Annual Events | Celebrations | Holidays
From national holidays to unique local celebrations, these events come around year after year. Find out what's happening around Central Texas each year.
Labor Day Weekend Events in Austin Texas
Labor Day is the first Monday in September and has been a holiday since 1894. Labor Day marks the end of summer and is a day for rest before work and school begin.
Labor Day is the first Monday in September and has been a holiday since 1894. Labor Day marks the end of summer and is a day for rest before work and school begin.
Celebrating End of Slavery in Texas & African American Independence
News of the end of slavery didn't reach Texas until June 19, 1865. When Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas they brought word that the Civil War was over. Although The Emancipation Proclamation officially freed the slaves as of January 1, 1863, it wasn't until the end of the war that it had any affect on conditions in Texas.
News of the end of slavery didn't reach Texas until June 19, 1865. When Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas they brought word that the Civil War was over. Although The Emancipation Proclamation officially freed the slaves as of January 1, 1863, it wasn't until the end of the war that it had any affect on conditions in Texas.
Father's Day Events
Does dad dig bikes, old cars, Shakespeare, or dancing movies? Find something to do in Austin with your dad this Father's Day.
Does dad dig bikes, old cars, Shakespeare, or dancing movies? Find something to do in Austin with your dad this Father's Day.
Things to Do Memorial Day Weekend
You could head out to Kerrville for the Folk Festival or stay here in town and enjoy some of the activities happening around Austin on Memorial Day or during the Memorial Day weekend. Festivities include movies, music, wine, and Shakespeare.
You could head out to Kerrville for the Folk Festival or stay here in town and enjoy some of the activities happening around Austin on Memorial Day or during the Memorial Day weekend. Festivities include movies, music, wine, and Shakespeare.
Hyde Park Historic Homes Tour
Hyde Park is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Austin. Each year the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association conducts a tour of the historic homes and other buildings in this area. Dating from the 1890s, the homes represent a variety of architectural styles.
Hyde Park is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Austin. Each year the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association conducts a tour of the historic homes and other buildings in this area. Dating from the 1890s, the homes represent a variety of architectural styles.
2008 Kerrville Folk Festival
The Kerrville Folk Festival was founded by Rod Kennedy and started in 1972 at the Quiet Valley Ranch. In addition, the festival holds special concerts, activities for children, songwriting schools and the annual New Folk Competition.
The Kerrville Folk Festival was founded by Rod Kennedy and started in 1972 at the Quiet Valley Ranch. In addition, the festival holds special concerts, activities for children, songwriting schools and the annual New Folk Competition.
Mother's Day 2008
You could take mom to dinner and a movie, or... do something wild and crazy like a funky parade, a nature hike, a golf scramble, or an outdoor concert. Instead of flowers and a card, give mom a clay pot from a local artist or a champagne toast at a reading featuring poems and stories about mothers. Here are a selection of 2008 Mother's Day ideas for Austin mothers and their families. Best of all,…
You could take mom to dinner and a movie, or... do something wild and crazy like a funky parade, a nature hike, a golf scramble, or an outdoor concert. Instead of flowers and a card, give mom a clay pot from a local artist or a champagne toast at a reading featuring poems and stories about mothers. Here are a selection of 2008 Mother's Day ideas for Austin mothers and their families. Best of all,…
Austin International Poetry Festival
Austin International Poetry Festival
Austin International Poetry Festival
Eeyore's Birthday Party
University of Texas student Lloyd W. Birdwell, Jr. and some of his friends started this legendary spring celebration honoring Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh's friend Eeyore. Although it has changed over the years, Eeyore's Birthday Party still retains much of its hippie 1960s-70s flavor. Adults and children alike gather at Pease Park for Maypole dancing, costume contests, hippie queen pageant, food, birthday cake, and live entertainment.
University of Texas student Lloyd W. Birdwell, Jr. and some of his friends started this legendary spring celebration honoring Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh's friend Eeyore. Although it has changed over the years, Eeyore's Birthday Party still retains much of its hippie 1960s-70s flavor. Adults and children alike gather at Pease Park for Maypole dancing, costume contests, hippie queen pageant, food, birthday cake, and live entertainment.
