There’s no place like Austin in the spring. As the temperatures heat up, so do the events in and around town. While SXSW may be the biggest event that happens in the ATX, it’s not the only thing going on as the bluebonnets blanket the fields and the cute baby animals are born. Here are the best of the rest of Austin festivals and events coming this spring.
Austin Fashion Week
February 15 through 24 | times vary daily | locations vary
Austin Fashion Week showcases the work of fashion designers, photographers, hair stylists, makeup artists, and models with over a hundred events, including runway shows, designer meet-and-greets, themed parties, and benefits for Austin non-profits. Check out the schedule here.
OUTsider Fest
February 20 through 24 | times vary daily | ACL Live at the Moody Theater, 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd.
OUTsider is an Austin-based transmedia nonprofit that celebrates the bold originality and creative nonconformity of the LGBTQ+ communities through the presentation of provocative, overlooked and out-of-the-box film, dance, theater, performance art, music, writing, and visual art. Click here to learn more about the festival’s schedule of events.
Austin Oyster Fest
February 23 | from 12 to 6 p.m. | Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St.
Oysters served raw, grilled, roasted, and fried…alongside delicious seafood accompaniments, Bloody Marys, beer, wine, and spirits…with a side of live local music featuring The Lost Pines, Chansons Êt Soulards, and some smooth stylings from Robert Kelly and The Blue Mist. And it all benefits Central Texas Food Bank. Find out more here.
Austin Music Awards
February 27 | at 7:55 p.m. | ACL Live at the Moody Theater, 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd.
For 36 years, this institution has celebrated the Austin musicianship that the city is known for the world over. This year’s roster includes Black Pumas, Jakob Dylan, John Doe, Tomar Williams, Rosie Flores, Glover Gill, Alejandro Escovedo, Jon Dee Graham, TOSCA, The Peterson Brothers, ABHI The Nomad, DJ Mel, and more. Tickets are available here.
Luck Reunion
March 14 | at 11 a.m. | Luck Ranch, 1100 Bee Creek Rd., Spicewood
After originally beginning as an exclusive event hosted on Willie Nelson’s Luck, Texas ranch, “Luck Reunion” has become a movement dedicated to cultivating and celebrating the evolution of our American roots. The organizer’s goal is to attract musicians, artisans, and chefs, who like the outlaws and outliers before them, follow their dreams without compromise. This year’s artists include Nathaniel Rateliff, Shakey Graves, Langhorne Slim, Mavis Staples, and, of course, Lukas and Willie Nelson (among others). Tickets are hard to come by but you can learn more on their website.
Rodeo Austin
March 16 through 30 | 7 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday | 9100 Decker Lake Rd.
Overlapping with SXSW for just a few days this year, Rodeo Austin will run from March 16 through 30. Each night, big name entertainers will take the stage following the ProRodeo action. Those entertainers include Aaron Watson, Flo Rida, Midland, Martina McBride, The Jacksons, and more. Complete details on the rodeo here.
Urban Music Fest
March 29 and 30 | at 3 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday | Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Dr.
From Chaka Khan to Johnny Gill to Dru Hill, the Urban Music Fest has not missed the mark on highlighting true R&B artists. With over 9,000 attendees, the UMF features a variety of food vendors, retailers, and service organizations. This year’s artists include Blackstreet, Stokely, and more. Learn more here.
Old Settler’s Music Festival
April 11 through 14 | times vary daily | 1616 FM 3158, Dale, Texas (12 miles Southeast of Lockhart)
A unique four-day music experience, the Old Settler’s Music Festival features over 35 outstanding roots, bluegrass, and Americana acts performing on four stages. Headliners include Jason Isbell, The Dell McCoury Band, Brandi Carlisle, Hayes Carll, Shiny Ribs, and more. Details and ticket info here.
Austin Reggae Festival
April 19 through 21 | times vary daily | Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Dr.
Talent for this year’s event includes Freddie McGregor, Mykal Rose, Cocoa Tea, Don Carlos, Etana, Jah9, Hempress Sativa, The Late Ones, and more. For 2019, the Austin Reggae Festival again helps the Central Texas Food Bank feed thousands and thousands of hungry families. Get more info and purchase tickets here.
Moontower Comedy Festival
April 24 through 27 | times vary daily | locations vary
The Moontower Comedy Festival brings together a diverse and hilarious mix of comedians, podcasts, and performers from around the world, as well as a lineup of stellar local and regional talent. Moontower shows are held at the Paramount and Stateside Theatres as well as several downtown venues and Cap City Comedy Club. In addition to this year’s vast list of performers (which includes David Spade), the festival will include “Schitt’s Creek”: Up Close & Personal, featuring cast members of the hit Pop Network series live on stage. Click here for badge info and more details.
Austin Food + Wine Festival
April 26 through 28 | times vary daily | Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Dr.
All weekend long you can experience top restaurants, celebrated chefs, food tastings, beer, wine and spirit samplings, live music, and so much more. Access the schedule and buy tickets here.
Eeyore’s Birthday Party
April 27 | from 11 a.m. to dusk | Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St.
Live music, local beer, food, acrobats, and costume contests surround this annual gathering of Austin’s most eclectic locals. Eeyore’s Birthday serves as fundraiser to benefit many local non-profits. Free admission.
iHeartRadio Country Festival
May 4 | at 7 p.m. | Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River St.
The iHeartRadio Country Festival is returning and it’s bringing some of your favorite artists along with it! Tim McGraw, Florida Georgia Line, Dan and Shay, Luke Combs, Little Big Town and more will be joining the fun in the Live Music Capital of the World. More info here.
Featured photo by ATXGossip.
