mascot on stage.

There really are bats underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge.

And when they emerge, thousands upon thousands can stream out from underneath the bridge in a giant moving column.

The Austin Bat Refuge identifies late July through mid-September as one of the best times of year to see the Congress Avenue Bridge bats, making September a particularly good month for bat watching.

That’s why Bat Fest works so well.

The main attraction is something Austin doesn’t have to manufacture.

Nature provides the show.

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY BATS UNDER THE BRIDGE?

The bats didn’t move into Austin because somebody decided the city needed a mascot.

The bridge itself created the perfect habitat.

When the Congress Avenue Bridge was renovated in the 1980s, its structure created crevices that became ideal places for Mexican free-tailed bats to roost.

Over time, the colony grew into one of the largest urban bat colonies in the world.

Today, the bats are one of Austin’s most recognizable attractions.

Austin went from being afraid of the bats to making them part of the city’s identity.

That’s a pretty good Austin story.

THE BATS ARE THE HEADLINER

You might go because you want to see the bands.

You might go because you want food.

You might go because your friends convinced you.

But eventually, everybody is looking toward the bridge.

The sun starts going down.

People start gathering.

Everybody pulls out their phones.

Then you see the first few bats.

And suddenly the entire crowd is watching the sky.

DON’T EXPECT THE BATS TO FOLLOW A SCHEDULE

Here’s the most important thing to understand:

The bats don’t care what time your ticket says.

They’re wild animals.

The emergence depends on sunset, weather, temperature and other natural conditions.

Bat experts note that emergence can happen around sunset but may be earlier or later depending on conditions.

So don’t get frustrated if you don’t see bats at exactly 7:42 p.m.

Wait.

Watch.

Be patient.

That’s part of the experience.

THE BEST BAT-FEST STRATEGY

Here’s how I would do it.

Get there in the afternoon.

Walk around the festival.

Listen to some music.

Eat something.

Grab a drink.

Then start positioning yourself for the bats before sunset.

Don’t wait until the last minute.

Everybody else will have the same idea.

YOU HAVE OPTIONS FOR WATCHING THE BATS

One of the best things about Austin’s bat colony is that you don’t have to pay for a festival ticket to see the bats.

You can watch the emergence from public areas around the Congress Avenue Bridge.

The Austin Bat Refuge identifies several viewing options, including the top of the bridge and areas underneath it on both the north and south sides of Lady Bird Lake.

That means you can experience the famous Austin bats for free.

Bat Fest itself is the paid festival surrounding the experience.

The bats are free.

The party isn’t.

THE SOUTH SIDE IS A GREAT VIEW

The south-shore viewing area near the bridge is one of the popular spots for watching the emergence.

The dedicated bat-viewing area near the former Statesman property gives you a good view of the bridge and the bats as they fly out over Lady Bird Lake.

It’s also a good option if you don’t want to stand directly on the bridge.

WATCHING FROM THE BRIDGE

You can also watch from the Congress Avenue Bridge itself.

You’re essentially standing right above the bats.

That’s a pretty incredible perspective.

The downside?

It can get crowded.

Very crowded.

If you’re trying to get a good spot on the bridge, arrive early.

WATCHING FROM THE WATER

This is the baller option.

Get on a kayak.

Get on a paddleboard.

Take a bat-watching cruise.

Then watch the bats emerge from the water.

Several Austin operators offer bat-viewing experiences on Lady Bird Lake, including guided kayak trips and boat cruises.

You’re sitting on the water.

Downtown Austin is behind you.

The bridge is above you.

The sun is going down.

And thousands of bats are flying overhead.

That’s hard to beat.

THE KAYAK VERSION

If you want a more active experience, consider a guided kayak bat tour.

Live Love Paddle Austin Kayak Tours and Rentals offers guided evening experiences on Lady Bird Lake specifically designed around the Congress Avenue Bridge bats.

Another option is Boats and Bats, which specializes in guided kayak and paddleboard experiences around the bat emergence.

This is particularly good for people who don’t want to fight the crowds on shore.

THE BOAT VERSION

If kayaking isn’t your thing, take a boat.

Capital Cruises offers bat-viewing cruises on Lady Bird Lake, including boats specifically designed around watching the emergence.

Lone Star Riverboat also offers seasonal bat-viewing cruises.

This is the easiest way to make the evening feel special without having to paddle yourself around the lake.

THE FREE VERSION

If you’re trying to save money, don’t buy a Bat Fest ticket.

Seriously.

You can see the bats for free.

Instead, spend your money on dinner and drinks somewhere nearby.

Walk down to the bridge.

Find a viewing spot.

Watch the bats.

Then go out afterward.

You get the Austin experience without paying festival admission.

THE PAID VERSION

If you want live music, food vendors and the entire festival atmosphere, buy the Bat Fest ticket.

For 2025, advance general admission was listed at $25, with gate admission listed at $35 including fees, while VIP packages were considerably more.

That makes general admission a relatively inexpensive way to spend an entire Saturday afternoon and evening.

THE 2025 MUSIC LINEUP

The 2025 lineup was one of the biggest reasons to make a day of it.

The festival featured performances including:

RiFF RAFF

Giovannie and the Hired Guns

Silversun Pickups

Waka Flocka Flame

along with additional performers and DJs.

That’s quite a lineup for a festival whose official mascot is basically a flying mammal.

RIFF RAFF

RiFF RAFF brought the hip-hop side of the festival.

If you’ve never been to Bat Fest, this is another reason not to assume the event is strictly a country or Americana festival.

Austin’s festival scene is eclectic.

Bat Fest is too.

GIOVANNIE AND THE HIRED GUNS

The Texas rockers were another highlight of the 2025 lineup.

Their sound fits nicely into an Austin festival because it’s energetic, loud and built for a live crowd.

SILVERSUN PICKUPS

Silversun Pickups brought the alternative-rock side.

Having a band like this on the same lineup as Waka Flocka Flame and RiFF RAFF tells you everything you need to know about Bat Fest.

It doesn’t really care about genres.

WAKA FLOCKA FLAME

Then you have Waka Flocka Flame.

Because apparently Austin decided bats and hip-hop belonged together.

And somehow it works.

THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULDN’T ARRIVE LATE

If you arrive right before the bats, you may miss several hours of music.

For 2025, the festival started around 3 p.m.

Get there early.

See the opening acts.

Grab food.

Explore.

Then enjoy the bat emergence.

FOOD AT BAT FEST

The festival has food vendors throughout the event.

Expect the usual festival favorites, but the bigger point is that you don’t have to leave to eat.

Grab something.

Walk around.

Listen to music.

Grab another drink.

Repeat.

BUT HERE’S THE LOCAL MOVE

If you aren’t interested in festival food, eat before you go.

There are tons of restaurants around downtown and South Congress.

Have an early dinner.

Then go to Bat Fest for drinks, music and bats.

Or do the reverse.

Watch the bats.

Then go get a real meal.

THE SOUTH CONGRESS OPTION

If you want to make a full evening out of it, South Congress is right there.

Watch the bats.

Walk toward South Congress.

Get dinner.

Have drinks.

Then continue the night.

You don’t have to spend the entire night at the festival.

THE DOWNTOWN OPTION

Downtown is also an easy choice.

After Bat Fest, you can head toward Sixth Street, Rainey Street or other downtown nightlife areas.

Just be prepared for crowds.

It’s a Saturday night.

