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May 2026 Events in Austin for Adults: Best Festivals, Shows, and Parties

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Lacey Morris

May 2026 Events in Austin for Adults

Jump To: May 1 – 3 | May 8 – 10 | May 15 – 17 | May 22 – 24 | May 29 – 31

The spring season is here, and Austin is buzzing with excitement. This May, the city’s calendar is packed with a mix of world-class shows, thrilling outdoor adventures, and plenty of fun spring activities. Read on to discover your next great adventure!

This month’s highlights include Austin Fashion Week, Hayley Williams in concert, and more! 

This monthly roundup is grouped by date range with quick summaries to help you scan and plan.


TOP PICK FOR MAY – Weekend Getaway to Galveston – La Izquierda Surf & Music Festival

May 2026 Events in Austin for Adults - La Izquierda Surf & Music Festival

Image Credit: visitgalveston.com

Trade the Hill Country for the Galveston coast and enjoy a weekend of surf-rock and coastal creativity. This “indie-spirit” festival brings together over 20 live acts—including the likes of Alex Maas and the Lost Bayou Ramblers—with a unique longboard surf competition. Between sets, wander through a curated market of local artisans or catch the “Eddie Aikau” style surf heat at the waterline. It’s the ultimate salt-air alternative for those looking to swap the Austin city limits for the Gulf breeze.

When: Friday, May 1 – Saturday, May 2, 2026 | Fri: 2 pm – 11 pm, Sat: 9 am – 11 pm
Where: Beach Central (Main Stage) & 21st and Seawall (Beach Stage), Galveston, TX 77550
How Much: $30 General Admission (Weekend Pass); $100 VIP; Kids 10 and under are free


Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.


Events in Austin for Adults – May 1 – 3, 2026

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder – Enjoy the darkly hilarious musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, where a charming but penniless young man discovers he’s ninth in line for a wealthy family fortune. His ambitious climb to the top turns deadly as he plots to eliminate the heirs standing between him and a life of luxury.

AFS Doc Days – Explore powerful storytelling at AFS Doc Days, a festival dedicated to outstanding new documentary films from around the world. The event brings filmmakers and audiences together to screen new work and engage with the creators behind the stories.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar’s Annual May Market Returns to Austin – Browse unique handcrafted goods at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar May Market, where nearly 200 regional artists and artisans showcase their work under one roof.

ConnectHER Film Festival: Finalist Screening and Filmmaker Q&A – Discover powerful short films at the ConnectHER Film Festival Finalist Screening, featuring stories that range from intimate documentaries to bold narratives and imaginative animation. The event also offers the chance to hear directly from filmmakers during a special Q&A.

La Bohème – Experience the timeless opera La Bohème, which follows a group of struggling artists navigating love, friendship, and ambition in the face of hardship.

Los Lobos Live In Concert – See legendary rock band Los Lobos live as they celebrate more than five decades of music and an extraordinary career.

Secret Garden – Step into Secret Garden, an immersive one-night event that transforms Contracommon into a fantasy-inspired world of art, performances, and interactive installations.

Texas Wine Auction Weekend – Celebrate Texas wine and culinary culture at Texas Wine Auction Weekend, a two-day event featuring live music, tastings from top Texas wineries, and a special wine and culinary auction.

The KUT Festival – Join the KUT Festival for two days of inspiring conversations, live music, and interactive community experiences.

The Front Market – Shop and support local creativity at The Front Market, an independent marketplace showcasing hundreds of women and LGBTQ+ creatives, designers, artists, and small business owners from across Texas. 

WNBA: Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces – Watch elite women’s basketball as the Dallas Wings face the Las Vegas Aces in a special preseason WNBA matchup in Austin.

Kira Fontana presents Encounter the Light: A Festival of Hope – Experience Encounter the Light: A Festival of Hope, a musical event led by Kira Fontana featuring cinematic soundscapes and global influences. The gathering also includes local food trucks and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

Ventana Ballet and Austin Camerata present Bloom – Enjoy an intimate evening of ballet and live music as Ventana Ballet and Austin Camerata present Bloom.

Hayley Williams in concert – See Paramore vocalist Hayley Williams live as she embarks on her first solo tour, performing her new album Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party in its entirety.

