7 Must-Attend Music Festivals in the Lonestar State: Get Ready to Experience the Best of Texas Music Scene!

If you’re looking for a city that embodies the spirit of live music, then Texas is the place to be. With venues and festivals scattered throughout its towns and cities, the state offers a wide range of options for music fans of all genres. In this blog post, we’ll dive into seven must-attend music festivals in the Lonestar State that will allow you to experience the best of Texan music culture.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Austin City Limits is one of the largest music festivals in the country, at least when it comes to outdoor events. Held annually over two weekends in October, the festival features massive headliners and buzzworthy acts such as Childish Gambino, Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, and The Cure. Attendees can expect seven stages, trendy food vendors, an art market, and plenty of opportunities to revel in Austin’s vibrant atmosphere.

SXSW Music Festival

South by Southwest (SXSW) is not purely a music festival, as it’s a nine-day multimedia event showcasing cinema, tech, and comedy in addition to music. But make no mistake – the music part of SXSW is worth experiencing. Every March, thousands of musicians from all over the world flock to Austin playing in various spots like hotels, bars, parks, and even churches. Plus, renowned musical artists such as Beck, Prince, and Kendrick Lamar have graced the stage in past years.

Old Settler’s Music Festival

Set in the little resort town of Dale (just south of Austin), Old Settler’s Music Festival has been running for over 30 years, and while it might not be as well-known as some of the other festivals on this list, it does deliver a good mix of bluegrass, folk, roots-rock, and Americana. Held in mid-April, the camping festival features four stages, local food, arts & crafts vendors, kid-friendly activities, and workshops with headliners like Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, and Alison Krauss.

Springboard South Music Festival

Founded in 2013, Springboard South Music Festival is a yearly event that takes place in Houston every June. The festival aims to empower emerging musicians by giving them a platform to showcase their talent and connect with industry professionals, including record labels, managers, and executives. Alongside networking events, attendees can enjoy performances by top-tier acts, which in past editions have included George Clinton, Phantogram, and Chk-Chk-Chk.

Lone Star Jam

You can’t get more Texan than Lone Star Jam. A Country music festival, Lone Star Jam takes place over two days in May in Austin, showcasing some of the most respected artists in the genre alongside upcoming ones. Artists include Randy Rogers Band, Aaron Watson, Cody Johnson, Easton Corbin, Whiskey Myers, and many others. While you’re in Austin, check out the area's barbecue scene – it doesn’t disappoint!

JMBLYA Music Festival

JMBLYA Music Festival has become one of the premier hip-hop festivals in Texas. Founded in 2012, the event is held every May in Dallas, Houston, and Austin, typically offering up-and-coming rappers and established artists of the genre. Past lineups include Travis Scott, Migos, Lil Wayne, Post Malone, and Chance the Rapper. JMBLYA rests on the outskirts of the typical electronica-free lull between Coachella and Bonnaroo, providing a great way to start the summer without having to worry about major conflicts.

Fortress Festival

Fortress Festival is a two-day event hosted in Fort Worth highlighting intimate pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic performances at a space called Will Rogers Memorial Center. Since its creation, the festival has put together star-studded round-ups featuring such bands as Run the Jewels, Purity Ring, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Cardi B. Fortress Festival also takes advantage of nearby venues for after-parties and DJ sets, making it an all-out entertainment experience.

Comparing the Must-Attend Music Festivals in Texas

Conclusion

Texas is home to so many music festivals worth attending, it's tough to choose just one. Depending on your interests or the specific music you love, you'll undoubtedly find something that suits your preferences throughout the year. From ACL's huge lineups to the intimate beginnings of Old Settler's, there is surely something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Load up the cooler, grab some sunscreen, and head out to one of these Texas music festivals – the biggest problem you'll have is deciding which one to go to first.

Thank you for reading our guide to the 7 Must-Attend Music Festivals in the Lonestar State! As you can see, Texas offers an incredible range of musical experiences, from blues and jazz to country and rock. No matter your taste in music, there is sure to be a festival that suits your interests and preferences.

We encourage you to mark your calendars and start planning your trips to these festivals now! Whether you're a Texas native or an out-of-state visitor, you're bound to have an amazing time experiencing the best of the state's music scene. From the legendary South by Southwest to the intimate Kerrville Folk Festival, each festival offers a unique atmosphere and lineup of talented musicians.

Get ready to rock out, dance the night away, and discover new sounds at these 7 Must-Attend Music Festivals in Texas. With top-notch performers, mouth-watering food, and an electric atmosphere, you won't want to miss a beat!

People Also Ask about 7 Must-Attend Music Festivals in the Lonestar State: Get Ready to Experience the Best of Texas Music Scene!

1. What are the top music festivals in Texas?

The top music festivals in Texas are:

• SXSW (South by Southwest)
• Austin City Limits Music Festival
• Houston Rodeo
• Old Settler's Music Festival
• Maverick Music Festival
• Float Fest
• Texas Crab Festival
2. When do these music festivals take place?

The dates for the music festivals vary, but they usually take place between March and October.

3. Where are these music festivals held?

The music festivals are held in various locations throughout Texas, including Austin, Houston, Driftwood, San Antonio, Martindale, Crystal Beach, and more.

4. What genres of music can I expect to hear at these festivals?

You can expect to hear a variety of music genres, including country, rock, blues, folk, indie, hip-hop, and more.

5. Can I camp at these music festivals?

Yes, most of the music festivals offer camping options, but you should check with each festival for specific details and availability.

6. Are these festivals family-friendly?

Most of the music festivals are family-friendly and offer activities for all ages. However, some festivals may have age restrictions or require parental supervision for certain activities.

7. How can I purchase tickets for these music festivals?

You can purchase tickets for these music festivals online through the festival's website or through ticketing websites such as Ticketmaster or StubHub.