Free festivities are promising an entertaining and budget-friendly few days ahead. Enjoy the spring edition of the famous Pecan Street Festival, now hosted at the Hill Country Galleria, or spend an afternoon grooving to live music outdoors on the lawn as part of the ongoing Concerts in the Park series at the Long Center. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, click over to our calendar.
Friday, May 8
The Flaming Lips will perform live at Austin Psych Fest.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar presents May Market
Explore and shop the work of nearly 200 regional artists and makers at Blue Genie Art Bazaar’s annual May Market. Inventory includes a range of wares like apparel, ceramics, body care, fine art, home decor, jewelry, and more. DIY card printing is also available on site on Saturdays. May Market is open through May 31. Admission is free and open to the public.
Almost Real Things presents "Touch the Art" opening reception
Give into your impulses at this unique exhibit that encourages touching of the artwork at Canopy Austin. Visitors can study and explore tactile, interactive work from over 80 artists showcasing pieces of all mediums. Tickets are on sale now. Admission is free for children ages 3 and under. Following opening reception, the exhibition will be on display through July 5.
Austin Psych Fest
Psychedelic sound and alt rock return to Austin for three days of otherworldly festivities at the Far Out Lounge & Stage. Fans can expect a weekend showcasing indie rock and psych bands on the rise alongside legends. The lineup includes performances by The Black Angles, La Lom, Thee Sacred Souls, and the Flaming Lips. Get more details on Eventim.
Saturday, May 9
Pecan Street Festival
An iconic annual Austin festival continues its programming at Hill Country Galleria. Highlights of the two-day spring edition of the Pecan Street Festival include live music performances, food vendors, craft stations, a petting zoo, carnival rides, an art market, and more. Admission is free and open to the public.
The Paramount 111th Anniversary Gala featuring Lukas Nelson
Celebrate the impact of the Paramount Theatre with an evening of entertainment and philanthropy. Anniversary gala festivities include a headlining concert by Grammy-winning artist Lukas Nelson, a menu crafted by Culinary Chair and Michelin-star chef Michael Fojtasek, and more music from the Love & Happiness Band. Guests are encouraged to don their best 1970s attire in celebration of the evening’s vintage, time-traveling theme. A limited number of tickets are available.
Sunday, May 10
Austin Symphony Orchestra presents Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park
Classical music fills the open air as part of the annual Austin Symphony Orchestra’s Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park series. This week’s show will feature music by the orchestra's string ensemble. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic dinners, lawn chairs, blankets, and beverages to the lawn at the Long Center for the Performing Arts for the most comfortable listening experience. The concert is free and open to the public. Shows continue through June 14.
Moody Center presents Romeo Santos and Prince Royce in concert
Latin music superstar Romeo Santos performs live alongside Prince Royce at Moody Center. The artists affectionately known as the “King of Bachata” and “prince of bachata,” respectively come to Austin in support of their 2025 joint album, Better Late Than Never. Get more details on Ticketmaster.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri