Labor Day weekend may look different this year, but there are drive-in festivals, virtual tours, and more for your entertainment. Check out the top five things to do in Austin this holiday weekend.
Thursday, September 3
The Texas Tribune Festival
The Texas Tribune Festival is going virtual for 2020, with an all-star lineup and extended programming for a full 30 days. Events for the opening weekend of Texas' biggest political festival include podcast recordings, movie screenings, panels, and more. Some are free and open to the public, while others require tickets. See the full schedule and purchase festival passes on the website.
Friday, September 4
Austin Asian American Film Festival presents “Prismatic Taiwan:” A Queer Film Series
This festival will showcase groundbreaking Taiwanese cinema, with many featured films being premiered in the United States for the first time. Highlights include six rare film screenings, Q&As with filmmakers, and a live roundtable discussion featuring director Zero Chou. Visit the website for a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets. The series runs through September 13.
Saturday, September 5
Labor Day at Scholz Garten
Start the Labor Day celebrations early with an afternoon at Scholz Garten. Visitors can chow down on backyard barbecue specials and sip ice cold beer and specialty cocktails while staying socially distant in the large, open-air space. Stick around until sunset to catch Departure ATX perform live. Admission is free, and kids and dogs are welcome.
Weird Homes Tour
Explore some of the most wonderfully weird homes Austin has to offer without leaving your own abode. This year’s Weird Homes Tour is entirely virtual and will feature trips to a Tiny Treehouse Oasis, a sand dollar-shaped house on Lake Travis, and more whimsical spaces. For tickets, visit the event website.
CarBaret: Hill Country Drive-In Festival
Live music and cinema come together at Hye Rum Distillery. During the two-night event, CarBaret attendees can catch blockbuster film screenings and musical performances. On September 5, watch Jurassic Park and listen to tunes by Two Tons of Steel, and on September 6, see Raiders of the Lost Ark with live music from Walk This Way. Complimentary sanitizer and other safety-related swag will be provided to each car. Food and drink packages are also available for purchase, and the event benefits the Johnson City Fire Department. Visit the festival website to purchase tickets.
See whimsical and wonderful living spaces via the virtual Weird Homes Tour.
Festival style has evolved over the past few years. Attendees used to dress according to the mood of the festival; now it's about fitting the mood of your favorite headlining artist. Paulina Valencia and Maria Julia showed up to Day One ready to party with Charli XCX. Photo by Kenn Box
Despite the unusual weather, Elena Hobbes managed to make a classic boho outfit work with some practical footwear. Photo by Kenn Box
If you couldn't tell from the first few images, sequins were all over the festival grounds. Caeil Hwang styled herself in an asymmetrical sequined top and some moto boots with a western flare. Photo by Kenn Box
If you remember the 2000s, then you'll remember the Canadian tuxedo was a style staple. Flash forward two decades and it seems to have made its return, now with a more modern and structured fit. Maria Dupont styled herself in her best denim set for the utmost comfort. Photo by Kenn Box
Christian Hatley showed up to Day Two of the festival prepared and stylish. Photo by Kenn Box
Bringing the mid-2020s party girl vibe, Nidhi Kashyap's look is not only trendy but functional.Photo by Kenn Box
Camo and baby pink is always a cute pair! Deanna Harris is throwing it back to the Y2K era with her cropped graphic tank top and mini skirt. Early 2000s meets country chic in this look. Photo by Kenn Box
It's easy to focus on recreational festival-goers' style, but what about those there to work? Photographer Ryder Cavazos showed up to take some photos in style this year. Photo by Kenn Box
ACL Fest fashion has always had a hint of playfulness to it. Kenley Dunawai sported a South Park mini skirt paired with a black tank top. Photo by Kenn Box
Festival-goers don't need to reach out for Coachella and Marfa; Austin has its own sense of style. Luke Bame's camo shorts and fur vest are a prime example of what Austin's youth are wearing currently. Photo by Kenn Box
"Whismy" is a word that's been trending for quite some time now, and it's the perfect one to use for Audrey Dahlkemper's ACL Fest fit, from her printed rain boots to the tulle skirt.Photo by Kenn Box
Neutral tones are here to stay. Sara Chaney rocks a pair of sturdy Doc Martens to help her trek through the muddy grounds.Photo by Kenn Box
Vintage pieces are a staple in Austin. Andrew Silvas was seen sporting a vintage graphic tank and a classic pair of denim pants on Day Three of the festival. Photo by Kenn Box
Carrington Joseph puts a fun twist on the denim trend with her denim vest. Of course, the look isn't complete without her beaded accessories. Photo by Kenn Box
Negin Nekoonam is the effortlessly cool girl in her white dress accessorized with mud.Photo by Kenn Box
The psychedelic rave combo is one of the best subcultures in ACL Fest street style. Jamison Schilling had the defining countercultural look — though it may become mainstream as the festival begins to book more rave-friendly DJs. (And how about that muddy ombré effect?)Photo by Kenn Box
Graphic tees, camo, and Hunter boots formed a combo seen all over the grounds. Hayley Sherman was spotted wearing all three in the most stylish manner. Photo by Kenn Box
Comfort was key this year. Chantel Smith managed to style comfortable pieces into a cohesive and unique look. Photo by Kenn Box
Trucker hats are making big waves in fashion at the moment. Arden Loss is seen wearing an "I Heart Hot Dads" trucker hat paired with a floral babydoll dress. Photo by Kenn Box
The best festival fits make good use of accessories, and Ashley Galvan is the queen of accessorizing. Photo by Kenn Box
For Baylee Tincher and Peter Jones this year, style was about attitude and performance.Photo by Kenn Box
The protective footwear micro-trend will go down in ACL Fest history.Photo by Kenn Box