Best Annual Festival

TIE: SXSW, ACL

People come to Austin from all over the world every year for these festivals, and yet for us, they're just a hometown affair. It’s tens of thousands of people who suddenly become friends, united by the chords of genius musicians or the artistry of edgy filmmakers, holding conversations lubricated by beer and nighttime confessions. Lives change, stars are hatched, and if you live in Austin and you’ve never been to either of these festivals, you need to ask yourself some serious questions and then quickly buy a ticket for next year.

South by Southwest
1400 Lavaca, 512/467-7979
sxsw.com

Austin City Limits Music Festival
aclfestival.com