There’s a lot going on in Austin in the springtime, and we’re not just talking about allergies. If you’re having a hard time picking which events you want to attend with the family, we’ve put together a lineup of spring festivals, annual parties, and special shows to help you stay in the know.
Spring Festivals & Special Events:
— MotoGP @ COTA
March 28 – 30
The fastest show on two wheels revs up Austin for three days of motorcycle racing action with the greatest riders in the world! Get all the info here.
— 48th Annual Statesman Capitol 10K @ Downtown Austin
Sunday, April 6 | 8 am | Starting Line – Google Location
Every spring, runners, fitness enthusiasts, and families converge in downtown Austin for the Statesman Capitol 10K. This family-friendly event encourages you to run, walk, push that baby stroller, and even bring along your pup for a race through Austin’s picturesque downtown. The fun doesn’t stop once you cross the finish line! Celebrate the Austin way at the Finish Line Festival, featuring free massages, food vendors, cocktails, a kids’ zone, an autograph wall, live music, photo ops, and much more! Check here for registration info.
— Butterfly Festival @ EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens (Wimberley)
April 12 | 9 am opening ceremony; festival at 10 am
Live butterfly releases, butterfly art, nature activities, kids’ games, concessions, and live entertainment. This is a rain-or-shine event, and there is free parking at Wimberly High School. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.
Squirrel Fest @ Pease Park
April 12 | 4 pm – 10 pm
Squirrel Fest is Saturday, April 12, and there’s so much to see and do for families. From kids activities, to food and drinks, and culminating with a movie on the lawn, you won’t want to miss this second annual event in Pease Park. Highlights include:
- Make a Forest Friend with clay artist and ceramicist Tanya Zal
- DIY Friendship Weavings using reclaimed materials with Alyssa Clark of Future Front Texas
- Nature Painting Picnic with Kayla Kennedy
- Face Painting by Maria Larraga
- Squirrel Origami with JASGA
- Play Bird Bingo with illustrator and naturalist Emily Tolipova of Where’d The Wild Things Go
- Watch a Puppet Show from Small Wonders Puppet Theater
- Dance to Tunes by DJ HoneyPocket
- Go Mothing with Dr. Curtis Eckerman
- Learn to Dance with J Wagner
Get the full list of parking options here. Pease Park encourages alternative modes of transpirtation to the park, but there is FREE parking at the Austin Recreation Center, or the ACC Rio Grande Parking Garage.
— Sherwood Forest Faire (McDade, TX)
Now through April 20
Located in McDade, Texas, the Faire is set in a wooded village bustling with shops, pubs, and tons of entertainment. Check here for details about attending the Faire. Also, check out Castles in Central Texas for info on which castles you can stay in!
— Old Settler’s Music Festival @ Tilmon, TX
April 24 – 27
Central Texas’ signature music event featuring live music, arts and crafts, camping, food, and libations. Acoustic jazz, blues, and bluegrass are all performed by old-time local favorites and award-winning artists from around the world. Enjoy the tree-covered parkland for gathering, camping, and late-night jams by the campfire, as well as eclectic arts and crafts, kids’ activities, and music workshops to round out the magical experience. The festival offers deeply discounted youth and $5 child passes. Check here for the schedule and tickets.
— 26th Annual Buda Wiener Dog Races @ Buda City Park
April 27
The Buda Lions Club Annual Wiener Dog Races and Country Fair is a fun family event featuring the world-famous dog race, as well as arts & crafts, kids’ games, a BBQ cook-off, and more. Admission at the gate is $10 for ages 3 and up.
— Eeyore’s 60th Birthday Celebration @ Pease District Park
April 27 | Kids are welcome from 11 am to 3 pm
This annual celebration is free. The kid-friendly portion from 11 am to 3 pm includes games, crafts, Eeyore (Donkey), a costume contest, face painting, and more. Please note: In case of torrential rainfall, the rain check date is May 3, 2025.
— Red Poppy Festival @ Downtown Georgetown Square
April 25-27 | 103 W. 7th St., Georgetown
A Georgetown and Central Texas tradition, the Red Poppy Festival is a time to enjoy family and friends, music, food, and fun. This event has lots of family activities, including a Kid’s Fun Zone. View the full schedule here. Admission is free.
— Lonestar Round Up @ Travis County Expo Center
May 2 & 3 | 10 am – 6 pm
Lonestar Round Up is a huge outdoor car show and live music festival with tons of vintage hot rods and custom cars from all over the country. This event is family-friendly, and you’ll find great food, a giant swap meet, and vendors. Admission is $20 at the gate, parking is free, and kids under age 12 are free.
— 50th Annual Pecan Street Festival
May 3 and 4
The Pecan Street Festival is the oldest and largest art festival in Central Texas. For the first time in its history, the Pecan Street Festival will be held at The Hill Country Galleria. Expect top notch musical performances, food vendors, artists, and artisans at this event that draws more than 400K people annually. There will be kids’ rides and bounce houses and you can get more info here.
Check our Do512 Family Calendar for even more upcoming events!
More to Explore:
- Best Places to Find Bluebonnets
- Best Places for Family Picnics
- Best Restaurants with Playscapes
- Favorite Playgrounds
- Places to Go Camping
- Favorite Swimming Holes
- Where to Rent Kayaks & Canoes
No matter what you do this spring, we hope you and the kids have an amazing time! For even more ideas, you can always check out our daily calendar for all event listings.
