The Best Music Festivals in Texas

The Lone Star State is widely lauded for its vast and varied landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Hill Country to the rugged canyons of West Texas, it's beauty and natural diversity are something to behold. But there's another terrain that Texas is becoming famous for.. its music scene! Much like the wild and untamed landscape, the music in Texas is as diverse and dynamic as the state itself.

At the heart of this musical wilderness is the annual amalgamation of quality festivals that draw in thousands of fans from both around the state and beyond. Like cowboys and cowgirls who once roamed the open plains, music lovers flock to Texas music festivals to experience the thrill of live music, let loose, and dance like nobody's watching. With so many festivals to choose from, it can be tough to decide which ones are worth your time and money.

That's why we here at Skiddle wanted to do the work for you. We've scoured the state (no easy task given its nearly three times bigger than the UK) to bring you the best of the bunch, from the electrifying lights of Austin City Limits to the serene sounds of the Kerrville Folk Festival, there's something for everyone in this musical landscape.

So saddle up, folks, and get ready for a wild ride! If you want Texas to be your destination for this year's musical escapades, then look no further than this list. Scroll down and start planning!

South By South West (SXSW)

Image: SXSW on Facebook

When: Friday 8th - Sunday 16th March 2024

Where: Multiple venues across Austin

If you classify yourself as a music nut and haven't heard of South by Southwest (SXSW), it's probably time to admit that you've got some work to do. This massive, multi-genre festival takes over Austin every March, bringing together thousands of people from all over the world for a week-long celebration of music, film, and technology.

With a stacked and diverse lineup that includes everything from indie rock to hip-hop, pop to punk, and country to EDM, SXSW has something for every single person in attendance to sink their teeth into. It's like a musical buffet where you can sample a little bit of everything.

But SXSW isn't just about the music. It's also a place where industry insiders gather to network, discover new talent, and discuss the future of the biz. Oh, and let's not forget the parties. Oh, the parties! From intimate showcases to massive blowouts, SXSW is known for throwing some of the wildest and most exclusive bashes on the Texan Calendar.

Whilst SXSW 2024 has just been and gone, you can start planning right now for next year and be prepared for a wild and unforgettable week. It's truly one of the most inspiring and insightful festivals into the world of music found anywhere on the planet. We'll see you in Austin!

Austin City Limits

Image: Austin City Limits on Facebook

When: Friday 4th - Sunday 13th October 2024

Where: Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin, Texas

2024 Lineup: Dua Lipa, Tyler The Creator, Chris Stapleton, Blink-182, Sturgill Simpson, Pretty Lights, Khruangbin, Leon Bridges, and many more

If you're more of a purveyor of the music of the alternative variety, then Austin City Limits (ACL) is the Texan festival for you. Held every fall in Austin's glorious Zilker Park, this three-day extravaganza has been drawing in monumental crowds and even bigger names on stage since 2002. With eight stages and over 130 acts, ACL is pretty much the biggest and most prestigious festival in the whole of the Lone Star State.

But what sets ACL apart from other festivals is the sheer quantity of quality on display. The exceptionally curated lineup showcases the best of the best, and this year is no different. 2024 sees the likes of Dua Lipa, Tyler The Creator, Chris Stapleton, Blink-182, Sturgill Simpson, Pretty Lights, Khruangbin, and Leon Bridges, grace its stages. You're going to be spoilt rotten for choice. 

In addition to the music, ACL also features a variety of food vendors, art installations, and a market, plus, if you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip in the nearby Barton Springs Pool to cool off between sets.

Don't miss out on the rockin' good time at ACL 2024. Grab your tickets now and get ready to party!

