As September approaches, the heat of Austin begins to ease, signaling the start of the exhilarating festival season that locals and visitors alike eagerly anticipate.
Johnny Cash once sang about the longing for live music, and this sentiment rings especially true as Austin gears up for an array of music festivals that promise to showcase a vibrant mix of genres.
From psychedelic rock to energetic electronic dance music, and featuring the city’s most renowned festival held in the iconic Zilker Park, the lineup is sure to test the endurance of even the most ardent music lovers.
The musical festivities kick off with the Sonic Transmission Festival from September 11-14, taking place across various venues in Austin.
Founded in 2015 by Norwegian bassist Ingebright Håker Flaten, this multi-genre festival highlights a diverse array of sounds, including jazz, rock, folk, and experimental music from artists worldwide.
Festival-goers can easily plan their nights by attending different locations: starting at the Draylen Mason Music Studio at KMFA on September 11, then moving to the Scottish Rite Theater on September 12, followed by dadaLab on September 13, and wrapping up the festival at Monks and Radio/East on September 14.
With ticket prices beginning at $25, this festival invites all ages to experience its unique musical offerings.
Following Sonic Transmission, the 50th Annual Pecan Street Festival will take place September 13-14 at the Hill Country Galleria.
This free biannual festival, which recently moved from its original location on Sixth Street, celebrates local culture with live music, vendor stalls, handcrafted arts, and a plethora of food options.
Families can enjoy activities ranging from carnival rides to dance lessons, while music aficionados can catch performances from artists like Henry Invisible and the Bros Fresh on Saturday, and Armadillo Road and Jo James on Sunday.
The Pecan Street Festival emphasizes creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere for all ages, making it the perfect event for a weekend outing.
From September 25-28, music lovers can rejoice at the Levitation Fest held at the Palmer Events Center.
Initially launched as Austin Psych Fest in 2008 by local band The Black Angels, Levitation has evolved into a significant showcase of global psychedelic music.
This year, the event shifts from a multi-venue format to a centralized location, yet late-night shows will still be held in the Red River Cultural District.
With an impressive lineup of artists to experience, attendees are encouraged to check the festival’s website for the full schedule of performances.
Tickets start at $115, and the festival welcomes audiences of all ages, ensuring a diverse crowd of music enthusiasts.
Next, the beloved Austin City Limits Music Festival, or ACL, returns from October 3-5 and 10-12.
Regarded as a cornerstone of Austin’s music scene, ACL offers something for everyone, from popular artists like Sabrina Carpenter, who will likely draw a younger crowd, to rock favorites such as The Strokes and Cage The Elephant, as well as country star Luke Combs.
With over 100 artists performing across six stages, attendees will need to strategize their schedules to catch their favorite acts.
While general admission three-day tickets are currently waitlisted for both weekends, limited single-day Sunday tickets remain available, along with some Friday tickets for the second weekend.
For those who enjoy a different kind of thrill, the Formula 1 race weekend at Circuit of the Americas will take place from October 17-19.
This event merges voracious racing with exhilarating live music, featuring headlining sets from renowned artists such as Kygo, Garth Brooks for his only planned concert in 2025, and Turnpike Troubadours wrapping up the weekend on Sunday.
Tickets for this exciting blend of sports and entertainment start at $103 and are available for fans of all ages.
To close out an action-packed October, the Wicked Oaks Music Festival debuts on October 25-26 at the picturesque Carson Creek Ranch.
Bringing together elements from three previous festivals—Freaky Deaky, Summoning Fest, and Illfest—this “superfestival” will showcase more than 60 artists across three stages.
Festival-goers can immerse themselves in a waterfront setting shaded by lush trees, complete with camping areas, light displays, fire performances, and interactive installations.
With a commitment to diverse music styles, Wicked Oaks promises to deliver everything from world beats to electro-funk, creating a unique auditory experience.
While most two-day passes are sold out, single-day tickets are still available for those eager to participate in this musical release.
Finally, the Seismic Dance Event, occurring from November 14-16 at Concourse Project, offers an underground vibe essential for house and techno lovers.
This event feels like an exclusive invitation to the city’s most intentional raves, featuring prominent DJs like Charlotte de Witte, Duke Dumont, Four Tet, and Underworld.
Attendees can expect lengthy set times, allowing DJs to create a cohesive experience through their performances.
With such a diverse lineup of music festivals ahead, Austin’s festival season promises to energize the community and showcase the best talent the city has to offer.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, make sure to mark your calendars for this exciting time in Austin’s vibrant music scene.
image source from：statesman
