A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in Austin
Austin
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt
Puzzling Adventures Start & Finish Location, 1800 Congress Ave.
“Freedom to Write, Freedom to Read: The Story of PEN”
Nov. 2-Aug. 18
Harry Ransom Center, 300 W. 21st St.
The Harry Ransom Center presents an exhibition exploring the history of PEN, the renowned international association dedicated to protecting free expression. The exhibition draws upon the Center’s PEN Records collection in order to trace the history of the organization from its founding as a dinner club in 1921, through the darkest days of war and repression, to supporting contemporary writers and readers today. The exhibition allows visitors to engage with key moments from the story of PEN, showing how writers need freedom of expression in order to produce inspiring work, and how, in turn, readers need to be free to choose what they read.
“In Creative Harmony: Three Artistic Partnerships”
Feb. 16-July 20
Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
No artist creates in isolation. Shared visual languages, techniques, and concerns shape artistic innovation. “In Creative Harmony” explores the ways in which artists inspire each other by highlighting the relationships between three pairs of artists.
blantonmuseum.org/exhibition/in-creative-harmony-three-artistic-partnerships
City-Wide Vintage Sale
June 21-22, July 12-13, Aug. 16-17
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
Since 1977, Austin’s largest indoor vintage event has offered shoppers a chance to browse vintage goods, antiques, and collectibles from 80 to 100 vendors from Texas and beyond.
“Fences and Fields”
June 28-Aug. 9
Julia C. Butridge Gallery, Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road
Artist Rebecca Pugh takes inspiration from her surroundings in Texas including landscapes along rural highways in a solo exhibition titled “Fences and Fields.” In her recent paintings, the artist abstracts ranch fences, cattle, horses, and regional wildflowers into geometric shapes of color.
Zilker Summer Musical
July 11-Aug. 16
Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Drive
Pack a picnic and enjoy the free, annual musical at the Zilker Hillside Theater. The outdoor theater troupe hosts live performances Thursdays through Sundays.
Weird Al Yankovic in Concert
July 31
Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
Weird Al brings his legendary comedy rock show back to the concert stage with the Bigger and Weirder Tour, playing his iconic hits as well as some never-performed-live-before fan favorites. Al’s long-time band is joined by four additional players to create a super-sized concert experience.
PBR Team Series: Gambler Days
Aug. 22-24
Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Drive
An action-packed team bull riding competition features the most exciting eith seconds in sports with some of the world’s best bull riders and the local Austin Gamblers bull riding team.
Pride Parade and Festival
Aug. 23
Fiesta Gardens , 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St.
Celebrated during Austin Pride Month each August, this event features a festive parade down Congress Avenue during the largest annual LGBTQI advocacy and fundraising event in Central Texas.
The Front Fest
Aug. 30-Sept. 1
Various locations
The Front Fest is an end-of-summer festival featuring performances, films, and creative experiences that put Texas women and LGBTQ+ creatives of all kinds at the front of the lineups. The festival has welcomed over 15,000 guests and showcased 500-plus women and LGBTQ+ artists since 2016, including Dorian Electra, Jessica Williams, Lizzo, Alok V. Menon, Madame Gandhi, Juliana Huxtable, and Katja Blichfeld.
“The Witcher” in Concert
Sept. 2
Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
“The Witcher” in Concert celebrates the 10th anniversary of the critically acclaimed game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Witness the timeless score brought to life with a live orchestra performance, featuring special appearances by Polish folk metal band Percival, the original co-composers of the game’s soundtrack.
“Entangled Existence—Samantha Melvin”
Sept. 4-Oct. 5
Link and Pin Gallery, 2235 E. Sixth St., Suite 102
Samantha Melvin is an artist, art educator, and arts advocate. Her research-based, multi-disciplinary artistic practice includes drawing, painting, and printmaking that focuses on the interaction between humans and nature.
FIA World Endurance Championships
Sept. 5-7
Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.
Witness the greatest lineup of horsepower featuring world-class brands including Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, and more.
circuitoftheamericas.com/event/fia-world-endurance-championship
Bat Fest
Sept. 6
Congress Avenue Bridge, 100 S. Congress Ave.
Celebrate this batty event as the world’s largest urban bat colony takes flight. Spectators can see bats take to the skies for their nightly flight, and enjoy live music, children’s activities, and a costume contest.
Jeff Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
Sept. 9
Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
Audiences enjoy a night of classic jazz and improvised comedy with Hollywood star Jeff Goldblum and his band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.
Viva Mexico
Sept. 13
Oswaldo Cantu Pan Am Recreation Center, 2100 E. Third St.
