AUSTIN, Texas — The sleepier winter season is coming to a close, and Austinites know what that means: Spring festival season is upon us.
You could say Austin's events calendar really blossoms in the spring. From the madness of March events like South by Southwest (SXSW), Rodeo Austin and Texas Relays all the way through to the Pecan Street Arts Festival in May, there's something going on pretty much all the time when it's spring in the Capital City.
Here's a guide to the big events happening in Austin in March, April and May.
March
What: Every March, people from all over the world congregate in Downtown Austin for the SXSW Conference and Festivals. The 10-day event is made up of four main components: Interactive, Film & TV, Comedy and Music. Many of the events require a badge or wristband, but some – including a concert series at Vic Mathias/Auditorium Shores – are free and open to all.
When: March 8 through March 16. Free shows at Auditorium Shores will be held March 14 through March 16
Where: venues throughout Downtown Austin
What: One of Austin's premier events, Rodeo Austin features ProRodeo competitions, daily concerts, a stock show, a carnival and more.
When: March 8 through March 23
Where: 9100 Decker Lane
While not technically located in Austin, Willie Nelson's annual Luck Reunion is one of the best-known Austin-area events every March. The event features dozens of artists performing live, including Nelson himself. This year's lineup also features big names like Tyler Childers, John Oates, the Toadies and many more.
When: March 14
Where: 1100 Bee Creek Road in Spicewood
San Antonio Spurs I-35 Series
The San Antonio Spurs will again play a series of games at Moody Center this March. The team will take on the Denver Nuggets on March 15 and the Brooklyn Nets on March 17. The Austin Spurs, San Antonio's G League affiliate, will play a game in between, on March 16 against the Washington Wizards.
When: March 15 and March 17
Where: 2001 Robert Dedman Drive
What: The NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series return to the Circuit of the Americas for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix this March.
When: March 22 through March 24
Where: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.
What: The best high school, college and professional track and field athletes from all over converge at Mike A. Myers Stadium on the University of Texas at Austin campus every spring.
When: March 27 through March 30
Where: 707 Clyde Littlefield Drive
What: The Round Rock Express will kick off their 2024 season with a series against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Dell Diamond.
When: March 29 through March 31
Where: 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd. in Round Rock
What: Previously known as the Urban Music Fest, Urban Cultural Fest now includes other "Afrocentric aspects of culture" as well. Live music is still a major part of the festival, but it also features "other cultural makers such as ethnic dance, ethnic food, ethnic clothing, ethnic visual arts [and] spoken word." The fest is held at Vic Mathias/Auditorium Shores.
When: March 30
Where: 900 W. Riverside Drive
Other events happening in March:
- ATX Open – Feb. 24 through March 3
April
What: Established in 1978, the Statesman Capitol 10K – or Cap10K, as it's typically known – is the largest 10K race in Texas and the sixth-largest in the country.
When: April 7
Where: Startling line over Lady Bird Lake to the finish festival at Vic Mathias/Auditorium Shores
This annual two-week festival rounds up a wide variety of well-known comedians, up-and-coming artists and local talent. Check out this year's headline events.
When: April 10 through April 21
Where: 713 Congress Ave.
What: The nation's oldest kite festival features hundreds of kites and day-long activities for all ages. The event, which is free and held annually at Zilker Park, is in its 96th year.
When: April 14
Where: 2207 Lou Neff Road
What: The Austin Psych Fest will feature a lineup of psych rock, indie rock and dream pop bands, as well as visuals and installations by Mad Alchemy, TV Eye and drip//cuts. The festival will be held at The Far Out Lounge & Stage.
When: April 26 through April 28
Where: 8504 S. Congress Ave.
What: First held in 1963, this wonderfully weird gathering honoring everyone's favorite melancholy donkey is held every April (except 2020 and 2021) in Pease District Park. Always free to attend, Eeyore's Birthday Party functions as a fundraiser operated by the Friends of the Forest Foundation to benefit local nonprofits.
When: April 27
Where: 1100 Kingsbury St.
Antone's Nightclub and Waterloo Greenway are partnering to host the Austin Blues Festival this April at the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. The festival is set to include major names like Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan and Brittany Howard, plus more than a dozen others.
When: April 27 and April 28
Where: 1401 Trinity St.
- UTOPiA Fest – April 5 through April 9
- Texas Vegfest – April 6
- CMT Music Awards – April 7
- MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix – April 12 through April 14
- Longhorn Run – April 13
- Umlauf Sculpture Garden Party – April 18
- Austin Reggae Festival – April 19 through April 21
May
What: This free street fair gathers artists, craftsman, musicians and food vendors on Sixth Street – historically known as Pecan Street. The festival is held twice a year, in the spring and in the fall.
When: May 4 and May 5
Where: Sixth Street between Brazos Street and Interstate 35
What: This event, hosted by the Austin Public Library, is an opportunity for local authors and illustrators to connect with the community. Organizers expect more than 80 authors to participate, and readers will be able to get their books signed, shop for books and enjoy panels and workshops.
When: May 11
Where: 710 W. Cesar Chavez St.
What: Hot Luck Fest describes itself as a "one-of-a-kind finger-licking & finger-picking good time" and a "DIY casserole of the culinary and music world." The festival centers around live music and food and benefits the Southern Smoke Foundation.
When: May 23 through May 26
Where: various locations throughout Austin
The ATX Television Festival is an annual event very similar to a traditional film festival that instead includes premieres of new TV series, panels featuring well-known TV stars and more.
When: May 30 through June 2
Where: various locations throughout Downtown Austin
Other events happening in May:
- Sunshine Run – May 5
- Paramount Gala featuring Joan Jett & the Blackhearts – May 11
- Fanatec GT World Challenge – May 17 through May 19