Best Austin April Festivals You CAN’T Miss This Year!
Sunshine, bluebonnets, and festival season – April in Austin TX has arrived with a bang! If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect blend of music, food, and unforgettable experiences, Austin in April offers the ultimate playground. With perfect Austin in April weather (hello, 70s and gentle breezes!), it’s no wonder this Texas hotspot becomes festival central during spring. Ready to plan your ultimate weekend getaway? Here’s your guide to the absolute best Austin April festivals you can’t miss in 2025!
Ultimate Austin April Festival Experience Guide
Plan your perfect festival weekend with our insider tips
Festival
Best For
Pro Tip
Nearby Eats
Rodeo Austin
Families · Country fans · Foodies
Arrive early for free parking & best seats
Salt Lick BBQ (5 min drive)
Reggae Fest
Couples · Relaxation · Charity supporters
Bring a blanket and sunscreen
Bouldin Creek Cafe (vegan options)
Moontower Comedy
Date night · Groups · Nightlife
Buy badges for best value
Easy Tiger (craft beers & pretzels)
Settlers Music Fest
Music discovery · Nature lovers · Foodies
Pack a picnic for lawn seating
Wildfire (farm-to-table)
ABC Kite Fest
All ages · Photography · Free fun
Park at Republic Square and shuttle
Chuy’s (iconic Tex-Mex)
Film Fest
Cinephiles · Creatives · Night owls
Check schedule for Q&A sessions
Josephine House (upscale casual)
Pro Tip: Book your CuddlyNest stay near multiple festivals to maximize your experience!
Why April in Austin Is Festival Paradise
Perfect Weather: 65-80°F temperatures – not too hot, not too cold ✓
Full Bloom: Wildflowers everywhere for gorgeous photo ops ✓
Pre-Summer Crowds: Experience major events before peak tourist season ✓
Outdoor Paradise: From Zilker Park to Fiesta Gardens, venues shine in springtime ✓
1. Rodeo Austin: Wild West Meets Star-Studded Concerts
When: April 1-16, 2025
Where: Travis County Expo Center
Cost: $15-75 (concerts extra)
Family-Friendly: YES! (Kids 6 and under free)
Why You Can’t Miss It:
Watch professional cowboys compete for serious prize money
Enjoy a live music festival from country legends including Miranda Lambert and Sturgill Simpson
Experience carnival rides, livestock shows, and classic rodeo action
Feast on championship BBQ and classic Texas fair treats
Kid-friendly activities throughout the day make it perfect for the whole family
“Rodeo Austin isn’t just a rodeo – it’s the ultimate Texas cultural experience where cowboy traditions meet world-class entertainment.” – Austin Monthly.
2. Austin Reggae Fest: Good Vibes, Great Cause
When: April 18-20, 2025
Where: Fiesta Gardens
Cost: $25/day or $60/weekend pass
Family-Friendly: YES! (Kids under 12 free with adult)
Why It’s Essential:
Three days of island vibes along Lady Bird Lake
All proceeds benefit the Central Texas Food Bank (bring canned goods for the food drive)
International and local reggae artists across two stages
Amazing food trucks featuring Caribbean cuisine and plenty of things vegan
Local vendors selling unique crafts, clothing, and jewellery
Chill atmosphere perfect for spreading out a blanket and relaxing
3.Moontower Comedy Festival: Laughs Across The City
When: April 10-13, 2025
Where: Various venues including Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin
Cost: $99-299 (badges); $25-65 (single shows)
Family-Friendly: NO (18+ for most shows)
What Makes It Awesome:
100+ performances across 10+ venues featuring comedy superstars
Intimate shows where you might catch tomorrow’s SNL cast members
Late-night showcases that push boundaries and guarantee belly laughs
Podcast recordings with audience participation
New interactive comedy workshops for aspiring comedians
Perfect date night or friends weekend activity.
