The inaugural KUT Festival is set to take place this weekend, running from Friday, May 1, to Saturday, May 2, with a special paid jazz brunch on Sunday, May 3. The event will be hosted on the University of Texas at Austin campus and promises a vibrant community celebration featuring live music, family activities, food trucks, and engaging discussions.
For those planning to attend or simply curious about the festivities, this guide provides essential information regarding the lineup, ticketing options, transportation, and more.
What to Expect at the KUT Festival
The KUT Festival will showcase a diverse array of activities, including live performances, author discussions, and panels led by local leaders addressing key issues affecting Austin.
Highlights of the program include:
- A keynote discussion on the future of public radio journalism featuring Maria Hinojosa, Leila Fadel, and Domenico Montanaro, alongside a conversation with U.S. Senator Cory Booker about his new book, *Stand*, and navigating a divided society.
- An interview with Austin actor and director Ben McKenzie, known for his roles in *Gotham*, *Southland*, and *The O.C.*, as well as films like *Junebug* and *Line of Duty*.
- A panel focused on Austin’s vibrant food scene, featuring notable figures such as Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, Kendall Antonelli of Antonelli’s Cheese, and Tavel Bristol-Joseph of Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group.
- An insightful conversation with Adriene Mishler, known as Yoga With Adriene, discussing her global health movement rooted in Austin.
- Engagements with local representatives, including Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Congressmen Greg Casar and Michael McCaul, addressing topics from the I-35 expansion to immigration and elections.
- Musical performances by artists like Shakey Graves, J’cuuzi, BLK ODYSSY, and Melissa Carper on the festival’s main stage.
Additionally, the Texas Book Talks Tent will host author readings and signings in collaboration with the Texas Book Festival. There will be a dedicated space for children through KUT for Kids at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum, as well as a street fair on Saturday featuring food trucks and local vendors.
Fans of KUT News, KUTX, or Texas Standard will find staff members at the KUT Public Media booth in the street fair, ready to engage with attendees. A pop-up recording studio will also be available for festival-goers to share their thoughts on local issues.
Details about the full lineup and event filtering can be found on the KUT Festival website. Seating is generally first-come, first-served, with some sessions offering reserved seating for passholders.
Ticket Information
The KUT Festival features both free and paid events. Attendees can find a schedule that highlights no-cost panels and performances. The street fair and the Texas Book Talks Tent are free of charge.
While registration is not required for free events, it is encouraged to ensure attendees receive important updates about the festival.
For those interested in paid options, passes range from $29 to $329, offering access to additional panels, KUT for Kids events, priority seating, and Sunday’s jazz brunch. Discounts are available for KUT members and government or military personnel. KUT members can register using the email linked to their membership and the discount code KUTMember.
Students from local colleges and universities can obtain a free paid pass by registering as a student and presenting their student ID when collecting their pass.
Passes can be picked up or purchased on-site at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs lobby, starting at 9 a.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday. Attendees should present their passes at the door for any paid event.
Getting to the Festival
All festival activities are conveniently located within a few blocks of UT Austin, near the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. For those driving, parking updates will be available on the festival website as the event approaches.
CapMetro bus routes service the UT campus, and Bikeshare stations are also available. Rideshare services can help transport attendees to and from the festival, but it is advised to allow extra time for navigating campus traffic, which can be busy due to concurrent events.
Important Reminders
There are no restrictions on bag sizes, so attendees can bring whatever they need. However, security personnel will be present, and bag checks may occur at certain locations.
Free water stations will be available for refilling bottles, in addition to various paid food and beverage options.
Only service animals are permitted at the festival, so pet owners should plan to leave their dogs and cats at home.
Stay informed about the festival by registering with your email for updates (even for free passes), visiting the KUT Festival website, or following KUT News on social media.
