Pecan Street Festival Live Music in Austin

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Since 1978, The Pecan Street Festival has been a beloved part of Austin's culture. Presented twice a year in May and September, the massive event is one of the largest festivals in Texas, generating an attendance in excess of 300,000.The fall 2010 festival on Sixth Street (formerly known as Pecan Street) was no exception.Thousands line the downtown road turned outdoor mall.The Pecan Street Festival is not exclusively a shopping event, although it is a main attraction.Nearly 350 artists offer eclectic, affordable art and crafts including paintings, metalwork, woodwork, jewelry, frames, handmade clothing, ceramics, prints, handcrafted leather books, and the unclassifiable.Festival organizers made a conscious effort in choosing vendors with a local flavor and a green approach.This years festival features a designated eco-retail area including Audrey Steiners Furniture made from salvage wood pieces and Irresistible You! an organic make-up line.In addition to the variety of items for sale, the outdoor festival also features musical performances, art classes, dance classes, a scholarship competition, healthy and green living areas, magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists, a carnival and a petting zoo.The 29th Fall Pecan Street Festival has plenty of activities to entertain attendees of all ages. While keeping busy throughout the weekend it is recommended that you stop by the consolidated international food court which features Cajun, German, Chinese, Mediterranean, and South American eats.The Pecan Street Festival implemented a self-imposed goal of 75% or higher waste diversion, including recycling and composting programs, in the Spring of 2009. The festival has biodiesel generators for electrical needs, electric scooters, chemical-free port-a-potties, and solar stages.In addition, there has been an emphasis on community cooperation and education, with festival volunteers forming a new tradition of cultivating sustainable sensibilities. They do this by encouraging and facilitating environmentally friendly choices.Festival goers are encouraged to bring their own canvas shopping bags, use onsite recycling stations, and - if feasible - to consider alternate transportation including arrival by bicycle, bus, rail, or carpool.