Food Events in Austin Less Crowded Than SXSW

Did you notice something different about Austin over the past weeks? Apparently there was a little event going on downtown, South-by…something.

Ok, all kidding aside, if you got through the traffic, crowds, and ever-present corporate takeover of your suddenly unfamiliar local spots, there was plenty to celebrate during SXSW. On the other hand, if you chose to hang back and wait for the crowds to leave town and the craziness to subside, there are plenty of great – albeit less intense – food events that will highlight Austin cuisine in the weeks and months ahead.

As a service to you foodies and drink enthusiasts out there, we decided to take a minute to recommend some Austin-based food and drink events around the corner.

Brewery-Comedy-Crawfish Tour – March 30

Is this event a beacon of gourmet cuisine? Probably not. Is it a fun way to enjoy a few beverages with friends? You bet! And like the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, this event concludes with 200lbs of crawfish!

If you are over 21 years of age, and enjoy good beer, belly laughs, and a whole lot of crawfish, give the Brewery-Comedy-Crawfish Tour in Austin a try.

Austin Food & Wine Festival – April 26-28

The Austin FOOD & WINE Festival is presented by FOOD & WINE Magazine, and it brings both national and local top chef talent, sommeliers and winemakers together for a two-day celebration. Take the weekend to experience cooking demos, wine and cocktail seminars, and more than 80 wine, spirit and artisanal food exhibitors, along with great local and regional restaurants.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be an Austin event without live musical performances.

A Taste of Health: Austin Chef Showdown – May 19

Hosted by the Mayor’s Health & Fitness Council, A Taste of Health: Austin Chef Showdown is an excellent annual event that is free to the public. You can sample healthy entrees from Austin restaurants. Live music, cooking demonstrations, tastings and family activities compliment a day of celebrating food that is both healthy AND delicious.

Hopefully that helps you enjoy some of the unique food & drink opportunities our great city offers this spring. Assuming you are not spending the next three months recovering from SXSW, that is.