From festivals celebrating mermaids to the oldest pun contest in the U.S., each season brings a variety of Austin events to enjoy.

Spring Events in Austin

While many parts of the country are still dealing with a receding winter, Austin’s springtime weather is sunny and mild. It’s perfect for enjoying one of these events.

Annual O. Henry Museum Pun-Off

Founded in 1977, the O. Henry Museum Pun-Off is hosted at Brush Square Park, right behind the former home (now a museum) of the famed short story writer. The event, which the Guiness Book of World Records recognizes as the longest-running pun competition, pays homage to O. Henry’s penchant for humorous wordplay.

The Pun-Off features two contests. The Punniest of Show contest has 32 contestants performing prepared 90-second pun routines for judges. The PunSlingers competition, on the other hand, has another group facing off against an opponent with their best spontaneous puns on a topic in five seconds.

The Pun-Off is free and open to the public. Just make sure you bring lawn chairs or a blanket so you can laugh comfortably!

Field Guide Festival

The Field Guide Festival, which is held in support of the Central Texas Food Bank, celebrates everything about local food. Attendees get a chance to connect with local farmers and chefs, who partner together to share farm-to-table dishes featuring seasonal ingredients. You’ll leave the festival knowing where to discover the most eco-friendly food options in Austin.

Besides the fresh and flavorful cuisine, tickets also include kid-friendly programming, spirits and wine from local makers, live fire cooking demonstrations, and much more. There is also live music and symposium discussions about current food trends and sustainability.

For this year’s location and times, check out the Field Guide Festival website.

Dirt Dauber Festival

Held over two days each spring at the Eye of the Dog Art Center, the Dirt Dauber Festival is an annual celebration of clay art and artists. Over 50 established and up-and-coming clay artists are on site to showcase their unique work, with much of it available for purchase.

In between checking out art, clay-related contests, and live music, you can also roam the 12-acre Eye of the Dog property. It features art installations, a gallery, and a wooded courtyard where you’ll find light refreshments and kid-friendly activities. While the property is spacious, there is limited parking, so visitors should consider carpooling.

The Eye of the Dog Art Center is in San Marcos, just south of Austin. Check out their website for more information.

Summer Events in Austin

While summers in the Texas Hill Country can be hot during the day, there are plenty of events that continue into the comfortably warm evenings.

Star Spangled Fest

There’s no better way to celebrate America’s independence than at Austin’s Star Spangled Fest. Held at Vic Mathias Shores, this two-day event features live music, food, drinks, and — of course — fireworks.

On July 3, the event kicks off with the Texas Music Scene Independence Eve Party. Open only to veterans, active-duty service members, and a select few sweepstakes winners, this portion of the event will feature performances by alt-country, folk, Americana, and other music artists. The Texas Music Scene, a live music television show, will broadcast the event live, so you can still catch the performances from home if you’re not a veteran or in the military.

Then on July 4, everyone is welcome that evening to set up their blankets and chairs to watch the Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4th Concert and Fireworks presented by H-E-B. While the orchestra will close out the evening’s music, there will be performances by other music artists as well as family-friendly activities, food trucks, vendors, and designated bar areas.

Bat Fest

Did you know Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America? Just under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge live nearly 2 million Mexican free-tail bats! The city’s annual Bat Fest is a celebration of these magnificent creatures.

The only event in Austin that takes place on a bridge, the highlight of the evening is watching the bats emerge and fill the sky as they go in search of Texas bugs. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Bat Fest also features two stages with live music, free kid’s activities, arts and crafts vendors, and food and drinks.

Additionally, both grown-ups and kids can participate in the Bat Costume contest for a chance at prizes - including $100 cash. While you can watch the bats take flight throughout spring and summer, this is the only day you’re encouraged to do so in a bat costume, so don’t miss out!

Summer in the Park

For nearly 40 years, the residents of San Marcos have been treated to free concerts every Thursday evening throughout the summer. All you need to bring to Summer in the Park is your refreshments, a blanket or lawn chairs, and your family. And pets are welcome, too!

The musical acts cover a variety of genres. In years past, performers have played Western swing, blues rock, zydeco, soul, and folk tunes. Since each show is free, it’s a great opportunity to check out new sounds you may not have tried before.

Because this event is free, it does rely on volunteers and sponsors. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at their website.

Fall Events in Austin

As Austin transitions from summer to winter, the temperatures become comfy and mild. It’s perfect weather for enjoying events like these.

