EVENTS 2025
Jan 19
3M Half Marathon
Renowned for its fast, downhill course, the 3M Half Marathon starts in north Austin and finishes near the Texas State Capitol. Runners enjoy a net elevation drop of over 300 feet, making it a favorite for personal bests. Learn more at downhilltodowntown.com.
Jan 24-26
Austin Bacon and Beer Festival
This festival celebrates the perfect pairing of bacon-inspired dishes and craft beers. Local chefs and breweries collaborate to offer unique tastings, accompanied by live music and entertainment. Details online at edibleaustin.com.
Feb 14-16
Austin Marathon and Half Marathon
This annual event attracts runners from around the world to traverse a scenic route through Austin’s iconic neighborhoods and landmarks. Beyond the races, the weekend includes a health and fitness expo and post-race festivities. Learn more at youraustinmarathon.com.
Feb 20-23
OUTsider Festival
An annual transmedia festival celebrating the bold originality and creative nonconformity of the LGBTQ+ community, featuring film screenings, performances, and art exhibitions. Complete details at outsiderfest.org.
Mar 7-15
South by Southwest (SXSW)
A premier event combining film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences. SXSW transforms Austin into a global cultural hub, showcasing emerging talent and innovative projects. Learn more online at sxsw.com.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Lively restaurant & bar for upscale Southwestern cuisine made with ingredients from local farms.
2500 Hoppe Trail, Round Rock, TX 78681
Phone: (512) 215-0372 | Web: jackallenskitchen.com
Good Luck Grill
Comfortable outpost for catfish, fried chicken & other Southern classics, plus a kid-friendly patio.
14605 FM973, Manor, TX 78653
Phone: (512) 272-8777 | Web: goodluckgrill.com
Sangam Chettinad Indian Cuisine
Inviting dining room in a modest building where a lengthy menu of regional Indian fare is served. 6001 W Parmer Ln #140, Austin, TX 78727
Phone: (512) 770-1104 | Web: sangamchettinad.com
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Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.
Fonda San Miguel
Sophisticated takes on traditional Mexican cuisine served in a colorful, hacienda-style space.
2330 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX
Pizza Day
Storefront delivering creative pies with organic toppings, including vegan & gluten-free options.
10225 Research Blvd #110, Great Hills station, Austin TX,
Tumble22
About Tumble22
Nashville-style hot chicken joint with southern sides, milkshakes, beer, wine & cocktails.
7211 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX
Shu Shu’s Asian Cuisine
Straightforward Chinese kitchen serving up rice dishes & noodles, plus lunch specials.
8303 Burnet Rd #1, Austin, TX
Titaya’s Thai Cuisine
Traditional Thai & fusion dishes are served at this popular, modern bistro.
5501 N Lamar Blvd Suite C101, Austin, TX
Bufalina Due
Handcrafted Neapolitan pies with artisanal ingredients join beer & wine in a cool space.
6555 Burnet Rd #100, Austin, TX
Top Notch Hamburgers
Austin mainstay since 1971 for burgers & onion rings in a vintage setting with curbside service.
7525 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX
Santorini Cafe
Gyros, baklava & other Greek snacks served in a cheery white cottage with a wine bar & patio.
11800 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX
EVENTS 2025
Mar 14-29
Rodeo Austin
Since 1938, Rodeo Austin has been a cornerstone event, featuring traditional rodeo competitions, live music concerts, a fair, and livestock shows. It’s a celebration of Texas’s rich cowboy heritage. Visit us at rodeoaustin.com to learn more.
Mar 14-15
All Things Food Summit by Food Tank
Part of the SXSW festivities, this summit brings together food enthusiasts, experts, and innovators to discuss sustainable food practices. Attendees can enjoy panels, workshops, and networking opportunities focused on the future of food. Visit Austin.eater.com.
April 4-5
ABC Kite Fest
One of Austin’s oldest traditions, this festival fills the skies over Zilker Park with colorful kites. Families and kite enthusiasts gather for contests, kitemaking workshops, and picnics. Details at abckitefest.org.
April 18-19
Austin Reggae Festival
Celebrating reggae music and culture, this festival features live performances from international and local artists, along with food and craft vendors. Proceeds benefit the Central Texas Food Bank. Learn more at austinreggaefest.com.
Apr 9-13
Indie Meme Film Festival
The Indie Meme Film Festival brings the best of South Asian and Iranian cinema to Austin audiences. The festival features in-person screenings, Q&A sessions, mixers, and opportunities to engage with filmmakers, offering a unique cultural experience. Learn more at austintexas.org.
