Rise Fest
Our annual community festival celebrating the history of Austin's Black freedom communities through culture, education, and music.
Rise Fest 2026 Was a Celebration
Our first Rise Fest at Pease Park was a lot of fun. Neighbors, families, and elders came together for a day of music, food, and Austin history.
We enjoyed a market of local vendors, a performance by the Sweet Home Baptist Church Choir (founded in Clarksville in 1877), a community conversation with elders from Austin's freedom communities, and hands-on arts and crafts for all ages.
Rise Fest 2027: Three Days in Rosewood and Beyond
Rise Fest grows into a full weekend celebrating Austin's Black freedom communities through storytelling, music, education, and community connection, with our main festival day at historic Rosewood Park.
Opening Night
- Keynote on Austin's freedom communities and how we preserve their history today
- Dinner
- Live jazz
Festival Day
- Live music all day, ending with a closing performance
- Local vendors and food
- A recorded conversation with elders who grew up in Austin's freedom communities
- Community activities throughout the day
Freedom Trail Walk
- A guided walk along part of El Camino Real de los Tejas, a trail used by Native Americans and later by people self-emancipating from slavery
- Pedicabs available for those who can't walk the full route
Schedule and details are subject to change.
Our Community Partners
- Pease Park Conservancy
- Black Austin Tours
- Bethany Cemetery
- Austin History Center
