It’s festival season, y’all – and with autumn weather cooling the city, it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy a good book, film, or concert.
There are a number of exciting events this weekend, including the Texas Book Festival, the Austin Film Festival, a Halloween Children's Concert by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Run for the Water 5K and 10-mile race, and the 5th Annual Pittie Pride parade and festival ("pittie" is apparently short for pitbull dogs).
While this means that this weekend will be a great opportunity to pack up the family and head out for some quality fun, it also means that thousands of people will be pouring into the city. You can expect ample road closures in and around the Capitol and Congress Avenue area. Colorado Street is currently closed between 11th and 13th Streets, and starting tonight Congress Avenue will be closed between Eighth and 11th Streets. 11th Street around the Capitol will also be blocked off through the weekend.
Check out this map to plan your weekend driving routes accordingly:
Congress Avenue heading south from Fourth Street, and parts of Fourth Street, will be closed early afternoon on Sunday for the Pittie Pride events. The Halloween Austin Symphony Orchestra concert will affect Riverside Drive around the Long Center on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Here's a map of road closures for the Run for the Water race on Sunday morning:
Worried about parking? Be sure to arrive plenty early for your event. The City of Austin is advertising a number of parking locations that will be free to the public on Saturday and Sunday.
- Capitol Visitor Garage, 12th Street & Trinity
- State Lots 8 and 11, W. 15th Street & Colorado Street
- State Garage A, E. 14th Street & San Jacinto Street
- State Garage F, E. 13th Street & San Jacinto Street
All closed roads will re-open by 2 p.m. on Monday. More information on road closures can be found on the City of Austin website. Happy festing!