4. Settlers Music Festival: The Rising Star
When: April 25-27, 2025
Where: San Gabriel Park
Cost: $85/day or $195/weekend pass
Family-Friendly: YES! (Sunday especially kid-friendly)
Why Music Lovers Are Obsessed:
Intimate multi-genre music festival showcasing indie rock, folk, and country music
Four stages set along the picturesque San Gabriel River
Emerging artists playing alongside established acts
Family day on Sunday with special kids’ programming
Curated food experiences featuring local chefs’ feast options
Craft beer garden and specialty tea bar
Easy parking and spacious grounds (no overcrowding!)
“Settlers Music Festival delivers the perfect balance – big enough to attract amazing talent, small enough to actually enjoy the experience.” – Rolling Stone.
5. ABC Kite Fest: A Colourful Tradition Takes Flight
When: April 6, 2025
Where: Zilker Park
Cost: FREE! (Donations welcome)
Family-Friendly: ABSOLUTELY!
Why It’s Magic:
Austin’s oldest festival (96 years and counting!)
Hundreds of colourful kites filling the sky above Zilker Park
Kite-making workshops for kids of all ages
Professional demonstrations and friendly competitions
MossFest Children’s Concert with family-friendly performers
International selections bringing global perspectives to Austin
“The spring film festival has become Austin’s incubator for bold new cinematic voices – catch them here before they’re famous.” – Film Comment.
Looking Ahead: Must-Know Austin Events May 2025
Pecan Street Festival (May 3-4): Arts, crafts, and free music
Hot Sauce Festival (May 17): Fiery competition at Fiesta Gardens
Austin Wine & Food Festival (May 23-25): Culinary stars at Auditorium Shores
Memorial Day Concert at Circuit of the Americas (May 26): Featuring Los Tigres Del Norte
Where to Stay: Festival Season Smart Picks
Downtown ($$)
The Driskill Hotel: Historic luxury in the heart of downtown Austin
W Austin: Sleek modern option with rooftop pool near Paramount Theatre
Fairmont Austin: Upscale tower with multiple restaurants and bars
East Austin ($)
Native Hostel: Hip budget-friendly option with social spaces
ARRIVE East Austin: Stylish boutique hotel near Fiesta Gardens
East Austin Hotel: Mid-century modern vibes with courtyard pool
South Austin ($)
Austin Motel: Iconic retro property near Zilker Park
Carpenter Hotel: Converted union hall with excellent restaurant
Colton House Hotel: All-suite accommodations ideal for families
Georgetown ($)
Sheraton Georgetown: Modern comfort near San Gabriel Park
Sweet Lemon Inn: Charming B&B in Georgetown’s historic district
5 Pro Tips for Festival Success
Stay Hydrated: Texas sun is no joke, even in April!
Plan Transportation: Ride share or shuttle to avoid parking nightmares
Cash Is King: Many local vendors still prefer cash, especially at food booths
Layer Up: Temps can swing 20° between afternoon and evening
Follow Social: Last-minute lineup changes happen – follow festival accounts.
Don’t just visit Austin – experience it at its most vibrant and welcoming during festival season. Ready to make it happen? Book your perfect festival home base on CuddlyNest.com today and secure your spot at the heart of Austin’s legendary April celebrations! Use code GLOBALSALE for exclusive festival season discounts.
FAQs for Austin April Festivals You Can’t Miss
Are pets allowed at Austin’s April festivals?
Most festivals don’t allow pets (except service animals), but ABC Kite Fest and some outdoor events are pet-friendly—always check the festival’s rules beforehand.
What’s the best way to get around during festival weekends?
Rideshares, bikes, or CapMetro buses are best—downtown parking is limited, and many festivals offer free shuttles (like Rodeo Austin).
Can I bring my own food/drinks to the festivals?
Most allow sealed water bottles, but outside food/drinks are usually prohibited (except for baby supplies or dietary needs—check policies).
Do Austin April festivals sell out?
Yes! Comedy badges, Rodeo concert tickets, and film passes often sell out—buy early, especially for weekend events.