EVENTS 2025
Apr 10
Art in the Park Festival
This annual festival features live music, entertainment, food trucks, and art booths suitable for all ages and abilities. Held at Fiesta Gardens, it offers a vibrant environment for community engagement and artistic expression. Details at eventbrite.com.
Apr 24-27
Old Settler’s Music Festival Spring Pickin’ Party
Central Texas’ signature music event featuring Grammy-winning Americana artists, arts and crafts, camping, food, and libations. The festival showcases acoustic jazz, blues, and bluegrass performed by local favorites and award-winning artists from around the world. Learn more at austintexas.org.
May 3-4
Pecan Street Festival
A free, bi-annual arts and crafts festival held on historic Sixth Street, featuring over 300 artisan vendors, live music on multiple stages, and a variety of food options. Learn more at pecanstreetfestival.org.
May 23-25
Hot Luck Festival
Combining the best of food and music, Hot Luck showcases top chefs and musicians in a relaxed, intimate setting. Attendees enjoy unique culinary creations alongside live performances. Details at hotluckfest.com.
May 30 - June 1
ILLfest Music and Street Art Festival
ILLfest is Austin’s premier music and street art festival, showcasing a diverse lineup of live and electronic music across three stages. The festival also features over 100 original hand-painted murals, an artisan craft vendor village, and a variety of culinary options. Attendees can immerse
EVENTS 2025
themselves in world-class production, interactive art installations, and surprise performances. Learn more at illfest.com.
Jun
13-14
ATX Television Festival
A festival that celebrates television’s past, present, and future, featuring screenings, panels, and Q&A sessions with creators and actors. It’s a must-attend for TV enthusiasts. Visit atxfestival.com.
Jun 20-21
Juneteenth Festival
Commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas, this festival includes a parade, live music, cultural exhibitions, and community gatherings. Visit austinparks.org.
Jun 20-22
FoodieLand Night Market
FoodieLand Night Market is a three-day outdoor food festival inspired by the famous open-air night markets of Asia. With over 175 vendors, the event offers a diverse range of culinary delights, from traditional street foods to innovative fusion dishes. In addition to the food, attendees can enjoy live music, art installations, and a variety of entertainment options, making it a family-friendly event that celebrates food and culture. Details at foodielandnm.com/austin/.
Jun 27-29
Brick Fiesta
Brick Fiesta is an annual Lego fan convention and exhibition that brings together enthusiasts of all ages. The event features impressive Lego displays, interactive building zones, and vendor booths selling unique Lego sets and accessories. It’s a celebration of creativity and engineering, providing inspiration and fun for both builders and spectators. Visit brickfiesta.com.
EVENTS 2025
Jul 4
Austin Symphony H-E-B July 4th Concert & Fireworks
A patriotic celebration featuring a live performance by the Austin Symphony, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Lady Bird Lake. Learn more at austinsymphony.org.
Jul 18-20
Classic Game Fest
The largest retro gaming event in Texas, offering gaming tournaments, vendor booths, live music, and cosplay contests, all celebrating classic video games. Visit classicgamefest.com.
Aug 7-9
Bat Fest
Celebrating Austin’s famous Mexican free-tailed bats, this festival includes live music, arts and crafts vendors, food stalls, and a bat costume contest, all timed with the bats’ evening flight. Details at roadwayevents.com.
Aug 29-31
Capital City Black Film Festival
Dedicated to showcasing the work of Black filmmakers, this festival features film screenings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, highlighting diverse stories and perspectives. Details at filmfreeway.com.
Sep 12-14
ArmadilloCon
A literary science fiction convention focusing on written speculative fiction, with panels, workshops, and readings from authors, editors, and fans. Visit armadillocon.org.
Sep 25-27
Fantastic Fest
The largest genre film festival in the U.S., specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and action movies from around the world, with screenings, Q&A
sessions, and special events. Learn more at fantasticfest.com.
Oct 3-5 and 10-12
Austin City Limits Music Festival
A two-weekend event featuring a diverse lineup of artists across multiple genres, held in Zilker Park. The festival also offers food vendors, art markets, and activities for all ages. Learn more at aclfestival.com.
Oct 24-31
Austin Film Festival
Celebrating its 32nd year, this festival focuses on screenwriting and filmmaking, offering film screenings, panels, and workshops with industry professionals. Learn more at austinfilmfestival.com.
