Austin Calendar of Events

College Baseball

From the crack of the bat to the slide on into home, NCAA baseball packs a wallop of home run frenzy for what's oft called America's favorite pastime. Diamond action starts in January, continuing through most of June.
Baylor Bears, Texas Longhorns, Texas State Bobcats

Annual Tenant Show

At the Guadalupe Arts Center, the Annual Tenant Show -- running mid-January through mid-February -- features work from photography and sculpture to jewelry, all pegged at $500 or less from more than 40 artists. Call (512) 473-3775 for more information.

Westlake Farmers Market

Every Saturday, rain or shine, the Westlake Farmers Market at Westlake High School offers produce, organic coffee, baked goods, handmade jewelry, stained glass, soap, flowers, plants and more. Call (512) 280-1976 for more information.

Carnival Brasiliero

Ranking among the largest such extravaganzas outside Brazilian borders, Carnival Brasiliero thrives in Austin with flamboyant costumes, samba music, and spirited fun. Call (512) 452-6832 for more information.

Motorola Marathon

With a route featuring several Austin landmarks, the Motorola Marathon course starts in the northwest, heads through downtown toward Town Lake, ending at Auditorium Shores. Call (512) 478-4265 for more information.

Texas Memorial Museum's ID Day

What's this? At the Texas Memorial Museum, the public is invited to bring in natural objects, from fossils and rocks to insects, for free identification by University of Texas scientists and others. Call (512) 471-1604 for more information.

Texas State Arts Festival

During the first week of March, Texas artists, craftsmen, musicians and theatrical performers celebrate Texas culture and history at this annual festival held across from the Texas State History Museum. Call (512) 441-9016 for more information.

South by Southwest Conference

The SXSW Music and Media Conference showcases hundreds of musical acts from around the globe on over fifty stages in downtown Austin. Call (512) 467-7979 for more information.
Website: http://sxsw.com/

Austin Chocolate Festival

Chocoholics and others determined to fight breast cancer gather at Tuscan Hall for the Austin Chocolate Festival, presented by Fat Turkey Chocolate Company. Call (800) 834-3498 or (512) 585-5046 for more information.

Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo

Headliner shows, prize livestock, and rodeo action grab the spotlight as Austin puts on a city-wide cowboy hat for western-style action. Call (512) 919-3000 for more information.

Zilker Garden Festival

Music, food, arts and crafts, and children's games add to the bloom of exhibits at Zilker Botanical Gardens for Austin's premium outdoor flower festival / plant sale. Call (512) 477-8672 for more information.

Artisans Festival

Nature-related work from fine to folksy includes painting, photography, metal work, pottery and more at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's Artisan Festival. Call (512) 292-4200 for more information.

Austin Farmers Market

In Republic Square Park, the Austin Farmers Market operates every Saturday from late March through early December, with locally grown produce, meats, eggs, cheese, cut herbs, potted plants and more. Call (512) 236-0074 for more information.

Louisiana Swamp Thing & Crawfish Festival

In late March, downtown Austin is filled with Cajun-style crawfish and other seafood, live brass and blues bands, when this annual Louisiana-themed outdoor festival is held across from the Texas State History Museum. Call (512) 441-9016 for more information.

Austin Fine Arts Festival

Some 200 artists from across the nation, top local eateries, and hands-on art activity with plenty of music are part of the Austin Fine Arts Festival. Call (512) 292-4200 for more information.

Old Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival

More than 300 fine arts and crafts vendors, 100 or so Texas bands on six stages, street performers, a carnival, petting zoo and pony rides are only part of the fun at this event in the heart of Austin's entertainment district on historic Sixth Street. Call (512) 443-6179 for more information.

Heart O' Texas Orchid Society's Annual Show and Plant Sale

Vendors donate plants and products for this annual display of orchids, which includes hourly raffles and other activities, at the Zilker Botanical Garden. Call (512) 345-3225 for more information.

Austin International Poetry Festival

Poets from far-flung locales, some 200 strong, gather for four poetic days at assorted venues for sessions such as To Rhyme Is Not A Crime, Poetry and Mental Health, and Friday Madness. Call (512) 349-9883 for more information.

Old Settlers Music Festival

Grammy-winning Americana music, arts and crafts, camping, potent libations and zesty food are part of Old Settlers, featuring acoustic jazz and blues, bluegrass, and artists from all over. Call (512) 370-4630 for more information.

Cake and Sugar Art Competition and Show

At the Texas Culinary Academy, the Capital Confectioners Cake and Sugar Art Competition and Show provides cake decorators and sugar art enthusiasts of all levels to practice and enhance skills, network, and learn new techniques. Fun includes demonstrations and real-time contests where registered competitors vie for supremacy. Call (512) 371-3401 for more information.

Texas Uke Fest

As a family-friendly event, this festival teaches all ages with proceeds for the Kids Ukulele Club. Workshops are limited to 150, but some events are open to the public. Call (210) 521-9459 for more information.

