Radisson Hotel & Suites Austin Downtown

A Boston Marathon qualifying race, Austin's marathon attracts about 11,000 runners from around the world. The starting...

A Boston Marathon qualifying race, Austin's marathon attracts about 11,000 runners from around the world. The starting line is at the Congress Avenue bridge; the finish is at Congress and Fourth. If you want to participate, be sure to sign up ahead of time, because there is no race-day registration.

Hours: Sun, Feb 17, 2013: 7am

Austin is famous for its Congress Avenue Bridge residents -- some million-and-a-half Mexican free-tailed bats -- and...

Austin is famous for its Congress Avenue Bridge residents -- some million-and-a-half Mexican free-tailed bats -- and celebrates the fact with a two-day extravaganza of the arts. Expect lots of live music on two stages, some 150 arts and crafts booths, fun and zany kids' activities, and loads of food. As is the case with many Austin events, participants often arrive thematically dressed (there's even a contest for best individual and group costumes), so you can count on seeing more than a few Batman-and-Robin duos.

Hours: August 2013

The alcohol-free approach to family-friendly New Year's Eve celebrations has become quite popular in several cities...

The alcohol-free approach to family-friendly New Year's Eve celebrations has become quite popular in several cities nationwide and Austin's is the second largest, with an expected attendance of over 100,000. With plenty of activities, from arts and crafts to games to dancing and live music, it's sure to be a hit for the entire family. The evening culminates with a giant fireworks extravaganza. Outdoor and indoor events (concerts, recitals, exhibits) are free of charge.

Hours: Mon, Dec 31, 2012

This is probably the finest arts and crafts festival in the state. Held in downtown Austin at Republic Square Park, this...

This is probably the finest arts and crafts festival in the state. Held in downtown Austin at Republic Square Park, this juried event features top artists from all over the country. Other highlights include a full schedule of music, lots of food, art activities, face painting, storytelling and demonstrations. Visitors can park for free in the One Texas Center garage at S 1st Street and Barton Springs Rd, then take a free shuttle to the festival.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Sat, Apr 13, 2013 Sun, Apr 14, 2013

Austin revels in its uniqueness, and this festival is one of the many ways the city expresses itself. The "main...

Austin revels in its uniqueness, and this festival is one of the many ways the city expresses itself. The "main event" is a 5K fun run -- most participants arrive in wacky costumes, and many of them prefer to stroll or stumble along the route rather than actually run. After the athletic portion of the day, everyone lets their hair down and enjoys games, activities, rides, some very unhealthy but wonderful food and, of course, lots of live music. A guaranteed good time!

Hours: June 2013

Austinites adore getting decked out in unusual dress, and Halloween provides the perfect excuse to take it higher! Sixth...

Austinites adore getting decked out in unusual dress, and Halloween provides the perfect excuse to take it higher! Sixth Street, from Brazos to I-35, is closed after 8pm on October 31, and the zombies, goblins, and assorted other spooks take over. This stretch of Sixth Street is always a bit eccentric and wild, but on Halloween, watch out! People 17 and under are permitted to attend until 10pm only.

Hours: Wed, Oct 31, 2012: 8pm - 10pm

A carnival to rival even Rio's! Flashy costumes and beat-driven samba music give this party one fabulous vibe, so wear...

A carnival to rival even Rio's! Flashy costumes and beat-driven samba music give this party one fabulous vibe, so wear your dancing shoes and be prepared to party. Cash bars are strategically located throughout the Palmer Center, so you'll have easy access to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Hours: Sat, Feb 2, 2013: 8pm - 1:30am

There's no doubt that Austin has an especially creative, artistic personality. Check it out at this annual holiday...

There's no doubt that Austin has an especially creative, artistic personality. Check it out at this annual holiday event, which combines arts and crafts from local and national artists, lots of live music, plenty of food, and a full bar. Find the perfect gifts for family and friends, from handmade jewelry and textiles to art glass and paintings.

Hours: Wed, Dec 12, 2012: 11am - 11pm Thu, Dec 13, 2012: 11am - 11pm Fri, Dec 14, 2012: 11am - 11pm Sat, Dec 15, 2012: 11am - 11pm Sun, Dec 16, 2012: 11am - 11pm Mon, Dec 17, 2012: 11am - 11pm Tue, Dec 18, 2012: 11am - 11pm Wed, Dec 19, 2012: 11am - 11pm Thu, Dec 20, 2012: 11am - 11pm Fri, Dec 21, 2012: 11am - 11pm Sat, Dec 22, 2012: 11am - 11pm Sun, Dec 23, 2012: 11am - 11pm Mon, Dec 24, 2012: 11am - 11pm

Every Sunday through the summer, the Austin Symphony presents free concert at Wooldridge Park. Mall ensembles perform...

Every Sunday through the summer, the Austin Symphony presents free concert at Wooldridge Park. Mall ensembles perform mostly familiar classics, from Mozart to Gershwin to Ellington. Bring a blanket to sit on and a picnic supper (but unfortunately, you'll have to leave the wine at home since no alcohol is permitted in the park).

Hours: Sun, Jun 3, 2012: 7:30pm - 10pm Sun, Jun 10, 2012: 7:30pm - 10pm Sun, Jun 17, 2012: 7:30pm - 10pm Sun, Jun 24, 2012: 7:30pm - 10pm Sun, Jul 1, 2012: 7:30pm - 10pm Sun, Jul 8, 2012: 7:30pm - 10pm Sun, Jul 15, 2012: 7:30pm - 10pm Sun, Jul 22, 2012: 7:30pm - 10pm Sun, Jul 29, 2012: 7:30pm - 10pm Sun, Aug 5, 2012: 7:30pm - 10pm Sun, Aug 12, 2012: 7:30pm - 10pm Sun, Aug 19, 2012: 7:30pm - 10pm Sun, Aug 26, 2012: 7:30pm - 10pm

Instituted in 1995 by Laura Bush, this festival brings in authors from all over the country for book talks, panel...

Instituted in 1995 by Laura Bush, this festival brings in authors from all over the country for book talks, panel discussions, readings, and interviews. Both fiction and nonfiction writers are present; past attendees have included Jeffrey Toobin, Roy Blount, Jr., Michael Connelly, Kinky Friedman, Shelby Hearon, Elmer Kelton, Amy Sedaris, Frank McCourt, Richard Ford, Sandra Cisneros, and Salman Rushdie. The event also includes live music and a children's tent with entertainment and well-known writers like Lemony Snicket, Louis Sachar, and Richard Peck. Most events take place at the State Capitol Building and the surrounding area.

Hours: Sat, Oct 27, 2012 Sun, Oct 28, 2012