May in Austin: 40 Can’t-Miss Events
April 28, 2026
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May in Austin is a lively time of year. Whether you’re in town for a graduation, a wedding, or just a long weekend, there’s no shortage of fun events or activities to check out while you’re here.
The month also marks the transition from spring to summer, the temperature in Austin in May is unbeatable. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy your meals al fresco, spend time on the trails, or check out the best swimming spots in Austin.
Whether you’re looking for a reason to visit Austin this May or you’re a local who wants to experience some Austin traditions, here are six events the Heywood Hotel concierge team recommends.
Austin, TX in May: 11 Events and Things to Do
1. The KUT Festival
May 1-2, 2026
The KUT Festival debuts this May with two days of live music, conversations, panels, and community events celebrating the people and culture that make Austin unique. Friday’s events including keynote speaker Cory Booker will be held at LBJ Library. Saturday’s full day of events will be held at Central Machine Works Brewery and East End Ballroom in East Austin near the Heywood Hotel, with Shakey Graves capping off the event at 5:00pm.
2. iHeartCountry Festival
May 2, 2026
The iHeartCountry Festival is making its way to Moody Center on Saturday, May 2. Hosted by radio host Bobby Bones, the festival lineup features top country artists including Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Carly Pearce, Lauren Alaina, Shaboozey, and more.
3. The Front Market
May 2-3, 2026
If you prefer to stay near downtown and are looking for an art market to attend, consider The Front Market. Curated by a local arts organization, Future Front, The Front Market is a curated marketplace that features more than 175 vendors including craftspeople, designers, and small businesses. In addition to shopping, there will also be workshops, community pop-ups, and performances. This May event takes place at Distribution Hall, about a half a mile from the Heywood Hotel.
4. Austin Fashion Week
May 6-9, 2026
If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you don’t want to miss the most stylish May event on this list. Austin Fashion Week is the largest and longest-running fashion event in Texas. Twice a year, the event showcases independent and emerging designers with thrilling runway shows and pop-up shops. Now in its 18th year, Austin Fashion Week takes place at The Domain, an upscale retail center located in north Austin.
5. Austin Psych Fest
May 8-10, 2026
Austin Psych Fest is a great May event to kick off festival season in Austin. This year’s festivities are taking place at Far Out Lounge in South Austin which offers a backyard-style space to enjoy the day-to-night lineup that happens across two stages. Headliners for the 2026 festival include The Flaming Lips, The Black Angels, and Three Sacred Souls.
6. Pecan Street Festival
May 9-10, 2026
Pecan Street Festival is one of the largest and longest-running street festivals in Austin, making it a city tradition. Twice a year, local vendors, musicians, and artists come together for a weekend of family-friendly fun that showcases the best of Austin’s art and community.
The spring event is happening at the Hill Country Galleria, which is located west of central Austin. If you’re going to make a trip outside of the city, we can’t think of a more festive reason!
7. Texas Burlesque Festival
May 15, 2026
The Texas Burlesque Festival returns to the Long Center May 15-16 for a weekend of dazzling performances, comedy, and classic burlesque entertainment. Featuring performers from across Texas and beyond, the festival blends glamour, camp, and Austin’s signature sense of fun into one unforgettable night out.
8. ATX TV Festival
May 28-31, 2026
TV fans, this one’s for you. ATX TV Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that showcases past, current, and upcoming series through reunions, screenings, intimate Q&As, panel discussions, events, and more. Some highlights of this year’s programming include Friday Night Lights 20 Year Reunion, I Love Lucy 75th Anniversary Script Reading, and Everybody Loves Raymond panel with Phil Rosenthal and Ray Romano. Celebrating its 15th season, the ATX TV Festival is another Austin tradition that must be experienced.
9. Free Live Music
May marks the beginning of the summer concert season. There are several free concert series in Austin, including Rock the Park in Mueller on May 15, The Drop-In at The Long Center which typically runs on Thursdays from May through August, and Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park, Sundays in May and June. There are few things more local and traditional than catching a live music show. Read more here: Free Concerts in Austin
28 Austin Concerts in May
- Courtney Barnett with Truman Sinclair, May 1 at Radio/East
- Kid Cudi with M.I.A. and Big Boi, May 1 at Germania Insurance Amphitheater
- Hayley Williams, May 2-3 at ACL Live
- Florence + The Machine, May 4 at Moody Center
- RAYE, May 4 at Moody Amphitheater
- Gary Clark Jr., May 4, 11, 18, and 25 at Antone’s
- Leon Bridges, May 8 at Stubb’s
- David Ramirez and Shakey Graves, May 8 at Continental Club
- José González, May 8 at Mohawk
- Sun Kil Moon, May 8 at ACL Live at 3TEN
- Dave Matthews Band, May 11 at Moody Center
- Sting, May 12 at Moody Amphitheater
- Grandaddy, May 12 at Mohawk
- The Avett Brothers, May 14 at Moody Center
- George Strait, May 15-16 at Moody Center
- Mac DeMarco, May 16-17 at ACL Live
- The Black Crowes and Whiskey Meyers, May 17 at Moody Center
- The Gourds, May 19-20 at Paramount Theatre
- Jason Isbell, May 22 at The Long Center
- Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), May 22 at Germania Insurance Amphitheater
- Yot Club, May 22 at Scoot Inn
- Shinedown, May 22 at Moody Center
- Demi Lovato, May 24 at Moody Center
- Echo & the Bunnymen, May 25 at ACL Live
- Yungblud, May 29 at Moody Amphitheater
- Alex Warren, May 30 at Moody Center
- The Kid Laroi, May 30 at Stubb’s
- Teen Suicide, May 30 at Scoot Inn
6 Performing Arts Shows in Austin in May
- The Wiz, May 12-17 at Bass Concert Hall (Broadway in Austin)
- Ilana Glazer, May 14 at Paramount Theatre
- ATXplained Live, May 21 at Bass Concert Hall
- Jerry Seinfeld, May 29 at Bass Concert Hall
- Phil Rosenthal and Ray Romano, May 30 at Paramount Theatre (presented by ATX TV Festival)
- Dear Evan Hansen, through May 31 at Zach Theater
Stay in the Heart of Austin This May
Want to stay near all of the action? East Austin is the perfect neighborhood to stay if you’re attending any of these Austin events in May.
The Heywood Hotel is a MICHELIN-rated boutique hotel located in East Austin. Our intimate, seven-room hotel tucked away in Central East Austin in a location that can’t be beat. We’re within walking distance to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars and offer free parking if you prefer to ride share. We’re just one mile away from downtown Austin, Rainey Street, and some of the city’s best walking and biking trails.