Spirit Echoes Fine Art Festival

At the Henkel Square Museum Village in Round Top, the Spirit Echoes Fine Art Festival features paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, sterling silver, and beaded contemporary and Native American jewelry, plus weavings, blown glass, woodwork, pioneer home tours and more. Artists are on hand for live demonstrations. Call (512) 345-0706 for more information.

Rockin' Roundup

To benefit children, Rockin' Roundup at Buda's Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch and Pavilion features music, down home cookin', Swingin' Silent Auction, Skeet Tournament, and the famous Wildflower Wine Toss. Call (512) 334-4452 for more information.

Austin Writers Downtown

The Writers' League of Texas stages a week-long literary showcase of Austin writers during Texas Writers Month, including book signings, refreshments and daily door prizes. Call (512) 499-8914 for more information.

Kinko's Classic of Austin

Leading pro golfers head for The Hills Country Club, hosting the Kinko's Classic of Austin, a 54-hole individual stroke-play Championship Tour event with a $1.6 million purse. Call (512) 732-2666 for more information.

Taste of Mexico

Mexico's heritage unfolds with traditional dishes from some of the best regional restaurants at the Mexic-Arte Museum. Call (512) 480-9373 for more information.

Free Sunday Concerts

Each year, Austin Symphony members present a summer of free Sunday evening ensemble concerts from late May through late August under the gazebo at Wooldridge Park. Concertgoers often bring picnic fare. Call (512) 476-6064 for more information.

Texas Greek Festival

Early in June, the Austin Museum of Art - Laguna Gloria hosts the annual celebration of Greek culture, including authentic food and pastries, live bouzouki bands and traditional Greek dancing, with proceeds benefiting local charities. Call (512) 844-3856 for more information.

Republic of Texas Biker Rally

The largest motorcycle gathering in Texas draws thousands of Harley riders and other enthusiasts for poker runs, bike tricks, and concerts. Call (512) 441-9015 for more information.

Texas Hill Country Railfair & Festival

Featuring railroadiana from model trains to real trains, the Texas Hill Country Railfair & Festival includes the Hill Country Flyer running from Cedar Park to Burnet. Call (512) 477-8468 for more information.

Heart O' Texas Orchid Society Potluck & Plant Sale

The Heart O' Texas Orchid Society hosts its annual potluck and plant sale at Zilker Botanical Gardens Center. Call (512) 280-2271 for more information.

Annual Young Latino Art Exhibition

The Mexic-Arte Museum features works from emerging artists under age 35 reshaping and redefining Latino art. Call (512) 480-9373 for more information.

Free Sunday Concerts

Each year, Austin Symphony members present a summer of free Sunday evening ensemble concerts from late May through late August under the gazebo at Wooldridge Park. Concertgoers often bring picnic fare. Call (512) 476-6064 for more information.

Fourth of July Fireworks & Symphony

The Austin Symphony's annual concert of patriotic music wraps up with spectacular fireworks over Town Lake. Call (512) 476-6064 for more information.

Samuels Summer Sizzle Show & Shine Shindig

At the Stone Mountain Event Center, the Samuels Summer Sizzle Show & Shine Shindig, Austin's largest classic car show with door prizes, benefits charities including Make A Wish and St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Call (512) 632-0883 for more information.

Free Sunday Concerts

Each year, Austin Symphony members present a summer of free Sunday evening ensemble concerts from late May through late August under the gazebo at Wooldridge Park. Concertgoers often bring picnic fare. Call (512) 476-6064 for more information.

Midnight Madness

Midnight Madness, starting at Slick Willie's Family Pool Hall, is a treasure race taking clue-seeking teams throughout Austin. Teams of up to six players try to get ahead of competition to reach the final clue leading them home. Prizes go to winners, but all players can expect food and fun for their registration fee. Call (512) 947-6288 for more information.

Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival

Amateurs and pros show up with their most incendiary sauces for a fiery taste-off among a panel of distinguished judges. Call (512) 454-5766 for more information.

Free Sunday Concerts

Each year, Austin Symphony members present a summer of free Sunday evening ensemble concerts from late May through late August under the gazebo at Wooldridge Park. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring picnic baskets. Call (512) 476-6064 for more information.

College Football

NCAA Football, created in 1997 to promote college football ideals, makes no bones about the importance of each game. Losing at any time during the season can thwart a team's chances for postseason action or an NCAA Championship. No wonder NCAA Football marketers have adopted a tagline of "NCAA Football: Every Game Counts." Baylor Bears - To cheer on your favorites and book seats for the Baylor Bears, click here. Texas Longhorns - To book seats for the Texas Longhorns, click here. Texas State Bobcats - To book seats for the Texas State Bobcats, click here.

Old Pecan Street Fall Festival

Sixth Street (originally Pecan Street) takes on an air of autumn revelry with musicians, artists, crafters and food vendors. Call (512) 441-9015 for more information.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Upward of 130 bands provide non-stop music on eight stages for more than 30 hours before some 150,000 diehard music fans from all over the world. Call (512) 478-7211 for more information.

Austin Farmers Market

In Republic Square Park, the Austin Farmers Market is open every Saturday from late March through early December, with locally grown produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, cut herbs, potted plants and more. crafts. Call (512) 236-0074 for more information.

