Explore Texas Music Festivals

Texas music festivals bring the state’s legendary live music scene to life, with everything from major multi-genre events in Austin and the Hill Country to intimate folk gatherings to destination festivals set against the landscapes of West Texas. Across the state, music lovers can catch chart-topping headliners, discover emerging artists, camp under the stars and experience the communities that have helped shape Texas music.

Experience Live Music Festivals in Austin and the Hill Country

From major headliners in the heart of Austin to intimate gatherings surrounded by Hill Country scenery, Central Texas offers some of the state’s most recognizable (and varied) music festival experiences.

Austin City Limits: Big-Name Acts in the Heart of Austin

Every October, downtown Austin’s Zilker Park transforms into a music lover’s paradise during the Austin City Limits (ACL) Festival. This iconic two-weekend event draws fans from around the globe to catch world-class headliners and emerging artists spanning rock, pop, hip-hop, and country. Beyond the stages, ACL brings together local food, craft beverages, and family-friendly zones dubbed “Austin Kiddie Limits.” Set against Austin’s iconic skyline, the festival captures the essence of why Austin is celebrated as the Live Music Capital of the World®.

SXSW Music Festival: Discover What’s Next in Music

Want to hear the next big thing before everyone else? That spirit of discovery is at the heart of the SXSW Music Festival, where artists from around the world take over stages across Austin each March. From rising talent and buzzworthy newcomers to established names, performances span genres and venues throughout the city.

SXSW is part of a larger celebration of creativity that also encompasses film and TV, innovation and comedy. Spend the day exploring everything the festival has to offer, then head out for an evening of live performances at a club, theater, patio or unexpected venue for a show; you never know where you'll discover your next new favorite artist.

Kerrville Folk Festival: Americana, Folk & Songwriting

For 18 days each spring, the Kerrville Folk Festival weaves music into the natural beauty of Quiet Valley Ranch. This festival draws devotees of folk and Americana to a place where these genres are alive and well. Camp under the stars, join a workshop, or settle in for an afternoon of live music surrounded by the Texas Hill Country. With its intimate atmosphere and docus on the roots of Americana music, Kerrville is a beloved gathering for those who cherish a different kind of festival experience.

Old Settler’s Music Festival: Bluegrass & Americana in the Hill Country

Tucked away in Driftwood, the Old Settler’s Music Festival is a multi-day celebration of Americana and bluegrass music. Performances light up multiple stages surrounded by the stunning Texas Hill Country, creating a distinctly Texas setting.

Utopiafest: Music, Art & Camping Under the Stars

In the Hill Country town of Utopia, Utopiafest is a music and arts festival featuring an eclectic selection of musicians, visual artists, comedians, and workshops. Held on a ranch, the festival offers a laid-back atmosphere where attendees can camp close to the action while enjoying performances and programming. The festival's community focused atmosphere and emphasis on sustainability add another dimension to the experience. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors and relax while soaking up some great music and art.

Discover Music Festivals Across West Texas

Wide-open landscapes and distinctive West Texas communities provide the backdrop for festivals that pair live performances with art, local flavors and experiences that encourage visitors to explore beyond the stage.

Viva Big Bend: A Multi-Town West Texas Music Festival

Viva Big Bend unfolds across Marfa, Alpine, and Fort Davis, filling four days with music and culture in the heart of West Texas. This festival celebrates the region’s eclectic spirit with local and touring artists perform at venues ranging from outdoor bars to historic spaces. Between shows, explore the towns’ art galleries, discover local restaurants and savor craft beverages. Or, venture into the surrounding mountains and desert landscapes for some outdoor adventure. For travelers looking to combine live music with a West Texas road trip, Viva Big Bend offers a memorable way to experience the region.

Flying Island: Genre-Defying Music Across Marfa

Flying Island brings an eclectic mix of music, food and art to Marfa during the fall multi-day event. Rather than centering the experience around a single festival ground, performances take place at venues throughout town, encouraging festival-goers to explore Marfa while discovering a genre-defying lineup of established and emerging artists.

Between shows, take in Marfa’s celebrated art scene, grab a bite at a local restaurant or simply soak up the otherworldly Chihuahuan Desert landscape. With music woven throughout one of West Texas’ most distinctive destinations, Flying Island offers a festival experience that feels as unexpected as its setting.

Way Out West Fest: Country Music in El Paso

Way Out West Fest brings a high-energy celebration of country music to downtown El Paso with national artists and rising regional talent taking the stage, while food, drinks and festival activities add to the experience between performances. 

The festival also highlights El Paso flavors and traditions, with events such as the Chili Challenge, and Quest for the Best Margarita Competition. Add some two-stepping to the mix and Way Out West Fest puts a lively El Paso spin on a Texas music festival.

Pair Live Music with a Texas Gulf Coast Getaway

Along the Texas coast, live music becomes part of the destination experience, giving festival-goers a chance to pair performances with time by the water.

Port Aransas Live Music Weekend: Music by the Coast

Port Aransas Live Music Weekend pairs live performances with the easygoing atmosphere of a Texas beach getaway. During the weekend, artists bring country, rock, blues and other styles to venues throughout Port Aransas, putting the island's already lively music scene in the spotlight. 

Spend the day on the beach, grab fresh Gulf seafood and catch live music into the evening, all without leaving the island. It’s a relaxed alternative to the traditional festival experience, with plenty of Port Aransas personality mixed in.

Music Festivals in San Antonio

San Antonio’s festival scene brings music together with the city’s deep cultural traditions, creating celebrations that extend well beyond the stage.

Muertos Fest: Music, Art & Día de los Muertos Traditions

Muertos Fest fills San Antonio’s Hemisfair with live music, art and meaningful Día de los Muertos traditions. Performances across multiple stages share the festival with colorful altars, processions, workshops and a bustling marketplace, creating an experience centered on both celebration and remembrance.

Between performances, explore the community-built altars honoring loved ones who have passed, then watch dancers, drummers, puppets and other participants make their way through Hemisfair during the festival’s processions. With music, visual art and cultural traditions all sharing the spotlight, Muertos Fest offers a distinctly San Antonio way to celebrate Día de los Muertos.

Plan Your Texas Music Festival Trip

A music festival can be more than a day or weekend of performances - it can be a reason to explore an entirely new part of Texas. Make it a road trip and pair music with local experiences. Festivals in the Hill Country and West Texas are opportunities to explore small towns, scenic landscapes, local restaurants and outdoor attractions along the way. Plan ahead for more festivals and events across Texas.