Office:
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February

Carnaval Brasiliero
Flamboyant costumes, Brazilian samba music, and the
uninhibited, spirited atmosphere have made Austin's
Carnaval one of the biggest such festivals outside of
Brazil.
Austin Marathon
February 17, 2008
One of the countrys premier races attracts nearly
11,000 participants from around the world.
Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo
February 29, 2008 to March 15, 2008
Pull out your lasso and boots for this annual fair and
rodeo. Austin goes cowboy as PCRA competitors hit
the arena and area students exhibit prize livestock.
Headline entertainers perform in concert nightly. This
event features live music, auctions, carnivals, a petting
zoo and a BBQ cook-off.

March

Explore UT
03/01/2008
The“biggest open house in Texas”invites thousands
of schoolchildren from throughout the Lone Star State
to experience UTs arts programs, architecture and
engineering, the mysteries of science and the cultures
of the world. Activities take place all over campus and
are free. 512-471-7753
Texas State Arts Festival
03/01/2008 to 03/02/2008
This festival will feature all that is great about Texas.
Texas arts & crafts vendors will show off their works,
performances by a variety of Texas bands, Texas
foods, and theatrical historical performances. We will
also have all sorts of childrens activities making for a
well rounded family event. 512-441-9015
Zilker Park Kite Festival
03/02/2008
The annual Zilker Park Kite Festival offers old-fashioned,
outdoor fun for all ages. Participate in one of
many competitions including most unusual and
smallest kites. http://www.zilkerkitefestival.com.
South by Southwest
03/07/2008 to 03/16/2008
Now one of the biggest festivals in the nation – as
well as in the world, SXSW offers the latest and the
greatest in music, film and multi-media interactive
worlds. Talented, filmmakers, musicians and multimedia
artists from around the world gather. SXSW
brings more than 1,400 performers to Austin to play
at dozens of venues over four days. 512-467-7979
Artists and Artisans Festival
03/15/2008 to 03/16/2008
The annual Artists & Artisans Festival showcases the
work of local artists in metal, painting, photography,
jewelry, pottery and more. Find unique, nature-themed
gifts, enjoy the spring gardens and chat with authors
signing their books. 512-232-0100
Capitol 10K
03/30/2008
The biggest 10K run in Texas is made for the whole
family, and has been described as“a cross between
a footrace and a Mardi Gras parade.”This event
draws nearly 10,000 runners each year, some choosing
to dress up in kooky costumes ranging from giant
guitars to a copy of an Austin American Statesman
newspaper. 512-472-3524
Bat Watching
04/01/2008 to 11/01/2008
The 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that live
beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge take flight in a
mass exodus each night at dusk. 512-416-5700x3.
http://www.batcon.org