Austin Summer Carnival

Celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the city, the Austin Summer Carnival is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions of Africa, Brazil, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Held in late September each year, the carnival features dance performances, exotic food, and a variety of vendors. This adults-only event also brings in musicians and DJs from Texas and around the world, giving you the opportunity to dance your way through an international soundscape. Attendees are even encouraged to wear colorful carnival-inspired costumes, giving you another way to participate in the celebration.

Ready to lock in your tickets? You can purchase them at the Austin Summer Carnival website.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

For two weekends each fall, Zilker Park in Austin becomes home to the world-famous Austin City Limits Music Festival. With over 100 musical acts across eight stages, you’re sure to catch one of your favorite bands or find a new one. Past headliners have included Foo Fighters, Alanis Morissette, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and George Strait.

Parents of young children can also attend Austin Kiddie Limits, which runs parallel to the main festival in the same park. You and your children can create memories at arts and crafts stations while listening to family-friendly music performers on the Austin Kiddie Limits stage.

There are several ticket options available. Check out their website for this year’s dates, lineup, and more.

Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest

Officially designated by the state as the official Mermaid Capital of Texas, San Marcos is host to this annual multi-event festival that celebrates both the city’s cultural heritage and the mermaid as the guardian of the San Marcos River. It also pays homage to the now-closed local theme park Aquarena Springs, made famous in the 1950s for their Aquamaids performers — women who performed aquatic acts such as underwater ballet and synchronized swimming.

The Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest kicks off with the Mermaid Promenade, a parade replete with floats, dancers, marchers, musicians, and more. Following the parade, everyone heads to the Downtown Street Faire. Here you’ll find an art market, live music, food trucks, and a kid’s area with more fun and games.

The festival was and still is organized by the Mermaid Society of Texas. Visit their website to learn more about the organization and their work to protect the San Marcos River.

Winter Events in Austin

Austin’s weather is usually temperate, but during the winter, it can be a bit finicky. Whatever events you plan to attend, such as the ones below, just make sure to dress in layers!

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

For nearly 50 decades, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been a showcase for Austin’s love of art and music. With its start in the counterculture music venue Armadillo World Headquarters back in the 1970s, the event has continued to focus on celebrating the culture and creativity of Austin.

The bazaar, which runs for just over a week in December, gives you an opportunity to shop for artisan gifts and fine art while enjoying live music, food, and drinks. The lineup of musical acts is usually just as eclectic as the art. Genres have run the gamut from polka to jazz to honky tonk to pop.

Get more information on this year’s dates, artists, and musicians at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar website.

Austin Trail of Lights

The longest-running holiday event in the city, the Austin Trail of Lights takes place over two weeks in December each year. Zilker Park becomes a winter wonderland each night with over 2 million covering 90 trees and 70 holiday displays.

As you stroll along the trail, you’ll find food trucks, hot cocoa stations, and even a Ferris wheel and carousel. If you want to get in some exercise while seeing the lights, you can also participate in the Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, an annual event for all ages in which you can stroll, jog, or run through an untimed course. Participants even get to join the Finish Line Festival with more music, food, and activities.

While tickets are usually required, the trail is free on certain days, so check the official website before going.

Hill Country Jazz Festival and Eddie Durham Jazz Celebration

The Hill Country Jazz Festival, which takes place each February, is held at the beautiful Texas State University Campus. Founded by Keith Winking, an instructor at the university, in San Marcos in 1989, the festival features performances by jazz musicians and bands from schools across the state as well as renowned guest artists.

In 2004, the Eddie Durham Jazz Celebration was added as a featured event in celebration of San Marcos native and jazz pioneer Eddie Durham. This free concert features a variety of jazz and blues bands, including the Texas State Jazz Ensemble, performing Durham’s classics and other jazz and big band hits. You can also peruse vendor booths with fine art, crafts, specialty gifts, and more.

While there isn’t an official website for the festival, you can visit the Texas State University site to learn more.

Your New Home in the Austin Area is Waiting for You

Buying a home in the Austin Area is one of the best ways to explore all of these events in Austin, and you can get even more with a new Brookfield Residential home in Kissing Tree or Easton Park.

These master-planned communities each feature a bevy of amenities. At Kissing Tree, a 55+ active adult community, you’ll find an 18-hole golf course, six bocce ball courts, an indoor and outdoor pool, bike trail, and much more. Over at Easton Park, residents have access to features like multiple trails and parks, an onsite elementary school, and a club-style exercise facility, just to name a few.

Our sales team is excited to help you find your dream home in your dream location with Brookfield Residential’s Kissing Tree Community or Brookfield Residential’s Easton Park Community. Explore the community and connect with our sales team when you’re ready to learn more. We’ll be expecting you!