If you’ve just moved to Austin you’ve probably already noticed that this city is all about its festivals. Not a single week goes by without at least one festival happening somewhere in the city. This gives Austin residents plenty of fun choices to fill their weekends with! Living here you will never run out of new and exciting things to do. One of Austin’s most well-known festivals is the biannual Pecan Street Festival which is something you won’t want to miss! Continue reading to learn more about this great event.
The Pecan Street Festival is an arts-related event hosted twice a year by the Pecan Street Association (PSA) a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and advance the Sixth Street Historic District in downtown Austin. It first started back in 1978 and has continued to get bigger and better every year. Attendance has previously been estimated at over 300000 people with the festival’s live bands and special events attracting tourists from all over the country. The festival is centered around the hundreds of artists and craft vendors who set up shop in the street displaying and selling unique hand-made gifts knickknacks and more.
The spring and fall festival occurs every year on the first weekend of May and the last weekend of September. Typically the festival hours run from 11 AM to 10 PM on Saturdays and 11 AM to 8 PM on Sundays.
The Pecan Street Festival is actually NOT located on Pecan Street. It’s on 6th Street in the area designated as the Sixth Street Historic District. This historic district is found between Brazos Street and Interstate 35 and includes some of the oldest buildings in Austin. This stretch of 6th street is known for its popular entertainment venues bars restaurants art galleries and more providing a lively experience both day and night.
You knew Austin was weird but there is a reasonable answer as to why one of its larger festivals would be named after a street that it isn’t even held on. In the early days of Austin 6th Street actually was named Pecan Street. In fact all east-to-west streets in that area were named after trees.
When visiting the Pecan Street Festival you can expect to see lots of great local artists delicious food vendors (such as Mighty Cone Hill Country Kettle Korn Vics BBQ and Burros Cheese Kitchen) and of course live music. Check out a full list of Vics BBQ and Burros Cheese Kitchen) and of course live music. Check out a full list of vendors and live bands for the upcoming festival on Pecan Street Festival’s website.
Yes! The Pecan Street Festival hosts multiple kid-friendly activities. In the past there has been children’s rides face painting kid-friendly street performers such as magicians as well as a petting zoo. With all of the different food vendors available even your pickiest eater should be able to find something they’ll enjoy.
The Pecan Street Festival continues to provide FREE admission to all attendees.
