Sun’s out and live music’s in the air: Must be summer festival season! Austin’s known for collecting all the best bands, musicians, and party people even during our hotter-than-heck months. Throw a dart at your May, June, July, and August calendar and you’re sure to hit a fest featuring a loaded lineup – but that ain’t the smart consumer’s way. Thinking ahead’s the name of the game, so refer to this listicle throughout your summer to see what’s up in the Live Music Capital.
Kerrville Folk Festival
May 22 – June 8, Quiet Valley Ranch; Cost: $36-902
Stay for the entire 18-day spread of folk fun or stop in for a single weekend: You’ll see talented artists no matter how long you hang out. kerrvillefolkfestival.org.
The Drop-In
May 22 – Aug. 14, the Long Center; Cost: Free but RSVP
Bask in this KUTX 98.9-presented showcase of 23 bands every Thursday through ’til August on the Long Center lawn. thelongcenter.org.
Hot Luck
May 22-25, Mohawk; Cost: $33-632.14
Better known for the barbecue delights cooked up by participating chefs, you’re in LUCK because there’ll be HOT music from headliners the Spits and White Denim. hotluckfest.com.
illfest
May 30 – June 1, Travis County Expo Center; Cost: $99-229
A three-day “street art and music” celebration headlined by Wooli, Liquid Stranger, and a B2B DJ set by Tape B & peekaboo. illfest.com.
Jump On It Week
June 1-8, multiple locations; Cost: $149-379
More than just a music festival, this celebration of Black excellence features panels, parties, comedy, sports, and tons of local music talent for all eight days. jumponitonline.com.
Music Under the Star
Fridays in June, Capitol Mall Amphitheater; Cost: Free but RSVP
Outdoor tunes right by our state Capitol, with food and drinks on offer while you enjoy artists like the Tiarras, Luke Bulla, San Gabriel, and many more. www.thestoryoftexas.com/muts.
Babestock 2025
June 14-15, Cheer Up Charlies; Cost: $27.50-44
Game-changing all-women-and-gender-expansive electronic music festival swings in for a second year featuring over 30+ “femme and them” artists. www.babeatx.com/babestock.
Endless Light: A Solstice Festival
June 21, Mohawk; Cost: $30.50-36.50
Headlined by the Bright Light Social Hour, this show also features Grandmaster, Megafauna, lluvii, BRUCE, and many others to celebration BLSH’s album Space Is Still the Place’s 10th anniversary. www.thebrightlightsocialhour.com.
Austin Chamber Music Festival
June 27 – Aug. 9, multiple locations; Cost: $12-120
Summer music’s not just about guitars and drums: This classical celebration showcases string, piano, and choral talent from local and visiting artists. austinchambermusic.org/festival.
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic 2025
July 4, Germania Insurance Amphitheater; Cost: $30-291
The now gray-haired stranger sets up with friends, family, and Bob Dylan to serenade the stars & stripes under the Texas sky. willienelson.com.
Hot Summer Nights
July 24-26, Red River Cultural District; Cost: Free
Thursday ’til Saturday, drop in at any of the 10 participating venues to catch admission-free live music from over 150+ local artists. redriverculturaldistrict.org/hot-summer-nights.
This article appears in May 23 • 2025.
