Austin, Texas, February 6, 2026
Austin, Texas is gearing up for an array of exciting events from culinary cook-offs to major festivals this winter and spring. These gatherings highlight the city’s rich cultural fabric and aim to enhance community engagement. Events such as Jo’s Chili Cook-Off, the Austin Marathon, and the renowned South by Southwest festival will attract both locals and visitors. As the city thrives culturally, the hard work of local organizers is evident in these vibrant festivities, encouraging a sense of community and celebration throughout Austin.
Exciting Events Coming to Austin, Texas
Mark Your Calendars for this Winter and Spring
Austin, Texas, is bustling with energy and anticipation as a variety of events are lined up for February through May 2026. These gatherings not only showcase the city’s vibrant culture but also highlight the resilience of local organizers and the potential for community engagement to flourish with reduced bureaucratic constraints. From culinary competitions to major festivals, Austin’s event calendar is filled with opportunities for residents and visitors alike to connect, celebrate, and enjoy.
As we delve into the upcoming events, it’s apparent that these activities are not just fun but are vital in bringing together diverse segments of the community. Each event reflects the rich mosaic that is Austin, underlined by the hard work of local leaders, businesses, and creatives who strive to enhance civic life and cultural dialogue.
Featured Events in February 2026
- Jo’s Chili Cook-Off
Date: February 1, 2026
Location: Jo’s Coffee South Congress
Description: Enjoy live music, cold beer, and chili from Austin’s best restaurants and amateur chefs. Entry is free; wristbands for chili tasting available on-site. - Carnaval Brasileiro
Date: February 7, 2026
Location: Speakeasy
Description: Experience one of the largest Brazilian Carnaval celebrations outside Brazil, featuring samba, costumes, and lively festivities. - Austin Marathon
Date: February 15, 2026
Location: Downtown Austin
Description: Participate in the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, which includes marathon, half marathon, and 5K events. - OUTsider Festival
Dates: February 18–22, 2026
Location: The VORTEX
Description: A multidisciplinary art festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with film, performance art, music, and visual arts. - San Antonio Spurs I-35 Series
Dates: February 19 & 21, 2026
Location: Moody Center
Description: NBA games featuring the San Antonio Spurs, part of the I-35 Series. - ATX Open
Dates: February 21–March 1, 2026
Location: Westwood Country Club
Description: The only professional tour-level tennis tournament in Austin, part of the Hologic WTA Tour. - NASCAR at COTA
Dates: February 27–March 1, 2026
Location: Circuit of The Americas
Description: NASCAR returns to Austin with the Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge.
Exciting Events in March 2026
- South by Southwest (SXSW)
Dates: March 12–18, 2026
Location: Various venues in Austin
Description: A renowned festival and conference featuring film, music, and interactive media, attracting global professionals and creatives. - Sips & Sounds Music Festival
Dates: March 13–14, 2026
Location: Auditorium Shores
Description: Hosted by Coca-Cola, this festival features national headlining artists across multiple stages, along with local food and drink vendors. - Rodeo Austin
Dates: March 13–28, 2026
Location: Travis County Expo Center
Description: A premier event featuring ProRodeo competitions, daily concerts, livestock shows, and more. - MojoFest
Dates: March 27–29, 2026
Location: Circuit of The Americas
Description: A three-day festival celebrating the best of Austin’s music scene, featuring local and national artists.
Key Events in April 2026
- Pecan Street Festival
Dates: April 5–6, 2026
Location: Hill Country Galleria, Bee Cave
Description: A bi-annual arts and crafts festival featuring local artisans, live music, and food vendors. - Two Step Inn Festival
Dates: April 5–6, 2026
Location: San Gabriel Park, Georgetown
Description: Celebrate Texas country music with headliners like Alan Jackson and Sturgill Simpson.
Events to Look Forward to in May 2026
- Austin Reggae Festival
Dates: April 18–20, 2026
Location: Auditorium Shores
Description: Enjoy top reggae artists, local acts, and a vibrant community atmosphere, supporting local initiatives. - Austin Pride Festival
Date: August 2025 (Exact date to be announced)
Location: Various venues in Austin
Description: A vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, live performances, and events promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Conclusion
Austin’s rich tapestry of events invites everyone to partake in various cultural, artistic, and athletic experiences. By supporting these local initiatives, communities strengthen their connections, benefiting from the engagement and vibrant exchanges that unfold. We encourage residents and visitors alike to mark their calendars, attend, and immerse themselves in the dynamic spirit of Austin.
FAQ
What is the Jo’s Chili Cook-Off?
The Jo’s Chili Cook-Off is an event on February 1, 2026, located at Jo’s Coffee South Congress, featuring live music and chili from local restaurants and chefs.
When does the Austin Marathon take place?
The Austin Marathon will be held on February 15, 2026, in Downtown Austin, including various running events like a marathon, half marathon, and 5K.
What is South by Southwest (SXSW)?
SXSW is a major festival and conference happening from March 12–18, 2026, that includes film, music, and interactive media events across various venues in Austin.
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jo’s Chili Cook-Off | February 1, 2026 | Jo’s Coffee South Congress | Enjoy live music, cold beer, and chili from Austin’s best restaurants. |
| Carnaval Brasileiro | February 7, 2026 | Speakeasy | A large Brazilian Carnaval celebration with samba and costumes. |
| Austin Marathon | February 15, 2026 | Downtown Austin | Participate in a marathon, half marathon, or 5K. |
| South by Southwest (SXSW) | March 12–18, 2026 | Various venues | A festival featuring film, music, and interactive media. |
| Rodeo Austin | March 13–28, 2026 | Travis County Expo Center | A premier event featuring ProRodeo competitions and concerts. |
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
