Things to Do in Austin

Tickets, tours and experiences in Austin, United States

Events in Austin

202 events

About Austin

Austin proudly wears its title as the Live Music Capital of the World, and the city's event calendar backs up the claim with an extraordinary concentration of festivals, concerts, and sporting events. South by Southwest in March is a massive convergence of music, film, and technology that takes over the entire city for nearly two weeks. The Austin City Limits Music Festival fills Zilker Park across two weekends in October with over 100 acts on multiple stages. The Moody Center, opened in 2022, is a 15,000-seat arena that hosts major concert tours, UFC events, and University of Texas basketball. Circuit of the Americas brings Formula 1 to Austin each fall for the United States Grand Prix, along with MotoGP and other motorsport events on its 3.4-mile track. Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium seats over 100,000 for UT Longhorns football, one of the most intense college football atmospheres in the country. Austin FC plays MLS soccer at Q2 Stadium in North Austin. The Sixth Street entertainment district and Red River Cultural District are packed with live music venues including Stubb's BBQ, Mohawk, Emo's, and the historic Continental Club on South Congress. The Long Center for the Performing Arts overlooks Lady Bird Lake and presents ballet, symphony, and theater. With warm weather most of the year and a culture that celebrates live performance, Austin delivers events nearly every night.

Highlights

  • South by Southwest transforms the city each March with music, film, and tech events
  • Austin City Limits Music Festival draws 450,000 fans across two October weekends
  • Circuit of the Americas hosts Formula 1 and MotoGP on a world-class racing circuit
  • The Moody Center opened in 2022 as Austin's premier arena for concerts and sports

Tips for Visiting Austin

SXSW badges sell out and hotels book fast so plan months in advance for March

Sixth Street and Red River venues often have no cover on weeknights for discovering new music

ACL Festival tickets go on sale well before the lineup is announced and sell out quickly

Bring sunscreen and water to outdoor events as Austin temperatures regularly exceed 100F in summer

Frequently Asked Questions About Austin

When is SXSW and how does it work?

SXSW takes place in March and spans roughly ten days. It includes a music festival, film festival, and interactive technology conference. Badges and wristbands provide access to different tiers of events. Hundreds of unofficial showcases happen simultaneously across the city, many of which are free.

What sports events can I attend in Austin?

UT Longhorns football at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium seats over 100,000 and games sell out regularly. The Moody Center hosts UT basketball and major events. Austin FC plays MLS soccer at Q2 Stadium. Circuit of the Americas hosts the F1 US Grand Prix, MotoGP, and NASCAR. The Round Rock Express play minor league baseball nearby.

What is the live music scene like beyond festivals?

Austin has over 250 live music venues. The Red River Cultural District features Mohawk, Stubb's, and Cheer Up Charlies. South Congress has the Continental Club and C-Boy's Heart and Soul. Antone's is legendary for blues. The Paramount Theatre and Bass Concert Hall host larger touring acts. Free live music can be found almost any night of the week.