We ALL know Austin is the Live Music Capitol of the World, but we’re also fond of food, drinks, arts, and larger-than-life sporting events. We’ve curated a master guide of 23 Austin events in 2023 for locals and visitors alike! As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, Austin brings together an amalgamation of cultures from the restaurant industry to the music scene. Check out some of our favorite events that come through Austin for the 2023 year.
For the ones who enjoy a sportingly good time, the Austin Open happens once a year from the end of February through March 5. Secure your spot at one of the most popular professional golf tournaments in the country. This year’s event will be held at the Westwood Country Club. Don’t miss one of the most favorable Austin events in 2023.
February 27 – March 5, 2023
More and more racing coming your way in 2023! NASCAR at COTA is an experience you don’t want to miss. With tons of seating all around the track, there’s optimal viewing at each turn. Wanna go VIP? Check out the Loge Box or Fairmont Paddock Club ticket tiers for an elevated experience.
March 24-26, 2023
Circuit of the Americas, Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, Austin, TX
Famous for innovative discussions on the intersection of tech and culture, SXSW brings together talented individuals in all forms of media, entertainment, education, technology, and music. Two weekends in March are chalked full of various events ranging from top-tier ticket holders to free access events. Check out our guide to SXSW to get prepared and tips for free stuff! Learn more about who’s who at this year’s festival and get early access to one of the best Austin events in 2023.
March 10-19, 2023
Multiple Venues
As one of America’s Top Rodeos, the Austin Rodeo comes around each spring to the Rodeo arena. A fun event for the whole family, the Austin Rodeo has been a staple of our city’s heritage since 1938! Enjoy live music, local food vendors, the RODEO, and the fairgrounds when you visit this traditional Texan event. Get involved and plan your trip by learning more today!
March 10-25, 2023
The Dell Match Play is coming to Austin for the last year! You don’t want to miss this. To make sure you have the best experience, make sure to check out the hospitality that they offer. For example, The 360 Club creates its own excitement at Austin Country Club. This all-inclusive ticket features upgraded food and beverage menu options with unparalleled golf views from the 16 tee. Or The Cabins where you can enjoy a unique, once-in-a-lifetime approach to guest entertainment in your private, open-air cabana bordering the Colorado River. The Cabins provide complimentary beverages and local Austin cuisine, not to mention a front-row view of Lake Austin and 13 fairway. These will be the hot spot at Austin Country Club and will go fast!
Here is the schedule so you don’t miss any of the action!
For almost a decade, the iHeartRadio group has hosted the iHeart Country Festival in Austin. During a beautiful spring weekend in May, the iHeart Country festival features all of your favorite country artists like Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, and so many more. Get notified of 2023’s festival ticket sales today!
TBA May 2023
Aside from Austin (and greater Texas) being known for BBQ and tacos… we are also well-known for NUTS! Pecans to be exact; you better believe we’ve got the best pecan pies around Thanksgiving. The Pecan Street Festival is the largest arts and crafts festival in Austin that occurs over the beginning of May and in the middle of September. See 50+ bands, food, and craft vendors at this FREE event!
May 6-7 & September 16-17, 2023
6th Street (between Brazos & IH35)
Get your fix of food, drinks, and entertainment at this immersive event in partnership with Southern Smoke. The annual Hot Luck Festival features James Beard award-winning chefs from all over the country in three signature food events that will tickle your tastebuds. Get to know the Austin food and music scene with this year’s Hot Luck Festival.
Memorial Day Weekend May 25-28, 2023
Multiple Venues
Another popular festival to mark off your list, the annual Soul Food Truck Festival is Austin’s largest Juneteenth celebration. This is one of the best 2023 Austin events you don’t want to miss out on. Chow on a cornucopia of delicious soul food from homegrown talent all while supporting the Austin Revitalization Authority.
June 18, 2023
Celebrate eclectic women in media when you attend Final Girl Fest: Austin. Hailing from Santa Monica, Final Girl Fest provides a platform for women in media and entertainment to showcase their experiences in this immersive three-day event. Each year Final Girl Fest features diverse guests from all backgrounds. Secure your tickets to an elevated occasion in Austin events in 2023.
June 30, 2023
If you can handle being outside in the summer… Austin has a plethora of live music opportunities. Another Zilker Park takeover is Blues on the Green. During peak summer months, one main stage will erect itself and host a variety of local and out-of-town musicians for free shows on the lawn.
Multiple dates in June & July, 2023
Fixate on classic cars and auto models of the future when you check out the Austin Auto Show. This annual showcase for the automobile aficionado takes over the Austin Convention Center for one epic weekend at the end of June and the beginning of July.
June 30-July 2, 2023
Dine out with purpose when you check out Austin Restaurant Week. One of the most popular Austin events in 2023 offers a few weeks of dining, drinks, and philanthropy. Dine at notable Austin establishments, which showcase specially priced lunches, dinners, and cocktails. While you take a tasting tour of Austin, a portion of the proceeds go towards the Texas Food Bank.
TBA August-September 2023
Multiple Venues
Murder your taste buds with a tantalizing festival celebrating all things hot! The Austin Hot Sauce Festival is back in springtime in 2023 for a tasting tour of food and hot sauce pairings from all your favorite local businesses. Don’t sleep on this one! Get your tickets for one spicy event that is sure to heat you up.
TBA September, 2023
Each year when our sweltering summer turns to spooky and slightly tolerable fall, Austin’s annual Pumpkin Nights festival is in full swing. Enjoy a course and park area of lawn games, neon garden, enchanted forests, a monster mash, and so much more. Take the whole family for a day to night occasion filled with autumnal activities ushering in Halloween and the holiday season.
September 30-October 31st, 2023
Easily one of Austin’s most hyped music festivals, the Austin City Limits festival takes over Zilker Park for two weekends at the beginning of October. Featuring show-stopping headlines from all genres, ACL brings together all types of music at various stages that span 350 acres of Zilker Park. The downtown skyline views are just a cherry on top.
October 6-8 – October 13-15, 2023
2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746
For everyone who enjoys a local brew, Texas Craft Brewers Festival is one of our favorite Austin events in 2023. Celebrate by trying various beers ranging from crisp Pilsners to dark porters from a variety of our own talented brew masters. Not to be confused with Oktoberfest… remember pace yourselves!
TBA October, 2023
Easily a must-see attraction to witness, the Formula One Events throughout the country don’t disappoint. Austin’s F1 event returns to the Circuit of America this October for epic few days of races, from qualifying to the finals. Explore vendors, exclusive clubs, or find optimal viewing at your favorite turn.
TBA October, 2023
It’s like the Austin City Limits of food. This extravagant weekend features dishes from restaurants in the Austin metro area and across the country. At the Austin Food & Wine Festival you can find a variety of local wines, beer, and spirit exhibitors among the vast array of taste makers. And you know Texas is known for its BBQ, so make sure you stop by the Fire Pit for a showcase from the pit masters.
November 4-6, 2023
900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Do we even have to describe how mouthwatering this event is? The Mac and Cheese Festival hits Austin this fall season with hearty varieties of the best mac and cheese in the city. Come hungry because there are several opportunities to try Austin’s best mac and cheese dishes. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite at one of the most scrumptious Austin events in 2023.
TBA November, 2023
Enjoy a stroll through Zilker Park when it’s all lit up during the whole month of December! The Austin Trail of Lights comes around each year around the holidays to spread cheer all across Austin. Kick off the illuminated festivities with the Fun Run Early Bird registration!
December 8-23, 2023 (Closed Mondays)
Style Blogger | ATX Writer | Flight Attendant | Cat Mom | Dancer...