May 2026 events in Austin for adults - Hayley Williams in concert

Image credit: Paramore

iHeartCountry Festival – Experience a massive night of country music at the iHeartCountry Festival, featuring performances from stars like Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, and more.

May 2026 events in Austin for adults - iHeartCountry Festival

Image credit: iHeartCountry

H-E-B Austin Sunshine Run – Join the H-E-B Austin Sunshine Run, a community race featuring events for runners of all ages, including a 5K, 10K, Kids K, and the Fastest Dog in Austin 5K.

May 2026 events in Austin for adults - H-E-B Austin Sunshine Run

Image credit: Austin Sunshine Run


Events in Austin for Adults – May 8 – 10, 2026

Austin Fashion Week – Experience Austin Fashion Week as it celebrates its 19th year with three days of runway shows at The Domain. 

Austin Psych Fest – Immerse yourself in the sounds of Austin Psych Fest as the three-day celebration of psych rock, dream pop, and indie rock returns to The Far Out Lounge.

May 2026 events in Austin for adults - Austin Psych Fest

Image credit: LEVITATION

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival Restaurant Week – Explore the flavors of the Texas Hill Country during Fredericksburg Food & Wine Restaurant Week. Local restaurants present curated menus, chef collaborations, and exclusive dining experiences that highlight the region’s vibrant culinary scene.

Gimme Gimme Disco – Dance the night away at Gimme Gimme Disco, a high-energy party dedicated to the iconic hits of ABBA and the disco era.

The Odd Couple – Enjoy Neil Simon’s beloved comedy The Odd Couple, which follows the hilariously mismatched roommates Oscar and Felix as they navigate life under the same roof.

O. HENRY MUSEUM PUN-OFF – Watch quick wit take center stage at the O. Henry Museum Pun-Off World Championships, an internationally known spoken-word competition dedicated entirely to the art of the pun. 

Spring Pecan Street Festival – Explore the Spring Pecan Street Festival, a large arts celebration featuring hundreds of artisans showcasing handcrafted creations across a wide range of mediums.

May 2026 events in Austin for adults | Fall Pecan Street Festival

Image credit: Pecan Street Festival

Austin Sol Pro Ultimate Game – Catch the Austin Sol in action as the professional ultimate frisbee team competes in a high-energy matchup at Parmer Field. 

Fae Fest – Step into a magical world at Fae Fest, an immersive market filled with enchanted forest vibes, performances, and creative vendors.

Zakir Khan Live! – Experience comedian Zakir Khan live as he brings his signature storytelling and witty observations to the stage. Known for blending humor with heartfelt reflections on everyday life, Khan delivers a show filled with relatable laughs.

Ali Siddiq: The Custom Fit Tour – Catch Houston comedian Ali Siddiq live as he brings his Custom Fit Tour to the stage with sharp wit and powerful storytelling. Drawing from personal experiences and keen observations, Siddiq delivers stand-up that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.

YMCA presents Mother’s Day Refugee Artisan Bazaar – Shop meaningful gifts at the Mother’s Day Refugee Artisan Bazaar, where local refugee artisans showcase handcrafted jewelry, textiles, artwork, and more.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar’s Annual May Market Returns to Austin – Browse unique handcrafted goods at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar May Market, where nearly 200 regional artists and artisans showcase their work under one roof.

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder – Enjoy the darkly hilarious musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, where a charming but penniless young man discovers he’s ninth in line for a wealthy family fortune. His ambitious climb to the top turns deadly as he plots to eliminate the heirs standing between him and a life of luxury.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Step into a world of intrigue and suspense at The Dinner Detective, where a delicious multi-course meal serves as the backdrop for a high-stakes investigation.


Events in Austin for Adults – May 15 – 17, 2026

Cine Las Americas International Film Festival – Explore powerful storytelling at the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival, which showcases films by and about Latinx communities, Latin America, and Indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Affordable Art Fair – Browse a wide range of contemporary artwork at the Affordable Art Fair as local, national, and international galleries feature paintings, sculptures, prints, and photography from emerging and established living artists available for purchase.

Austin Symphony Orchestra – Rhapsody in Blue – Experience a unique performance of Rhapsody in Blue as the Austin Symphony Orchestra recreates George Gershwin’s original piano performance using advanced Steinway technology.