Clean Sweep 2008
Austin's largest Keep Austin Beautiful volunteer clean-up event takes place along the shores of Town Lake. Come out and do your part to clean up the community of trash, recyclables, and other debris. Held annually in connection with Don't Mess with Texas Trash-Off and Keep Austin Beautiful Month.
Austin's largest Keep Austin Beautiful volunteer clean-up event takes place along the shores of Town Lake. Come out and do your part to clean up the community of trash, recyclables, and other debris. Held annually in connection with Don't Mess with Texas Trash-Off and Keep Austin Beautiful Month.
Carnaval Brasiliero
February. An Austin tradition since 1975. The 2002 Carnaval was the last to be held at the Coliseum. Check out recent celebrations at the Palmer Events Center. Discover the history of this wild and crazy Brazilian carnival in the heart of Texas. Next Carnaval Brasiliero: February 3, 2007
February. An Austin tradition since 1975. The 2002 Carnaval was the last to be held at the Coliseum. Check out recent celebrations at the Palmer Events Center. Discover the history of this wild and crazy Brazilian carnival in the heart of Texas. Next Carnaval Brasiliero: February 3, 2007
Mardi Gras Austin
February. Why go to New Orleans? Get your beads on 6th Street.
February. Why go to New Orleans? Get your beads on 6th Street.
Texas Independence
March. The Republic of Texas was born on March 2, 1836 when a delegation at Washington-on-the-Brazos adopted the Texas Declaration of Independence. Events on or around March 2 include parades and a BBQ Cook-off.
Next Celebrate Texas: March 3, 2007
March. The Republic of Texas was born on March 2, 1836 when a delegation at Washington-on-the-Brazos adopted the Texas Declaration of Independence. Events on or around March 2 include parades and a BBQ Cook-off.
Next Celebrate Texas: March 3, 2007
Explore UT
March. A family favorite, UT opens its doors and invites everyone to explore the many offerings at the University of Texas in a fun-filled way. Visit the exhibits and participate in many hands-on activities involving art, science, and more found throughout campus.
Next Explore UT: March 3, 2007
March. A family favorite, UT opens its doors and invites everyone to explore the many offerings at the University of Texas in a fun-filled way. Visit the exhibits and participate in many hands-on activities involving art, science, and more found throughout campus.
Next Explore UT: March 3, 2007
Zilker Kite Festival
March. Only homemade kites can compete in the longest, continuously running kite contest in America.
Next Kite Day: March 4, 2007
March. Only homemade kites can compete in the longest, continuously running kite contest in America.
Next Kite Day: March 4, 2007
Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo
March. Get the scoop not only on the rodeo and livestock show events but the great musical acts each night of the rodeo.
Next Rodeo Austin: March 9-24, 2007
March. Get the scoop not only on the rodeo and livestock show events but the great musical acts each night of the rodeo.
Next Rodeo Austin: March 9-24, 2007
SXSW - South by Southwest Interactive, Film, and Music Festivals
March. In addition to music, film is a thriving part of the Austin arts scene. South by Southwest ( SXSW ) is one of the best-known Austin festivals both in and outside of Texas.
March. In addition to music, film is a thriving part of the Austin arts scene. South by Southwest ( SXSW ) is one of the best-known Austin festivals both in and outside of Texas.
Bluebonnet Trails
March/April/May. One of our biggest Spring attractions is a show put on by nature.
March/April/May. One of our biggest Spring attractions is a show put on by nature.
SPAMARAMA
March/April. What could be weirder than a major annual attraction devoted to canned luncheon meat? There's a cook-off (can you guess what's on the menu?), silly games, arts and crafts, rides, and musical entertainment.
March/April. What could be weirder than a major annual attraction devoted to canned luncheon meat? There's a cook-off (can you guess what's on the menu?), silly games, arts and crafts, rides, and musical entertainment.
Eeyore's Birthday Party
April. Although it has changed over the years, this Spring celebration at Pease Park still retains much of its hippie 1960s-70s flavor. Adults and children alike gather for Maypole dancing, costume contests, hippie queen pageant, food, birthday cake, and live entertainment.
