Best Music Festivals in Texas

Introduction

Music festivals have become increasingly popular over the years, especially in Texas. From country to rock to hip-hop, there is a festival for every music lover in the Lone Star State. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide which festivals to attend. In this article, we will explore the best music festivals in Texas and what makes them so special.

Why Texas?

Texas has a rich music history, with its own unique blend of country, blues, and rock. It is home to some of the most iconic music venues in the country, such as Austin City Limits and Billy Bob’s Texas. It is also the birthplace of legendary musicians like Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan. With such a vibrant music scene, it’s no wonder that Texas hosts some of the best music festivals in the world.

What Makes a Good Music Festival?

A good music festival should offer more than just great music. It should also have a unique atmosphere, a variety of food and drink options, and fun activities for attendees. The best festivals create a sense of community and provide an unforgettable experience for everyone who attends.

The Best Music Festivals in Texas

Without further ado, here are the best music festivals in Texas:

1. Austin City Limits 🎸

Austin City Limits, also known as ACL, is one of the most popular music festivals in the country. It takes place in Austin, Texas, over two weekends in October and features a diverse lineup of artists from all genres. ACL is known for its laid-back atmosphere and picturesque setting in Zilker Park.

What to Expect:

ACL is more than just a music festival. It also features an art market, food vendors, and a silent disco. There are also plenty of activities for kids, making it a great option for families. With headliners like Paul McCartney and Childish Gambino, ACL is not to be missed.

2. South by Southwest 🎤

South by Southwest, or SXSW, is one of the largest music festivals in the world. It takes place in Austin, Texas, over ten days in March and features over 2,000 artists from all over the world. SXSW is known for its eclectic lineup and its focus on emerging artists.

What to Expect:

SXSW is not just a music festival, but also a conference and film festival. Attendees can expect to see not only great music but also discussions on topics like technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact. With so much to see and do, SXSW is a must-attend event for any music lover.

3. Houston Rodeo 🤠

The Houston Rodeo is more than just a rodeo. It is also one of the largest music festivals in the country, featuring over 20 nights of concerts. It takes place in Houston, Texas, every March and attracts some of the biggest names in country music.

What to Expect:

In addition to the concerts, the Houston Rodeo also features a carnival, livestock show, and a variety of food and drink options. It is a quintessential Texas experience and a must-attend event for anyone who loves country music.

4. Float Fest 🚣‍♀️

Float Fest is a unique music festival that takes place in San Marcos, Texas, every July. It combines music with tubing down the San Marcos River, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

What to Expect:

In addition to tubing and music, Float Fest also features camping, art installations, and a variety of food and drink options. It is a laid-back festival that attracts a diverse crowd and is perfect for anyone who wants to escape the heat and have a good time.

5. Utopiafest 🌅

Utopiafest is a boutique music festival that takes place in Utopia, Texas, every September. It is known for its intimate setting and its focus on sustainability and community.

What to Expect:

Utopiafest features a variety of music genres, from folk to indie to electronic. It also has a variety of workshops, art installations, and outdoor activities. With its focus on sustainability and community, Utopiafest is more than just a music festival; it is a way of life.

6. Old Settler’s Music Festival 🪕

Old Settler’s Music Festival is a roots music festival that takes place in Tilmon, Texas, every April. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere and its focus on traditional music.

What to Expect:

Old Settler’s Music Festival features a variety of traditional music genres, from bluegrass to blues to Cajun. It also has a variety of workshops, art vendors, and food and drink options. With its focus on community and tradition, Old Settler’s Music Festival is a unique and unforgettable experience.

7. Kerrville Folk Festival 🎻

Kerrville Folk Festival is a 3-week music festival that takes place in Kerrville, Texas, every May and June. It is known for its focus on folk music and its welcoming atmosphere.

What to Expect:

Kerrville Folk Festival features a variety of folk music genres, from bluegrass to Americana to singer-songwriter. It also has a variety of workshops, art vendors, and food and drink options. With its focus on community and inclusion, Kerrville Folk Festival is a must-attend event for any folk music lover.

8. JMBLYA 🎤

JMBLYA is a hip-hop music festival that takes place in Dallas, Texas, every May. It features some of the biggest names in hip-hop and rap and is known for its high-energy performances.

What to Expect:

JMBLYA is all about the music. It features a variety of hip-hop and rap artists, from established legends to up-and-coming stars. With its high-energy performances and massive crowds, JMBLYA is the ultimate hip-hop experience.

9. Marfa Myths 🌵

Marfa Myths is a music festival that takes place in Marfa, Texas, every March. It is known for its unique atmosphere and its focus on experimental music.

What to Expect:

Marfa Myths features a variety of experimental music genres, from ambient to electronic to avant-garde. It also has a variety of art installations, film screenings, and food and drink options. With its focus on art and experimentation, Marfa Myths is a one-of-a-kind festival that should not be missed.

10. Levitation 🌙

Levitation is a psychedelic music festival that takes place in Austin, Texas, every November. It is known for its trippy visuals and its focus on psychedelic and shoegaze music.

What to Expect:

Levitation features a variety of psychedelic and shoegaze artists, from legends like The Flaming Lips to up-and-coming acts. It also has a variety of art installations, film screenings, and food and drink options. With its focus on psychedelia and trippy visuals, Levitation is a mind-bending and unforgettable experience.

11. Dia De Los Toadies 🦎

Dia De Los Toadies is a music festival that takes place in Fort Worth, Texas, every September. It is known for its focus on Texas music and its intimate setting.

What to Expect:

Dia De Los Toadies features a variety of Texas music genres, from country to rock to blues. It also has a variety of food and drink options and a laid-back atmosphere. With its focus on Texas music and its intimate setting, Dia De Los Toadies is a must-attend event for any music lover.

12. River Revival 🌊

River Revival is a music festival that takes place in New Braunfels, Texas, every September. It is known for its focus on the outdoors and its unique setting on the banks of the Guadalupe River.

What to Expect:

River Revival features a variety of genres, from roots to rock to blues. It also has a variety of outdoor activities, such as yoga, kayaking, and hiking. With its focus on the outdoors and its unique setting, River Revival is a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.

13. Lights All Night 🎉

Lights All Night is an electronic music festival that takes place in Dallas, Texas, every December. It is known for its high-energy performances and its focus on EDM and hip-hop.

What to Expect:

Lights All Night features a variety of EDM and hip-hop artists, from established legends to up-and-coming stars. It also has a variety of art installations, food and drink options, and a festive atmosphere.