Looking for the definitive Austin itinerary this March? From world‑class festivals and hilarious comedy to lakeside adventures and weird only‑in‑Austin experiences, this guide is your curated playbook of things to do in Austin in March 2026—anchored by the legendary Esther’s Follies.

Why March Is the Best Time to Experience Austin

March is Austin at its most Austin. The weather hovers in the high 60s and low 70s, the wildflowers burst along the highways, and the city becomes a playground for locals and visitors alike. Spring break, SXSW, and countless festivals mean an endless stream of entertainment. But March 2026 is particularly special: the calendar is packed with huge concerts, food festivals, professional sports, and a mix of quirky local traditions you won't find anywhere else. This guide breaks down what’s happening and where locals actually go, so you don’t fall into tourist traps (we’re looking at you, overpriced Sixth Street beer garden).

The Best Major Events & Festivals in Austin This Month

SXSW (Mar 12–18, 2026)

South by Southwest (SXSW) takes over downtown for a week of music, film, comedy, tech conferences, and exhibitions. 2026’s dates are March 12–18, with music showcases, film premieres, and panels spread across venues. It’s the city’s biggest event and a bucket‑list experience.

Why go? You can stumble from a tech panel on AI ethics to a surprise Lady Gaga showcase in the same afternoon. The festival also features a comedy program with rising stand‑ups, perfect for fans of Esther’s Follies.

Pro Tip: Skip the overpriced official badges unless you’re a filmmaker or industry professional. Many free shows and day parties exist off‑site; follow local blogs and RSVP lists for entry.

Sips & Sounds Music Festival (Mar 13–14, 2026)

Coca‑Cola’s Sips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores delivers an eclectic lineup: Christina Aguilera, Calvin Harris, Major Lazer, Foster the People, Grouplove, Ravyn Lenae and more. What sets this festival apart is the lakeside setting; you’ll dance as the sun sets over Lady Bird Lake and the downtown skyline. The lineup leans pop and EDM—an energetic contrast to Austin’s usual indie fare.

Pro Tip: Bring a low‑chair or blanket. Alcohol is sold on‑site, but the real treat is the variety of local food trucks lining the park.

Rodeo Austin (Mar 13–28, 2026)

For two weeks the Travis County Expo Center transforms into Rodeo Austin. Each ticket includes a pro‑rodeo competition and a major concert. Events like bull riding, mutton bustin’ (kids riding sheep) and barrel racing run daily, followed by concerts from country stars. Even if you’re not into rodeos, the carnival rides, petting zoo, and deep‑fried everything make this a must‑see.

Pro Tip: The rodeo sells “Wristband Wednesday” passes for unlimited rides. And the live music lineup is stacked—arrive early to catch the opening acts.

FoodieLand Food Festival (Mar 6–8, 2026)

If your bucket list is more brisket than bull, head to FoodieLand at COTA. Billed as the nation’s largest food festival, FoodieLand unites 200+ vendors, artisan shops, games and live music. It runs Friday from 3pm–10pm and Saturday/Sunday from 1pm–10pm. Admission is ticketed online (kids under 5 get in free) and parking is $15.

Why it’s worth it: Sample everything from birria tacos to Filipino halo‑halo in one place. Austin’s food truck culture collides with global flavors, so come hungry and wear stretchy pants.

Pro Tip: Carpool or rideshare—FoodieLand events often sell out and parking lines can snake for miles. Early entry on Friday is less crowded.

Tuesday Twilights at the Wildflower Center (Starting Mar 24, 2026)

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center extends its hours on Tuesday evenings from March 24 through May 12. Tuesday Twilights features live music by local musicians, food trucks and adult beverages, encouraging date nights and picnics. As wildflowers bloom in March, this is one of the best places to appreciate Texas bluebonnets.

Pro Tip: Admission is free for members; otherwise, reserve a timed entry to avoid being turned away. Bring a blanket and order a beer for an early‑evening picnic among the wildflowers.

MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas (Mar 27–29, 2026)

The fastest motorcycles in the world scream into COTA for the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix. It’s billed as the “ultimate horsepower rodeo”. Even if you’re not a motorhead, the festival features stunt shows, vendor villages, and a carnival atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Ear protection is a must. Stand near Turn 1 for the best view of the start and heart‑stopping braking zone.