April. Although it has changed over the years, this Spring celebration at Pease Park still retains much of its hippie 1960s-70s flavor. Adults and children alike gather for Maypole dancing, costume contests, hippie queen pageant, food, birthday cake, and live entertainment.
Austin Reggae Festival - Bob Marley Festival
April. The Austin Reggae Festival (formerly the Bob Marley Festival) celebrates the loving spirit of Bob Marley and his message of peace, tolerance, and non-violant change. Held each April in Austin, Texas, get the details on this year's event.
April. The Austin Reggae Festival (formerly the Bob Marley Festival) celebrates the loving spirit of Bob Marley and his message of peace, tolerance, and non-violant change. Held each April in Austin, Texas, get the details on this year's event.
Cinco de Mayo
May. The Battle of Puebla which took place May 5, 1862 is commemorated annually as Cinco de Mayo with celebrations on and around that day.
May. The Battle of Puebla which took place May 5, 1862 is commemorated annually as Cinco de Mayo with celebrations on and around that day.
Violet Crown Festival
May. The Violet Crown Festival was started to raise money for neighborhood artist Jean Graham to transform a block long wall on Woodrow Avenue into a visual project to reflect on the history of the Brentwood community. In late 2003 neighbors formed the Violet Crown Festival to help with fund raising for the project.
May. The Violet Crown Festival was started to raise money for neighborhood artist Jean Graham to transform a block long wall on Woodrow Avenue into a visual project to reflect on the history of the Brentwood community. In late 2003 neighbors formed the Violet Crown Festival to help with fund raising for the project.
O. Henry Pun-Off
May. Go for laughs or groans at the annual O. Henry Pun-Off in Austin, Texas. Punslingers compete in two categories: freestyle and timed wordplay. Next Pun-Off: May 20, 2006
May. Go for laughs or groans at the annual O. Henry Pun-Off in Austin, Texas. Punslingers compete in two categories: freestyle and timed wordplay. Next Pun-Off: May 20, 2006
Old Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival
May. This annual arts & crafts fair takes place in the middle of 6th Street in downtown Austin. Vendors sell their crafts while musicians entertain up and down the street.
May. This annual arts & crafts fair takes place in the middle of 6th Street in downtown Austin. Vendors sell their crafts while musicians entertain up and down the street.
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
June. This multi-day event for all motorcycle riders, young and old, features vendors, music, special events, and a ride down Congress Avenue.
June. This multi-day event for all motorcycle riders, young and old, features vendors, music, special events, and a ride down Congress Avenue.
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
The Republic of Texas Biker Rally is annual, multi-day event for all motorcycle riders, young and old. The ROT Rally features vendors, music, special events, and a ride down Congress Avenue.
The Republic of Texas Biker Rally is annual, multi-day event for all motorcycle riders, young and old. The ROT Rally features vendors, music, special events, and a ride down Congress Avenue.
Juneteenth
June. News of the end of slavery didn't reach Texas until June 19, 1865. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday in Texas.
June. News of the end of slavery didn't reach Texas until June 19, 1865. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday in Texas.
Hyde Park Historic Homes Tour
June. One of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Austin invites you to tour their historic homes each year.
June. One of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Austin invites you to tour their historic homes each year.
Jerry Garcia Birthday Festival
July. Several nights of music, crafts, and food downtown at Jerry Fest.
July. Several nights of music, crafts, and food downtown at Jerry Fest.
4th of July in Austin Texas - US Independence Day Celebrations
Each year the main Independence Day event in Austin is the annual concert and fireworks show along Auditorium Shores. However, there are other celebrations in and around town on the 4th of July.
Each year the main Independence Day event in Austin is the annual concert and fireworks show along Auditorium Shores. However, there are other celebrations in and around town on the 4th of July.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Held annually at Zilker Park, usually around September, the ACL Fest brings over one hundred musical acts from around the country together for three days of music on multiple stages.
Held annually at Zilker Park, usually around September, the ACL Fest brings over one hundred musical acts from around the country together for three days of music on multiple stages.
