Austin takes on three times the fun

DJ sets, indie, hardcore, hip-hop, punk, and an air sex contest all in one place? Say it ain’t so!

FunFunFun Fest
(photo courtesy: FunFunFun)

Well it is and the seamless union of those elements is all thanks to Austin’s own sixth annual Fun Fun Fun Fest, which is being held at Auditorium Shores November 4 through November 6.

Not as mainstream as Austin City Limits or South by Southwest, Fun Fun Fun Fest has succeeded in attracting a more alternative and underground following of attendees that have flocked to the festival to see a great mix of indie, rock, hip hop, and techno for the past five years.

Initially a one day event held in December at Waterloo Park, Fun Fun Fun Fest has grown in attendance and popularity, steadily drawing in big name bands like Bad Religion, Girl Talk, Atmosphere, Of Montreal, and MGMT.  Numerous other alternative and local bands are also listed on the bill year after year, allowing for greater exposure.

2011 headliner Public Enemy
(photo courtesy: HipHop Wired)

One of the cool things about Fun Fun Fun Fest is that each of the four stages is geared toward a particular style of music, so you really can’t go wrong with hanging around a particular stage if you like what it has to offer. If you need to take a breather from all the music, the yellow stage offers stand up and improvisation acts, as well as some contests that are always a hit with the audience.

This year’s lineup includes Spoon, Slayer, Passion Pit, Public Enemy, Childish Gambino,Odd Future, Henry Rollins, and Hot Snakes. Tons of other great bands will also be in attendance and the entire line up and schedule can be viewed here.

2011 headliner Slayer
(photo courtesy: Houston Press)

Fun Fun Fun Fest also organizes aftershows throughout the Austin area every night of the festival, which are free to attend if you’ve got a wristband, so be sure to get your tickets here and reap all the benefits that the festival has to offer. There’s always a ticket booth set up for walk up sales each day of the festival, so getting tickets isn’t too much of an ordeal.

If you’re in town this weekend and looking to kill some time, head out to Auditorium Shores to experience fun to the power of three. Fun is in the name; you can’t go wrong.

Check out the recap of Fun Fun Fun Fest 2010 below to get a taste of what to expect!