April in Austin - 2026 Events & Things to Do

April in Austin: Top Events & Things to Do This Month

March 25, 2026 | by Heywood Hotel
Austin Events, Austin Outdoors, Heywood Picks

March may get all the attention around here, but April in Austin is just as exciting. With warm weather, blooming wildflowers, and a packed calendar of festivals, it’s one of the best times to get outside and explore the city. Whether you’re visiting or planning a local staycation, here’s what’s happening in Austin this April. 

41 April Events in Austin: Festivals, Races, Home Tours, Concerts and More

Bloody Mary Festival 

Kick off the month by attending the Bloody Mary Festival on April 4. This spirited event takes place at Fair Market — just half a mile from Heywood Hotel — and brings together some of Austin’s best bars and restaurants to compete for the title of best Bloody Mary. A must for brunch lovers, expect creative concoctions, tasty garnishes, and plenty of samples to sip your way through.

Moontower Comedy Festival 

The Moontower Comedy Festival returns April 7-18 with more than 100 comedians and a stacked lineup of talent. Headliners this year include Lucy Darling, Marc Maron, Leslie Jones, Sarah Sherman, Meg Stalter, Murray Hill, Kathy Griffin, and more. Shows take place across downtown venues, making it easy to catch multiple sets throughout the festival.

Bluebonnet Festival 

Held April 10-12 in nearby Burnet, the Bluebonnet Festival is a classic Texas springtime tradition. Expect a charming mix of small town festivities, including a parade, live music, local vendors, and, of course, beautiful bluebonnets in bloom. It’s a great excuse for a scenic day trip just outside Austin.

ABC Kite Fest 

One of Austin’s longest-running traditions, ABC Kite Fest returns to Zilker Park on April 11. This free, family-friendly event fills the sky with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes, along with contests, live music, and local food vendors. Bring a blanket to fully enjoy this spring event at Austin’s best park. 

People flying kites at Zilker Park during ABC Kite Festival in April.
Head to Zilker Park on April 11 for ABC Kite Festival, a springtime tradition in Austin.

 

Tribeza Luxury Homes Tour 

Architecture and design lovers won’t want to miss the TRIBEZA Luxury Home Tour on April 11. This self-guided tour offers a peek inside some of Austin’s most stunning homes, showcasing innovative design, architecture, and interiors. It’s a unique opportunity to explore the city through a design-forward lens. Tickets are $38 each and will increase by $10 on the day of the tour. 

Statesman 10K

The annual Statesman Cap10K returns on April 12, drawing thousands of runners to downtown Austin. Known as one of the largest 10K races in Texas, the event features a scenic route, live music throughout the course, and a festive finish line celebration. Whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a fun way to experience the best parts of the city.

Fusebox Festival

Taking place April 15-19, Fusebox Festival is one of Austin’s most innovative arts events. The festival blends performance, theater, music, and experimental art, often in unexpected venues around the city. It’s a must for anyone looking to experience Austin’s creative side.

UMLAUF Garden Party 

Set in the museum’s beautiful sculpture garden, the annual UMLAUF Garden Party is taking place April 16. The event offers guests a chance to stroll the grounds while enjoying art, music, drinks, and light bites from over 25 Austin restaurants. The elegant evening is a fundraiser that supports year-round programs at the UMLAUF, and it’s also one of Austin’s most picturesque spring events.

Austin Reggae Festival 

From April 17-19, the Austin Reggae Festival brings music and laidback vibes to Auditorium Shores. This three-day event celebrates reggae culture with live reggae music from nearly 20 performers including headliners Stephen Marley, Original Koffee, and Iration. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Central Texas Food Bank. 

Preservation Austin Homes Tour 

Explore Austin’s architectural history during the Preservation Austin Homes Tour April 18-19. This annual event highlights historic homes and neighborhoods, offering insight into the city’s rich design heritage. It’s ideal for design lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Austin’s past and evolving character.

Pop-Up Picnic 

Pack a blanket and head to Waterloo Greenway for the Pop-Up Picnic on April 18. This relaxed, outdoor gathering invites picnic-goers to enjoy food, music, and community in one of Austin’s newest green spaces. You can bring your own picnic or purchase a curated picnic basket from Austin restaurants including Franklin Barbecue, Aba, Justine’s, Homeslice, and more. Tickets for the event are $25 per person.

People sitting on picnic blankets at Austin's Pop-Up Picnic, an April event.
Waterloo Greenway’s Pop-Up Picnic is a can’t-miss spring event in Austin.

 

Indie Meme Film Festival 

Running April 22-26, the 11th annual Indie Meme Film Festival showcases independent South Asian films and filmmakers. The festival includes screenings, Q&As, mixers, and special filmmaker events that take place at Austin Film Society Cinema. The Indie Meme Film Festival is a great opportunity to discover new voices in cinema.

Austin Dragon Boat Festival 

Hosted by The Lunar Foundation and the Asian American Cultural Center, the Austin Dragon Boat Festival returns to Lady Bird Lake on April 25. Start the day by watching teams race colorful dragon boats across the water. Then, head over to Festival Beach — a little over a mile away from Heywood Hotel — to enjoy cultural performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. 

Eeyore’s Birthday Party 

One of Austin’s quirkiest traditions, Eeyore’s Birthday Party takes place April 25 in Pease Park. This beloved event features costumes, drum circles, live music, and a free-spirited, anything-goes atmosphere. It’s equal parts celebration and classic Austin weirdness that we recommend everyone experience at least once! 

Austin Blues Festival 

There is no shortage of opportunities to see live music in Austin this spring, and Austin Blues Festival is one of them. Taking place April 25-26, this event features a mix of legendary blues artists including Parliament Funkadelic, George Clinton, Jimmie Vaughan, and Eric Johnson, along with up-and-coming performers. The festival takes place at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park while there are a few late-night shows happening at Antone’s April 23-25. With great music, food vendors, and scenic views, it’s a perfect way to close out April in Austin. 

Austin Concerts in April: 26 Shows to Add to Your Calendar  

Two music icons are coming to Austin in April: Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band, and George Strait.
Music icons are coming to Austin: Catch Bruce Springsteen and George Strait at Moody Center in April.

George Strait at Moody Center 

Country music legend George Strait takes the stage at Moody Center on April 9 and 11 for two highly anticipated shows. With an incredible 60 number one hits under his belt and a career spanning decades, this rare performance by the “King of Country” is a must-see for country fans. He plays a limited number of shows per year, but Austin will be lucky enough to see him twice as he’ll be back at Moody Center May 15 and 16 for two more shows. 

Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band at Moody Center 

Rock icon Bruce Springsteen is bringing his Land of Hopes & Dreams Tour to Austin on April 26, alongside the legendary E Street Band. Known for his high-energy performances and classic hits, Springsteen’s live shows are the kind of bucket-list experience that draws fans from all over.

Below are more concerts and shows happening in Austin this month: 

Austin Performing Arts Shows in April

Where to Stay in Austin This April

Planning a trip around these April events in Austin? Make the most of your visit with a stay at Heywood Hotel, a MICHELIN-rated boutique hotel tucked into the heart of East Austin, a great neighborhood to explore. You’ll be just minutes from downtown, music venues like Scoot Inn, Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and festival hotspots like Auditorium Shores and Festival Beach, making it easy to get to everything on your itinerary.

Between events, explore the neighborhood’s walkable mix of coffee shops, restaurants, and nightlife, or unwind in a quiet, design-forward space that feels like a true home base. Whether you’re here for a weekend festival or a full spring getaway, Heywood Hotel puts you close to the best things to do in Austin in April while offering a relaxed retreat at the end of the day. Book your stay today.