And you’re starting from one of the city’s busiest events.

THE BEST PLAN FOR A DATE

Bat Fest actually makes a surprisingly good date.

Meet for dinner.

Walk to the festival.

Listen to music.

Grab drinks.

Watch the bats.

Then go somewhere quieter afterward.

The bats give you something interesting to talk about, which is better than sitting across from each other trying to think of conversation.

THE BEST PLAN FOR A GROUP

This is where Bat Fest really shines.

Get a group of friends.

Buy tickets.

Pick a meeting point.

Get there early.

Grab drinks.

Walk around.

See the bands.

Watch the bats.

Then head downtown.

It’s an easy group activity because nobody has to stay glued to the same place all night.

THE BEST PLAN FOR FAMILIES

Bat Fest also has a kids’ area and family-oriented activities.

If you’re bringing children, make the bats the main event.

Come early.

Do the kid activities.

Eat.

Watch some music.

Then find a good viewing location.

Once the bats emerge, you can leave if the kids are ready to go.

DON’T FORGET THE BAT COSTUME CONTEST

Bat Fest isn’t taking itself too seriously.

The 2025 festival included a bat costume contest.

And honestly, if you’re going to attend a festival dedicated to bats, you might as well commit to the theme.

WEAR BLACK

You don’t have to.

But come on.

It’s Bat Fest.

Wear black.

Wear bat ears.

Wear something ridiculous.

Austin rewards people who commit to the bit.

AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER ARE PRIME BAT MONTHS

The timing is another reason September works so well.

Austin Bat Refuge lists late July through mid-September as a particularly good period for viewing the Congress Avenue Bridge colony.

The young bats are also becoming more active around this period, making late summer a great time for the emergence.

DON’T ASSUME YOU’LL SEE 1.5 MILLION BATS

The colony can be enormous, but the number you see on any particular evening varies.

Weather matters.

Temperature matters.

The season matters.

And the bats are wild.

Some nights are spectacular.

Some nights are lighter.

That’s part of the deal.

THE BEST WEATHER

Warm, dry evenings tend to be good for emergence.

Rain can delay things.

Cooler weather can change the timing.

Again, don’t treat the bats like a concert with a setlist.

Nature is in charge.

BRING WATER

September in Austin can still be hot.

You’re going to be outside for hours.

Drink water.

Especially if you’re drinking alcohol.

BRING SUNSCREEN

You’re going to arrive while the sun is still up.

Put sunscreen on.

You don’t want to spend the entire bat emergence wondering why your shoulders are burning.

WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES

You’re going to walk.

You’re going to stand.

You’re going to move through crowds.

Wear shoes you don’t mind wearing for several hours.

DON’T FORGET BUG SPRAY

You’re next to Lady Bird Lake.

Depending on conditions, insects can become annoying around sunset.

A little bug spray can make the evening much more comfortable.

THE BIGGEST PARKING MISTAKE

Don’t assume you’ll find a parking spot directly next to the bridge.

You probably won’t.

And even if you do, you’ll have to deal with the crowds afterward.

Bat Fest requires significant street closures and traffic planning.

The City of Austin advises attendees to plan transportation and notes that parking restrictions are enforced around the event.

USE RIDESHARE IF YOU CAN

If you’re drinking, this is the obvious answer.

Rideshare.

Taxi.

Designated driver.

Whatever works.

Don’t turn your Bat Fest story into a story about getting pulled over afterward.

IF YOU DRIVE

Park farther away.

Take a picture of where you parked.

Pay attention to signs.

Don’t assume a spot is legal just because you see another car there.

And give yourself extra time to get out after the festival.

DON’T LEAVE THE SECOND THE BATS FLY

Here’s another insider tip.

A lot of people will leave as soon as the bat emergence is over.

If you’re not in a hurry, stay.

Listen to another band.

Grab another drink.

Walk around.

Let some of the crowd disappear.

Then leave.

Your ride home will be easier.

THE BAT FEST PHOTO

The obvious photo is you standing underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge.

But the best photo is probably the bats flying across the sunset with the Austin skyline behind them.

Get your camera ready before the emergence starts.

Don’t wait until the bats are already flying.

DON’T USE A FLASH

You don’t need it.

The bats are moving quickly.

And you’re trying to capture a natural event.

Use your phone’s night/sunset settings if necessary.

PUT THE PHONE DOWN

Take some pictures.

Then watch.

Seriously.

Thousands of bats flying overhead is one of those things that’s better experienced than filmed.

THE BOAT VIEW IS DIFFERENT

From the water, you get a completely different perspective.

The bats come out above you.

They stream over Lady Bird Lake.

The downtown skyline is behind them.

And you’re watching from the water.

It’s one of the most unique ways to experience the phenomenon.

THE KAYAK VIEW IS EVEN MORE PERSONAL

If you’re in a kayak, you’re actually part of the environment.

You’re not standing behind a crowd.

You’re floating on the lake.

The city is around you.

And the bats are flying overhead.

It’s a very Austin experience.

THE PERFECT BAT FEST SATURDAY

2:00 p.m.

Early dinner or big lunch.

3:00 p.m.

Arrive at Bat Fest.

3:30 p.m.

Explore vendors.

4:00 p.m.

Music.

5:00 p.m.

Food and drinks.

6:00 p.m.

More music.

7:00 p.m.

Start moving toward your bat-viewing position.

Around sunset

BAT TIME.

After the emergence

More music.

10:30 p.m.

Start heading out.

11:00 p.m.

Downtown drinks or late-night food.

That’s how you do Bat Fest.

THE BALLER ATX BAT FEST CHECKLIST

Arrive early.

See the bands.

Eat before you’re starving.

Drink water.

Wear sunscreen.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Bring bug spray.

Wear something bat-themed.

Find your viewing spot before sunset.

Don’t expect the bats to emerge at an exact time.

Don’t use flash photography.

Use rideshare if you’re drinking.

Don’t leave immediately after the bats.

And remember that the bats are wild animals.

WANT TO SKIP THE FESTIVAL?

That’s completely fine.

You can still have an amazing Bat Night.

Here’s the free version:

Walk the Lady Bird Lake trail.

Get to the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Find a public viewing area.

Watch the bats.

Then walk to dinner.

Have drinks.

Then go home.

You just created one of Austin’s best free nights.

WANT TO MAKE IT SPECIAL?

Do the boat version.

Book a bat-watching cruise.

Have dinner afterward.

Then go downtown for drinks.

That’s a great date night.

WANT THE MOST ACTIVE VERSION?

Book a kayak tour.

Paddle Lady Bird Lake.

Watch the sunset.

See the bats.

Then walk to dinner.

It’s a little exercise mixed with one of Austin’s most famous attractions.

WANT THE BIGGEST PARTY?

Go to Bat Fest itself.

Live music.

Food.

Drinks.

Vendors.

Crowds.

Costumes.

And bats.

It’s the full package.

WHY BAT FEST IS SO AUSTIN

There are music festivals everywhere.

There are food festivals everywhere.

There are wildlife festivals everywhere.

But how many cities have an annual festival centered around 1.5 million bats living underneath a downtown bridge?

That’s Austin.

It’s weird.

It’s outdoors.

It’s musical.

It’s social.

It’s a little ridiculous.

And it’s completely memorable.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Bat Fest is one of those Austin events that sounds made up until you actually experience it.

A downtown bridge.

A giant bat colony.

Live music.

Food.

Drinks.

Vendors.

