Producers with the Pecan Street Festival announced Aug. 25 that the biannual celebration would return to the Hill Country Galleria this fall from Sept. 13-14. Here are a few details to know about the festival.

The overview

The festival was first relocated to the Hill Country Galleria in May as a solution to space constraints on Sixth Street, where it has historically taken place.

In May, Austin city officials expressed an interest in bringing the event back to Sixth Street, but festival producers said it would return to the Hill Country Galleria due to lower costs, positive feedback from vendors and increased space, Pecan Street Festival Executive Producer Luis Zapata said.

The details

“We had to move both because expenses in the city of Austin impacted the show financially, considerably, and second of all because the streets transformed, and so we didn't have a way to actually activate the show,” Zapata said.

No decision has yet been made on where future festivals will take place.

“[Moving back downtown] is a decision to be made by the board, eventually,” Zapta said. “A very influential factor is [the] environment, the safety, the cleanliness and the easier method of operation at the Hill Country Galleria.”

What’s new?

For the festival’s second go-around at the Hill Country Galleria, a few new features will be introduced, including a full block of children’s carnival rides. The Central Plaza Lawn in front of the Bee Cave Library will also offer art workshops for kids, as well as other activities.

“[The Central Plaza Lawn] is basically the heart of the festival, and it's a very special place because our parents can sit down [and] watch their kids while they play,” Zapata said. “We’re going to have balloons, beach balls, dance lessons in between bands, self-defense classes—everything for free.”

What’s next?

Although a decision has not been made regarding where future Pecan Street Festival celebrations will take place, Zapata expressed interest in continuing to work with Bee Cave and the Hill Country Galleria.

“It’s going to be up to the reality of the future. We don't know at this moment what the future is saving for us,” Zapata said. “If at this point you were to ask me my preference as a producer, it would certainly be working with the city of Bee Cave.”