The Mexican-American Cultural Center hosts its annual Viva Mexico celebration to showcase visual art, dance, and musical performances that explore Mexico’s history through cultural art traditions.
Andrew Bird with Orchestra: “The Mysterious Production of Eggs”
Sept. 17
Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
Grammy-nominated violinist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird makes his Texas Performing Arts debut backed by a full orchestra. Bird celebrates the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed record, “The Mysterious Production of Eggs.”
texasperformingarts.org/event/andrew-bird-2025-bass-concert-hall-austin-texas
Fantastic Fest
Sept. 18-25
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema—Mueller, 1911 Aldrich St.
Fantastic Fest is the largest genre film festival in the U.S., specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, action, and just plain fantastic movies from around the world.
John Cleese and the Holy Grail at 50
Sept. 21
Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive
Celebrate 50 years of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” with actor John Cleese. There is a special screening of the cult classic, followed by a conversation and audience Q&A with Cleese himself, where he’ll share behind-the-scenes stories, wit, and wisdom.
Museum Day
Sept. 21
Various locations
The annual Museum Day is a free citywide celebration of art, culture, history, music, nature, and science. More than 30 museums in the greater Austin area welcome visitors with special programming, including guided exhibition tours and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.
HAAM Day
Sept. 23
Various locations
Music lovers hear live music from grocery stores, restaurants, shops, rooftops, in parks, and live music venues in an effort to raise awareness and critical funds for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM). Most performances are free, open to the public, and family-friendly.
Levitation Fest
Sept. 25-28
Red River Cultural District
The psychedelic music and art festival is a four-day weekend of music that brings art to Austin’s diverse Red River Cultural District and east side venues and art spaces.
Print Rodeo
Sept. 27
Central Machine Works, 4824 E. Cesar Chavez St.
A print fair showcases artworks on paper and fabric created through traditional methods such as relief, screen print, etchings, and letterpress.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Oct. 3-12
Zilker Park , 2207 Lou Neff Road
Back for its 24th year, Austin City Limits Music Festival brings the magic of the famed public TV series “Austin City Limits” outside the studio and into Austin’s most beloved park. A diverse lineup of acts perform every year with nine stages, 100+ performances, and, best of all, two weekends.
Boo at the Zoo
Oct. 3-25
Austin Zoo, 10808 Rawhide Trail
Bring the kids in full costume to Boo at the Zoo, where they can experience the Austin Zoo in a whole new way: in the dark. Train rides, musical entertainment, and unlimited haunted house visits are also included in the fun.
“Twilight” in Concert
Oct. 11
Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
Experience the “Twilight” film in an unforgettable way with a live-to-film event. A 12-piece ensemble of outstanding rock and orchestral musicians take the stage, performing the beloved film score in perfect harmony with the movie, which is screened in its entirety on a full-size cinema screen.
texasperformingarts.org/event/twilight-in-concert-2025-bass-concert-hall-austin-texas
Oktoberfest
Oct. 11
German-Texans Heritage Society, 507 E. 10th St.
The German-Texan Heritage Society holds their annual festival featuring kid-friendly activities during the day along with live music and authentic German food.
Iliza Shlesinger
Oct. 16
Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
Critically acclaimed comedian, actress, and author Iliza Shlesinger returns to Bass Concert Hall for her new tour. She has six Netflix specials including 2022’s “Hot Forever.”
texasperformingarts.org/event/iliza-shlesinger-2025-bass-concert-hall-austin-texas
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
Oct. 17-19
Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.
An action-packed experience fuses world-class racing with major championship implications. There’s no shortage of star power off-track as superstars hit the Super Stage with post-race performances each night.
Gem Capers
Oct. 17-19
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
Hosted by the Austin Gem and Mineral Society, this gem and mineral show offers over 30 vendors selling jewelry, beads, gemstones, minerals, crystals, fossils, and spheres. Exhibits include a touch table of rocks and fossils, fluorescent minerals, and members’ collections.
George Janko in Concert
Oct. 18
Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
Chicago native George Janko is hitting stages across the country for the Man On Water Tour. Having opened for the likes of Jo Koy and Andrew Schulz, Janko is a stand-up comedian, social media influencer, and host of the globally renowned podcast, “The George Janko Show.”
Night Market
Oct. 18
Lakeline Park, 1510 Alexis Drive
Night Market is an immersive outdoor celebration of Asian creativity, food, culture, and community set against the backdrop of the Year of the Snake.
“MasterChef All-Stars” Live!
Oct. 19
Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
This stage show delivers the ultimate “MasterChef” experience—live up close and personal. Witness epic head-to-head battles, thrilling challenges, and jaw-dropping culinary creations right before your eyes.
texasperformingarts.org/event/masterchef-all-stars-live-2025-bass-concert-hall-austin-texas
Austin Film Festival
Oct. 23-30
Downtown
Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the country, this cinematic event shines the spotlight on both top-billed films and indies alike.
