If you prefer sleek new vessels, then head over to the annual Austin Boat & Travel Trailer Show each January. The show features fishing boats, wakeboard boats, kayaks, runabouts, and cruisers from local and national dealers at the Austin Convention Center.
Don't let the musical event of the year pass you by. Buy a 3-day pass to the Austin City Limits Music Festival, a 130+ band outdoor festival every September on the banks of Lake Austin at Zilker Park. New artists like The National share the stage with heavyweights like Dave Matthews Band and Norah Jones.
Rock the catwalk at Austin Fashion Week in August, where the fashionably weird meet the stunningly hip in this parade of style setting look. Whether you're into makeup, hair, clothing or accessories, you'll find your muse before it's all over.
Austin Film Festival & Conference showcases the very best that the city has to offer – convenient downtown venues, fun parties at Austin’s fine bars and restaurants, and community partnerships – while presenting an outstanding program of narrative, animation and documentary features and shorts, including premieres, advanced screenings, and independent films.
Awaken your senses at the Austin Wine & Music Festival every May. Much more than what the name suggests, the festival features gourmet dishes, artisans and craftsmen, music, Texas wines and artisan local beers.
If you want to Keep Austin Weird (the unofficial city motto), then get yourself to the annual Eeyore's Birthday Party every April at Pease Park, where the bizarre and unusual are, well, perfectly normal. Come to the festival in costume, or else you'll stand out like a sore thumb.
In 2006, Fun Fun Fun Fest booked its first set of acts in downtown Austin and it didn't take long for it to become the darling of independent festivals for music lovers and music makers in the United States. Throughout the years, it has become renowned for its musical lineup, as well as its collection of comedy, food, action sports, and poster art experiences.
Jam out at the Old Settler's Music Festival, where you can count on the very best in roots and Americana music every April. The festival typically features over two dozen bands on four stages as well as performance workshops, arts and crafts, kids' activities, music store, and a youth talent competition.
Attend the South by Southwest Music & Film Interactive Festival, a two-week-long conference, festival, and trade show in March. Features up-and-coming bands, filmmakers and a host of creative types at various downtown locations with the hub of programming at the Austin Convention Center.
Ride 'em cowboy! Enjoy one of the largest indoor Pro Rodeo events in the world, the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo. Every March, the 16 days of fun include Pro Rodeos, a Livestock Show, concerts, a carnival, food, shopping and more!
Book lovers unite! Each October in the State Capitol, Austin holds the annual Texas Book Festival featuring more than 100 guest authors, speakers and special programs for kiddos. A bibliophile's dream come true.
Fly a kite or just gaze at the colorful sky during the Zilker Kite Festival, held the first Sunday in March. A kite-making workshop, face painting, games, contests, rock wall, moonwalks, and plenty of tasty food will hold your interest all afternoon.