If you're a fan of live music and the great outdoors, Austin, Texas, is the place to be. This vibrant city is home to a few of the best outdoor music festivals in the country, featuring a diverse range of genres and artists. And with Texas Shuttle, getting to and from these festivals has always been challenging. Whether you're a local looking for a fun weekend activity or a visitor, here's a guide to Austin's best outdoor music festivals and how to get there with Texas Shuttle.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
One of the country's biggest and most popular music festivals, Austin City Limits, takes place over two weekends in October and features a lineup of top-tier musicians from various genres. The festival is held in Zilker Park, a beautiful green space in the city's center, and offers a wide range of food, drink, and art vendors in addition to music. Austin City Limits details
South by Southwest (SXSW)
While not exclusively a music festival, South by Southwest (SXSW) is one of the world's largest and most influential gatherings of musicians, filmmakers, and tech innovators. The festival takes place every March and includes hundreds of live music performances in venues throughout the city, film screenings, keynote speakers, and interactive exhibits. SXSW travel tips
Old Settler's Music Festival
This annual festival, held every April, celebrates roots and Americana music with a lineup of established and up-and-coming artists. Old Settler's takes place in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, about 30 miles outside of Austin, and includes camping, art vendors, and local food and drink options. Old Settler's transportation
LEVITATION
LEVITATION is to be noticed by fans of psychedelic and experimental music. This festival takes place in various venues around the city in November and features established and emerging artists. In addition to the music, there are also film screenings, art installations, and other immersive experiences.
Getting to the Festivals with Texas Shuttle
Texas Shuttle offers comfortable and convenient transportation to these festivals and more. With multiple daily departures from several Texas cities, including San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas, Texas Shuttle makes it easy to get to the festivals without the hassle of driving and parking.
Plus, with amenities like free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, you can sit back and relax on your way to the festival or catch up on some work or social media while you travel.
Take advantage of Austin, Texas's best outdoor music festival. Book your trip with Texas Shuttle today and get ready to enjoy some incredible live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Austin City Limits Music Festival take place?
Austin City Limits takes place over two weekends in October.
Is Old Settler's Music Festival held indoors or outdoors?
Old Settler's Music Festival is held outdoors in the Texas Hill Country, about 30 miles outside Austin.
What kind of music can I expect at LEVITATION?
LEVITATION features established and emerging artists playing psychedelic and experimental music.
Does South by Southwest include film screenings?
Yes, SXSW includes hundreds of live music performances, film screenings, keynote speakers, and interactive exhibits.
- Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) dates: Oct 2-4 & 9-11, 2026 (source: aclfestival.com). That's a fact. - The festival began as a two-day event inspired by the TV show that started in 1975. (source: aclfestival.com) - Today ACL spans multiple weekends and features over 130 bands. (source: aclfestival.com) - SXSW started in 1987 as a small-scale event showcasing local talent. (source: austintexas.org) - Levitation, originally Austin Psych Fest, pays homage to psychedelic rock era of the 60s. (source: austintexas.org) - Austin Reggae Festival founded in 1994, takes place downtown, highlights reggae. (source: austintexas.org) - Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic is legendary, combining country music. (source: austintexas.org) - The Black Angels and The 13th Floor Elevators have performed at Hot Luck Festival and Pecan Street Festival. (source: austintexas.org) - Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is near Austin, offering high-speed racing. (source: austintexas.org)| Festival | Typical Month | Setting | Genre Focus | Signature Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin City Limits (ACL) | October | Zilker Park (351 acres, near Barton Springs Pool) | Rock, pop, indie, hip‑hop, electronic | Two‑weekend format, 130+ bands, local food trucks |
| South by Southwest (SXSW) | March | Downtown venues, including the Austin Convention Center, historic theaters | Alternative, indie, punk, metal, plus film & interactive | Official showcase shows, panels, film screenings |
| Old Settler’s Music Festival | April | Texan Hill Country, ~30 miles SE of Austin | Roots, Americana, folk, bluegrass | Camping, on‑site RV hookups, local craft vendors |
| LEVITATION | November | Various indoor/outdoor sites (e.g., The Far Out Lounge, Zilker Park) | Psychedelic, garage, experimental | Immersive light installations, art market |
| Austin Reggae Festival | April (late) | Auditorium Shores, downtown riverfront | Reggae, dub, island grooves | Community fundraiser, donations support local nonprofits |
| Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic | July | Circuit of the Americas (COTA) parking lot | Country, red dirt, folk | Fireworks display, guest artist collaborations |
