Austin is a vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene. There are countless events happening throughout the year, showcasing the city’s diverse creative spirit. Here are some of the top arts and cultural events in Austin:
Music Festivals
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Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL Fest): This two-weekend festival, held in Zilker Park, features over 100 bands from a variety of genres, including Americana, blues, country, rock, and world music.
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South by Southwest (SXSW): This annual conference and festival celebrates the convergence of music, film, and interactive media. SXSW features hundreds of panels, workshops, and screenings, as well as live music performances from both established and emerging artists.
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Austin Reggae Festival: This three-day festival features reggae music from around the world, as well as food, art, and cultural activities.
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Fusebox Festival: This hybrid arts festival showcases adventurous works of art in theater, dance, film, music, literature, and visual and culinary arts.
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Fun Fun Fun Fest: This annual festival features a diverse lineup of indie, rock, and electronic music, as well as food, comedy, and art.
Film Festivals
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Austin Film Festival: This annual festival showcases independent films from around the world, including feature-length films, documentaries, and shorts.
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Fantastic Fest: This genre film festival features horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and cult films from around the world.
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ATX Television Festival: This annual festival celebrates the best in television, with screenings, panels, and appearances by cast and crew members from popular shows.
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Cine Las Americas: This international film festival showcases the best of Latin American and Iberian cinema.
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Women in Film & Television Festival: This annual festival celebrates the achievements of women in film and television, with screenings, panels, and networking opportunities.
Art Events
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Art City Austin: This annual citywide art event features open studios, exhibitions, and performances by artists from all over Austin.
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Big Medium: This annual East and West Austin Studio Tour features hundreds of artists opening their studios to the public.
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Texas Book Festival: This annual festival celebrates the best of Texas literature, with author readings, panel discussions, and book signings.
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Austin International Poetry Festival: This annual festival features poets from around the world, with readings, workshops, and performances.
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Eeyore’s Birthday Party: This annual gathering of Austin’s eclectic locals features live music, local beer, food, acrobats, and costume contests.
Museums and Cultural Institutions
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Blanton Museum of Art: This museum houses the largest university art collection in the United States, with works of art from around the world.
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Harry Ransom Center: This research library and museum houses a vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and other cultural artifacts.
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Bullock Texas State History Museum: This museum tells the story of Texas, from its earliest Native American inhabitants to its present-day status as a major economic and cultural force.
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LBJ Presidential Library: This library and museum houses the papers and artifacts of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
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Mexic-Arte Museum: This museum is dedicated to promoting and preserving Mexican and Latino art and culture.
Theater and Dance
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Ballet Austin: This professional ballet company performs a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary ballets.
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Zach Theatre: This professional theater company produces a variety of plays, musicals, and other theatrical productions.
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FronteraFest: This annual theater festival features world-premiere plays and performances from Latinx artists.
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Circus Chimera: This circus company performs a variety of acrobatic and theatrical acts.
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Forklift Danceworks: This contemporary dance company creates original works that explore social and political issues.
Other Events
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Austin Food + Wine Festival: This annual festival celebrates the best of Texas food and wine, with cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and live music.
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SXSW Interactive: This conference and festival showcases the latest trends in technology, business, and innovation.
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Texas Craft Beer Festival: This annual festival features over 100 craft beers from Texas breweries.
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Austin Marathon: This annual marathon takes runners on a scenic course through Austin’s neighborhoods.
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Austin Pride: This annual festival celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, festival, and other events.
These are just a few of the many arts and cultural events that take place in Austin throughout the year. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest.
