SXSW is gone, but festive traffic remains

While “Spring Festival Season” is often just a code word for South by Southwest in Austin, city transportation officials are reminding residents that the festivities will continue this week. And that could mean traffic headaches without proper planning. This week features a convergence of events that all come with their own street closings: Texas Relays, the Country Music Television Awards, ABC Kite Fest at Zilker, the Urban Cultural Fest and the Longhorn Run – all of which impact portions of downtown for portions of this week. It’s a lot, as illustrated by this quick rundown detailed by the Austin Transportation Department:

• The 2023 Country Music Television Awards will feature events throughout the week with county music tapings and performances, leading to the CMT Awards show live from the Moody Center at 8 p.m. on April 2. Portions of Congress Avenue and the surrounding area will be closed from March 27 through April 3.
• The 95th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays will be held at the Mike A. Myers Track & Soccer Stadium at the University of Texas from March 29 through April 1. Extra congestion is expected on campus and Littlefield Street will be closed at Red River Street to most westbound traffic.
• The 95th annual ABC Kite Fest will take place Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Zilker Park. Expect traffic impacts around the park as portions of Barton Springs Road will be closed.
• Austin’s Urban Cultural Fest will take place from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, at Vic Mathias/Auditorium Shores. Park access is open only for ticketed attendees and there will be no event parking in the neighborhoods surrounding the park.
• The Longhorn Run 5K and 10K race at the University of Texas will take place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 1. Parts of Speedway, East 27th Street, Wichita Street and Whitis Avenue will be closed during the race. You can find the course route here.