Costumes.

And thousands of people waiting for the sky to fill with bats.

The 2025 Bat Fest on September 6 continued the tradition with multiple music stages, food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, family activities and bat viewing centered around the Congress Avenue Bridge.

And you don’t even have to pay to see the main attraction.

The bats are free.

The festival is optional.

The experience is yours.

So whether you spend $25 on a festival ticket, paddle out on a kayak, book a sunset boat cruise or simply grab a spot along Lady Bird Lake and watch for free, September is one of the best times to experience Austin’s famous bats.

Because there’s really only one city where you can say:

“Let’s go watch a million bats fly out from underneath a bridge, then go listen to live music and get tacos.”

And everybody knows exactly what you mean.

Welcome to Bat City.

If you’re new to Austin, there is one thing you need to know about Pride: Austin does Pride a little differently.

June is officially Pride Month across the country, but Austin’s biggest Pride celebration traditionally takes place in August. There is actually a good reason to keep August on your calendar. Austin’s main Pride events are scheduled when thousands of college students have returned to town, and the August celebration has become one of the city’s biggest summer weekends.

In 2025, Austin Pride celebrated with a full week of events leading up to the Austin Pride Festival and Parade on Saturday, August 23. The festival took place at Fiesta Gardens, followed by the evening parade through downtown Austin. The parade was free and open to the public.

So if somebody tells you, “Pride was in June,” you can tell them:

Not in Austin. We are gay all year!!!

Here, August is when things really get going.

AUSTIN PRIDE IS MORE THAN THE PARADE

The parade gets most of the attention, but it isn’t the only reason to celebrate.

The 2025 Austin Pride calendar included 35 Pride-related events, ranging from drag brunches and markets to skating, nightlife parties, community events and the main festival and parade.

That’s what makes Austin Pride fun.

You can make it a huge Saturday.

Or you can spread it across an entire week.

You can go to a drag brunch.

You can shop at a queer market.

You can go skating.

You can see live music.

You can hit the bars.

You can watch drag.

Or you can simply show up downtown for the parade.

There isn’t one right way to do Pride in Austin.

THE BIG DAY: AUGUST 23

The main event for 2025 was Saturday, August 23.

The daytime Austin Pride Festival took place at Fiesta Gardens, and the evening parade began at the Texas Capitol at 8 p.m., traveling south along Congress Avenue before ending near Cesar Chavez Street.

And here’s the important part:

The parade was free.

You didn’t need to buy an expensive ticket just to experience Austin Pride.

You could walk downtown, find a place along Congress Avenue and watch the parade without paying admission.

That’s one of the best Austin Pride tips for people who want to have fun without spending a fortune.

START AT THE FESTIVAL

If you want the complete experience, start at Fiesta Gardens.

The festival gives you the daytime Pride experience before the parade takes over downtown.

Expect music, performances, vendors, community organizations, food, drinks and plenty of people celebrating together.

It’s a much different atmosphere from simply standing along Congress Avenue waiting for the parade.

THEN HEAD DOWNTOWN

After the festival, make your way toward downtown.

The parade begins at 8 p.m., so give yourself plenty of time to get into position.

Do not wait until 7:55 p.m. and expect to walk directly to the front of the crowd.

Austin Pride attracts enormous crowds, and previous celebrations have drawn hundreds of thousands of people across the broader festival and parade experience.

THE BEST WAY TO WATCH THE PARADE

Here’s my strategy:

Don’t try to park directly on Congress Avenue.

Instead, park farther away or use a rideshare.

Walk toward the parade route.

Find a comfortable spot.

Get your drinks and food beforehand.

Then settle in.

You’re going to be standing around for a while.

Make yourself comfortable.

DON’T DRIVE INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE PARADE

Austin closes major streets for the event.

The City of Austin specifically recommends public transportation, rideshare or carpooling for getting to and from the parade.

This is one of those nights where trying to be clever with your car usually doesn’t work.

You will spend more time fighting traffic than enjoying Pride.

THE CONGRESS AVENUE STRATEGY

Congress Avenue is the heart of the parade.

If you’re trying to get a good view, arrive early.

The closer you get to the parade route, the more crowded it becomes.

Bring water.

Wear comfortable shoes.

And don’t underestimate the August heat.

AUGUST IN AUSTIN IS HOT

This deserves its own section.

It’s Pride.

It’s August.

It’s Austin.

That means it can be brutally hot.

Wear lightweight clothing.

Bring sunscreen.

Drink water.

Take breaks.

And if you’re spending the afternoon at Fiesta Gardens before heading downtown, pace yourself.

Don’t burn yourself out before the parade even starts.

PRIDE WEEK IS WHERE THE FUN REALLY STARTS

One of the best things about Austin Pride is that you don’t have to wait until Saturday.

The week leading up to Pride included events all over town.

For 2025, Austin Pride’s official calendar included drag brunch, a Pride bazaar, Rainbow Skate and nightlife events throughout the week.

That gives you a lot more options than simply attending one festival.

BIG GAY DRAG BRUNCH

If you want to start Pride weekend with food and drinks, the Big Gay Drag Brunch is exactly what it sounds like.

For 2025, Austin Pride partnered with The Brewtorium and drag performer Miss Kelly Kline for a Pride Week edition featuring the Austin Pride Court and other performers.

This is one of the better options if your Pride experience needs to include:

Brunch.

Mimosas.

Drag.

Friends.

That’s a pretty Austin combination.

THE BIG GAY AUSTIN PRIDE BAZAAR

Another 2025 event was the Big Gay Austin Pride Bazaar, which brought together local queer businesses and vendors.

This is a good alternative if you want something more relaxed than a nightclub.

Shop.

Eat.

Meet local businesses.

Find something unusual.

And support queer-owned businesses.

RAINBOW SKATE

One of the more unusual Pride Week events was Rainbow Skate at Playland Skate Center.

Austin Pride took over the rink on Monday, August 18, with DJs and a Pride-themed skating night.

And honestly, this is exactly the kind of event that makes Austin Pride interesting.

You don’t have to spend every night in a bar.

You can put on skates and spend the evening doing something completely different.

THEN THERE’S THE NIGHTLIFE

This is where Austin really comes alive.

The city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife is concentrated heavily around the downtown West Fourth Street area, with several long-running bars and clubs within walking distance of each other.

If you’re looking for the traditional Austin gay-bar experience, start around West Fourth Street.

You can walk between several venues instead of spending the night driving.

OILCAN HARRY’S

Oilcan Harry’s is one of the longtime names in Austin LGBTQ+ nightlife.

It’s known for drag, dancing, themed events and a high-energy atmosphere.

If you want a classic Austin Pride night, this is one of the places to know.

RAIN ON 4TH

Rain is another longtime downtown LGBTQ+ dance club.

It’s particularly good for people who want a more traditional nightclub experience.

Think:

Music.

Dancing.

Crowds.

Late night.

If that’s your thing, put it on the list.

THE IRON BEAR

The Iron Bear gives you a different atmosphere.

It’s a bar and restaurant with a strong LGBTQ+ community presence, making it a good option if you want somewhere you can actually sit down, eat something and have a drink before the night turns into a full nightlife adventure.

That’s especially useful during Pride when you don’t necessarily want to spend six straight hours standing in a packed dance club.

CHEER UP CHARLIE’S

Cheer Up Charlies is another Austin institution worth knowing.

It’s located near the Red River district and combines a bar, patio, live music and queer nightlife.