Gary Gulman: All New Live – Catch comedian Gary Gulman live as the acclaimed stand-up brings his sharp writing and thoughtful humor to the stage. Known for celebrated specials and television appearances, Gulman delivers comedy that blends clever observations with personal storytelling.

Texas Burlesque Festival 2026! – Experience the glamour and theatrical flair of the Texas Burlesque Festival, a multi-night celebration of burlesque performance in Austin. 

May 2026 events in Austin for adults - Texas Burlesque Festival 2026!

Image credit: Texas Burlesque Festival

George Strait in concert – See country music legend George Strait live as he performs a series of special concerts in Austin. The iconic performer brings decades of hits to the stage in support of his recent album Cowboys and Dreamers.

Austin Gay Men’s Chorus presents Freedom Unfinished: From Reckoning to Joy – Experience a powerful choral performance as the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus presents Freedom Unfinished: From Reckoning to Joy.

The Odd Couple – Enjoy Neil Simon’s beloved comedy The Odd Couple, which follows the hilariously mismatched roommates Oscar and Felix as they navigate life under the same roof.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar’s Annual May Market Returns to Austin – Browse unique handcrafted goods at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar May Market, where nearly 200 regional artists and artisans showcase their work under one roof.

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder – Enjoy the darkly hilarious musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, where a charming but penniless young man discovers he’s ninth in line for a wealthy family fortune. His ambitious climb to the top turns deadly as he plots to eliminate the heirs standing between him and a life of luxury.


Events in Austin for Adults – May 22 – 24, 2026

Annual Paramount Summer Classic Film Series – Enjoy iconic movies on the big screen at the Paramount Theatre’s annual Summer Classic Film Series. This beloved Austin tradition celebrates legendary films in a historic theater setting while also marking the final screenings before the venue begins its major restoration.

Austin Greek Festival – Celebrate Greek culture at the Austin Greek Festival with authentic cuisine, traditional music, and lively dance performances.

Austin Greek Festival

Image credit: Austin Greek Festival

Hometown Half Marathon/10K/5K – Challenge yourself at the Hometown Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K, a community race that welcomes runners of different levels.

Hometown Half Marathon/10K/5K

Image credit: runsignup

Blue Genie Art Bazaar’s Annual May Market Returns to Austin – Browse unique handcrafted goods at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar May Market, where nearly 200 regional artists and artisans showcase their work under one roof.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Step into a world of intrigue and suspense at The Dinner Detective, where a delicious multi-course meal serves as the backdrop for a high-stakes investigation.


Events in Austin for Adults – May 29 – 31, 2026

ATX Television Festival – Dive into the world of television at the ATX Television Festival, a multi-day event featuring panels, screenings, and conversations with industry creators and stars.

Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons – Experience the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a unique candlelit concert setting.

Video Games Live – Hear the music of iconic video games come to life as the Austin Symphony Orchestra performs Video Games Live.

HOT GOSS presents: Am I the A**hole? – Step into the chaos of Am I the A**hole?, an improvised comedy show where audience drama fuels the performance. The cast and guest comedians turn real-life dilemmas into bold, hilarious scenes on stage.

Texas Performing Arts presents Jerry Seinfeld – Spend an evening with comedy icon Jerry Seinfeld as he performs his newest stand-up routine. Known for turning everyday observations into unforgettable humor, Seinfeld brings the comedic style that made him a television legend to the stage.

May 2026 events in Austin for adults - Texas Performing Arts presents Jerry Seinfeld

Image credit: Jerry Seinfeld

Alex Warren in concert – See Alex Warren live as he brings his Little Orphan Alex Live tour to Austin in support of his debut album You’ll Be Alright, Kid.

Yungblud in concert – Catch Yungblud live as the genre-bending artist brings his electrifying performance to Austin in support of his new album Idols.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar’s Annual May Market Returns to Austin – Browse unique handcrafted goods at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar May Market, where nearly 200 regional artists and artisans showcase their work under one roof.


Still craving more ways to have fun? Don’t miss our updated roundup of Things To Do in Austin This Weekend to see what’s happening around the city right now.

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Lacey Morris
Lacey Morris
Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.
Lacey Morris
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