St. Patrick’s Day Parties (March 17)

Austin loves a good excuse to drink green beer.

• St. Patrick's Day at The Cavalier – East Austin’s friendly neighborhood bar The Cavalier hosts a free all‑day celebration March 17 with bangers & mash, fish & chips, frozen Irish coffee, Guinness and Jameson. It’s family‑friendly from 11am–4pm and transitions to a grown‑ups party from 4pm–midnight. Bonus: free parking and no reservations.
• St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl – On March 14, a bar crawl hits Sixth Street with participating bars like Coyote Ugly Saloon, BBG’s, Happy Chicks, El Cockfight, Shakespeare’s and Pour Choices. Tickets include access to drink specials, a bar crawl map, and a wristband for after‑parties.

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and plan a rideshare home. Sixth Street can get rowdy—watch your wallet and skip the tourist traps by ducking into side bars or heading east to the hipper Red River District.

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We Them One’s Comedy Tour (Mar 8, 2026)

Comedy heavyweights DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, Chico Bean, Tony T. Roberts, and more bring the We Them One’s Comedy Tour to the H‑E‑B Center in Cedar Park on March 8. Hosted by Tony T. Roberts, the tour also features the NAACP Award‑winning comedian Mike Epps. Billed as a “movement” blending stand‑up, social media and culture, it’s perfect for fans of urban comedy and social commentary.

Pro Tip: Seats sell quickly; if you want to be close enough to catch the comedians’ banter, splurge for floor seats. Pre‑game with tacos at nearby 1431 Cafe and then head to the show.

Michelle Buteau’s Surviving and Thriving Tour (Mar 6, 2026)

Comedian Michelle Buteau, star of Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest, brings her new Surviving and Thriving Tour to Bass Concert Hall on March 6. With her signature blend of raunchy storytelling and body‑positive humor, Buteau is one of the most refreshing voices in comedy. This show is part of Texas Performing Arts’ 2025/26 season.

Pro Tip: Bass Concert Hall is on UT’s campus—make a night of it by grabbing ramen at Ramen Tatsu‑Ya on the Drag before the show.

Robin Frohardt’s Shopping Center of the Universe (Mar 6–7, 2026)

If you like your performance art weird and thought‑provoking, catch avant‑garde theater artist Robin Frohardt’s Shopping Center of the Universe at Texas Performing Arts. Described as a live‑cinema performance where actors and puppets navigate a cardboard parking lot, the piece explores consumerism and the natural world. Frohardt previously created the acclaimed Plastic Bag Store, and this new work continues her exploration of environmental themes.

Pro Tip: This show isn’t for kids—grab a craft cocktail at The Roosevelt Room afterwards to debate its meaning.

Comedy and Live Entertainment (Esther’s Follies & Friends)

The Unmatched Magic of Esther’s Follies

Let’s cut to the chase: Esther’s Follies isn’t just a show; it’s an Austin institution. For more than four decades, this home‑grown sketch comedy troupe on Sixth Street has lampooned politics, celebrity culture and Austin itself. Think SNL meets magic show meets late‑night drag bar, with singing, dancing and the kind of topical humor that makes you snort‑laugh. The stage faces a giant picture window that looks out onto the street, so unsuspecting pedestrians become part of the act. Every show is a new script, so even locals show up repeatedly.

Here’s why you need to go:

• Topical & Razor‑Sharp: Their satire is pulled straight from the day’s headlines and Austin gossip, making it the only show where the mayor and your barista might both get roasted.
• Magic & Mayhem: The resident magician pulls off jaw‑dropping tricks between sketches. Yes, you might see a fish appear in a purse.
• Sixth Street Setting: Esther’s sits in the heart of Sixth, but it’s the opposite of a tourist trap. The energy inside is contagious, and the bar serves stiff drinks at non‑SXSW prices.

Pro Tip: Friday and Saturday shows sell out weeks ahead. Grab your tickets early (see CTA at the end) and opt for a front‑row seat if you want to become part of the show. Afterward, walk to Casino El Camino for the best late‑night burger on Sixth.