This is the place to go if your ideal Pride night involves:

Live music.

Outdoor space.

Drinks.

Dancing.

A more Austin-indie atmosphere.

It’s different from the West Fourth Street clubs, which is exactly why it’s worth adding to your route.

HIGHLAND LOUNGE

Highland Lounge is the choice when you want a bigger nightclub experience.

It’s a multi-level venue with multiple bars, DJs and dancing.

If your group wants to really go out, this is the kind of place that can keep the night going.

DON’T TRY TO DO EVERY BAR

This is a rookie mistake.

You don’t need to visit eight bars.

Pick two or three.

Spend time at each.

Then see where the night takes you.

Pride is much more fun when you’re not constantly checking your phone trying to figure out which bar you’re supposed to go to next.

THE BEST BAR-HOPPING AREA

For the classic LGBTQ+ nightlife experience, the West Fourth Street area is the easiest.

You’ve got multiple venues close together.

That means you can walk instead of driving.

And that’s especially important during Pride.

START EARLY

Here’s another insider tip:

Don’t wait until midnight.

Pride nightlife gets crowded.

If you arrive earlier, you have more room, shorter lines and a better chance of actually getting a drink without fighting through a wall of people.

Then, if you want to stay late, you’re already inside.

PRIDE ISN’T JUST NIGHTLIFE

This is important.

Austin Pride isn’t just a giant party.

There are community organizations, nonprofit groups, health resources, advocacy organizations and local businesses participating throughout the celebration.

The Austin Pride Foundation describes its mission as educating, resourcing and connecting Austin’s LGBTQ+ community.

So take some time to explore the festival beyond the bars.

SUPPORT LOCAL QUEER BUSINESSES

One of the best things you can do during Pride is spend money with local businesses.

Eat at a queer-owned restaurant.

Shop at a queer-owned business.

Buy something from a local vendor.

Go to a neighborhood bar.

And support the organizations doing work in the community.

You get to have fun while putting your money back into the local community.

FOOD IS PART OF PRIDE TOO

Don’t make the mistake of eating only festival food.

Austin has an incredible restaurant scene, and Pride is a great excuse to make a day of it.

Start with brunch.

Go to the festival.

Have a snack.

Watch the parade.

Then get dinner.

Then go out.

The trick is to eat before you’re starving.

Because during major events, every restaurant around downtown can suddenly have a line.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO LEAVE DOWNTOWN

Austin Pride is centered downtown, but you don’t have to stay there all night.

If the crowds become too much, head somewhere else.

East Austin has plenty of bars and restaurants.

South Congress has plenty of options.

The Red River district is nearby.

You have choices.

PRIDE ON A BUDGET

You absolutely can do Pride without spending a fortune.

Start with the free parade.

Bring a refillable water bottle where permitted.

Use public transportation.

Eat before going out.

Choose one bar instead of five.

Look for free Pride Week events.

And spend your money on one thing you really want to do.

The parade itself is free.

THE FREE PRIDE DAY

Here’s a cheap Pride itinerary:

3:00 p.m.

Eat an early dinner.

5:00 p.m.

Head downtown.

6:00 p.m.

Find a spot along Congress.

8:00 p.m.

Watch the parade.

9:30 p.m.

Walk toward West Fourth.

10:00 p.m.

Pick one bar.

Midnight

Grab late-night food.

1:00 a.m.

Head home.

That’s a full Pride night without spending hundreds of dollars.

THE BIG PRIDE WEEKEND

If you want the full experience:

Friday: Pride nightlife.

Saturday afternoon: Festival at Fiesta Gardens.

Saturday evening: Parade.

Saturday night: Downtown bars.

Sunday: Drag brunch or recovery brunch.

That’s the Austin Pride weekend.

DON’T FORGET SUNDAY

Sunday is underrated.

Everyone focuses on Saturday.

But Sunday can be a great day to take things slower.

Brunch.

Coffee.

Pool.

Food.

Maybe another drag show.

Maybe a market.

Or simply recover.

THE BEST PRIDE DATE

If you’re going as a couple, don’t feel like you have to spend the entire day in the biggest crowds.

Start with brunch.

Go to the festival.

Watch the parade.

Then get dinner somewhere quieter.

Afterward, go to a bar for one or two drinks.

You can experience Pride without turning the entire day into a marathon.

THE BEST PRIDE NIGHT WITH FRIENDS

Start with dinner.

Meet at somebody’s house.

Have a drink.

Then head downtown.

Watch the parade.

Walk around.

Pick a bar.

Dance.

Get food.

And take plenty of pictures.

Because you’re going to want to remember the night.

THE BEST PRIDE NIGHT FOR FIRST-TIMERS

Don’t over-plan.

That’s my biggest advice.

Pick:

One daytime event.

The parade.

One or two bars.

That’s enough.

You’ll discover other things while you’re there.

THE BIGGEST MISTAKE

Trying to drive everywhere.

Don’t.

During Pride, downtown traffic is going to be a mess.

Street closures are extensive.

Parking is limited.

And you’re going to be surrounded by thousands of people.

Walk.

Use rideshare.

Use public transportation.

Carpool.

Just don’t make your entire night about finding parking.

THE SECOND BIGGEST MISTAKE

Forgetting that it’s August.

Wear sunscreen.

Drink water.

Take breaks.

Find shade.

And don’t assume that because it’s nighttime the heat is gone.

Austin evenings can still be hot.

THE THIRD BIGGEST MISTAKE

Waiting until the last minute to make plans.

The popular brunches, drag shows and ticketed parties can sell out.

If there’s something you absolutely want to attend, buy the ticket early.

Then leave the rest of the weekend flexible.

THE AUSTIN PRIDE PHOTO TIP

Congress Avenue is going to give you some of the best Austin Pride photos.

You have the Capitol.

Downtown buildings.

The parade.

The crowds.

The rainbow colors.

And the city’s skyline.

But don’t spend the entire parade looking through your phone.

Take a few pictures.

Then put the phone away.

Enjoy it.

THE AUSTIN PRIDE NIGHTLIFE ROUTE

A simple route:

Start: Fiesta Gardens.

Then: Downtown/Congress Avenue.

Then: West Fourth Street.

Then: Oilcan Harry’s or Rain.

Then: Another nearby venue.

Finish: Late-night food.

The key is keeping the route compact.

IF YOU WANT LIVE MUSIC

Head toward the Red River area.

Cheer Up Charlies is particularly useful because you can combine queer nightlife with Austin’s live-music culture.

You’re not just going to a Pride event.

You’re getting a taste of what makes Austin Austin.

IF YOU WANT DANCING

West Fourth.

That’s where you want to be.

Oilcan Harry’s.

Rain.

Highland Lounge.

Pick your vibe.

IF YOU WANT A MORE RELAXED NIGHT

The Iron Bear is a good option.

Get some food.

Have a drink.

Hang out.

Then decide whether you want to go somewhere louder.

IF YOU WANT SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Look for the Pride Week specialty events.

Rainbow Skate is a perfect example.

Pride doesn’t have to mean standing in a crowded bar.

You can skate.

Shop.

Eat.

See a movie.

Go to a market.

Attend a community event.

There are plenty of options.

AUSTIN PRIDE IS FOR EVERYONE

You don’t have to identify as LGBTQ+ to enjoy Pride.

You can attend as an ally.

You can come with friends.

You can bring family.

