Summer's not over yet. In fact, there's a ton of summer fun still to be had at some of the city's most time-honored events. Here is your guide to iconic Austin festivals that will carry you through the end of the season on a high note.
Barton Springs Fest: August 9
Barton Springs is an icon for locals and out-of-towners alike. This Saturday, folks will pay tribute to Austin's favorite place to chill out with the annual Barton Springs Fest, hosted by the Save Our Springs Alliance. Show off your skills at the diving competition, or just take a dip and then soak up the sun. Along with live music and free watermelon, this is event is the definition of summer fun.
Texas Football Fan Day: August 10
The end of summer signals the return of another Austin icon: Longhorn football. Fans can get a firsthand look at the new "Stronghorns" before Coach Charlie Strong's first season begins. Sunday's 9:30 am practice is open to the public and all sections in the lower bowl of the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium are available for seating. Later in the day autograph sessions with players and coaching staff will be held at the Frank Erwin Center. A day with the team should tide you over until the first game of the season against North Texas on August 30 at 7 pm.
Austin Bat Fest: August 23
Every night during the summer folks flock to the Congress Avenue Bridge to experience the phenomenon of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats flying through the sky. The 10th annual Austin Bat Fest celebrates this truly Austin experience with a day-long festival taking place across the entire bridge. More than 75 local arts and crafts vendors will be on hand in addition to other bat-centric activities (bat costume contest, anyone?). Three stages boast an impressive music lineup including appearances by Blue October, Saints of Valory, Del Castillo, Alpha Rev and plenty more.
The 24th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival: August 24
Forget about cooling off in August. Instead, fight fire with fire at the annual Hot Sauce Festival, where more than 350 entries will compete for the title of best hot sauce in Austin. Not only is this annual event a paradise for local lovers of spiciness, it’s also a great chance to help support the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas by donating cash or nonperishable food items.
Out of Bounds Comedy Festival: August 26 - September 1
End your Austin summer with a good laugh when the Out of Bounds Comedy Festival returns for its 13th year. This year’s lineup is one of the craziest so far with over 500 performers appearing in 130 shows all across Austin. A few of the high-profile stand-up, sketch and improv comedians include the team of writers from Key & Peele, Mo Collins of Parks and Recreation, former Saturday Night Live cast member Paul Brittain and even Jon Gnarr, the offbeat former mayor of Reykjavik, Iceland.
United We Jam: August 29-30
Austin Music People, known as AMP, may be a relative newcomer to Austin, but the nonprofit supports one of our most cherished attributes: live music. Join other live music lovers for a two-night celebration hosted at multiple venues across town (from hole-in-the-walls like Carousel Lounge to downtown icons like Stubb's). The event not only raises money for AMP, it also serves as a major voter registration drive, gearing us up in time for the all-important November elections.
TMBBQ Fest: September 14
And one to grow on. If your our idea of a perfect day is to eat as much barbecue as you possibly can from the best joints in the world, this festival for you. Texas Monthly hosts the annual feast on the City Terrace of the Long Center, featuring 25 pitmasters from across the state.
Austin Bat Fest returns on August 23 with three stages of live music and over 75 arts and crafts vendors.
Tancho Sushi offers affordable omakase.
Photo courtesy of Tancho Sushi