“All Things New: The Art of Larry Jolly”
Oct. 23-Nov. 23
Link and Pin Gallery, 2235 E. Sixth St., Ste 102
“All Things New” is a mixed-media exhibition featuring narrative realist Lawrence Jolly’s figurative, natural, and interpretive paintings combined with discovered dimensional objects to create a visual compendium of the human condition.
Austoberfest
Oct. 25
Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
Celebrate Oktoberfest by dressing in your lederhosen and delighting in live music, free sausage, stein holding competitions, beer samplings, and activities for the kids.
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” In Concert
Oct. 30
Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” In Concert presents a live orchestral rendition of the series’ iconic soundtrack, paired with a two-hour special recap of the animated series’ three seasons displayed on a full-size cinema screen.
“Moana” Live-To-Film Concert
Nov. 1
Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive
Disney Concerts and AMP Worldwide present Disney’s “Moana Live-To-Film Concert North American tour, featuring a full-length screening of the beloved movie accompanied by live performances of a unique onstage musical ensemble of Hollywood studio musicians, Polynesian rhythm masters, and vocalists.
Quesoff
Nov. 2
Mohawk, 912 Red River St.
Quesoff, a celebration of all things melted cheese, includes restaurants, top chefs, and home cooks who go head to head in four categories: meaty, spicy, veggie, and wild card.
Food and Wine Festival
Nov. 7-9
Auditorium Shores, 800 W. Riverside Drive
Join top culinary talent, sommeliers, and winemakers from across the nation, and chefs in Austin’s own acclaimed gourmet scene for an indulgent, three-day epicurean adventure topped off with live musical performances.
Celtic Festival
Nov. 8-9
Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive
Internationally acclaimed as one of the few remaining festivals that celebrate the authentic music honed by the Celtic people, the Austin Celtic Festival goes beyond gimmicks to highlight traditions and achievements in a way that reminds audiences of the extraordinary craftsmanship and study that made places like Ireland and Scotland leaders in folk music and dance.
Texas Book Festival
Nov. 8-9
Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave.
Founded in 1995, the book festival has evolved into one of the premier literary events in the country and hosts about 300 authors each year. Join other bookworms for readings, panel discussions, signings, cooking demonstrations, live music, local food, YA authors, and children’s activities.
The Garden Conservancy’s Open Day
Nov. 8
Various locations
Explore the beauty of vibrant and unique gardens on this tour organized by The Garden Conservancy and regional ambassador Twistleaf Land Design. The tour showcases five private gardens, from an eclectic evergreen haven to a terraced retreat abundant with pollinator-friendly perennials.
Run For The Water
Nov. 9
Downtown, 900 W. Cesar Chavez St.
Over 5,000 runners and walkers take to the streets of downtown Austin for the annual Run For The Water 5K, 10K, and Kids K through west Austin. The race benefits the Gazelle Foundation, dedicated to providing clean water to the people of Burundi.
John Mulaney
Nov. 13-15
Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
John Mulaney, the three-time Emmy Award, Critics’ Choice Award, and WGA Award-winning writer, comedian, and actor brings his highly anticipated new stand-up comedy tour, “John Mulaney: Mister Whatever,” to Bass Concert Hall.
Texas Tribune Festival
Nov. 13-15
Downtown, 700 San Jacinto St.
Join along at Texas’ breakout politics and policy event as you explore the big, bold ideas driving politics, policy, and the day’s news.
festival.texastribune.org/event/c17d2d9c-68f6-4fa4-a721-966c0ff1ab3e/home
Miracle on Fifth Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar
Nov. 14-Dec. 28
The Eleanor, 307 W. Fifth St.
A Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar serves holiday cocktails in the most festive and nostalgic setting in the city. Festivities include wall-to-wall Christmas décor, multiple bars, cheery social experiences, and a whole lot of Christmas spirits.
Texas Craft Brewers Festival
Nov. 15
Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St.
The Texas Craft Brewers Festival brings together small and independent breweries from around the state of Texas. About 85 breweries are on site, plus a variety of local food vendors.
A Christmas Affair
Nov. 20-23
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
Now in its 50th year, A Christmas Affair is a five-day holiday market that hosts over 200 retail merchants from across the country and attracts over 25,000 patrons.
Michelle Buteau
March 6
Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
Michelle Buteau is an actress, comedian, and producer. She is the writer and star of the Netflix comedy series “Survival Of The Thickest,” which she created and executive produced.