April

The Louisiana Swamp Thing And Crawfish Festival
04/05/2008
Mardi Gras comes late at this Louisiana themed event,
which includes a broad menu of Cajun seafood and
features live Cajun, Zydeco, Funk and Rock music.
512-441-9015. http://www.roadwayevents.com
Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival
04/10/2008 to 04/13/2008
The best Texas and nationally known chefs and wineries
pair their best culinary creations and fruits of the vine
at a variety of venues ranging from an exotic game
ranch to an outdoor festival in the park. 512-249-6300
Art City Austin
04/12/2008 to 04/13/2008
Art City Austin, the citys largest and longest running
outdoor art fair, features more than 200
national artists, top local restaurants, two music
stages and hands-on art activities for adults and
children. 512-458-6073
KGSR's Unplugged At the Grove
04/12/2008 to 09/27/2008
Join acoustic musicians each Thursday at Shady Grove
for “Unplugged at the Grove”The restaurants treeshaded
patio showcases Austins diverse music scene
with such acts as Bob Schneider, Patrice Pike and the
South Austin Jug Band. 512-474-9991
Old Settlers Music Festival
04/17/2008 to 04/20/2008
A nationally known family music festival held in the
heart of the hill country features over two dozen of the
best in Americana music as well as arts & crafts and
talent competitions. 512-346-0999
Bizet's CARMEN
04/18/2008 to 04/26/2008
Immerse yourself in the treacherous world of opera's
most beloved bad girl. Mistaking Carmen's flirtation
for true love, the young soldier Don Jose forsakes
everything - his adoring girlfriend Miceala and his
career. As Carmen entrances the dashing toreador
Escamillo, Jose's fury is unleashed. This classic drama
of a lovers' triangle culminates in a tragic conclusion
that leaves no heart untouched, both onstage and in
the audience. Come see the dazzlingly beautiful spectacle
that is Carmen. 512-472-5927
The Grind on Congress
April 6, 2008
This event will feature professional wake boarders
competing in a rail jam for major awards, along with
live music by over 6 alternative rock bands, great
food, graphite artist exhibits, custom boat accessories
by numerous vendors, wakeboard accessories, wakeboard
instructional sessions, a showcase of the latest
wake board boats, and much more.
Austin Reggae Festival
04/19/2008 to 04/20/2008
The message of peace, tolerance, and non-violent
change is coupled with world music, arts & crafts and
ethnic food at this annual festival benefitting the
Capital Area Food Bank. 512-791-0222
Eeyores Birthday Party
04/26/2008
This former picnic evolved into an annual festival filled
with colorful costumes, drum circles, live music and
family-oriented games and contests. 512-448-5160

May

Old Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival
05/03/2008 to 05/04/2008
Musicians, food vendors, artists and craftspeople turn
Sixth Street, originally named Pecan Street, into a
lively street fair. Over 200 artists and craftspeople.
512-443-6179
O Henry Pun Off
05/17/2008
Everyone is invited to participate in the Pun-Off World
Championships, one of the oldest public events in
Austin. The competition is open to 32 contestant in two
categories: "Punniest of Show" and "Punslingers."
512-472-1903
Kerrville Folk Festival
05/22/2008 to 06/08/2008
Join over 30,000 guests for 18 days of folk, bluegrass,
acoustic rock, blues, country, jazz, and
Americana music. Catch emerging artists as well as
legendary talents such as Willie Nelson and Lucinda
Williams. 830-257-3600
Congress Avenue Mile
5/17/2008
Be part of an Austin tradition, The Mercedes-Benz of
Austin Congress Avenue Mile. This course is certified
(TX95088ETM) and fast; starting at the Texas State
Capital Building in downtown Austin on Congress
Avenue, finishing on the Congress Avenue Bridge over
Town Lake. It is your opportunity to set a new mile
time PR, run for fun, or just come out and enjoy this
events positively charged atmosphere. The event will
be Chip Timed by Run-Far Timing Services.
Chuy's 25th Annual Hot to Trot 5K
5/10/2008
On Lake Austin at Lucy's Boatyard & Hula Hut. The
race benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas.

June

Children's Day Art Park
Children can experience the magic of the arts at
Children's Day Art Park. This exciting summer program
features local musicians, dancers, storytellers, magicians,
mimes and crafts people. Youngsters can visit
the Instrument Petting Zoo, talk to symphony musicians
and hear them play their instruments, see a Ballet
Folklorico, hear a Latin jazz band, follow a real Pied
Piper along the Lemonade Trail to the Magic Oak Tree
and try their hands at different art projects under the
Art Tent. 512-476-6064
Texas Greek Festival
Austin Museum of Art Laguna Gloria. The 7th annual
Texas Greek Festival is a celebration of Greek food,
music and culture right here in Austin. Join the fun of
a Greek "bouzouki" band, traditional dancing, authentic
Greek food and delicious pastries. Bring the whole
family and enjoy a day of festivities. 512-844-3856
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
6/12-15/2008
The "Biggest Biker Rally in Texas" rolls on 6th Street
this weekend.
Capital of Texas Juneteenth Celebration
Juneteenth celebrates the day that slaves in Texas
learned of their independence following the end of the
Civil War. Festivities include pageants, parades, carnival
and battle of the bands. 512-832-9058
Luling Watermelon Thump
The 53rd annual event will feature a parade, seed spitting
and watermelon eating contests, crafts and live
music in downtown Luling, Texas. 830.875.3214
Heart of Tx Red, White and Blues Festival
Local and national blues artists gather for an early
Independence Day celebration and jam throughout the
day. Guests mingle among vendor booths and enjoy
local cuisine.