Kerrville Folk Festival

Image: Kerrville Folk Festival on Facebook

When: Thursday 25th May - Sunday 11th June 2023

Where: Quiet Valley Ranch, Kerrville, Texas

2024 Lineup: Ray Wylie Hubbard, Sue Foley, Daryll Scott, Tuba Skinny, Adeem The Artist, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbours, and many more

For those who prefer their music a little more laid-back, low-key, and inherently Southern US, the Kerrville Folk Festival is a perfect amalgamation of everything you'll be after. Spanning a jaw-dropping 18 days, the festival takes place in the scenic Texas Hill Country on Quiet Valley Ranch, featuring some of the very best folk, Americana, and roots music from both the state and beyond.

The community-driven atmosphere also sets it apart from other Texan festivals. With more than just music, including things like, storytelling, poetry readings, workshops, and impromptu jam sessions, the Kerrville Folk Festival is a place where musicians and fans come together to celebrate the power of folk music and the often underappreciated community at the heart of it.

This festival is all about slowing down, taking a breath, and appreciating the beauty of life and how folk music captures it. So if you're ready for a laid-back, intimate festival experience, then the Kerrville Folk Festival is the place for you to go in Texas this year!

Austin Psych Festival

When: Friday 28th - Sunday 30th April 2023

Where: Austin, Texas

2024 Lineup: Courtney Barnett, The Black Angels, All Them Witches, Alvvays, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Yellow Days, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, and many many more

If you're a fan of all things trippy and mind-expanding, then the kaleidoscopic vibes emitting from the illustrious Austin Psych Fest are going to pull you right into this festival and keep you in a weekend-long trance.

The lineup offers up an international slate of psych rock, dream pop and indie rock, with a nod to the 1960s golden era and an eye toward the future. The trees, stage and venue will be drenched and dripping in the liquid light courtesy of the trippy installations by Mad Alchemy and a host of Austin visual artists and collaborators.

So if you're ready to expand your mind and experience the best of psychedelic music, get your tickets now for the Austin Psych Fest. This festival is a must-see for any true music lover, and it's the perfect way to experience the unique musical culture of Texas.

Float Fest

When: Saturday 9th July 2024 

Where: Germania Amphitheatre, Austin, Texas

2024 Lineup: Lil Wayne, The Kid Laroi, Jessie Murph, Anella Herim, and Preston Wayne

If you've ever thought that your festival experience was lacking some nautical activities, well do we have the Texan festival for you. Float Fest is held each year on the banks of the San Marcos River, combining the rich selection of top musicians that grace its stages, with the silly fun of floating down the river in a dinghy. 

But don't worry if you're not a seasoned river floater. Float Fest offers a range of tubing options, from relaxing floats to more adventurous ones. You can enjoy the bands from your water-top excursion, or, if you like getting closer to the action, stay on dry land and get down th front. There's an option for everyone! 

So if you're looking for a festival that offers a unique selling point that means you can cool off from the summer sun in a river, either floating on top or swimming within, then Float Fest is a perfect choice.

Old Settlers Music Festival

When: Friday 28th - Sunday 30th April 2023

Where: Tilmon, Texas

2024 Lineup: Uncle Lucius, Keller Williams, Kelly Willis, Brennen Leigh, Mellisa Carper, and many more

Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the Old Settler's Music Festival is a celebration of Americana and roots music that has been going strong for over 30 years. This family-friendly festival offers four days of camping, music, and collaboration.

Yet, despite the 2024 edition being cancelled late last year, the event thankfully still went ahead with a last-minute weekend show that continued the legacy! (you have unfortunately still missed out this year though.)

With a lineup that spans the worlds of folk, blues, bluegrass, and country, the Old Settler's Music Festival offers up everything that a fan of the classic American sound could want. But what really sets the Old Settler's Music Festival apart is its sense of community. With a strong focus on sustainability and local engagement, this festival is more than just a weekend of music. It's a place where people come together to celebrate their love of music, nature, and each other.

So if you're looking for a festival that offers great music, a beautiful setting, and a place to truly indulge yourself in the classic southern US culture that we all know and love, then the Old Settler's Music Festival is a perfect choice.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.