After 50 years of calling downtown Austin’s Sixth Street home, the legendary Pecan Street Festival has found its new groove at Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave – and this fall’s lineup proves the spirit of Austin’s creative community travels anywhere the music goes.
Mark Your Calendar: September 13-14, 2025
The 50th Pecan Street Festival Fall Edition, presented by Thomas J. Henry, takes over Hill Country Galleria September 13-14 with two full days of live music, local artisans, and that unmistakable Austin vibe that’s been drawing music lovers for five decades.
Festival Hours:
- Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
- Admission: FREE
- Parking: FREE (a game-changer from downtown Austin!)
The Covert Bee Cave Main Stage Lineup
This year’s music lineup at the Covert Bee Cave Main Stage showcases the incredible diversity that makes Austin’s music scene legendary:
Saturday Performers:
- McKenna Michels – Rising indie-folk sensation
- Henry Invisible – Experimental rock that pushes boundaries
- Bruce Smith Band – Classic Texas country with modern edge
- Jennifer Foster and The Audacity – Powerful vocals meet fearless songwriting
- Foam – Austin’s beloved indie darlings
- Bros Fresh – Hip-hop beats that get crowds moving
Sunday Performers:
- Songwriter Round – Three talented artists swapping songs on stage
- Armadillo Road – Honky-tonk with Hill Country soul
- So Called Underground – Alternative rock with local following
- Brian Scartocci – Singer-songwriter storytelling at its finest
- El Tule – Latin-influenced rhythms and melodies
- Jo James – Soulful performances that captivate audiences
Special Feature: Songwriter Round
Don’t miss the intimate songwriter round featuring three talented artists taking turns sharing original songs and stories. This acoustic format showcases the raw talent and creative process that makes Austin’s music scene so special.
Why the Move to Bee Cave Changes Everything
The new location at Hill Country Galleria offers more space, a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere, and ample free parking – solving the biggest complaints about the downtown festival experience. Organizers cited recent changes to Sixth Street, including the installation of bollards and infrastructure modifications, as factors in the relocation decision.
What This Means for You:
- Free parking (no more $20+ downtown lots!)
- More space to actually enjoy the festival without crowds
- Family-friendly environment perfect for all ages
- Easy access from anywhere in the Austin metro area
- Better food options with Hill Country Galleria restaurants plus festival vendors
Festival Location & Getting There
Hill Country Galleria
12700 Hill Country Boulevard
Bee Cave, TX 78738
Located at the major intersection of Bee Cave Road, Highway 620, and Highway 71, west of downtown Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the venue is easily accessible from anywhere in Central Texas.
Driving Times:
- From Downtown Austin: 20-25 minutes
- From South Austin: 25-30 minutes
- From Cedar Park: 15-20 minutes
- From Lakeway: 10 minutes
- From San Antonio: 1.5 hours
Parking: Free parking available throughout the Hill Country Galleria complex – a huge upgrade from downtown Austin’s expensive and limited options.
More Than Just Music: The Complete Festival Experience
The juried festival attracts hundreds of local and national artisans offering original handcrafted creations in a variety of mediums, from metal, wood, fiber, clay, leather, glass and stone to repurposed materials.
What You’ll Find:
- 100+ Artist Vendors – Original artwork, handmade jewelry, home décor, and unique gifts
- Food Vendors – Festival favorites plus Hill Country Galleria restaurants
- Family Activities – Kid-friendly entertainment and interactive experiences
- Community Programming – Local organizations and educational booths
- Shopping – Full Hill Country Galleria retail experience
The Austin Spirit Lives On
“The spirit of the festival remains,” according to Special Events Live CEO Luis Zapata, and this fall’s lineup proves that point. From indie-folk to hip-hop, country to experimental rock, the Covert Bee Cave Main Stage celebrates the musical diversity that makes Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
The festival continues its mission of celebrating Austin’s creative, kind, and free-spirited community – now with better parking and more room to enjoy it all.
Festival History: 50 Years of Austin Music
In the late ’80s and ’90s, downtown Austin’s Pecan Street Festival was the place to be, with attendees shuffling by hundreds of vendor tents along the historic Sixth Street corridor. Originally held twice yearly in downtown Austin’s Sixth Street Historic District, the festival has been a launching pad for countless Austin musicians and a beloved community gathering for five decades.
The move to Bee Cave marks a new chapter while maintaining the core mission: showcasing local talent, supporting artisans, and bringing the Austin community together through music and art.
Plan Your Festival Weekend
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring vendor booths
- Sunscreen and hat (September in Texas can still be warm)
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash for vendors (though many accept cards)
- Chairs or blankets for music area
- Camera for capturing memorable performances
Pro Tips:
- Arrive early Saturday morning for best vendor selection
- Check out Hill Country Galleria restaurants for lunch
- Stay late Sunday for intimate songwriter performances
- Follow the artists on social media – many sell merchandise at their booths
Supporting Local Music and Art
This festival represents more than entertainment – it’s economic support for Austin’s creative community. Every vendor booth, every merchandise purchase, every artist discovery helps sustain the ecosystem that makes Austin special.
Whether you’re a longtime festival veteran missing the Sixth Street days or a newcomer curious about Austin’s legendary music scene, the Pecan Street Festival Fall Edition offers the perfect introduction to what makes this city’s creative spirit so infectious.
Get Connected
Festival Information:
- Website: pecanstreetfestival.org
- Presented by: Thomas J. Henry
- Produced by: Special Events Live
- Venue: Hill Country Galleria
Stay Updated: Follow the Pecan Street Festival on social media for artist announcements, vendor spotlights, and festival day updates.
Your Weekend Music Adventure Awaits
Fifty years of Austin music history. Two days of incredible performances. One new location with free parking and endless possibilities. The Pecan Street Festival Fall Edition 2025 proves that Austin’s creative spirit isn’t tied to any single street – it travels wherever the community gathers to celebrate music, art, and the connections that make life extraordinary.
Pack your festival spirit and head west to Bee Cave this September. Your ears (and your wallet, thanks to that free parking) will thank you.