Other Comedy Gems

Austin’s comedy scene rivals its music scene. When you’re not at Esther’s, sample these stages:

• Cap City Comedy Club (Domain) – The legendary club where big names like Ali Wong and Dave Chappelle test material. Check March’s calendar for weekend headliners.
• Fallout Theater (downtown) – A basement improv theater run by former New York comedians. Their late‑night improv jam on Thursdays is pay‑what‑you‑can and features up‑and‑coming weirdos.
• Comedy Mothership – Joe Rogan’s spaceship‑like club on Sixth Street features sets by local comics and big‑name drop‑ins. Lines form early.
• The Creek and The Cave – A transplant from Queens now in East Austin, with stand‑up, improv and open mics every night. Their back patio is perfect for beers between sets.

Live Music Staples

Austin may be the “Live Music Capital of the World,” but not all venues are created equal. Skip the generic bars and head here:

• The Continental Club – A South Congress institution where you can catch rockabilly, blues, and singer‑songwriters from 7pm until late. The intimate stage means you’re never more than 20 feet from the band.
• Mohawk – Located in the Red River District, Mohawk’s indoor/outdoor venue hosts indie rock, punk and metal shows. The rooftop deck is the perfect perch for people‑watching.
• Stubb’s BBQ – Come for the brisket, stay for the outdoor amphitheater. Sunday Gospel Brunch pairs Southern cooking with a choir.
• Sahara Lounge – A family‑run East Austin spot known for soul, funk and an international lineup. BYOB and dance on the patio.

Pro Tip: Want to hear multiple acts in one night? Do a music crawl: start at Stubb’s for an early show, cross the street to Mohawk at 9pm, then end at the Continental Club by midnight for a triple‑header.

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Where Locals Actually Eat

No vague “cool restaurants” here—below are the spots Austinites love and why. Consider this your March must‑eat list.

BBQ & Texas Fare

• La Barbecue – Skip the 3–5 hour Franklin Barbecue line. La Barbecue’s beef ribs and moist brisket rival Franklin’s, and the wait is reasonable if you arrive by 10am. Order extra pickled jalapeños and skip the sauce—good meat doesn’t need it.
• Terry Black’s Barbecue – This South Austin outpost of the legendary Lockhart family serves melt‑in‑your‑mouth brisket and enormous beef ribs. It’s spacious, so the line moves quickly. Go for the moist brisket and the macaroni & cheese.
• Micklethwait Craft Meats – A food truck with a shady yard. Get the sausage sampler and try their jalapeño cheese grits.
• Salt Lick BBQ – Worth the 30‑minute drive to Driftwood. Bring your own cooler of beer (it’s BYOB) and order the family style platter. There’s live music on weekends.

International Flavors & Food Trucks

• Veracruz All Natural – A beloved breakfast taco trailer serving the migas taco with avocado. Get there early or you’ll wait with the entire city.
• Torchy’s Tacos – Order the Trailer Park taco “trashy” (queso instead of lettuce). Yes, it’s a chain now, but it started as a trailer here and still hits.
• El Primo – Giant breakfast burritos filled with egg, cheese, bacon, and chorizo. Cash only.
• Dee Dee at The Picnic food truck park – Northern Thai food truck famous for its Kao So I and spicy papaya salad. The Picnic’s other trucks include Chilantro (Korean BBQ tacos) and Hey Cupcake.

Sit‑Down Restaurants

• Local Foods – A Houston import now at downtown Austin’s 2nd Street district. The chicken Caesar wrap and truffled egg salad sandwich are standouts. Good for lunch before a Lady Bird Lake walk.
• Odd Duck – Farm‑to‑table on South Lamar with playful, seasonal small plates. Sit at the bar for a front‑row view of the open kitchen.
• Home Slice Pizza – New York–style pies by the slice on South Congress. The white pie with spinach and roasted garlic is legendary.
• Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar – Indulgent patio seafood on South Congress, known for its oyster bar and lobster roll.
• South Congress Café – Brunch institution serving carrot cake French toast and prime rib huevos rancheros. Come hungry.
• Suerte – East Austin’s upscale Mexican kitchen. Order the suadero tacos and the masa gnocchi.
• Hillside Farmacy – In a 1950s drugstore on East 11th. Get the oysters, macaroni and cheese, and a classic milkshake.