Oct 25
Austin Coffee Festival
The Austin Coffee Festival is a celebration of the city’s vibrant coffee scene, bringing together local roasters, artisans, and coffee enthusiasts. Attendees can enjoy unlimited tastings of specialty coffees, witness latte art demonstrations, and participate in interactive workshops. The festival also features live music and food vendors, making it a comprehensive cultural experience. Details at eventbrite.com.
Oct 2025 TBA
Field Guide Festival
The Field Guide Festival connects attendees directly with Austin’s local food system by bringing together chefs, farmers, and artisans. The event offers seasonal dishes prepared by top local chefs, educational workshops, and opportunities to engage with local farmers. It’s an immersive experience that celebrates sustainable and community-focused food practices. Learn more at fieldguidefest.com.
Nov 15-16
Texas Book Festival
Established in 1995, the Texas Book Festival is one of the largest and
Be Flexible: Travel during off-peak seasons for cheaper flights and accommodations. Midweek flights are often more affordable than weekend ones.
Stay Smart: Skip pricey hotels and opt for hostels, vacation rentals, or even house-sitting gigs.
Eat Local: Ditch the tourist traps and try street food or local markets for authentic, wallet-friendly meals.
Use Freebies: Many cities offer free walking tours, museums with free days, and parks brimming with charm.
Plan Ahead: Book tickets early to snag the best deals.
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. With these tips, you can make memories that are priceless—without spending a fortune! Where will your next adventure take you?
EVENTS 2025
most prestigious literary festivals in the country. Held annually in Austin, it features readings, panel discussions, and book signings from renowned authors, along with activities for readers of all ages. The event also includes live music, local food vendors, and opportunities to purchase books from various genres. Visit texasbookfestival.org.
Nov 21, 2025
Cross Champs
The Cross Champs is a professional cross country running competition held annually in Austin. Taking place at Camp Mabry, the event attracts elite runners competing over an 8-kilometer course. Recognized as a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold status meeting, it is the only such event in the United States. Visit soundrunning.run.
December 1-31
Zilker Holiday Tree
A cherished Austin tradition since 1967, the Zilker Holiday Tree stands 155 feet tall and is adorned with over 3,000 colored lights. Located in Zilker Park, the tree is lit nightly throughout December, offering a festive display for visitors. The lighting ceremony typically includes live music and food vendors, marking the start of the holiday season in Austin. Learn more at austintexas.gov.
December 1-31
Austin Trail of Lights
The Austin Trail of Lights is an annual event that transforms Zilker Park into a winter wonderland. Featuring over 2 million lights, the trail includes more than 65 displays, interactive scenes, and holiday-themed attractions. Visitors can enjoy festive food, live entertainment, and activities suitable for all ages, making it a highlight of the holiday season in Austin. Visit austintrailoflights.org.
AUSTIN LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Health & Wellness Committee maps out strategies to convene healthcare providers to impact the health and wellness of LGBT Austin.
AUSTINLGBTCHAMBER.COM | 512.761.5428
EQUALITY TEXAS
Equality Texas works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.
EQUALITYTEXAS.ORG | 512.474.5475
PFLAGAUSTIN
PFLAG Austin is a chapter of a national non-profit organization, and provides free, confidential support groups for Austin, Texas area LGBTQ persons (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning) along with their family and friends. PFLAG Austin is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a local chapter of the national PFLAG organization.
PFLAGAUSTIN.ORG | 512.302.3524
ALLGO
Allgo nurtures and celebrates queer people of color by building, educating, and mobilizing communities toward a just and equitable society.
ALLGO.ORG | 512.472.2001
KINDCLINIC
Kind Clinic strives to empower our communities to embrace their sexual health and wellness without fear, shame or judgment. Kind accepts all Texans, providing PrEP, PEP, STI Testing & Treatment, HIV Testing & Care and Gender Affirming Care through both virtual care and our clinics in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio. Come see us. We’d like to see you!
KINDCLINIC.ORG | 1-833-WE-R-KIND
WEDDING FESTIVAL & EVENT VENUE
Elm Pass Woods front inside cover
Feeling drained by endless notifications and screen time? A digital detox might be just what you need to reclaim your energy and focus!
Start small—try unplugging for an hour a day. Use this time to read, journal, or simply relax. Gradually extend your tech-free periods to rediscover what life feels like offline.
Create phone-free zones, like your bedroom or dinner table, to reconnect with yourself and loved ones. Replace mindless scrolling with meaningful hobbies, like painting, yoga, or gardening.
You’ll notice big changes: better sleep, improved concentration, and more time for what truly matters. It’s not about ditching tech completely—it’s about finding balance.
So, go ahead! Power down to power up your life. What will you do with your reclaimed time?
