Austin Reggae Festival

When: mid-April

Where: Auditorium Shores along Town Lake in Austin, Texas

Since 1993, reggae lovers have flocked to The Live Music Capital of the World to move to the groove of Rastafarian rhythms at the biggest celebration of third world music in Central Texas.

Formerly known as the Bob Marley Festival, a bevy of reggae, ska and dub bands take the stage, singing both classics by Jimmy Cliff and Toots and the Maytals as well as original compositions to an appreciative audience who rise from their blankets and lawn chairs and dance on the grass while others browse among booths brimming with Caribbean-influenced crafts, clothing, jewelry and art.

After buying that red, green and yellow tam, shell necklace or ethnic wood carving, sample some Jamaican dishes prepared at one of the food booths then join in on an impromptu drum circle along the outskirts of the festival.

For more information:

• visit www.austinreggaefest.com