Travel
A Guide to Austin’s Best Festivals
Been-there tips to help you get the most out of Austin’s best festivals.
Pecan Street Festival
Located on 6th street, called Pecan street back in the day (hence the festival’s name), this is a wholesome weekend event held in May. (And also free! Loving Austin already?) Take your entire extended family on a lovely Saturday/Sunday morning stroll to see food vendors and craft vendors from the surrounding area. Sunscreen and water will be needed once again.
This festival is pretty much a huge Farmer’s Market. Everything is local. You’ll be intrigued by lots of hand-made items you don’t need (like paper roses or cat sculptures), and you’ll buy them anyway. Because that’s what you do at craft festivals—you buy a ton of stuff you don’t need. In the past, I’ve bought candles, handbags, marbles, organic soap, bracelets… Don’t feel bad if you overspend (and you will overspend). All your money goes towards supporting the local community.
TIPS:
- Dress comfortably. This applies to all festivals, really.
- Bring cash for crepes and home-made jams. (Do Austinites spend all their money on food? Yes.)
- If you don’t want to buy something, don’t make eye contact. If you make contact, there goes your cash. On the bright side, you’ve acquired one more thing you don’t need!
- Walk slowly. Take in the scene. Try every sample shoved at your face.
- And when you’re tired of walking, pause for a few minutes and people watch. Was that a bearded man on a unicycle? Indeed it was.
Austinites are weird and well-practiced in the art of Southern hospitality. Above all else, they are proud of their city, and they want you to love Austin as much as they do.
As lively and amusing as the festivals are, they can get overwhelming. Lucky for you, Austinites are the most amicable people you’ll ever meet. If you need directions to get somewhere or suggestions about places to eat, don’t be afraid to ask.
Lillian Arnold
Just the name Pecan Festival makes me want to eat LOL
Brandy Warner
Austin is so underrated. I lived there for 2 years and wish I never left…
Margaret Palmer
ACL is maybe my favorite concert EVER!
Raquel Wilkerson
The Kite Festival might have to be added to my bucket list. The photos are amazing 🙂
Penny Hudson
I’m so envious, ACL sounds awesome
Jenny Gregory
America has a lot to offer between the coasts. Austin is a great example 🙂
Bobbie Lindsey
I’m kind afraid of anywhere in the midwest. Is that silly?
Darla Lynch
I can’t believe how much is going on in that little city! I wish Austin was on the sea. I’d move there!
Lorraine Montgomery
SXSW sounds too corporate for Austin
Sherry Sandoval
The kite one sounds amazeballs!