Here Be Monsters - Austin's Indie-Classical Music Fest

Here Be Monsters is Austin’s indie-classical playground, where adventurous music fans trade in dusty concert-hall vibes for a buzzing, festival-style hang at Radio/East.

Across two nights, this fast-moving fest packs in 27 different acts, each with a tight 20-minute set. It’s like speed-dating for new sounds: if one group blows your mind, the next might melt it. Tetractys New Music curates a lineup that celebrates how wildly creative the local scene is, from string quartets and percussion ensembles to experimental vocal groups, genre‑bending bands, and everything in between.

• Indie-classical energy: Think classical chops with DIY spirit—amplified strings, new compositions, and fearless crossovers with rock, jazz, electronic, and avant‑garde sounds.

• World premieres galore: With 10 brand‑new works debuting over the weekend, you’re not just hearing a concert—you’re witnessing fresh music being launched into the world.

• Nonstop variety: Twenty‑minute sets keep everything moving. One moment you might hear a shimmering saxophone ensemble, the next a driving percussion quartet or a chamber group plugged into pedals and electronics.

• Big, eclectic lineup: Previous editions have featured groups like Density512, Kraken Quartet, Invoke, Austin Unconducted, line upon line, and more boundary-pushing local ensembles—so expect another packed roster of heavy hitters from Austin’s new‑music underground.

• Chill festival flow: Radio/East’s relaxed, listener‑friendly atmosphere lets you drift between sets, grab a drink, catch up with friends, and then dive back into the music.

This isn’t a sit‑still‑and‑clap‑politely kind of night. Here Be Monsters is social, a little wild, and full of discovery. Whether you’re a new‑music nerd, a curious classical fan, or just someone who loves being first to hear the next big thing, this festival turns a spring evening into a sonic adventure.

Grab some food and a beverage, settle into the vibe, and let Austin’s most inventive composers and performers take over your night—one 20‑minute musical monster at a time.