Austin, Texas, is the epicenter of culinary creativity in the Deep South, so it makes sense that it’s the home of many top-tier food festivals.
Folks looking for the finest flavors around should look no further.
Today, we’re highlighting three unbeatable November events you’ll want to hit.
Let’s dig in!
Austin Food Festivals Reign Supreme
Austin hasn’t always been a diverse cultural hot spot. In fact, the city’s population didn’t begin such a rapid upswing until the 1970s. However, the locals have created a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere like no other. And today, you can enjoy the fruits, veggies, and perfectly barbecued meats of their labor at restaurants throughout the metropolis.
From oak-smoked ‘cue and Tex-Mex fusion to Italian and Laotian fare, Austin has it all. The sheer variety is an edible equivalent to the city’s dynamic music scene. For as many dive bars and honky tonks as you’ll find in the area, you’ll find just as many unassuming restaurants, food trucks, and fine dining establishments serving unbeatable eats.
Austin’s food festivals are a celebration of these culinary creatives. They offer a central location for folks to experience various local talent. If you want to see what the food scene here is all about, you need to hit these events.
3 Incredible Food Festivals in Austin
We highly recommend heading to Austin during one of their iconic annual food festivals. Here are three unbeatable options to get you started.
Austin Food & Wine Festival
For three days in early November, foodies flock to the city for the Austin Food & Wine Festival. While the main affair occurs on Saturday and Sunday, VIP ticketholders can kick off the party on Friday with a Texas-style tailgate. This exclusive event includes a homestyle meal with plenty of Southern hospitality to go around.
For the rest of the weekend, all attendees can enjoy primo vino from regional and national vineyards. You can sample piping hot bites fresh off the grill at the Fire Pit or taste delicious grub from the 50+ food vendors on site.
Once your belly is full, visit the demo tent to see how Michelin-star chefs and local names in the restaurant industry whip up their favorite creations. You might even learn the secret distillation process behind your favorite spirits.
Austin Food & Wine Festival is a 21+ event, so be sure to book a babysitter that weekend. Tickets include all the food and drink you can stomach. This party takes place at Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metro Park.
Check out these 10 Amazing Experiences in Austin, Texas, for Under $20!
Texas Monthly BBQ Fest
Folks looking for a meat-centric food festival will want to head to the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest, held every November in downtown Lockhart. This is an event for the whole family!
Both days of the extravaganza offer a little something different. Saturday is the BBQ World’s Fair, a street fest unlike any other. You can purchase food along the Taco Trail, shop for goodies at the artisan marketplace, and jam out to live music. Best of all, it’s completely free.
However, you’ll need to purchase a ticket for the Top 50 Picnic on Sunday. In fact, we suggest opting for VIP passes that include early access, two drink vouchers, and food from all of the featured vendors. Regular tickets get you food, but you can expect to wait in line for your grub.
Want to know just how good the grub is at this festival? Well, organizers had to impose restrictions on trays to ensure every guest could get food. Each attendee can now bring a single tray measuring 12” by 16” by 1”. And believe us, they have a measuring tape at the gate!
Texas Craft Brewers Festival
Our final November food festival occurs yearly at Fiesta Gardens, overlooking the Colorado River. The Texas Craft Brewers Festival celebrates the top independent beer-mongers in the state.
This event is the largest of its kind in Texas. Here, you can sample over 200 distinct concoctions from 80+ vendors to find out what the Lone Star suds scene is all about. Additionally, local food trucks will supply the grub all day long. You can also enjoy plenty of live music until they close the gates.
Each VIP and General Admission pass includes a commemorative tasting cup and ten drink vouchers, which you can trade in for three-ounce pours of your new favorite brews. You can also purchase additional tickets for a few bucks.
The Texas Craft Brewers Festival is a one-day event, so prepare to pack a lot of fun into a single afternoon.
Be sure to try The Best Food Trucks in Austin You Just Can’t Miss!
Best Places to Stay Near Austin’s Food Festivals
To make the most of your time in Austin, book a room or campsite near the food festival of your choice and get comfortable. Here are a few great options to consider.
Emma Long Metropolitan Park
The Emma Long Metropolitan Park Campground is off the beaten path but provides a quiet respite from the busy downtown grind. Each site includes water, electricity, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Many are only steps away from the river.
You’ll also have plenty of recreational amenities at your disposal. Hiking trails, basketball courts, and boat launches ensure easy access to land- and water-based fun.
We know rigs up to 33’ can fit comfortably, but you may want to call ahead if you have a longer setup.
Brava House
The Brava House is nestled in the historic Clarksville neighborhood in downtown Austin. The Victorian home includes five private rooms named for figures like Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo, and Vincent Van Gogh. Options range from single rooms to entire apartments, each offering elegant features like antique claw-foot tubs.
When you aren’t hitting any Austin food festivals, you can fill up on a tasty homemade breakfast before exploring the city.
The Otis Hotel
Consider booking a room at The Otis Hotel for a modern stay with a luxury touch of luxury. Located in the Campus District, you’ll be within walking distance of museums, restaurants, and other attractions.
Boutique guestrooms highlight Austin’s musical history with record players and a curated vinyl selection. We suggest hitting the rooftop swimming pool to kick back and relax, then grabbing a specialty cocktail from the bar.
Wet Ones Hand Wipes will stop you from tracking BBQ sauce all over Austin’s food festivals!
Is a Road Trip to Austin’s Food Festivals Worth It?
Austin just might be the ultimate city for food festivals. After all, this area is well-known for its fiery flavors, eclectic food fusions, and a spirit of experimentation. We can’t imagine a better place to indulge in the scene.
Before your next trip through the Lone Star State, add a November food festival or two to your itinerary. You’ll be glad you did!
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