You can simply come to enjoy the music, performances, food and atmosphere.

The important thing is to come respectfully and remember that you’re entering a celebration that has deep meaning for the community.

THE HISTORY MATTERS

Pride isn’t simply a party.

The celebration grew out of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, visibility and equality.

That’s why you’ll see both celebration and activism.

And that’s why the community aspect matters just as much as the nightlife.

2025’S THEME: SILENCE = DEATH

Austin Pride’s 2025 theme was “Silence = Death.”

The organization described the theme as a call to be louder about love, activism and the power of being seen and heard.

That gave the 2025 celebration a particularly strong emphasis on visibility and community.

THE BALLER ATX PRIDE CHECKLIST

Check the Pride calendar.

Pick one daytime event.

Go to the festival.

Watch the parade.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Bring sunscreen.

Drink water.

Use rideshare or public transportation.

Don’t try to park on Congress.

Make dinner plans early.

Pick two bars instead of trying to hit every bar.

Check ticket requirements for special events.

Support local queer businesses.

Take pictures.

Have fun.

THE PERFECT AUSTIN PRIDE SATURDAY

11:00 a.m.

Brunch.

1:00 p.m.

Relax and get ready.

3:00 p.m.

Head to Fiesta Gardens.

4:00 p.m.

Festival.

6:30 p.m.

Head downtown.

7:00 p.m.

Find a parade spot.

8:00 p.m.

Austin Pride Parade.

9:30 p.m.

Walk toward West Fourth.

10:00 p.m.

Drinks.

11:30 p.m.

Dancing.

1:00 a.m.

Late-night food.

2:00 a.m.

Head home.

That’s a proper Austin Pride Saturday.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Austin may celebrate Pride in August rather than June, but don’t mistake that for Austin doing Pride any less seriously.

If anything, the August celebration gives the city an entire week to turn Pride into a full Austin experience.

There are drag brunches.

Markets.

Skating.

Live music.

Community events.

Food.

Drinks.

Nightlife.

A giant festival.

And a free downtown parade.

The 2025 celebration culminated on August 23 with the Pride Festival at Fiesta Gardens and the evening parade starting at the Capitol and heading down Congress Avenue.

And that’s the real Austin Pride experience:

Spend the day celebrating.

Spend the evening downtown.

Support local businesses.

Dance with your friends.

Watch the parade.

Stay out late.

And remember that Pride is about more than a party.

It’s about community, visibility and celebrating the people who make Austin what it is.

So even though June is officially Pride Month everywhere else, when you’re in Austin, remember:

August is when the rainbow really takes over the city.

f there is one Fourth of July event that feels like it was invented specifically for Austin, it’s Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic.

This isn’t just another concert.

It’s a Texas tradition that dates back to 1973, when Willie Nelson started his legendary Fourth of July Picnic. Over the years, the event has become one of the most recognizable Independence Day celebrations in Texas, combining country music, Americana, barbecue, cold drinks, thousands of fans and, of course, fireworks.

And in 2025, the Picnic came home to Austin.

After the 2024 event was held in New Jersey, Willie’s annual celebration returned to Austin on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Germania Insurance Amphitheater at the Circuit of The Americas.

For anybody who loves Austin, Texas music or just a good Fourth of July party, this is one event you should know about.

THIS ISN’T YOUR NORMAL FOURTH OF JULY CONCERT

The word “Picnic” makes this sound like you should show up with a blanket, eat a sandwich and listen to a few songs.

Don’t let the name fool you.

Willie’s Picnic is an all-day music event.

The 2025 edition featured Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, The Mavericks, Asleep at the Wheel and Tami Neilson, along with food, drinks and a fireworks celebration.

That’s an incredible lineup for one Independence Day.

And that’s before Willie even takes the stage.

WILLIE NELSON IS THE REASON

Let’s be honest.

You can see fireworks anywhere.

You can see a country concert anywhere.

You can find barbecue all over Texas.

But there’s something completely different about celebrating July 4 with Willie Nelson in Austin.

Willie has been part of Austin’s musical identity since moving to the area in 1972, and his influence on the city’s music culture is difficult to overstate. In 2025, he celebrated his 92nd birthday while continuing to tour and perform.

That’s why the Picnic feels bigger than a concert.

It’s part of Austin history.

THE 2025 LINEUP WAS STACKED

The 2025 Picnic lineup was exactly what you’d expect from Willie: a combination of legendary artists, Americana favorites and Texas musicians.

Willie Nelson & Family

Bob Dylan

The Avett Brothers

The Mavericks

Asleep at the Wheel

Tami Neilson

The official announcement described it as a celebration featuring music from Willie and his family, Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, The Mavericks, Asleep at the Wheel and Tami Neilson, followed by fireworks.

That’s not just a concert lineup.

That’s a history lesson in American music.

BOB DYLAN AT WILLIE’S PICNIC

Getting to see Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson on the same Fourth of July bill is one of those things that makes you realize how special the event is.

Dylan is one of the most influential songwriters and performers in American music.

Willie is one of the most influential figures in country and outlaw music.

Put the two together in Austin on Independence Day and you’ve got something pretty special.

THE AVETT BROTHERS

The Avett Brothers brought another side of Americana to the Picnic.

Their combination of folk, bluegrass, rock and roots music fits perfectly into the Willie Nelson universe.

And their energetic live performances are exactly what you want when you’ve been sitting around outside all day and are ready to get moving.

THE MAVERICKS

The Mavericks bring a completely different flavor.

Country.

Rock.

Tex-Mex.

Latin influences.

Big melodies.

It’s the kind of music that makes sense at a Texas summer party.

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL

If you want Texas history, Asleep at the Wheel belongs on the list.

The Austin-based Western swing institution has been part of the city’s musical identity for decades.

Having them on the Picnic lineup makes perfect sense.

TAMI NEILSON

Tami Neilson opened the musical portion of the 2025 event and brought her powerful country and rockabilly sound to the stage.

She’s also a great example of why you shouldn’t just show up for Willie.

Get there early.

You paid for the whole lineup.

See the whole lineup.

GET THERE EARLY

This is one of the biggest Willie Picnic tips.

The 2025 event opened its doors at 3 p.m., with music beginning around 4 p.m.

Don’t show up at 9 p.m. just to see Willie.

You’ll miss hours of music.

And you’ll miss the entire atmosphere of the Picnic.

THE PICNIC IS THE EVENT

The name is important.

It’s not simply “Willie’s Fourth of July Concert.”

It’s a picnic.

It’s supposed to feel like an all-day gathering.

People arrive early.

They hang out.

They eat.

They drink.

They listen to music.

They meet friends.

They watch the sunset.

And then the fireworks happen.

Then Willie takes the stage.

BRING YOUR APPETITE

Food is part of the experience.

The 2025 event included food and drinks throughout the venue, making it possible to spend the entire afternoon and evening there without having to leave for dinner.

And this is exactly how you should approach it.

Don’t try to leave halfway through the show to find dinner.

Eat at the venue.

Grab a drink.

Enjoy the music.

Stay put.

THIS IS A TEXAS FOOD DAY

You don’t need a fancy meal.

This is not the day for a seven-course tasting menu.

You want:

Barbecue.

Burgers.

Tex-Mex.

Cold drinks.

Snacks.

Something you can eat while listening to music.

That’s the spirit of the Picnic.

DON’T FORGET WATER

July in Austin is hot.

Very hot.

You’re spending hours outside.

You’re surrounded by thousands of people.

