Words Deven Wilson
Austin’s Favorite Fests to Catch this Season
Every spring, the weather snaps back from crisp, and the city comes alive with events around town, from tent pole attractions like South by Southwest to smaller indie festivals for the locals. From flying kites at Zilker to boot scootin’ at Two Step Inn Fest in Georgetown, it’s more than bluebonnets in bloom that make Austin so attractive in spring.
Sips & Sounds Festival
Christina Aguilera, Calvin Harris, Foster the People, Major Lazer, and more are coming to Auditorium Shores for a fourth round of Sips & Sounds Festival. For two days, artists take the stage across the lake from SXSW, providing even more music in the Live Music Capital. Tickets start at $65 for single-day general admission and $110 for two-day general admission, with GA+ tickets including access to the GA+ Lounge. March 13-14 | 900 W Riverside Dr. | @sipssoundsfest
ABC Kite Fest
As Zilker comes back to life in the spring, the skies explode into a kaleidoscope of colors as hundreds of kites take flight during the ABC Kite Fest. From a kite flying contest to MossFest, a kid-centered concert, the park comes alive during this free festival. There’s even a mini market showcasing women-owned small businesses. April 11 | Zilker Park |
@abckitefest
Austin Reggae Festival
The over 30-year-old tradition kicks off another year of reggae at Auditorium Shores this spring with three days of musical acts. Featuring Stephen Marley, Original Koffee, Irritation, and more, guests can expect the original vibe of celebrating Bob Marley to continue as his son headlines this year. Tickets start at $40 for single-day general admission and passes for two- and three-day admission, as well as VIP tickets, packages, and add-ons are available to enhance the experience. April 17-19 | 900 W Riverside Dr. | @austinreggaefestival
Two Step Inn
Head to Georgetown for the largest outdoor honkytonk with sets by Chris Stapleton, Goo Goo Dolls, Brooks & Dunn, Tracy Lawrence, The Red Clay Strays, and more. Held at San Gabriel Park for two days, 30 artists across three stages will rock out under the Texas sky. Single-day tickets start at $189, with two-day passes at $329, along with GA+ and Platinum tickets available. April 18-19 | San Gabriel Park | @twostepinn
Austin Blues Festival
In late April, Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park hosts Austin Blues Festival, kicking off with performances by Parliament-Funkadelic featuring George Clinton, Eric Johnson, Chaparelle, Larkin Poe, and plenty more. Antone’s, along with Waterloo Greenway, bring together generations in the park to embrace this American-made art form. Tickets range in price from one- to two-day passes to VIP hill with Adirondack chairs to premium lounge, and premium parking. April 25-26 | 500 E 12th St. | @austinbluesfestival
iHeartCountry Festival
iHeart Music and Bobby Bones are hosting a multi-artist hoedown at Moody Center in May. Featuring performances by Kane Brown, Shaboozey, Gretchen Wilson, Parker McCollum, and others, it promises to be an epic evening of country music. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased at Ticketmaster. May 2 | 2001 Robert Dedman Dr. | @iheartradio
