The annual Fall Pecan Street Festival will return on the weekend of Sept. 23. Pecan Street is a free, two day event that features a wide variety of vendors selling handmade jewelry, clothing, home decor, and other interesting and unique items. In addition, the event features live music throughout the weekend and food all along the street.

Photo by Bailey Armosky 

With local bands performing and the ability to meet native artists and business owners, the Pecan Street Festival is a great way for anyone new to the Austin community to get a feel for the city. The festival is also a great family activity because of the variety of products and kid-friendly activities, including a bouncy castle and petting zoo. In addition to the vendors, all shops along the street will stay open.

The event is more than just a collection of street vendors; the Pecan Street Association (PSA), a nonprofit group of volunteer business owners, artists, professionals, and citizens, will donate the proceeds towards its mission of preserving the historical appeal of the Sixth Street Historic District while revitalizing the downtown area. According to the Pecan Street Festival’s official website, “the event has attracted more than 200,000 people, generating an economic impact of around $43 million.” The PSA donates festival proceeds to many local nonprofits with the purpose of helping all parts of the Austin community. the money raised by the event will go towards feeding the homeless, helping artists, and funding youth groups in order to keep the artistic and social aspects of the city strong. Other organizations that will receive funding are Austin Pets Alive, Mobiles Loaves & Fishes, Habitat for Humanity, and Art from the Heart.

The Pecan Street Festival will return in the spring and offer another chance to meet new vendors and discover more unique finds while help supporting local and national nonprofit organizations and enjoying a weekend with the Austin community.