You’re drinking.

You’re dancing.

You’re walking.

Water is essential.

Drink water throughout the day.

You’ll enjoy the evening much more.

SUNSCREEN

Put it on before you arrive.

Then reapply.

Don’t assume you’re safe because you’re sitting in a shaded seat.

The Texas sun doesn’t care about your concert ticket.

WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES

This is not a fashion competition.

Wear something comfortable.

Wear shoes you can stand in.

Bring sunglasses.

Wear a hat.

And dress for a long summer afternoon.

CHECK THE VENUE RULES BEFORE YOU GO

Germania Insurance Amphitheater has specific bag and entry policies.

For the 2025 Picnic, small clutches were permitted, while backpacks and large totes were prohibited. The venue was also cashless.

Don’t get stuck at the entrance because you brought something you weren’t allowed to bring.

Check the rules before leaving home.

PARKING IS PART OF THE EXPERIENCE

The event took place at Germania Insurance Amphitheater at the Circuit of The Americas, which is southeast of downtown Austin.

That means this isn’t a downtown concert where you can simply park several blocks away and walk.

Plan your transportation.

For 2025, general admission parking was included with the ticket, with upgraded parking also available.

DON’T LEAVE AT THE END OF THE FIREWORKS

This is one of the biggest mistakes.

Everybody wants to leave at the same time.

And everybody has the same idea.

Thousands of cars trying to leave a major event simultaneously is not going to be fun.

If you aren’t in a hurry, hang around.

Grab another drink if available.

Talk to your friends.

Let some of the crowd leave.

Then head out.

RIDESHARE IS AN OPTION

If you don’t want to drive, rideshare can be an option.

The venue designated a rideshare/taxi area in Lot E for the 2025 event.

But don’t expect to walk outside at midnight and instantly get a cheap Uber.

There will be a lot of people requesting rides.

Plan accordingly.

THE BEST STRATEGY FOR DRIVING

If you’re driving:

Arrive early.

Know where you’re parking.

Take a picture of where you parked.

Don’t lose your parking information.

Be patient leaving.

That last one is important.

Don’t let an extra 45 minutes of traffic ruin an otherwise great day.

THE FIREWORKS ARE PART OF THE SHOW

The fireworks are one of the reasons this isn’t just another concert.

The 2025 Picnic included an Independence Day fireworks display, with the fireworks scheduled around 10 p.m. before Willie’s performance later in the evening.

So you’re not just watching a concert.

You’re watching fireworks at a Willie Nelson concert.

In Austin.

On July 4.

That’s pretty hard to beat.

WILLIE AFTER THE FIREWORKS

The 2025 schedule had Willie Nelson & Family taking the stage after the fireworks, making the end of the night especially memorable.

And that’s exactly how the Picnic should end.

Fireworks.

Then Willie.

Then everybody goes home knowing they just experienced something very Austin.

THIS IS A GREAT EVENT FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

If you have friends visiting Austin for the Fourth of July, this is an easy recommendation.

They don’t need to know the city.

They don’t need to find a bunch of different events.

They can spend the day at one location.

Music.

Food.

Drinks.

Fireworks.

Willie Nelson.

Done.

IT’S ALSO GREAT FOR LOCALS

The advantage for locals is that you don’t have to make it a huge weekend.

You can make the Picnic the centerpiece.

Wake up.

Have breakfast tacos.

Hang out during the day.

Head to COTA.

Spend the afternoon at the Picnic.

Watch the fireworks.

Listen to Willie.

Go home.

Perfect.

THE PERFECT WILLIE PICNIC DAY

10:00 a.m.

Breakfast tacos.

11:00 a.m.

Relax.

1:30 p.m.

Get ready.

2:00 p.m.

Head toward COTA.

3:00 p.m.

Doors.

4:00 p.m.

Music begins.

5:00 p.m.

Food and drinks.

6:00 p.m.

More music.

8:00 p.m.

Bob Dylan and other major performances.

10:00 p.m.

Fireworks.

10:20 p.m.

Willie Nelson & Family.

Late night

Head home.

That’s a Texas Fourth of July.

DON’T JUST WATCH WILLIE

This is another important tip.

Yes, Willie is the reason you’re there.

But don’t ignore the rest of the lineup.

You might discover your new favorite band.

You might see a performer you’ve never heard before.

You might finally see an artist you’ve always wanted to see.

The Picnic is designed as a full-day music experience.

Enjoy all of it.

MAKE IT A FRIENDS DAY

The best way to experience the Picnic is with a group.

Get your friends together.

Buy tickets together.

Carpool.

Meet early.

Have a group chat.

Decide where you’re meeting if anybody gets separated.

And have a plan for getting home.

MAKE IT A FAMILY DAY

The Picnic is an all-ages event, making it possible to bring the family.

But remember that this is a long day in the Texas heat.

If you’re bringing kids, plan for breaks.

Hydration.

Sunscreen.

Comfort.

And ear protection for younger children around loud music and fireworks.

MAKE IT A DATE

This can also be a great date.

You’re spending an entire day together.

Music gives you something to talk about.

Food gives you something to share.

Fireworks create the big moment.

And Willie provides the soundtrack.

Not bad.

THE BEST DATE-NIGHT STRATEGY

Don’t make the date end when Willie finishes.

If you have the energy, go somewhere afterward.

Grab a late-night drink.

Find food.

Sit outside.

Talk about the concert.

Talk about your favorite performance.

Then head home.

THE BEST THING ABOUT WILLIE’S PICNIC

It’s authentic.

Austin has plenty of giant festivals.

Some feel like giant corporate productions.

Willie’s Picnic still has the feeling of a Texas tradition.

It’s about the music.

It’s about Willie.

It’s about family.

It’s about friends.

It’s about spending the Fourth of July outside.

And it’s about celebrating Texas culture.

WHY WILLIE’S PICNIC BELONGS IN AUSTIN

Willie Nelson isn’t just another musician who happens to perform here.

He’s part of the city’s identity.

His annual Picnic has become intertwined with Austin’s reputation as a music city.

And when the event returns home, it feels like something important has come back.

THE BALLER ATX WILLIE PICNIC CHECKLIST

Buy tickets early.

Arrive early.

See the opening acts.

Bring sunscreen.

Bring sunglasses.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Drink plenty of water.

Eat at the venue.

Check the bag policy.

Plan your parking.

Have a rideshare backup.

Don’t leave immediately after the fireworks.

Stay for Willie.

And most importantly, enjoy the entire day.

THE BIGGEST TIP

Don’t treat Willie’s 4th of July Picnic like a concert you show up to at 9 p.m.

Treat it like a holiday.

Make the entire day about it.

That’s the difference.

Get there early.

Listen to the bands.

Eat.

Drink.

Hang out.

Watch the sun go down.

Watch the fireworks.

Then listen to Willie Nelson sing on Independence Day.

That’s the experience.

THE BOTTOM LINE

There are plenty of ways to celebrate July 4 in Austin.

You can watch fireworks downtown.

You can have a pool party.

You can rent a boat.

You can barbecue in the backyard.

But if you want the classic Austin music experience, it’s hard to beat Willie’s 4th of July Picnic.

The tradition goes all the way back to the 1970s.

The 2025 return to Austin brought Willie Nelson & Family together with Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, The Mavericks, Asleep at the Wheel and Tami Neilson for an all-day celebration at Germania Insurance Amphitheater.

There was music.

