3 of the Best Music Festivals in Austin

Possessing a rich musical history and many performance venues, Austin, Texas, is known as the live music capital of the world. On any given night, you can watch bands and musicians from almost any genre, from country to rock to hip-hop. It’s no surprise, then, that Austin is also home to some of the best music festivals in the country. If you’re a music lover, consider planning your next trip to Austin around one of the following events:

1. Austin City Limits Music Festival

The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival is one of the city’s most well-known and beloved festivals. Held every fall, the event brings a diverse group of musical performers to Austin’s Zilker Park. The lineups have included legends and major names such as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Bob Dylan, and Van Morrison, as well as up-and-coming bands and indie acts. In recent years, the festival has expanded to two weekends, with eight stages and more than 125 bands. A special section of the festival called Austin Kiddie Limits offers family-friendly performances and fun activities for children.

You may be surprised to learn that ACL was born from the PBS television show Austin City Limits, which has been broadcasting musical performances since 1974. (The pilot episode featured Willie Nelson.) The festival was created as a live event to showcase performers appearing on the show. It may also surprise you to learn that ACL has only been around since 2002. In its first year, the festival ran for only two days and showcased 67 bands on five stages. Less than 20 years later, ACL has arguably become Austin’s most iconic music festival.

In 2018, the ACL headliners included Paul McCartney, Metallica, Travis Scott, and Arctic Monkeys, while other acts such as Lil Wayne, Janelle Monaé, and Hozier also took the stage. This year, the festival will take place over the weekends of October 4–6 and October 11–13.

2. South by Southwest

South by Southwest (SXSW) isn’t only a music festival: it’s a group of related conferences occurring around the same time. Every spring, SXSW brings together luminaries in tech, film, music, and other industries for performances, screenings, and exhibits, as well as opportunities for professional development. In the same vein, the SXSW Music Festival attracts musicians and fans, as well as music industry professionals who come to network and scout talent. The festival’s purpose is not only to put on a great show for audiences; it’s also a conference for the music industry.

In addition, the SXSW Musical Festival has a more global focus than many other music festivals. Up-and-coming performers called Showcasing Artists represent more than 60 countries, and these individuals are joined by upwards of 2,000 official performers. Almost every conceivable genre is represented at SXSW: from punk and hip-hop to experimental and electronic. The festival is also unique because it is decentralized. Rather than hosting a few stages in one location, the festival sponsors shows at bars, clubs, parks, hotels, and even churches around downtown Austin.

Finally, the SXSW Music Festival stands apart because it features the awarding of the Grulke Prize in three categories: Developing U.S. Act, Developing Non-U.S. Act, and Career Act. R&B and soul artist Pink Sweat$, singer-songwriter Angie McMahon, and the rock band The Chills took home the three awards, respectively.

3. Old Settler’s Music Festival

For a more traditional music festival, try the Old Settler’s Music Festival. This celebration of roots, bluegrass, folk, and Americana music has been going strong since 1987 and features a real “down-home” atmosphere. This year, Grammy Award-winning artists Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and Brandi Carlile headlined the festival, and the remaining lineup included acts such as the Del McCoury Band, Shinyribs, Galactic, and Amanda Shires. The festival has a particular reputation for giving up-and-coming roots and folk artists a prominent stage: Allison Krauss, Shakey Graves, and other big names are festival alumni. Beyond great music, expect to find artisans and craftspersons selling beautiful handmade goods.

Last year, Old Settler’s found a permanent home about an hour from Austin in the small town of Tilmon. With rolling meadows and shady wooded areas, the festival grounds have plenty of space for tent camping and RVs. Staying on the campground is part of the Old Settler’s experience — people often bring instruments for impromptu jam sessions around the campfire at night. There are also designated family areas for parents with children and luxury “glamping” tents for those who want to stay on-site, but prefer a bit more comfort.

If you stay on-site, you can also enjoy one of the most unique aspects of the festival: Camp ShhhTimes. These late-night campground concerts feature some of the same artists who appear on stage during the day, but in intimate, acoustic performances on small stages in the woods. The crowds who gather watch in hushed silence, which makes for a truly magical experience. Both smaller, indie bands as well as internationally famous acts, have performed at Camp ShhhTimes.