Sweet Treats & Coffee

• Black Sheep Coffee – This international chain opened its first Austin café on West Sixth. Known for specialty robusta coffee, matcha lattes and Norwegian waffles.
• Gourdough’s – Doughnuts the size of your head. Try the Mother Clucker topped with fried chicken.
• Lick Honest Ice Creams – Farm‑to‑cone ice cream with flavors like goat cheese and thyme honey.

Craft Beer & Cocktails

• Austin Beerworks – Strong, hop‑forward brews and a giant outdoor beer garden. Try the Pearl Snap German Pils.
• Jester King Brewery – A farmhouse brewery in the Hill Country. Grab a pizza and a sour beer and wander the fields.
• Meanwhile Brewing – A 3‑acre brewery and community space with craft beer, a pizza truck, and free concerts. Order the Helles lager.
• Midnight Cowboy – A reservation‑only speakeasy on Sixth where bartenders craft bespoke cocktails.
• The Roosevelt Room – Downtown cocktail bar with a world‑class menu (try the Elysian Fields).
• Whisler’s – East Sixth mezcal bar with an upstairs mezcalería for serious agave aficionados.

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Outdoor Activities Perfect for Spring

With mild temperatures and longer days, March begs you to be outside. Here are the essential outdoor experiences.

Lady Bird Lake: Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Rent a kayak or stand‑up paddleboard from Rowing Dock or Texas Rowing Center for $20–30 per hour. Paddle east toward downtown to get postcard‑worthy photos of the skyline and the Congress Avenue Bridge. In March, you might spot the famous Mexican free‑tailed bats as they emerge at dusk—one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America.

Pro Tip: Sunrise paddles are serene and uncrowded. Sunsets are busy but magical—bring a light jacket and stay for the bats.

Zilker Park & Barton Springs Pool

Zilker Park is Austin’s backyard. There’s plenty to do: toss a Frisbee on the great lawn, visit the Austin Nature & Science Center, or rent a bike and cycle the 10‑mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around the lake. The star attraction is Barton Springs Pool, a 68–70°F natural spring pool that’s free through spring 2026. The limestone swimming hole is perfect after a long day of festivaling.

Pro Tip: Arrive before 11am to avoid lines and pack a picnic. The grassy hillside is ideal for sunbathing, and there’s a secret spillway for cliff‑jumping.

Mount Bonnell

For the best sunset view of Lake Austin, climb the stone steps at Mount Bonnell in Covert Park. The short but steep climb rewards you with panoramic vistas of the lake and the downtown skyline. There’s a pavilion at the top for picnics and benches for resting.

Pro Tip: Bring a bottle of wine, some cheese from Antonelli’s Cheese Shop, and toast the sunset. Just stay behind the safety ropes—those cliffs are real.

Red Bud Isle

Red Bud Isle is a 17‑acre off‑leash dog park on an island near Tom Miller Dam. A half‑mile loop trail circles the island, and dogs can swim in the lake. There’s also a kayak launch if you prefer paddling to pup‑watching. Nearby attractions include Mayfield Park (peacocks!) and the lakeside Hula Hut restaurant.

Pro Tip: This is one of the few places where you can legally let your dog run free. Bring water shoes—there are muddy spots—and watch for kayakers when your dog enters the water.

Greenbelt & Hiking

The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. Swimming holes like Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls are refreshing in early spring. Start at the Spyglass Trailhead, pack water and snacks, and plan to spend at least half a day exploring.

It’s My Park Day (Mar 7, 2026)

Join locals in giving back during It’s My Park Day, a community service event where volunteers clean parks and trails (mentioned in the Austinot events list). Sign up to plant trees, pick up litter, or mulch playgrounds. It’s a feel‑good way to balance out all the festival indulgence.

