The KUT Festival is undergoing significant changes, including a new venue and the cancellation of some programming, yet many panels and musical performances remain scheduled. Recent disputes with the University of Texas at Austin, the festival’s original site, have led to these adjustments. Coverage of the ongoing disagreements between festival organizers and the university continues.
The festival will take place on Friday evening and all day Saturday, featuring live music, author discussions, podcast recordings, and panel conversations centered around Austin.
Venue Changes
Originally planned for the UT campus, the festival will still host its keynote program on Friday night, featuring a panel on the future of public radio journalism with notable figures such as Maria Hinojosa, Leila Fadel, and Domenico Montanaro, as well as a conversation with U.S. Senator Cory Booker. This session is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Lady Bird Johnson Auditorium within the LBJ Presidential Library.
Most of the festival’s activities will occur on Saturday at Central Machine Works and East End Ballroom in East Austin.
Event Schedule Adjustments
Due to the venue change, certain events, including KUT for Kids programming and a jazz brunch initially planned for Sunday, have been canceled. However, the majority of panels and musical performances remain intact. This lineup includes performances from Shakey Graves, J’cuuzi, BLK ODYSSY, and Melissa Carper, alongside Texas Book Festival activities featuring author discussions and book signings.
Some events have experienced timing changes. Attendees are encouraged to consult the schedule page for the most current updates.
Attendance Information
All events are free to the public. For those who purchased passes, refunds will be processed automatically next week. If you wish to convert your purchase into a tax-deductible donation to KUT, please contact membership@kut.org.
Individuals who secured a pass will have guaranteed entry to the keynote event on Friday. New attendees can register for a free pass at this time.
Logistics for Attendees
For Friday’s events, parking will be available in Lots 37 and 38 on the UT campus, with various CapMetro bus routes and Bikeshare stations located nearby. Rideshare services are also an option. Attendees should check in at the lobby of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.
On Saturday, street parking near the venues will be limited. CapMetro bus routes 2, 4, and 350, along with Bikeshare, will provide access to the locations. For rideshare, use Central Machine Works as your drop-off point. A code for a complimentary ride in a group rideshare van via Fetii Ride is available on the festival’s FAQ page.
While there are no bag restrictions, security measures will be in place, and attendees should expect bag checks or screenings at each venue. Food and drink options will be available for purchase at the Saturday venues, and outside food and beverages are prohibited.
Only service animals are permitted at the festival, so attendees are advised to leave their pets at home.
Details are still being finalized, and the best way to stay informed about further updates is to monitor the festival website or register for a free pass to receive email notifications.
