Austin, Texas is known for its vibrant culture and abundance of events. If you’re planning a visit to the area in 2023, these are some memorable events that you won’t want to miss:
South by Southwest (SXSW) is an annual music, film and interactive festival held in downtown Austin each March. This year’s event will feature some of the most innovative artists and panelists from around the world. If you’re looking for inspiration or want to get a sneak peek at upcoming trends in media, then SXSW is a must-attend event.
ABC Kite Festival is a two-day festival filled with colorful kites that take to the sky above Zilker Park in March each year. Bring your own kite or pick one up on-site to join in on the fun!
The Austin Food & Wine Festival is an annual culinary event that takes place each April. It highlights local restaurants, wineries and distilleries from across Central Texas for an event that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The Texas Relays is an annual track and field meet held at the University of Texas’ Mike A. Myers Stadium each April. The event draws over 20,000 spectators with its exhilarating competitions and live entertainment.
The Republic of Texas Biker Rally is one of the largest motorcycle rallies in North America. This five-day event in June includes music, entertainment, camping and other activities for riders and biker fans alike.
The Austin Hot Sauce Festival is the perfect place for hot sauce aficionados. The two-day festival in August includes hot sauce tastings, competitions and live music.
The Austin Film Festival focuses on celebrating films that capture the creative spirit of independent filmmaking. Held in October, the festival hosts a series of events that feature screenings, mixers and panels with industry insiders. It’s a great opportunity to network with filmmakers from around the world and get insight into the craft.
Also occurring in October is Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL). This music festival provides three days of musical performances from over 130 different acts, including a variety of genres such as hip hop, electronic and indie rock music. ACL also has four stages, over 20 food vendors and a variety of other interactive experiences.
The Circuit of The Americas Grand Prix is a premier Formula 1 race held in November at the Circuit of The Americas track located just outside downtown Austin. The event brings together some of the best drivers from across Europe and North America for an adrenaline-filled weekend of racing.
The Texas Book Festival is held annually at the State Capitol in November and showcases some of the most popular authors from around the world. The festival offers panel discussions, book signings, workshops and more to attendees looking to connect with their favorite authors or discover new ones.
Batfest is a one-of-a-kind event held each August under the Congress Avenue Bridge where over 1 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge in a spectacular display.
The Pecan Street Festival takes place twice annually on 6th street and features handmade arts and crafts, delicious food vendors and live music. It’s one of the longest running events in Austin with an attendance of nearly 150,000 people each time it takes place.
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a unique shopping experience for the holidays. Held in December, this event features artisans and vendors from all around Central Texas that are showcasing their handmade goods.
Whether you’re looking to attend one of the city’s largest events or explore something a little more unique, Austin has an event to suit everyone. Make sure you mark your calendar for 2023’s must-see events.