Fall is festival season in Austin. And to help you navigate all of the options, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the best fests and conventions around Central Texas, now through November.
Austin Music Video Festival
This unique fest showcases the best music videos on the local and national scenes. Programming includes everything from a roller skate-themed night to Beyonce's "Lemonade" to special screenings teasing Austin's inaugural Sound on Sound Fest. Passes are $40.
September 7-10
Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival
Now in its 29th year, aGLIFF brings another stellar lineup of movies celebrating the LGBTQ+ community to Alamo Drafthouse. The $125 badge includes access to fun parties, but individual film tickets are also on sale.
September 8-11
Fantastic Fest
Watch amazing films during this Alamo Drafthouse-curated festival featuring top-notch movies in the horror, science fiction, fantasy, and action genres. Don't feel like splurging on a $145-$470 badge? You can snag individual tickets to screenings. Bonus: The Fantastic Arcade, a showcase of mind-blowing indie video games, is always free.
September 22-29
Texas Tribune Festival
Influential social and political leaders from all sides of the spectrum converge at this open-minded festival on the University of Texas campus. The walk-up rate to attend is $350.
September 23-25
Wizard World Comic Con
Nerds of all kinds will flock to the Austin Convention Center for panels, meet-and-greets, exhibits, and vendors that celebrate geek culture. Pre-sale tickets start at $40.
September 23-25
Texas Craft Brewers Festival
The best breweries in the state meet at Fiesta Gardens for a day of drinking and craft beer celebration. Tickets are $35 and come with eight free samples; designated drivers get in for $10.
September 24
Oddball Comedy and Curiosity Festival
Top comedy acts Dane Cook, Sebastian Mansicalco, Ali Wong, and more stop at Austin360 Amphitheater on this nationwide tour. Tickets for this hilarious festival experience start at $30.
September 24
Pecan Street Festival
One of Austin's longest-running traditions, the semiannual Sixth Street fest returns with another stellar — and free! — weekend of music and art.
September 24-25
Utopiafest
This little music festival in Utopia (less than three hours from Austin) features big names like Ratatat, Victor Wooten, and Thao and the Get Down Stay Down. The best part? The entire fest is BYOB. Weekend passes are $179; camping passes and tent rentals are also available.
September 29-October 2
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Catch acts like Radiohead and Kendrick Lamar at Zilker Park during the hottest music event of the year. Badges are sold out, but single-day passes and tickets to late night shows are still up for grabs.
September 30-October 2 and October 7-9
Texas Teen Book Festival
Some of the best young-adult authors will converge at St. Edward's University for a free literary conference featuring keynote speakers, panels, book signings, and more.
October 1
Austin Fermentation Festival
This celebration of all things fermented will take over Barr Mansion with tasty fermented food and drinks, a lineup from the Texas Farmers Market, and educational panels. Earlybird tickets are available for $20 through September 21; tickets to hands-on workshops can be purchased individually.
October 2
SXSW Eco
The environmentally focused offshoot of SXSW brings bright minds like Bill Nye to the Austin Convention Center for three days of panels, discussions, and showcases. The walk-up rate for a badge is $495.
October 10-12
Pop Austin International Art Show
Pop Austin is back for its third annual affair. Artists from around Austin and the globe will showcase their work at Fair Market for one weekend only. One-day passes are $20; three-day and VIP passes are also available.
October 13-16
Austin Film Festival
Dubbed the "writers' festival," this film showcase not only screens stirring movies but also celebrates the behind-the-scenes people that bring them to life. Film passes are $75 and programming badges start at $175. Events will take place at various venues across town.
October 13-20
Dia de Los Muertos Festival
This family-friendly fest at Fiesta Gardens features tons of cultural performances, fun activities, and food, as well as live tunes from Ozomatli, Matalachi, and Tiarra Girls. Tickets are $30.
October 15
United States Grand Prix
The Formula 1 experience brings in more than just high-speed drivers to Circuit of The Americas. Other attractions include parties, live music, and performances from Taylor Swift and The Weeknd. Sunday tickets start at $99.
October 21-23
AustOberfest
Austin Saengerrunde (which is celebrating 150 years in 2016) is gathering some of the best sausage purveyors, Central Texas beers, and German-style musicians for an awesome Oktoberfest party. Tickets are $50.
October 22
MondoCon
Mondo Gallery invites you to attend this growing convention for art and nerd culture with even more poster sales, unique panels, and interactive events. Tickets are $90.
October 22-23
TMBBQ Fest
This mouthwatering festival from Texas Monthly offers barbecue fans the opportunity to sample the best 'cue from across the state in one convenient location: the Long Center. Tickets go on sale September 8.
October 30
Sound on Sound Fest
SOS Fest is a new festival from the guys who brought us Fun Fun Fun Fest. Acts like Beach House, Explosions in the Sky, and Phantogram will take over Sherwood Forest Faire in McDade, Texas. Single-day tickets are $85 and three-day passes are $169; camping and VIP passes are also available.
November 4-6
Wurstfest
Take a short trip to New Braunfels during the 10-day Wurstfest and you will be awarded with delicious German food, hearty beer, carnival games, folk performances, and more. Admission is $7 per day.
November 4-13
Texas Book Festival
Book lovers and acclaimed authors from Texas and beyond convene on the Capitol grounds for this free annual celebration of literature. For the first time, you can purchase a book by one of the headlining authors — like Nick Offerman and T.C. Boyle — to get priority seating at their talks.
November 5-6
Austin Celtic Festival
Fiesta Gardens hosts an authentic celebration of Celtic culture, complete with live music, workshops, sports, vendors, and historical demonstrations. Tickets are $19-$31.
November 5-6
Austin City Limits Music Festival is just one of the many fests taking over the city this fall.