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Neighborhood Guides with Real Stops

South Congress (SoCo)

SoCo is more than just a selfie with the “I love you so much” mural. It’s a vibrant stretch of boutiques, restaurants, and music venues:

• Uncommon Objects – A curated antique shop selling everything from vintage postcards to taxidermy.
• Lucy in Disguise – Costume emporium with thousands of wigs and costumes; perfect if SXSW inspires you to dress like a rock star.
• ByGeorge & Feathers Boutique – High‑end boutiques for designer fashion.
• Tesoros Trading Company & Parts & Labour – Home to Tex‑Mex crafts and locally made goods.
• Allens Boots – Buy a pair of real cowboy boots so you don’t look like a tourist at Rodeo Austin.

Eat at Home Slice or Perla’s (see restaurants above), then catch a show at The Continental Club or C‑Boy’s Heart & Soul. On weekend mornings, get carrot cake French toast at South Congress Café.

Pro Tip: Parking is brutal. Use a rideshare or park at Auditorium Shores and walk across the bridge.

East Austin

Once considered “the other side of I‑35,” East Austin is now the city’s creative heartbeat. Murals, breweries and music venues dominate:

• George Washington Carver Museum – Celebrates African American history and culture, with rotating art exhibitions.
• Hope Outdoor Gallery – Former graffiti park resurrected as a new space for public art.
• East Austin Studio Tour (EAST) – Annual open‑studio event where you can tour local artists’ workshops.
• East Side Kings Blues Fest & Kenny Dorham’s Backyard – Community spaces for live blues and food trucks.
• The White Horse – Honky‑tonk bar with free dance lessons and cheap Lone Star beer.
• Sahara Lounge, Scoot Inn, Hotel Vegas – Dive bars and music venues hosting local punk, soul and indie bands.
• Franklin Barbecue, Micklethwait, Suerte, Hillside Farmacy, Sam’s BBQ – You’ve heard it before: the best BBQ and Mexican food is here.

Pro Tip: Start your day with a Veracruz breakfast taco, wander the murals, sample beers at Lazarus Brewing, and end the night two‑stepping at the White Horse.

West 6th & Downtown

West Sixth has grown up since the college days. Highlights include:

• Black Sheep Lodge – Dive bar with burgers and 20+ beers on tap.
• Whole Foods Flagship – Yes, a grocery store, but the rooftop bar and wine bar make it a local hangout.
• BookPeople – Texas’s largest independent bookstore; celebrity readings during SXSW.
• Waterloo Records – Iconic record shop with live in‑store performances.

Walk toward Congress Avenue to visit the Texas State Capitol, offering free 40‑minute tours every 15–30 minutes. It’s bigger than the U.S. Capitol and a must for history buffs.

Pro Tip: Stop by the hidden Speakeasy at Midnight Cowboy (reservations required) before wandering down to Esther’s Follies.

Rainey Street

A row of bungalows turned into bars and food trucks, Rainey Street is perfect for day drinking and people‑watching. Start at Lustre Pearl (the original bar that started it all), wander to Container Bar built from shipping containers, and refuel at Banger’s with 100+ beers and an epic sausage selection. The vibe is casual yet polished.

Pro Tip: Arrive at 4pm to beat the crowds and bounce to Sixth Street by 10pm. Bring cash for taco trucks.

Red River & Live Music District

This gritty corridor north of Sixth Street is the antidote to tourist bars. Venues like Mohawk, Empire Control Room, Elysium and Stubb’s anchor the district. It’s home to many official and unofficial SXSW shows and hosts heavy hitters year‑round.

Pro Tip: Many venues have overlapping set times. Strategize by choosing your top two acts and commit. After the show, head to Casino El Camino for the best jalapeño‑cheddar burger in town.

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Weird or Uniquely Austin Experiences

Austin’s “Keep Austin Weird” slogan isn’t just marketing; it’s a lifestyle. Try these one‑of‑a‑kind experiences only found here.

Chicken Shit Bingo at Little Longhorn Saloon

Every Sunday from 4–8 pm, the Little Longhorn Saloon hosts Chicken Shit Bingo. Participants buy tickets, a chicken is placed on a table of numbered squares, and when it does its business, the corresponding ticket holder wins cash. There’s live music, cheap beer, and a rowdy crowd. It’s weird, it’s fun, and yes, it’s a beloved tradition.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to get a table and order a basket of fried pickles. Kids are welcome in the afternoon.

