Every spring, we look forward to a unique festival in which our lovely city is treated to big, brassy musical mayhem and merriment! During HONK!TX, community street bands perform free high-energy concerts in locations throughout the city. This family-friendly 3-day musical extravaganza features colorful costumes, joyous dancing, and sizzling tunes that you won’t want to miss.

Now in its 10th year, HONK!TX Festival of Community Street Bands is gearing up to host 300 musicians, from around the Central Texas area and New Orleans. This festival is completely free to attend and takes place in multiple locations from April 1 – 3, 2022!

photo by Steve Rogers Photography

HONK!TX is a nonprofit, community-driven, volunteer-led festival that brings brass bands from around the globe to perform an array of genres ranging from European Klezmer and Balkan, to New Orleans second-line brass music, in the public spaces of Austin. It’s more than just a music festival — it is a celebration of community, collaboration, individuality, and creative expression.

Over the course of three days, dozens of bands will play for the public in many locations in Austin. Click here for the massive schedule of performances! This year they will be back on South Congress, in Pan-Am Park, and Mueller Lake Park!

  • Friday, April 1 — Jo’s Coffee South Congress, 6-9 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 2 — Mueller Lake Park, 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 3, Pan-Am Park, 12 – 5 p.m.

Pre-School of HONK!TX Baby & Toddler Band!
Designed for kids 10 and under there’s a special session for children at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Mueller Lake Park. The first 30 minutes will include small instrument building (shakers and tambourine sticks). Then, enjoy a big performance led by Laura Freeman Music (of Hey Lolly) in songs both familiar and new. Instrument petting zoo of percussion instruments will be available, and as always, your kiddo is welcome to bring the instrument of their choice!

Have some fun with Laura Freeman on Saturday morning! Photo by Danielle Viator

Your best bet on finding out when and where your favorite bands are playing is by visiting the HONK!TX website for full details. Browse the FAQs for more details and keep up with all of the latest news on their Facebook page. If you’d like to help support HONK!TX, you can click here to learn about all the ways to get involved.