March is one of the most important months on Austin’s calendar. Spring weather arrives, tourism peaks, and the city hosts internationally recognized festivals alongside long-running local traditions. Music, film, technology, rodeo culture, and outdoor events all overlap, creating a packed and energetic month that defines Austin’s identity.
March 12–18, 2026 — SXSW (Music, Film, and Interactive)
South by Southwest is Austin’s largest and most influential annual event. The festival spans music showcases, film screenings, technology conferences, panel discussions, and interactive exhibits held across downtown venues. SXSW draws international visitors, industry professionals, artists, and media, transforming the city for an entire week.
March 13–28, 2026 — Rodeo Austin (Austin)
Rodeo Austin blends traditional Texas rodeo competitions with livestock shows, carnival rides, live music, and youth agricultural programs. Held at the Travis County Exposition Center, the event highlights Texas ranching culture while offering family-friendly entertainment and nightly concerts.
March — St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations (Austin)
Austin celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with themed events across downtown bars, breweries, and entertainment districts. Activities include live music, special menus, pub crawls, and community gatherings throughout the week leading up to March 17.
March — Spring Outdoor Markets and Pop-Up Events (Austin)
As spring arrives, Austin hosts outdoor markets, art pop-ups, and community festivals throughout March. These events often feature local artisans, food vendors, and live music, taking advantage of the city’s warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.
March Planning Notes
Weather: Mild to warm days with cool evenings. Ideal for outdoor festivals and walking-heavy events.
Crowds: SXSW and Rodeo Austin bring extremely large crowds. Downtown traffic, hotel availability, and parking are significantly impacted during mid-March.
Best for: Music and film fans, Texas cultural experiences, outdoor markets, and springtime energy.
| Date | Event | Location | Brief Description |
| Mar 12–18, 2026 | SXSW | Austin | Global music, film, and tech festival |
| Mar 13–28, 2026 | Rodeo Austin | Travis County Expo Center | Rodeo events, concerts, and carnival |
| March | St. Patrick’s Day Events | Austin | Themed celebrations and live music |
| March | Outdoor Markets & Pop-Ups | Austin | Spring art and food events |