Cathedral of Junk

In a South Austin backyard lies the Cathedral of Junk, a towering sculpture made of old tools, toys, car parts and found objects. Creator Vince Hannemann has been building it for decades; wind chimes jangle and sunlight filters through the salvaged windows. It’s both whimsical and meditative. Visits require an appointment and a donation. Call 512‑299‑7413 to schedule.

Pro Tip: Wear closed‑toe shoes and bring cash for a donation. Don’t block the neighbors’ driveways; parking is scarce.

Museum of the Weird

Located inside Lucky Lizard Curios and Gifts on Sixth Street, Museum of the Weird is one of the last dime museums in the U.S. Admission is $12.99 for adults and $8.99 for kids. Exhibits include wax figures, shrunken heads, mummies, zombies, and the infamous Fiji mermaid. It’s cheesy and wonderful. Note: stairs make it partially inaccessible.

Pro Tip: Stop by after catching a show at Esther’s Follies; the museum stays open until 9pm on weekends.

Brew Bus & Live Music Crawls

Want to combine beer and tunes? Book a Brew Bus tour where you visit several breweries with live music and a food truck stop. Similarly, live music crawls shuttle you between iconic venues and hidden bars with a local guide. It’s like a pub crawl but with Texas blues.

Pro Tip: The Brew Bus sells out during SXSW; book early. Tip your bus driver generously.

Barton Springs + Kayak Bat Tour

If you want to tick two Austin icons off your list, book a kayak tour that culminates at the Congress Bridge for the bat flight. Guides share fun facts about the bats and Austin history. Afterward, cross over to Barton Springs for a dip.

FAQ (People Also Ask)

What are the must‑see events in Austin in March 2026?

The can’t‑miss events are SXSW (Mar 12–18) for its combination of music and tech, Sips & Sounds Music Festival (Mar 13–14) with headliners Christina Aguilera and Calvin Harris, Rodeo Austin (Mar 13–28) for rodeo and concerts, FoodieLand (Mar 6–8) for 200+ food vendors, and Esther’s Follies any weekend. Don’t overlook the ATX Open for tennis or Tuesday Twilights at the Wildflower Center.

Where can I see live comedy in Austin besides Esther’s Follies?

Check out Cap City Comedy Club in the Domain, Fallout Theater, Comedy Mothership, and The Creek and The Cave. March also features the We Them One’s Comedy Tour with Mike Epps and Karlous Miller and Michelle Buteau’s Surviving & Thriving Tour.

What are the best outdoor activities in Austin during March?

Paddle on Lady Bird Lake at sunrise, swim at Barton Springs Pool, hike the Greenbelt, watch the sunset from Mount Bonnell, and let your dog roam at Red Bud Isle. The weather is perfect, and wildflowers are blooming.

Which neighborhoods should I explore in Austin?

Explore South Congress for boutique shopping and live music; East Austin for murals, breweries and some of the city’s best restaurants; Rainey Street for bungalow bars and food trucks; and the Red River District for gritty live music venues. Each area offers a different slice of Austin culture.

What’s a truly weird thing to do in Austin?

Play Chicken Shit Bingo at Little Longhorn Saloon, wander through the Cathedral of Junk by appointment, visit the Museum of the Weird, or join the Brew Bus to combine live music and beer tours. And of course, Esther’s Follies itself offers an eccentric blend of comedy, magic and satire.

Final Thoughts

March in Austin is not for the timid—it’s a sensory overload of music, food, sunshine and pure weirdness. The city bursts with energy, from the roar of MotoGP bikes and the twang of honky‑tonk guitars to the quiet shimmer of bluebonnets at the Wildflower Center. Amid the chaos, one thing stands out: the unique, outrageous, and unforgettable experience at Esther’s Follies. There’s no better way to anchor your Austin adventure than a night laughing until your ribs hurt with the Sixth Street windows as your backdrop.

Get Your Tickets for This Weekend’s Show at Esther’s Follies and make your March trip complete.

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