Free Day of Yoga

Labor Day also brings A Free Day of Yoga to free-spirited Austin, with free yoga classes offered at yoga studios and other venues throughout the city, attracting some 2,000 participants. Curious adults or children seeking to try a certain style or teacher do so at no cost. Call (512) 266-1056 for more information.

Batfest!

Featuring arts, crafts, music, food, and, of course, batwatching, Batfest! draws thousands to more than 100 booths set up near downtown's Congress Avenue Bridge. Call (512) 441-9015 for more information.

Film Festival Party Fundraiser

In conjunction with Austin's Film Festival, the Film & Food fundraiser features a special screening at the Paramount Theatre, plus cuisine by some of Austin's finest chefs, live music, silent auction, and more. Call (512) 478-4795 for more information.

Darkness to Light Gala

In late September, you will see celebrities in attendance at this black tie gala to provide education and basic necessities for neglected and abused children in Texas, at the Four Seasons Hotel on San Jacinto Boulevard. Call (512) 218-4400 for more information.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo

On the first weekend in October, families can experience a variety of outdoor adventures in one place, including fishing, hunting, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, learning about the great outdoors in a number of programs, and shopping for outdoor and sports gear, at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Headquarters, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin. Call (800) 792-1112 for more information.

Austin Film Festival

Recognized among the nation's top film festivals, Paramount Theatre and other locations host both indies and top-billed films from major distributors. Call (512) 478-4795 for more information.

Texas Book Festival

Music, poetry, readings, signings and a children's chapter tent add to the literary atmosphere of the Texas Book Festival. Call (512) 477-4055 for more information.

St. Joseph Church Octoberfest

In Devine, the St. Joseph Church Octoberfest features a Saturday street dance, silent auction and food booths. On Sunday, there's brisket plates and bingo, arts and crafts sales, music and more. Call (830) 663-2244 for more information.

Nightmare Factory Haunted House

Central Texas' longest-running and most terrifying haunted house lets victims choose their own path to horrific experiences, with a custom blend of animatronics, live monsters, and digital sound. Call (512) 445-FEAR for more information.

Halloween on Sixth Street

Thousands of costumed participants gather to howl at the moon during one of the nation's largest Halloween celebrations. Call (512) 474-5171 for more information.

Style Cup Austin

At the Palmer Events Center, Style Cup Austin benefits Project Transitions, serving people with HIV and AIDS, with many top salons competing in four separate categories for the night's top honor, Best in Collection. Call (512) 454-8646 for more information.

Heart O'Texas Orchid Society's New Growers Seminar, Exhibit and Plant Sale

During the last week of October, free lectures and handouts are provided to beginner orchid cultivators, at Zilker Botanical Garden in Austin. Call (512) 445-4300 for more information.

College Basketball

First devised by James Naismith in 1891, with the first recorded collegiate game in 1893, legions testify there's no sound so soothing as a basketball whooshing through the net after a flick of the wrist. NCAA basketball brings grass roots hoop dreams to an entirely new level each fall, building toward March Madness, the NCAA Division Basketball Championships.
Baylor Bears, Texas Longhorns, Texas State Bobcats

Heart O'Texas Orchid Society's Annual Plant Auction

During the first week in November, local orchid growers and vendors present a large selection of plants, some in full bloom, for bid at the annual auction held at Zilker Botanical Garden in Austin. Call (512) 445-4300 for more information.

Chuy's Christmas Parade

Huge balloons, marching bands, vintage cars, celebrities and floats add a festive air to the holiday season. Call (888) 439-2489 for more information.

Victorian Christmas on Sixth Street

Austin's historic Sixth Street takes on a Victorian air with parades, food and drink, and more than 150 booths with handmade gift items. Call (512) 443-6179 for more information.

Devine Fall Festival

In Devine, the Fall Festival kicks off with a morning parade, followed by an antique show, car show, tractor pull, and arts and crafts sale. Carnival rides, music, and entertainment are part of the fun. Call (830) 663-2244 for more information.

Austin Farmers Market

In Republic Square Park, the Austin Farmers Market is open every Saturday from late March through early December, with locally grown produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, cut herbs, potted plants and more. Call (512) 236-0074 for more information.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Eclectic gift items combine with area entertainment to fill the Austin Music Hall with an aura of old Austin. Call (512) 447-1605 for more information.

Christmas at the LBJ Library and Museum

A Presidential Christmas is celebrated at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum (open daily except Christmas), with presidential holiday memorabilia and tax-free holiday shopping in the Museum Store. Admission is free. Call (512) 721-0200 for more information.

Last Chance Arts & Crafts Bazaar

The Palmer Events Center provides opportunity to wrap up holiday shopping amid arts / crafts booths, carnival rides, face painters, Santa and more. Call (512) 441-9015 for more information.

Trails of Lights and Zilker Christmas Tree

Starting after Thanksgiving, this month-long festival opens with lighting of the Zilker Tree, with a pedestrian Trail of Lights transforming a mile-long stretch of Zilker Park into a lighted fairyland. Call (512) 974-6700 for more information.