There was food.

There were drinks.

There were fireworks.

And there was Willie.

That’s about as Austin as the Fourth of July gets.

So if you’re looking for something to do this July, skip the ordinary fireworks show.

Grab your friends, head to COTA, bring your appetite and spend Independence Day at Willie’s Picnic.

Because in Austin, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the Fourth.

But there is only one Willie’s 4th of July Picnic.

If you love Austin food, May has one event that belongs at the top of your calendar: Hot Luck Festival.

This isn’t your typical food festival where you walk around a giant parking lot eating the same five things from restaurant booths. Hot Luck is much more Austin than that. It’s a combination of incredible food, live-fire cooking, chefs from around the country, drinks, live music and late-night parties, all wrapped into one long Memorial Day Weekend celebration.

Founded in part by Aaron Franklin and built around Austin’s obsession with food, barbecue and live music, Hot Luck has become one of the city’s most interesting food events. The 2025 festival ran May 22-25 and featured several different food events, music events and chef-driven experiences around town.

And here’s the thing about Hot Luck:

You don’t go just to eat.

You go to hang out.

You go to drink.

You go to listen to music.

You go to discover chefs you haven’t heard of.

You go to eat food that you probably aren’t going to find on a normal Austin restaurant menu.

And you go because this is one of the few festivals where the food actually feels like the main attraction.

HOT LUCK IS NOT JUST ANOTHER FOOD FESTIVAL

Austin already has plenty of food festivals.

Hot Luck stands apart because it doesn’t try to feel like a giant corporate food expo.

The festival is built around chefs, restaurants, pitmasters and musicians, with events that feel more like giant backyard parties than formal culinary events.

The official festival describes Hot Luck as a celebration of live food and music, and that’s exactly what it feels like.

Food is being cooked over fire.

Drinks are flowing.

Music is playing.

People are hanging out.

And the chefs are right there.

THE 2025 FESTIVAL RAN MAY 22-25

Hot Luck 2025 took place over four days from Thursday, May 22 through Sunday, May 25.

That timing is perfect because it falls on Memorial Day Weekend, giving people an opportunity to turn the festival into an entire Austin getaway.

The 2025 schedule included Giddy Up, Nite Moves, Al Fuego and Camp Sunnyside, along with music events throughout the weekend.

Instead of one giant event on one day, Hot Luck gives you multiple reasons to come back.

GIDDY UP AT FRANKLIN BARBECUE

The weekend kicked off Thursday with Giddy Up at Franklin Barbecue.

And yes, there are few more Austin locations you could choose for a food festival than Franklin Barbecue.

Giddy Up served as the opening event for Whole Enchilada pass holders, with chefs including Aaron Franklin, Ana Castro, Amanda Shulman, Alex Kemp, Geoff Davis, Lawrence “LT” Smith and Nate Barfield.

This is one of those events where you immediately realize Hot Luck isn’t messing around.

You’re getting chefs from different parts of the country together in one place and letting them cook.

NITE MOVES IS WHERE THINGS GET REALLY FUN

One of the highlights of the 2025 festival was Nite Moves, the Friday night street-food-focused event at Assembly Hall.

This was a new addition for the 2025 festival and was designed around chefs putting their own spin on street food from around the world.

That’s exactly the type of Hot Luck event you want.

You aren’t necessarily getting a traditional restaurant dish.

You’re getting chefs experimenting.

And street food is the perfect format for it because you can walk around, grab something, try another dish and keep moving.

THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO EAT AT HOT LUCK

Don’t approach Hot Luck like a normal dinner.

Approach it like a food adventure.

Take small portions.

Try things you’ve never heard of.

Don’t spend all your time waiting for one dish.

Walk around.

Talk to people.

Look at what other people are eating.

If something looks incredible, go find it.

Then move on.

THE CHEFS ARE THE REAL CELEBRITIES

At Hot Luck, you don’t need to chase movie stars.

The celebrities are the chefs.

And the lineup is stacked.

The 2025 events brought together chefs from Austin and around the country, including people associated with restaurants such as My Loup, Burdell, Chilte, Eventide Oyster Co., Lao’d Bar, Ajja, Row 34, Mr. Tuna, OMG Squee, Mister Mao, Canje and Birdie’s.

That’s a ridiculous amount of culinary talent in one weekend.

THE BEST PART IS DISCOVERING SOMETHING NEW

If you’re already an Austin foodie, you’ve probably eaten at many of the city’s famous restaurants.

Hot Luck gives you an excuse to discover chefs from outside Austin.

You might taste something from a chef from New York.

Then something from New Orleans.

Then something from another Texas city.

Then you walk around the corner and find an Austin chef doing something completely different.

That’s what makes the event exciting.

AL FUEGO IS THE ONE FOR FIRE-COOKING FANS

Saturday’s Al Fuego is one of the signature Hot Luck events.

The entire concept revolves around cooking with live fire.

And if you love barbecue, this is the event you don’t want to miss.

We’re talking fire.

Smoke.

Grills.

Open pits.

Wood.

And chefs who know how to use all of it.

Hot Luck’s 2025 Al Fuego event took place at Jester King Brewery on Saturday, May 24.

JESTER KING MAKES AL FUEGO EVEN BETTER

Taking a live-fire food event out to Jester King is a perfect Austin combination.

You’ve got food.

Beer.

The Texas Hill Country atmosphere.

And chefs cooking over fire.

It feels much more like a giant backyard gathering than a formal food festival.

Wear comfortable clothes.

Bring your appetite.

And don’t expect to sit down for three hours.

THIS IS WHERE THE BOOTS COME IN

If there is ever an Austin food event where you can wear boots and not feel overdressed, this is it.

Hot Luck doesn’t require fancy clothes.

You want to be comfortable.

You want to walk.

You want to eat.

You want to drink.

You want to hang outside.

Think Texas casual.

CAMP SUNNYSIDE

Sunday brings Camp Sunnyside, another major Hot Luck experience.

The 2025 event was held at Fair Market and featured a large collection of chefs serving food in a lively indoor-outdoor party environment. The official Hot Luck material describes it as one of the largest culinary events of the weekend.

If you only have time for one major food event, this is one of the strongest choices.

THIS IS WHERE YOU WANT TO BRING YOUR FRIENDS

Camp Sunnyside is perfect for groups.

Everybody can walk around.

Everyone can try different food.

Nobody has to agree on one restaurant.

And you can compare what everybody finds.

It’s basically a giant group food crawl without having to drive all over Austin.

HOT LUCK IS ALSO A MUSIC FESTIVAL

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re going to eat and go home.

Music is a major part of Hot Luck.

The 2025 lineup included live performances at venues throughout Austin, with shows involving artists including White Denim and a variety of local and touring acts.

This is what separates Hot Luck from many other food festivals.

You can eat all day and then spend the evening listening to live music.

WHITE DENIM

White Denim was one of the bigger names on the 2025 Hot Luck music lineup, performing at High Noon on Saturday night.

That makes for a perfect Hot Luck night.

Eat.

Drink.

Listen to music.

Then keep the night going.

HIGH NOON IS A GREAT PLACE TO END THE NIGHT

High Noon is one of those Austin venues that fits perfectly into the Hot Luck atmosphere.

It’s intimate enough to feel like you’re actually seeing a band rather than watching a giant production.

And after spending the day eating, it’s a good place to burn off some calories by standing around listening to music.

