{"id":477336,"date":"2026-10-26T18:10:13","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T18:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/477336\/"},"modified":"2026-10-26T18:10:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T18:10:13","slug":"austin-monthlys-honky-tonk-fest-returns-with-live-music-dancing-and-texas-fun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/477336\/","title":{"rendered":"Austin Monthly’s Honky Tonk Fest returns with live music, dancing and Texas fun"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dust off your boots and get ready for a day full of music, dancing, and good old-fashioned country fun!<\/p>\n

Austin Monthly’s second annual Honky Tonk Fest <\/a>is returning this November, bringing together some of the best country music talent, two-stepping, Western shopping, and plenty of Texas charm for an unforgettable celebration.<\/p>\n

Festival creator Bryan Parker of Austin Monthly <\/a>joined Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott on We Are Austin to share what’s new this year, reveal the exciting musical lineup, and explain why this festival is quickly becoming an Austin tradition.<\/p>\n

\"Festival<\/p>\n

Festival creator Bryan Parker of Austin Monthly joined Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott on We Are Austin to share what’s new this year, reveal the exciting musical lineup, and explain why this festival is quickly becoming an Austin tradition.<\/p>\n

From a magazine story to an Austin tradition<\/p>\n

The idea for Honky Tonk Fest began when Parker wrote a cover story for Austin Monthly exploring the city’s thriving country music scene.<\/p>\n

\"Festival<\/p>\n

Festival creator Bryan Parker of Austin Monthly joined Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott on We Are Austin to share what’s new this year, reveal the exciting musical lineup, and explain why this festival is quickly becoming an Austin tradition.<\/p>\n

After spending six months researching Austin’s honky-tonks and the musicians who make them special, Parker wasn’t ready to leave that world behind.<\/p>\n

“I want to do more with this, and I want to celebrate this culture,” Parker recalled.<\/p>\n

\"HonkyTonkFest<\/p>\n

HonkyTonkFest 2025 by: AndreaEscobar<\/p>\n

That passion inspired the creation of Honky Tonk Fest, which welcomed approximately 1,300 attendees during its inaugural year.<\/p>\n

“Last year, people showed up and within minutes of being there were asking me, ‘When is year two coming?'” Parker shared.<\/p>\n

The enthusiastic response made it clear that this celebration was worth bringing back.<\/p>\n

A new home at Star Hill Ranch<\/p>\n

This year’s festival is moving to Star Hill Ranch, a unique venue designed to resemble an Old West town.<\/p>\n

\"HonkyTonkFest<\/p>\n

HonkyTonkFest 2025 by: AndreaEscobar<\/p>\n

Originally constructed as a movie set, the property features historic-style buildings, a chapel, and even cottages relocated from Austin’s Rainey Street before the neighborhood’s transformation.<\/p>\n

“I think that this year is going to have a much more immersive feel, and there’s going to be tons to do,” Parker said.<\/p>\n

The setting promises to make this year’s celebration feel like stepping into a classic Texas honky-tonk town.<\/p>\n

An incredible lineup of country music<\/p>\n

Live music is at the heart of Honky Tonk Fest, and this year’s lineup features a mix of Austin favorites and acclaimed artists from beyond Central Texas.<\/p>\n

\"HonkyTonkFest2025byAndreaEscobar-3094.jpg\"<\/p>\n

HonkyTonkFest2025byAndreaEscobar-3094.jpg<\/p>\n

The 2026 lineup includes:<\/p>\n

Rattlesnake MilkThe DeslondesSummer DeanPat ReedyHonky Tonkin’ in QueensHannah JuanitaKristina MurrayHayden ButlerKathryn LegendreSentimental Family Band<\/p>\n

Headliners Rattlesnake Milk and The Deslondes bring their own distinctive sounds to the celebration, while local favorites help showcase Austin’s thriving country music community.<\/p>\n

“I do think that Austin has the best country music scene in the country, including Nashville,” Parker said.<\/p>\n

\"HonkyTonkFest<\/p>\n

HonkyTonkFest 2025 by: AndreaEscobar<\/p>\n

With so many talented musicians to choose from, Parker admitted that selecting the lineup is one of the festival’s biggest challenges.<\/p>\n

Two-stepping, shopping and plenty of surprises<\/p>\n

Honky Tonk Fest is about more than great music.<\/p>\n

Festivalgoers can enjoy multiple dance floors, food trucks, vintage Western shopping, hat-making, and other activities throughout the day.<\/p>\n

And if you’ve never tried two-stepping, don’t worry!<\/p>\n

Double or Nothing Two Step and Native Texan will offer dance lessons throughout the festival, giving beginners a chance to learn the moves before hitting the dance floor.<\/p>\n

“They will grab you, grab a partner, they will teach you how to two-step, I promise,” Parker said of Austin’s welcoming dance community.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The idea for Honky Tonk Fest began when Parker wrote a cover story for Austin Monthly exploring the city’s thriving country music scene. HonkyTonkFest 2025 by: AndreaEscobar<\/p>\n

Lone Star Beer returns as the presenting sponsor, with a special VIP house featuring live screen printing and complimentary barbecue.<\/p>\n

The festival’s chapel will also feature a special surprise that organizers plan to announce closer to the event.<\/p>\n

Get your tickets to Honky Tonk Fest<\/p>\n

Whether you’re a lifelong country music fan or simply looking for a fun way to experience Austin’s musical roots, Honky Tonk Fest offers something for everyone.<\/p>\n

Austin Monthly’s second annual Honky Tonk Fest takes place on Saturday, November 14, at Star Hill Ranch.<\/p>\n

For tickets, the full lineup, and additional festival information, visit AustinMonthly.com <\/a>or follow @austin_monthly<\/a> and @honkytonkfest<\/a> on Instagram.<\/p>\n

Watch the full We Are Austin interview with Bryan Parker to learn more about this year’s Honky Tonk Fest!<\/p>\n

\"For<\/p>\n

For tickets, the full lineup, and additional festival information, visit AustinMonthly.com or follow @austin_monthly and @honkytonkfest on Instagram.<\/p>\n