Two Step Inn
Georgetown, TX · April 18-19, 2026 · ~30 min from Austin
The most dance-focused country festival near Austin. Named for the dance itself, Two Step Inn draws a crowd that actually wants to two-step - which changes the energy of the whole event. Two days of Texas and Americana artists in an outdoor setting. One of the best uses of a spring weekend in Central Texas.
SXSW
Austin · March 2026 · Multiple venues
Not a country festival specifically, but SXSW has substantial country and Americana programming every year through both official showcases and the unofficial day party circuit. The honky-tonks stay open and maintain their regular programming. For country music fans, the combination of official shows and the free showcase circuit can be extraordinary. See the full SXSW honky-tonk guide.
Gruene Music and Wine Festival
Gruene, TX (New Braunfels) · Fall · ~45 min from Austin
Held at and around Gruene Hall - Texas's oldest dance hall - in the fall. A multi-day outdoor festival in one of the most beautiful spots in the Hill Country. The combination of the historic hall, the Guadalupe River setting, and a strong lineup makes this a perennial favorite for Austin day-trippers. Check gruenehall.com for current dates and lineup.
Luckenbach Music Festivals
Luckenbach, TX · Multiple dates · ~75 min from Austin
Luckenbach Texas hosts multiple festivals throughout the year at its legendary outdoor dance hall outside Fredericksburg. Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic has historically been held in the area (check current location and dates). The regular weekend lineup at Luckenbach is strong enough on its own - the festivals are extra. Check luckenbachtexas.com for the full calendar.
Coupland Dance Hall Events
Coupland, TX · Select dates · ~45 min from Austin
Coupland Dance Hall hosts periodic events and dances throughout the year at their historic venue northeast of Austin. A small-town Texas dance hall experience that is harder to find close to Austin. Check their schedule for upcoming events.
Keeping up with the full calendar
The weekly schedule at wheretotwostepaustin.com covers Austin and the Hill Country for regular live music and dancing. For major festival announcements, Do512.com and the Austin Chronicle events calendar are the most reliable Austin-specific sources. Festival-specific sites (ticketmaster, Eventbrite) list major events as they are announced.
Get ready for any of them
Every one of these events is better if you know how to two-step. Double or Nothing Two-Step - Austin's Honky-Tonk Dance School - teaches weekly lessons at Sagebrush and Donn's Depot. Drop in any week and be ready for the festival season.
See the weekly schedule
Every Austin and Hill Country venue, every night, updated weekly. Where to go when there's no festival on.
See the Schedule →