HOTEL VEGAS AFTER DARK

If you’re not ready to go home after the main event, East Sixth Street is the obvious direction.

Hotel Vegas and the surrounding venues hosted Hot Luck-related music events during the 2025 festival.

This is where the food festival turns into a normal Austin night out.

Music.

Bars.

DJs.

People everywhere.

And plenty of options for continuing the evening.

HOT LUCK IS PERFECT FOR THE AUSTIN BAR SCENE

This is another reason I like Hot Luck.

You can spend the afternoon at a food event, then head into East Austin for drinks.

You don’t need to find a fancy cocktail lounge.

Grab a beer.

Find a patio.

Listen to a band.

Walk to another bar.

Hot Luck fits naturally into Austin’s nightlife.

THE BEST HOT LUCK NIGHT

Here’s the perfect plan:

5:00 p.m.

Start with a food event.

6:30 p.m.

Eat your way through the festival.

8:00 p.m.

Grab a drink.

9:00 p.m.

Head to a live music show.

11:00 p.m.

Go to East Sixth.

Midnight

Late-night food.

1:00 a.m.

One last drink.

That’s a proper Austin night.

DON’T FILL UP AT THE FIRST STOP

This is the most important food advice.

You will see something delicious.

You will want to eat all of it.

Don’t.

Take a bite.

Enjoy it.

Move on.

You have an entire festival ahead of you.

THE “ONE MORE BITE” PROBLEM

Hot Luck is dangerous for people who love food.

Because every time you’re full, you see something else.

“Oh, I’ll just try one.”

Then another.

Then another.

And suddenly you’re lying on a couch wondering why you ate six meals.

Pace yourself.

DRINK WATER

Hot Luck happens in May.

Austin can already be hot.

Combine that with outdoor events, food, beer and walking around and you can get dehydrated quickly.

Drink water between drinks.

You’ll enjoy the festival much more.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE HEAT

May in Austin can feel like summer.

Wear lightweight clothes.

Bring sunscreen.

Wear comfortable shoes.

And don’t assume an outdoor event will have plenty of shade.

Plan accordingly.

HOT LUCK IS A GREAT DATE

If you want an Austin date that’s more interesting than dinner and a movie, Hot Luck is perfect.

You can walk around.

Try food.

Share bites.

Drink.

Listen to music.

And there’s always something to talk about.

The food provides an endless supply of conversation.

IT’S ALSO GREAT FOR FOOD NERDS

If you are the person who watches cooking shows, follows chefs on Instagram and knows the names of restaurants in cities you’ve never visited, you’re going to love this.

Because Hot Luck is basically your Super Bowl.

BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A FOODIE

That’s important.

You don’t need to know who any of the chefs are.

You don’t need to understand culinary techniques.

You don’t need to know the difference between every style of barbecue.

You just need to like eating.

And drinking.

And music.

That’s enough.

THE BEST HOT LUCK STRATEGY FOR FIRST-TIMERS

Don’t try to do everything.

Pick two major food events.

Pick one music event.

Leave the rest of the weekend open.

That way you’re not running from one location to another.

You’re actually enjoying yourself.

THE WHOLE ENCHILADA

For people who want the full experience, Hot Luck offers the Whole Enchilada pass.

The 2025 Whole Enchilada pass provided access to the full collection of Hot Luck events, including the opening Giddy Up party and the food and music programming throughout the weekend.

It’s the all-in option.

If you’re the person who wants to experience everything, this is the way to go.

BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO ALL-IN

If spending hundreds of dollars on a food festival isn’t your thing, don’t worry.

You can choose individual events.

Pick the event that sounds the most interesting.

Maybe you’re a barbecue person.

Go to Al Fuego.

Maybe you’re a street-food person.

Go to Nite Moves.

Maybe you want the biggest party.

Go to Camp Sunnyside.

Maybe you’re mostly there for music.

Pick a music event.

THE BEST EVENT FOR BARBECUE PEOPLE

Al Fuego.

It’s basically a celebration of cooking over live fire.

If you love smoked meat, grilled food and anything cooked over wood, start there.

THE BEST EVENT FOR STREET FOOD

Nite Moves.

The whole concept is centered around chefs putting their own spin on street food.

It’s ideal for people who like variety.

THE BEST EVENT FOR GROUPS

Camp Sunnyside.

Big.

Social.

Lots of food.

Lots of people.

Lots of options.

THE BEST EVENT FOR A DATE

Giddy Up.

Franklin Barbecue.

Chef-driven food.

Drinks.

And the whole thing feels special.

THE BEST EVENT FOR MUSIC

Look at the music schedule.

Hot Luck isn’t about one giant stage.

It’s about music integrated into the weekend.

That’s more Austin.

HOT LUCK IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM AUSTIN FOOD & WINE

Austin Food & Wine is a major culinary festival.

Hot Luck feels more relaxed.

More casual.

More Austin.

The food is still excellent, but the atmosphere is less about culinary demonstrations and more about eating, drinking and hanging out.

One is a traditional food festival.

The other feels like the biggest backyard party in Texas.

THE SECRET IS THE MIX

Food.

Music.

Beer.

Cocktails.

Chefs.

Barbecue.

Friends.

That combination is what makes Hot Luck work.

Take away any one of those things and it wouldn’t be the same.

WHY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WORKS

The timing is perfect.

People already have a long weekend.

Austin is warm.

The city is busy.

Restaurants are active.

Music is everywhere.

And there’s enough time to make the festival part of a larger weekend.

You can spend Friday eating.

Saturday listening to music.

Sunday at Camp Sunnyside.

Monday recovering.

HOT LUCK IS ONE OF THE MOST AUSTIN EVENTS OF THE YEAR

SXSW is Austin’s giant international festival.

ACL is Austin’s giant music festival.

But Hot Luck feels more like the city itself.

Food.

Music.

Barbecue.

Drinks.

Local chefs.

National chefs.

East Austin bars.

Texas Hill Country.

And people who just want to have a good time.

THE BALLER ATX HOT LUCK GAME PLAN

Don’t try to eat everything.

Sample small portions.

Drink water.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Bring sunscreen.

Pick at least one event centered around live fire.

Try something from a chef you’ve never heard of.

Check out the music schedule.

Plan a night around East Sixth.

Don’t rush between events.

And save room for one more bite.

THE PERFECT HOT LUCK WEEKEND

Thursday: Giddy Up.

Friday: Nite Moves and live music.

Saturday: Al Fuego at Jester King, followed by music.

Sunday: Camp Sunnyside.

Monday: Sleep.

That’s the Hot Luck weekend.

THE BIGGEST TIP

Don’t treat Hot Luck like a food line.

Treat it like a party.

Walk around.

Talk to people.

Listen to music.

Try something strange.

Drink something cold.

Find a chef you like.

Go back for another bite.

And don’t worry about seeing everything.

The event is designed for you to wander.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Hot Luck is one of the best food events Austin has created because it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

The food is serious.

The chefs are serious.

The cooking is serious.

But the experience is about having fun.

You can eat incredible food cooked over live fire.

You can try dishes from chefs from around the country.

You can drink.

You can listen to live music.

You can hang out with friends.

You can explore East Austin afterward.

And you can spend an entire Memorial Day Weekend doing what Austin does best:

Eating, drinking, listening to music and having a damn good time.

If you’re only going to put one food festival on your May calendar, make it Hot Luck.

**Come hungry.

Come thirsty.

Bring your friends.

And don’t forget your dancing boots.