The 10 Best Music Festivals in Texas

There’s nothing better to spend your weekend than at a music festival. In Texas, they sure know how to throw a good one. Texas is home to some of the best music festivals in the country, spanning every genre from electronic to indie and everything in between. 

Here are 10 great festivals in Texas worth checking out:

1. Old Settler’s Music Festival

Dale, Texas

When: April (four days)

Celebrating Texas talents, Old Settler’s is a special event that happens annually in April. The four-day festival features over 30 different bands, with a focus on bluegrass, country, Americana, and roots music. There’s also camping available on-site for those who want to make a weekend out of it.

Old Settler's Music Festival 2019Old Settler’s Music Festival 2019

2. UTOPIAfest

Burnet, Texas

When: October (two days)

UTOPIAfest is a fun event that takes place on a scenic ranch in Texas. The two-day festival features a wide range of musical genres and family-friendly activities like mountain biking, hiking, arts, and workshops to entertain festival-goers of all ages. Camping is also available on-site.

UTOPiAfest Thirteen - Oct 13-15UTOPiAfest Thirteen – Oct 13-15

3. Austin City Limits Music Festival

Zilker Park, Austin, Texas

When: October (six days)

ACL is a legendary musical event that happens for two weekends in October, with 100+ bands playing on nine stages throughout.

It’s also one of the most diverse festivals in Texas, featuring both famous musicians and rising stars. There are also photo booths, giveaways, and activities for all ages at the event.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Austin City Limits 2022 - Full Show HDRed Hot Chili Peppers – Austin City Limits 2022 – Full Show HD

4. Levitation

Austin, Texas

When: October (four days)

At Levitation, festival-goers can enjoy music and visual arts from psychedelic rock pioneers, grange rock, and modern-day experimentalists. Food and drinks are available on-site. Creativity and heavy music are highlighted at this festival.

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard- The Dripping Tap (Live Levitation 22 ATX)King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard- The Dripping Tap (Live Levitation 22 ATX)

5. Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival

Galatyn Park Urban Center, Richardson, Texas

When: May (three days)

To ring in spring, the Wildflower! The arts and Music Festival hosts a three-day event complete with indoor and outdoor performance stages, band, songwriting, and talent competitions, as well as interactive displays. The event offers food, drinks, activities, and merchandise for sale.

2022 Wildflower Festival, Richardson, TX2022 Wildflower Festival, Richardson, TX

6. National Polka Festival

Ennis, Texas

When: May (three days)

In celebration of Czech heritage, the National Polka Festival is a three-day event that happens annually in Ennis, Texas. Come to the festival for an authentic experience complete with polka music and dancing, traditional Czech foods, a picturesque parade, handcrafted arts and more.

THE MORAVIANS POLKA BAND - ENNIS, TX.  05-28-2022THE MORAVIANS POLKA BAND – ENNIS, TX. 05-28-2022

This event is for everyone, regardless of age or cultural background, while still celebrating Czech traditions. Prepare your dancing shoes and enjoy some traditional Czech festivities in this splendid festival.

7. Euphoria

Austin, Texas

When: May (four days)

Euphoria music festival is a four-day camping and music festival that happens annually in Austin, Texas. The festival features genres ranging from electronic, jam, and hip-hop. There are also on-site activities like yoga, live painting, and art installations that showcase art and culture.

Texas In July Full Set - Live At So What Music Festival 5/28/22Texas In July Full Set – Live At So What Music Festival 5/28/22

8. So What?! Music Festival

Arlington, Texas

When: May (three days)

So What? Music Festival is one of the most highly anticipated annual events because it brings together some of the biggest names in pop-punk, alt-rock, rock, metal, rap and hip-hop.

It is a three-day event that has six stages to give you a full-on musical experience. Prepare for the mosh pits and to hear all your favorite songs live!

Texas In July Full Set - Live At So What Music Festival 5/28/22Texas In July Full Set – Live At So What Music Festival 5/28/22

9. South by Southwest Music Festival

Austin, Texas

When: March (ten days)

SXSW is a ten-day music festival held in Austin, Texas every year. The festival showcases a wide range of musical talent from up-and-coming artists to well-known headliners. 

South by Southwest music festival resumes in Texas | "Live Music Capital of the World"South by Southwest music festival resumes in Texas | “Live Music Capital of the World”

There are also days allocated for interactive media, film screenings, workshops, and conferences. SXSW is an educational, fun, and immersive experience for music and film lovers all around.

10. JMBLYA

Dallas, Houston, & Austin, Texas

When: September (one day)

JMBLYA is a one-day music festival that takes place in different locations in Texas. Genres that are represented include hip-hop, R&B, and trap.

The festival is well-known for previous performances from Travis Scott, Chance the Rapper, The Kid Laroi, and more. JMBLYA is a traveling music festival that is also present in other states.

Bhad Bhabie - "JUICE" - JMBLYA - LIVE (Dallas, TX, 5/3/19)Bhad Bhabie – “JUICE” – JMBLYA – LIVE (Dallas, TX, 5/3/19)

Conclusion

Texas is home to a plethora of music festivals, catering to all genres from country to punk rock. Most festivals last for three days, so you can make a weekend out of it.

With on-site camping, activities, food, and drinks available, these festivals are a great way to immerse yourself in music and culture.

Old Settler’s Music Festival Featured Image by: John Grubbs, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons