Austin's festival calendar is a big part of its identity. The two giants anchor it, with a deep bench year-round.
SXSW (March)
South by Southwest is a sprawling festival spanning music, film, and "Interactive" — the technology and startup track that draws people worldwide. It effectively takes over the city for a week and a half.
Austin City Limits Music Festival (October)
ACL Fest fills Zilker Park across two fall weekends with a huge multi-genre lineup — distinct from the ACL TV program that shares the name.
Film & TV
The Austin Film Festival celebrates screenwriting; Fantastic Fest at the Alamo Drafthouse is a beloved genre-film festival; and the ATX TV Festival — Austin's "TV camp for grown-ups" — brings cast reunions and industry panels each spring.
Food & more
Food and drink events, marathons, and neighborhood festivals fill in the rest of the year.