July

Fourth of July Fireworks & Symphony
Be part of the largest Independence Day celebration in
the State. The Austin Symphony performs patriotic classics
and the ever-popular 1812 Overture-punctuated
by 75-millimeter Howitzer cannon, courtesy of the
Texas National Guard Salute Battery. The concert finale
backdrop is the spectacular mile-high fireworks display
over the city's skyline. Free and open to the public.
512-476-6064

August

Austin Ice Cream Festival
08/16/2008
This free event will include games, activities, contests,
live entertainment and ice cream and is centered
around family, fun and ice cream. Contests include ice
cream eating contest and best homemade ice cream
contest. Money will be raised for local charities such
as the Austin Children's Shelter, La Leche and Hibibis
Hutch. 512-441-9015
Austin Summer Boat Show
8/1-3/2008
The huge Annual Austin Boat Show features over 20
dealers and 200 booths and is coming again to the
Convention Center. Fun for the whole family!
Austin Chronicle Hot Sause Festival
8/24/2008
In the sixteen years since its inception, what started
as a friendly contest between Austin and San Antonio
has become one of the largest annual contest events
in the world. Free to the public, the event draws
upwards of 15,000 spectators and more than 300
entries every year. Live music and some of the best
hot sauce in the world.
Batfest
08/30-31/2008
Arts, Crafts, Music, Food, Bat Watching, Childrens
Activities, and Educational Displays. All professional
Artists and Craftspeople are invited to participate in
Batfest... Approximately 150 Booths will be set up in
the Festival Area located on the Congress Avenue
Bridge in downtown Austin. This is an outdoor show.

September

Austin BatFest
Two days of bat mania on the Congress Avenue
Bridge includes more than 150 art and crafts and food
booths, musical performances, bat education displays
and, naturally, bat watching. 512-441-9015
Austin City Limits Music Festival
09/12-14/2008
The 5th Annual Austin City Limits Music Festival will
showcase the music of Austin as well as other
regional and national acts on 6 stages for three
days in Zilker Park.
Pecan Street Fall Arts Festival
09/20-21/2008
Arts and crafts from some 250 artisans. Great food
and drink with live music on five stages by local Austin
entertainers.

October

21st Annual Gruene Music & Wine Fest
10/3/2008
A fantastic weekend of wine tasting and music.
Ride for the Roses
Tour de France four-time champion Lance Armstrong
leads the pack during a weekend of bike events and
galas for raise money for cancer research and the
Lance Armstrong Foundation. 512.236.8820
Halloween on Sixth Street
More than 60,000 costumed revelers make this one of
the worlds largest All Hallows Eve celebrations.

November

46th Annual Wurstfest, New Braunfels
This annual "Salute" to sausage is a family funfest in
the Texas-German tradition, Texas' answer to Munich's
Oktoberfest. Over 40 groups provide the finest in
Alpine and Bavarian style entertainment, while local
vendors provide the sausage and other delightful
foods. Local and area tours available. This is fun for
the entire family. 800.221.4369. www.wurstfest.com

December

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar keeps Austin weird
with distinctive jewelry, fabrics, handmade goods, blown
glass, paintings and prints from local and national
artists, Austin Music Hall at Third and Nueces Streets
provides a fun atmosphere for shoppers to browse
among the handicrafts while listening to live music from
some of Austins best musicians. 512-447-1605.
Last Chance Arts & Crafts Christmas Bazaar
If you have last minute holiday shopping to get done,
this is the place. The bazaar includes more than shopping
— there is entertainment for the whole family,
carnival rides, Santa, and more. The name says it
best! 441.9015 . www.roadstarproductions.com.
Events taken from the Austin Convention & Visitors
Bureau.