Our Guide to ATX: Music Events in 2026
Sky Jetta at Auntie’s House in November 2025.
Beyond SXSW and ACL, this is where the culture lives.
We all know about SXSW and ACL, but if you really want to experience Austin’s music scene, you’ve got to go deeper. As Austin’s cultural tour guide, we curated this guide to spotlight music events that locals love and visitors often miss.
Whether you’re planning a trip or looking to stay tapped in year-round, these festivals and gatherings showcase the sounds, stories, and communities that shape the city.
Winter
Free Week (January 9th-10th)
A citywide celebration of live music featuring local artists across multiple venues. Free Week is a perfect entry point into Austin’s grassroots music scene and a reminder that the city’s sound starts with its people.
Spring
Austin Reggae Festival (April 17th-19th)
A feel-good festival blending reggae, dub, and Caribbean influences with food, vendors, and family-friendly vibes—all in support of local nonprofits.
Austin Blues Festival (April 25th-26th)
A longtime Austin tradition honoring blues music and its deep cultural roots. Expect legendary performances, local vendors, and a community-centered atmosphere.
Summer
Babestock (June 12th-13th)
America's first and ONLY electronic music festival EXCLUSIVELY showcasing women and gender-expansive artists. This is an inclusive, joy-filled music festival rooted in liberation, creativity, and collective care. Babestock blends music, art, and intention into a truly unique Austin experience.
The Front Fest (Labor Day Weekend)
The Front Festival is an end-of-summer community festival, featuring independent music, film and art in Austin, Texas. Curated by Future Front, they put Texas women and LGBTQ+ artists at the front of our lineups. Everybody welcome.
Hot Summer Nights (TBA)
A multi-venue summer music series highlighting Austin’s nightlife and local artists. Perfect for discovering new sounds while exploring different corners of the city.
Fall
Eastside Kings Festival (TBA)
A celebration of East Austin culture featuring music, food, art, and community. This festival honors the neighborhood’s legacy while supporting local creatives and businesses.
Urban Music & Cultural Festival (TBA)
For over 19 years, the Urban Music & Cultural Fest has uplifted Black voices, supported local businesses, and created economic pathways through art and music. A genre-spanning event spotlighting R&B, hip-hop, soul, and urban contemporary sounds. A staple for fans of modern Black music and culture.
Monthly
Auntie’s House
Our signature community gathering where music, culture, and connection come together. Each edition is designed to feel like a family reunion—welcoming newcomers and day-ones alike. Stay tapped in on our Instagram page for upcoming dates.
Why This Guide Matters
Austin’s music scene is bigger than the big festivals. These events reflect the city’s heartbeat—local talent, cultural expression, and spaces where people come together to find their people.
Bookmark this guide, share it with your crew, and check back often, we’ll keep it updated with dates, links, and new additions throughout the year.
👉🏾 Want more like this? Explore our full ATX Starter Kit and Community Calendar.