Old Pecan Street Fall Arts Festival
September. This annual arts & crafts fair takes place in the middle of 6th Street in downtown Austin. Artisans from all over the United States attend this fall event to display and sell their homemade art and craftwork. Local musicians pro0ide the entertainment.
September. This annual arts & crafts fair takes place in the middle of 6th Street in downtown Austin. Artisans from all over the United States attend this fall event to display and sell their homemade art and craftwork. Local musicians pro0ide the entertainment.
Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade
November. Start the Christmas holiday season by donating gifts for children as the bands, horses, floats, cars, and other sights proceed along the parade route down Congress Avenue.
November. Start the Christmas holiday season by donating gifts for children as the bands, horses, floats, cars, and other sights proceed along the parade route down Congress Avenue.
Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot
The Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot, held on Thanksgiving Day, is a 5 mile race with divisions for timed and untimed participants as well as walkers and those with strollers. There is also a Stepping Stone School Kids K and a 1 mile walk those not ready to take on a 5 mile (not 5K) distance. Benefits go to Caritas of Austin.
The Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot, held on Thanksgiving Day, is a 5 mile race with divisions for timed and untimed participants as well as walkers and those with strollers. There is also a Stepping Stone School Kids K and a 1 mile walk those not ready to take on a 5 mile (not 5K) distance. Benefits go to Caritas of Austin.
Victorian Christmas on 6th Street
November. Each year the spirit of turn-of-the-century Christmas is brought to life during an arts and crafts festival along 6th Street in downtown Austin.
November. Each year the spirit of turn-of-the-century Christmas is brought to life during an arts and crafts festival along 6th Street in downtown Austin.
Austin Empty Bowl Project at ClayWays Pottery Studio
You can buy a unique bowl for $15 and get some gourmet soup and bread while listening to live music. You can also bid on bowls signed by celebrities. The annual Austin Empty Bowl Project at ClayWays Pottery Studio benefits the Capital Area Food Bank.
You can buy a unique bowl for $15 and get some gourmet soup and bread while listening to live music. You can also bid on bowls signed by celebrities. The annual Austin Empty Bowl Project at ClayWays Pottery Studio benefits the Capital Area Food Bank.
Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony
December. Enjoy musical entertainment in front of the State Capitol during the annual tree lighting ceremony.
December. Enjoy musical entertainment in front of the State Capitol during the annual tree lighting ceremony.
Zilker Tree Lighting
December. A prelude to the Trail of Lights, watch the lights go on in this annual holiday tradition.
December. A prelude to the Trail of Lights, watch the lights go on in this annual holiday tradition.
Trail of Lights
December. The Lighting of the Zilker Park Christmas Tree and the Trail of Lights are a Christmas tradition in Austin. Thousands of lighted scenes are on display at Zilker Park.
December. The Lighting of the Zilker Park Christmas Tree and the Trail of Lights are a Christmas tradition in Austin. Thousands of lighted scenes are on display at Zilker Park.
Trail of Lights 2006
Take a photo tour of the 2006 Trail of Lights, an annual walking trail display of holiday lights at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. Photos taken December 18, 2006.
Take a photo tour of the 2006 Trail of Lights, an annual walking trail display of holiday lights at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. Photos taken December 18, 2006.
Trail of Lights 2006
Take a photo tour of the 2006 Trail of Lights, an annual walking trail display of holiday lights at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. Photos taken December 18, 2006.
Take a photo tour of the 2006 Trail of Lights, an annual walking trail display of holiday lights at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. Photos taken December 18, 2006.
37th Street Christmas Lights
Keeping Austin Weird and Well-Lit for Christmas.
Keeping Austin Weird and Well-Lit for Christmas.
First Night Austin
First Night Austin is a family-friendly New Year's Eve Celebration of the Arts. Ring in the New Year with dance, theatre, music, and food at various downtown Austin locations.
First Night Austin is a family-friendly New Year's Eve Celebration of the Arts. Ring in the New Year with dance, theatre, music, and food at various downtown Austin locations.
First Night Austin 2007
Photos from First Night 2007 on December 31, 2006.
Photos from First Night 2007 on December 31, 2006.