Austin WitchFest 2025: Five Years of Magic, Community, and Evolution

AUSTIN, Texas –  On May 10, 2025, more than a thousand witches, mystics, spiritual seekers, and curious onlookers gathered beneath the roof of Austin’s Palmer Events Center for the five-year anniversary of Austin WitchFest (AWF). What began as a modest outdoor gathering has evolved into one of Texas’s most beloved Pagan festivals—an inclusive celebration of magical practice, learning, and community.

Austin WitchFest is an annual public event that celebrates modern Witchcraft, Paganism, and related spiritual traditions. It features workshops and presentations, esoteric vendors, community rituals, live performances, and a warm embrace of diverse spiritual paths. While many festivals like this take place outdoors, Austin WitchFest made the conscious decision to shift venues a few years ago, trading open skies for the accessibility and predictability of the Palmer Events Center.

Founder Derrick Land recalls the decision clearly. “When you think of a Pagan event, it seems natural that it would be outside amongst nature,” Land explained. “But Texas weather is a fickle, fickle beast. Between rain, heat, wind, and mobility concerns, we made the decision to move it indoors.”

Austin WitchFest 2025 logo – Courtesy

That move didn’t dampen the festival’s spark—it fueled it. The indoor venue has allowed the event to expand with more structure and reach, while still preserving the enchanted, community-centered energy that defined its earliest days at Pioneer Farms.

Land emphasized that one value has remained at the heart of every WitchFest: “unified diversity.” “From seasoned witches to curious newcomers, AWF is an inclusive space for all who walk the magical path,” he said. “No matter what your practice is—or non-practice—we are all one community.”

That spirit was on full display at this year’s festival. Five separate presentation rooms offered a full schedule of workshops and talks throughout the day. Among the standout presenters was Jason Mankey, who explored the legacy of Raymond Buckland, and Mat Auryn, who led a powerful session on psychic empowerment.

Auryn, a familiar face in the Pagan world, expressed deep appreciation for the event’s growth. “This was where I gave my first keynote ever, back when it was just a field,” he laughed. “Now, seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones, it feels like we’ve built something Texas really needed.”

For author and practitioner Danielle Dionne, the opportunity to share personal insights was especially meaningful. “It’s something I’m proud to bring to this community,” she said. “My book Chronically Magical is all about navigating health challenges through witchcraft. I hope others see themselves in my story.”

More than just a conference, AWF is an immersive celebration of the mystical arts. This year’s entertainment lineup captured the magical mood with passion and flair. Nøkken + The Grim delivered a ritualistic neofolk performance, invoking the wild spirit of animism, while Thee Hobo Gobbelins brought goblincore energy to the stage with their theatrical jug band vibes. Gretchen McMahon, an award-winning bard, blended Celtic, jazz, and folk into a spellbinding musical journey.

Austin at Congress Ave. Bridge (complete with bats). Photo Credit: S. Ciotti

Even the performers doubled as vendors, a testament to the festival’s communal heart. Over 100 vendors filled the halls with sacred wares: spellcraft tools, handcrafted jewelry, potions, tarot decks, original art, and more. Local favorites like Devil’s Conjure, Tarot of the 9’s, Full Moon Apothecary, and the Natural Magick Co-op were among those offering spiritual goods and services.

Longtime author and practitioner Lilith Dorsey summed up the festival’s spirit: “This is one of my favorite events, hands down. There’s something here for everybody—whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been walking the path for decades. It’s a place where people can show up fully as themselves, especially in a time and place where that isn’t always easy.”

That feeling of belonging resonated with many attendees. Though the 2025 festival saw slightly lower attendance—likely due to conflicts with UT graduation and Mexican Mother’s Day—the sense of connection remained potent.

“Even if it was smaller, I think we felt more unified as an overall community,” Land reflected.

Beloved Pagan writer John Beckett also shared his appreciation: “It’s just good people doing good stuff. I came to participate, not present this time, and it’s been a joy catching up with friends I haven’t seen in years—Mat Auryn, Lilith, Jason. It’s not just a festival—it’s a reunion.”

From psychic cabaret to plant spirit divination, from shadow-work rituals to beginner-friendly conjure classes, AWF 2025 stayed true to its mission: to provide a sacred, inclusive space for magical learning and community-building.

As the final drumbeat echoed through the halls and the scent of incense gave way to goodbyes and hugs, one thing was clear—after five years, the spell that Austin WitchFest casts is only growing stronger.


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