From stand-up comedy to racing, there is no shortage of festivals in Austin.
Below is a list from the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau of upcoming festivals taking place in 2013. For information on the effect new and established festivals are having on the city, click here.
March 2
Grand-Am Road Racing | Circuit of The Americas
Grand-Am Road Racing showcases emerging and legendary drivers from throughout the world as well as sophisticated racing machines from the industry's leading constructors and the world's top automobile manufacturers. www.circuitoftheamericas.com
March 3
Zilker Kite Festival | Zilker Park
The Zilker Park Kite Festival is an event anyone may attend (pets, too). There is no admission to attend. See of hundreds of kites in the sky and enjoy a spring day in the park. Rain out day is March 10. www.zilkerkitefestival.com
March 8–17
South by Southwest Music and Media Conference | Austin Convention Center and more than 50 venues
Noted filmmakers, musicians and multimedia artists from throughout the world converge to showcase music, film and interactive media during this internationally recognized event. www.sxsw.com
March 8–23
Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo | Travis County Expo Center
Throughout the years, The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo has grown from a show featuring 16 animals into one of Austin's premier events, featuring ProRodeo events, daily concerts, livestock shows and more. www.rodeoaustin.com
March 29–30
Austin Urban Music Festival | Auditorium Shores
More than 15,000 music revelers annually converge on Auditorium Shores to enjoy Austin's only music festival focused on R&B, neo-soul and hip-hop music. The festival has consistently provided a venue for local performers as well as presented top national R&B acts who provide family-friendly entertainment. www.urbanmusicfest.com
April 6
Louisiana Swamp Thing and Crawfish Festival | Buda City Park
More than 5,000 pounds of crawfish are consumed at this annual event, which also features zydeco, brass band, funk, blues and rock music. www.roadwayevents.com
April 13–14
Art City Austin | Downtown Austin
Nearly 200 national artists, top local restaurants, two music stages and hands-on art activities make this one of the city's favorite festivals. www.artallianceaustin.org
April 24–27
Second Annual Moontower Comedy & Oddity Festival | The Paramount Theatre and other locations
The Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival presented by the Paramount Theatre brings some of the funniest, wittiest and oddest world-class comics from throughout the globe to Austin. This marathon of side-splitting nights throughout the city is slated to bring more than 100 comedians performing everything from stand-up and sketch to improv and musical comedy. National headliners, up-and-comers and Austin-based comedians ensure that there are options for every type of comedy fan. www.moontowercomedyfestival.com
April 26–28
Austin Food + Wine Festival | Throughout Austin
Now in its second year, the Austin Food + Wine Festival, produced by C3 Presents, will welcome top chefs from throughout the nation. The festival will feature appearances by Andrew Zimmern, Paul Qui, Adam Richman and Christina Tosi. What's new for 2013: An increased number of participating restaurants offering tasting-sized portions, interactive chef stations, and larger seating areas for cooking demos and wine tastings. www.austinfoodandwinefestival.com
May 1–31
Latino Music Month | Various venues
Latino music genres are showcased during performances on the Plaza at Austin City Hall each Friday at noon. Other special events throughout the month are presented as well. www.austinlatinomusic.com
May 5–6
Old Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival | East Sixth Street
A free, family-friendly event, the Pecan Street Festival is the oldest and largest art festival in Central Texas. Musicians, food vendors, artists and crafters turn Sixth Street—historically called Pecan Street—into a street fair where there is something for people of all ages. www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com
May 17–19
V8 Supercar Series | Circuit of The Americas
The V8 Supercars Championship is made up of 15 championship events throughout Australia, New Zealand and Abu Dhabi, with the United States joining the schedule in 2013. The series is the world's leading Touring Car Championship recognized by the Fdration Internationale de l'Automobile. www.circuitoftheamericas.com
TBD – May
Pachanga Music Fest | Fiesta Gardens
Latino culture is showcased with authentic food, music and art to celebrate the impact it has on American culture today. www.pachangafest.com
June 6–9
ATX Festival | Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental Hotel and Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
ATX Festival is the first festival devoted to television's history and future. It functions like a traditional film festival with premieres of new series, current hits and cult favorites. ATX Festival also offers access to the industry's leading professionals with cast and creator Q-andAs and panels focusing on innovation in both production and content delivery. www.atxfestival.com
June 13–16
Republic of Texas Biker Rally | Travis County Exposition Center and Sixth Street
The state's largest motorcycle gathering attracts thousands of bikers for rides, parades and music. www.rotrally.com
June 19
Central Texas Juneteenth Celebration | MLK Boulevard and other locations
Juneteenth, also known as "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day," is the oldest known African-American celebration commemorating the end of slavery. www.juneteenthcentraltexas.com
June 22
Keep Austin Weird Fest & 5K | 701 W. Riverside Drive
Run, skip or race through the streets of downtown Austin while wearing a costume. Unofficially known as "the slowest 5K you will ever run," this race is designed for amusement and fun. www.keepaustinweird5k.com
TBD –August
Austin Ice Cream Festival | Fiesta Gardens
The Annual Austin Ice Cream Festival is fun for the whole family. Games, activities, contests, live entertainment and, of course, ice cream, will keep you cool and happy. www.icecreamfestival.org
TBD–August
Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival | Fiesta Gardens
Join the Austin Chronicle for one of the world's largest hot sauce festivals. www.austinchronicle.com
Sept. 21–22
American Le Mans Series and World Endurance Championships | Circuit of The Americas
Modeled after the historic French Le Mans endurance race, the series makes its debut in Austin. Race lengths vary from two to 12 hours. www.circuitoftheamericas.com
TBD–September
Austin PRIDE | Fiesta Gardens along the shores of Lady Bird Lake
Austin's LGBT community comes together with live music performances, film screenings, a 5K run, parades and more. www.austinpride.org
TBD–September
Fantastic Fest | Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar and various venues
The nation's premier genre film festival showcases the best in anime, horror, sci-fi and adventure movies. www.fantasticfest.com
TBD–September
Texas Monthly BBQ Festival | City Terrace at The Long Center
Now in its third year, this weekend festival only has four rules: muster as many of Texas' best barbecue eateries as possible; have them serve up their specialties, side-by-side; let smoke and sauce fly for five intoxicating hours; and finally, let the people decide who made the best goods. www.texasmonthly.com/bbqfestival/
Oct. 4–6 and Oct. 11–13
Austin City Limits Music Festival | Zilker Park
Expanded to two weekends, this six-day festival brings the magic of the famed public TV series "Austin City Limits" outside of the studio and into Austin's most beloved park with more than 130 musical acts on eight stages. www.aclfestival.com
TBD–October
Austin Film Festival | Paramount Theatre and various locations
Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the nation, this cinematic event shines the spotlight on top-billed films and Indies alike. www.austinfilmfestival.com
TBD–October
Texas Book Festival | Texas State Capitol
Attend signings with some of your favorite authors, visit the children's chapter tent and enjoy live music and poetry readings. www.texasbookfestival.org
Nov. 17
Formula 1 United States Grand Prix | Circuit of The Americas
Built around a state-of-the-art 3.4-mile circuit track with a capacity for 120,000 fans and an elevation change of 133 feet, the facility is designed for any and all classes of racing—from motor power to human power. www.circuitoftheamericas.com
TBD–November
Fun Fun Fun Fest | Auditorium Shores
National touring indie rock, hip-hop, punk, electronica and metal bands converge on Austin's urban park for two days of music. There is also a comedy stage as well as on-site screen printing, shopping and food. www.funfunfunfest.com
