Austin’s Weekend Guide: Honky Tonk Fest and Top New Restaurants
Get ready for a vibrant weekend in Austin! Austin Monthly is bringing back its highly anticipated Honky Tonk Fest, celebrating local music and culture, just as the magazine unveils its annual Best New Restaurants issue, highlighting the city’s dynamic culinary scene.
Honky Tonk Fest: Boot-Stomping Fun at Jester King Brewery
Austin Monthly’s Honky Tonk Fest is set to electrify Jester King Brewery this weekend, promising a lively celebration of Texas music, community, and local culture. Editor-in-Chief Madeline Hollern highlighted the festival’s deep dive into Austin’s booming two-step and country music scene.
What to Expect at the Festival:
- Live Music: The festival proudly features Chaparral as its headliner, a band poised to be “the next big thing” after opening for Charley Crockett at Red Rocks this year. Also performing are local talents like Paige Plaisance and Erin McDonnell and the Neon Eagles.
- Unique Activities: Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy “chicken bingo,” explore booths from local favorites like Allen’s Boots, and even interact with Jester King’s resident goats.
- Family-Friendly: The event is designed for all ages, offering food, drinks, and even dance lessons for those ready to boogie.
- Location & Tickets: Join the fun at Jester King Brewery. Tickets are available online at austinmonthly.com.
Savor Austin: Best New Restaurants Issue Revealed
Coinciding with the festival, Austin Monthly has released its much-anticipated Best New Restaurants issue, a guide to the city’s freshest and most exciting dining establishments. This year’s selection holds a special significance, as several of their picks were coincidentally recognized by the Michelin Guide.
Featured Culinary Gems:
Madeline Hollern shared insights into some of the standout restaurants featured in this year’s issue:
- SITI: Gracing the cover, SITI is led by an amazing Filipino chef who masterfully blends laing, charred cabbage, and curry into her menu. Her culinary prowess even saw her beat Bobby Flay on his own show!
- La Calamar: Located in South Austin, La Calamar offers Texan fare with a sophisticated French twist. Known for its locally sourced ingredients, the menu changes frequently, ensuring fresh and flavorful dishes like incredible fish and chicken wings. Don’t miss their “Baked Texas” dessert, a unique take on Baked Alaska, complemented by an excellent wine program.
- Paris Barbecue: This food trailer, found at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches, brings a unique fusion to the Austin barbecue scene. It combines Central Texas barbecue traditions with a distinct Louisiana twist, featuring boudin sausage and other Creole-inspired flavors. It’s hailed as “one of the best meals” of the year.
Discover Your Next Favorite Meal:
Here’s a quick overview of some of the highlighted restaurants:
| Restaurant | Cuisine Focus | Key Features & Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| SITI | Filipino-inspired | Chef beat Bobby Flay; features laing, charred cabbage, curry |
| La Calamar | Texan with French Twist | South Austin location; locally sourced, fresh fish/chicken wings, “Baked Texas” dessert, great wine program |
| Paris Barbecue | Central Texas BBQ with Louisiana Twist | Food trailer at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches; boudin sausage, Creole-inspired flavors |
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where is the Honky Tonk Fest happening?
The Honky Tonk Fest is happening this weekend at Jester King Brewery. - Who is headlining the Honky Tonk Fest?
Chaparral is the headlining act for this year’s festival. - Where can I find tickets for Honky Tonk Fest?
Tickets are available online through austinmonthly.com. - Are the restaurants featured in Austin Monthly’s issue Michelin-rated?
While several picks coincidentally received Michelin recommendations, Austin Monthly compiled its list independently over months. - How can I get a copy of the Best New Restaurants issue?
The latest issue is available online and at select locations across Austin.
Whether you’re looking to dance the night away to live country music or embark on a culinary adventure, Austin Monthly’s Honky Tonk Fest and Best New Restaurants issue provide the perfect guide to experiencing the best of Austin this weekend.
Austin Monthly weekend guide music fest new restaurants
