Top 10 Festivals in Texas

Texas is known for many things, rodeos, BBQs, Cowboys and although many people attribute the lone star state's music scene with country and western tunes, it couldn't be further than the truth. Whether you're looking to see a local artist or international superstars, electronic or rock music, Texas has it all. 

Here are our top festivals in Texas that should be on everyone's bucket list. Like they say: "everything's bigger in Texas!"

South By Southwest

Lineup (2019): Viagra Boys, Amanda Palmer, The Beths, Puma Blue, Blood Culture, Bubble Puppy 

Founded in 1987, SXSW is a conglomerate of film, interactive media, conferences and, of course, music. The festival is one of the largest creative gatherings in the world and each year it grows in scope and scale. 

Taking over Austin for nine days in May with over two thousand acts split across five areas, SXSW is definitely one to clear the diary for.

When & Where: 13-22nd May 2020, Austin

SXSW 2020 Guide & Mailing List

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Lineup: Guns N' Roses, Mumford & Sons, Childish Gambino, The Cure, Cardi B, Billie Eilish, Tame Impala

Austin City Limits is one of the biggest festivals in the world. Split into two weekends, the six day festival hosts a gigantic lineup consisting of huge international names, old and new. Featuring eight stages, some intimate and some stadium status, the festival showcases all popular genres.

In addition to the music, ACL focuses on both cuisine and art, offering a limitless selection of food in the Austin Eats Foodcourt and a market dedicated to passionate artists where you can buy local and world recognised goods.

When & Where: 4-6th October 2019, Austin

ACL 2020 Guide & Mailing List

Levitation 

Lineup: Angel Olson, Dinosaur Jr, John Cale, Deafheaven, High On Fire, Chelsea Wolfe 

Held in Downtown Austin's most famous music venues, Levitation is an independent, intimate, community-focused festival. Founded in 2008, the festival books the best artists outside the mainstream.

Levitation was named in honour of Austin's psychedelic rock pioneers The 13th Floor Elevators, and for more than a decade has inspired and supported new talent, showcasing exciting new psychedelic music.

When & Where: 7-10th November 2019, Austin

UTOPiAfest

Lineup: Brownout, Jackie Venson, Fruition, Israel Nash, The Nth Power, Erika Wennerstrom, Toubab Krewe

With a name like UTOPiAfest expectations are sure to be high. Luckily the name is perfectly fitting for this family-friendly festival. UTOPiAfest takes place at the stunning Reveille Peak Ranch and the festival combines a love of the land with a spirit of adventure.

Set on providing a perfect experience for all, the intimate two day festival has a carefully curated lineup and schedule to ensure you don't miss a single second of the weekend.

Showcasing a selection of creative artists beyond the mainstream, the festival features everything from bluegrass to R&B and soul. In addition to the music there's also biking, hiking, yoga, workshops & actives, disc golf and a silent disco. 

When & Where: 14-16th November 2019, Burnet 

UTOPiAfest 2019 Guide / Book UTOPiAfest 2019 Tickets

Float Fest

Lineup (2019): Major Lazer, Portugal The Man, Gucci Mane, Kaskade, Zeds Dead, Big Gigantic, Ice Cube, Jungle

Float Fest is a truly unique festival, held in Gonzales you can literally float your way around the festival. Taking advantage of the river that runs through the festival site, fans can stay cool in the scorching July heat by tubing for hours on end. 

And if that isn't enough, Float Fest also brings an epic lineup anchored by electronic music that also reaches out into hip hop and beyond.

When & Where: July 2020, Gonzales

Float Fest 2020 Guide & Mailing List

Kerrville Folk Festival

Lineup (2019): Ruthie Foster, Richard Thompson, Bonnie Paine, Mary Gauthier, Eliza Gilkyson & Gretchen Peters, Patty Larkin

For nearly fifty decades now Kerrville Folk Festival has been a non-profit music festival focused on community spirit. Held over eighteen consecutive days, the festival is devoted to educating the public about folk music as well as encouraging support for singer-songwriters.

The festival showcases a range of local, new and more well known artists, not just in folk music but country, bluegrass, blues and jazz. Each year around thirty thousand passionate music fans join together for a wholesome, inclusive musical experience. 

When & Where: 23rd May- 9th June 2020, Kerrville

Red Gorilla

Lineup (2019): The Band Of Brothers, Devil Season, Nappy Roots, In The Pink, Los Coast  

Red Gorilla is a free independent music festival where you're most likely to see the best new talent before anyone else. Since their first edition in 2007, the festival has grown massively in size, however their mission has stayed the same. Held in multiple venues throughout the city, RG now hosts nearly six hundred up-and-coming artists in all genres each year. 

The festival has gained a reputation for being one of the most influential new music festivals, with internationally renowned artists like Kendrick Lamar, Cage The Elephant, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Imagine Dragons, Foster The People and more all having played Red Gorilla early on in their careers. 

When & Where: March 2020, Austin

Lights All Night 

Lineup: Diplo, Tiësto, Rezz, Gucci Mane, Excision, Funtcase

A New Year's Eve party like no other, Lights All Night is sure to blow your mind. Held over the last weekend in December, LAN is one of Texas' largest dance music festivals. Curating a lineup of the best DJs, as you'd expect the festiavls features an insane amount of spectacular light installations. 

Split across four stages including the 360° Disco Galaxy Stage filling the room with a sensational constellation, Lights All Night is known for creating the most innovate light productions. Alongside the epic music and visuals, the festival also has its very own Sweet Tooth Hotel Lounge and the Dreamhack Gaming Lounge. 

When & Where: December 2019, Dallas

River City Rockfest

Lineup (2018): Nine Inch Nails, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Primus, Bush, HellYeah, Stone Temple Pilots, Clutch 

Though taking a year off in 2019, River City Rockfest a quintessential rock festival, bringing a lineup of classic old time rockers and exciting up and coming bands. Previous headliners have included Linkin Park, Kid Rock, Def Leppard, Scorpions and more. 

Spread out across two days and split over three stages, RCR guarantees an authentic rock 'n' roll experience. Over twenty thousand eager rock fans travel to San Antonio to join in the mosh pits and headbanging. 

Where & When: September 2020, San Antonio

Old Settlers Music Festival 

Lineup (2019): Jason Isbell and the 400, Wild Child, Hayes Carll, Robert Ellis, Jamiee Harris, Paul Cauthen

Old Settlers Music Festival is a vibrant, family-friendly three day campout country festival. Known for an energetic atmosphere and traditional lineup, the festival is an exceptional, wholesome experience. 

OSMF doesn't just have impressive lineups though, the festival offers much more, over the three days there will be workshops, markets, funfairs, arts & crafts, music stores and even a young talent competition.

When & Where: 16-19th April 2020, Dale

Old Settlers 2020 Guide & Mailing List