Tones Fest 2026

Tones Fest returns to the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) on Saturday, August 15, from 1 PM to 4 PM. It's a free afternoon of live music and a makers' market celebrating Austin-based AAPI artists, and this year it's billed as the fifth and final edition of the fest.

The music runs through the afternoon with three sets: Zak P kicks things off at 1:30 PM, Hexpartner follows at 2:15 PM, and Francene Rouelle closes it out at 3:00 PM. Between the sets, there's a makers' market featuring lian.soy, Okasan Vintage, Kindfolk Apothecary, Chindi Chores, Moti Jewelry, Sasa Indigo, Win_P Press, and An Made Ceramics. Sarah Doan and Nathan Dinh will be running craft and zine-making stations, and Austin Chai Wala will be there selling snacks and chai. Artist Quinn In is also contributing event-exclusive stickers.

The AARC is part of the City of Austin's Cultural Education and Programs Division under Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. The center works year-round to create a space of belonging and healing for Asian American communities in Austin and beyond through collaborations, rental space, cultural and educational programs, and art and historical exhibitions. Its ongoing projects include the Hyphenated Book Club, which focuses on books by Asian American authors; the Being and Belonging educational pop-up series about Asian American history, culture, and arts; and the Community Art Exhibit Program, which displays artworks celebrating AAPI heritage and creativity.

Tones Fest is free and open to the public, though an RSVP is encouraged. It runs from 1 PM to 4 PM on Saturday, August 15, at the Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road.