Looking for fun festivals in Austin for the whole family in 2025? Here’s a quick guide to 10 must-visit events offering activities for kids and adults alike:
- ABC Kite Fest: Spring event at Zilker Park with kite-making workshops and contests.
- Pecan Street Festival: Local art, crafts, and hands-on workshops for kids.
- Austin’s New Year: Free December 31 event with early countdown, live performances, and fireworks.
- Austin Rodeo: March 14–28 at Travis County Expo Center, featuring Texas traditions and family-friendly activities.
- Old Settler’s Music Festival: April 17–20 in Tilmon, TX, with live music and activities.
- Austin Celtic Festival: November 1–2, celebrating Irish and Scottish heritage with crafts, music, and dance.
- Austin Ice Cream Festival: Summer event packed with ice cream-themed games and treats.
- Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival: Showcasing Native American culture with dances, crafts, and traditional food.
- Día de los Muertos Festival: Hands-on workshops, live performances, and Mexican cuisine.
- Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting: December 1 event with holiday music and dazzling displays.
These festivals highlight Austin’s vibrant community and are packed with activities for all ages. Many events are free or affordable, with family-friendly facilities for a hassle-free experience. Check official websites for updates and details.
Discover Austin: Pecan Street Festival – Episode 97
1. ABC Kite Fest
ABC Kite Fest is a fun-filled event for all ages, taking place at Zilker Park in spring 2025. It offers a mix of activities, including a children’s concert and a hands-on kite-making workshop that focuses on eco-friendly materials. There’s also a special area where kids can practice flying their kites, along with a community kite contest that adds a touch of friendly competition.
You’ll find plenty of food vendors offering a variety of options, convenient shuttle-assisted parking, and facilities designed to accommodate everyone. Be sure to arrive early with essentials like sunscreen and water. If you want to join the kite contest, registration happens on-site. And don’t worry – there’s a plan in place if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
This lively event is just one of the many family-friendly experiences lined up in Austin for 2025.
2. Pecan Street Festival
After the buzz of ABC Kite Fest, the Pecan Street Festival keeps the fun going with a spotlight on local art and craftsmanship. Stroll through vendor booths featuring handmade jewelry, wooden toys, and other creations from local artisans. Kids can dive into craft workshops, trying their hand at pottery, weaving, or painting. When hunger strikes, grab a bite from favorites like Amy’s Ice Creams, P. Terry’s, or one of the many creative food trucks.
3. Austin’s New Year
Austin’s New Year is the perfect way to ring in 2025 with family and friends. This free, family-friendly event takes place on December 31 and includes an early countdown, making it ideal for all ages.
Lady Bird Lake becomes the center of the celebration, featuring a Kids’ Zone with interactive play areas and workshops. There’s also an arts section filled with hands-on activities for children and adults alike.
The evening is packed with live performances, leading up to an early countdown capped off by a stunning light show and fireworks. It’s a great way to enjoy the New Year without staying up late!
4. Austin Rodeo
The Austin Rodeo 2025 will take place at the Travis County Expo Center from March 14–28. This event is packed with family-friendly activities that highlight Texas heritage and traditions. Be sure to check the official schedule to plan your visit and make the most of everything this exciting event has to offer.
5. Old Settler’s Music Festival
The Old Settler’s Music Festival in Tilmon, TX, is set to take place from April 17–20, 2025. This event features live music and activities that cater to all age groups. For the latest details on schedules, tickets, and other information, check out the festival’s official website.
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6. Austin Celtic Festival
Save the dates: November 1–2, 2025. The Austin Celtic Festival is your chance to dive into Irish and Scottish heritage.
Families can enjoy interactive storytelling, hands-on craft workshops, and beginner lessons in traditional instruments and dance. On the main stage, expect performances by talented Celtic musicians and dance groups, including Irish step dancing and Scottish Highland dancing.
You’ll also find a family-friendly take on the Highland Games, offering a fun and educational glimpse into traditional Scottish sports. Plus, local vendors will serve up classic Celtic dishes to complete the experience.
More details about tickets, schedules, and venue info will be shared closer to the event.
7. Austin Ice Cream Festival
The Austin Ice Cream Festival is a fun summer event perfect for families. It offers a variety of ice cream-themed games and contests that everyone can enjoy. Details about the schedule, vendors, and ticket information will be shared soon.
8. Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival
This festival highlights Native American culture through traditional dances, ceremonies, and a special youth area filled with storytelling, crafts, and hands-on drumming sessions.
After taking in the performances and activities, families can enjoy a variety of dishes from food vendors serving cuisine inspired by Native American traditions.
Taking place indoors in Austin, the event guarantees a great experience no matter the weather.
9. Día de los Muertos Festival
Join the Día de los Muertos 2025 celebration filled with art, hands-on workshops, and live performances. Here’s what families can look forward to:
Kids can enjoy decorating sugar skulls, crafting papel picado, and getting calavera face painting. There will also be altar-making demonstrations that honor loved ones.
The festival features an outdoor plaza with folklórico dancing and live mariachi music, while indoor spaces host educational exhibits and bilingual storytelling sessions.
Local vendors will serve Mexican dishes, seasonal treats like pan de muerto, and hot chocolate. A special children’s area will have craft stations to keep little ones entertained.
The festival runs all day, offering stroller-friendly pathways, restrooms, and easy-access parking for a stress-free experience.
10. Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting
Set to take place on December 1, 2025, at Zilker Park, the Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting kicks off the holiday season in style. Families can look forward to dazzling tree displays, live holiday music, and plenty of seasonal treats. It’s an event that offers a simple yet joyful way for the community to come together and celebrate.
This cherished tradition perfectly captures the festive spirit and provides a welcoming experience for attendees of all ages.
Conclusion
Austin’s festivals offer families a chance to dive into local culture and community vibes. From hands-on workshops to lively performances, these events celebrate everything that makes Austin a great place for family fun. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.
These festivals bring people together and highlight Austin’s unique mix of traditions and modern arts. They capture the essence of what makes the city so welcoming and vibrant – a place that feels like home.
For the latest dates and details, check the official event websites. With celebrations happening all year long – covering music, cultural events, and seasonal traditions – there’s always a reason to join in and connect with the Austin community.
