Austin Insider Blog

This blog, written and curated by Visit Austin staff, shares the things that visitors love and locals can't get enough of.

Where to Have Christmas Dinner in Austin

If you're planning to spend Christmas or Hanukkah in Austin, let our award-winning chefs minimize your time in the kitchen and order in from these local restaurants. Find great places to order holiday meals to take home, plus Austin restaurants that are open on Christmas and Christmas Eve. TLC…

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How to Experience Free Week 2025

Looking to shake off those post-holiday blues? Red River Cultural District’s Free Week has your cure. This year’s festivities will take place January 3-4, 2025 and will feature a myriad of local bands in nearly 20 venues around the city. With so many performances to hear and venues to see, here’s an…

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Visiting Mexic-Arte Museum

As one of Texas’ cultural hubs, Austin enjoys a variety of museums and cultural centers. One of the most fascinating is Mexic-Arte Museum, which celebrates traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latin and Latin-American art. Since its inception in 1984, this favorite Austin museum has grown to…

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Where to Ice Skate in Austin This Winter

For some, gliding over a smooth ice surface on steel-bladed skates is a form of exercise or recreation but for others it’s a highly competitive sport. No matter the reason, the feeling you can get from the activity is adrenaline rushing! This seasonal winter activity is the perfect way to get into…

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Weird Things to Do in Austin

Austin’s reputation for “weirdness” is somewhat hard to pin down. What exactly does it mean to be weird, anyway? If it means laid back, creative, fun-loving, and a little quirky, then it’s a fitting description. Visitors to our fair city should stop by some of these attractions to see if you agree…

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2025 Austin Event Guide

Preview the fun to come in 2025 and mark your calendar with Austin's biggest festivals and events, from food to fine arts and, of course, live music. For dates and the latest updates about each event, please check visitaustin.org/events or visit the event's website. January 1/3-4/25 Free Week Red…

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New & Notable in Austin

Fill your social calendar with even more exciting places to eat, drink and explore the arts around Austin. Check out our hot list of what’s new, plus see who recently won awards and accolades. Come spring 2025, patrons visiting the Blanton Museum of Art can enjoy French food. Austin restaurant…

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Top 5 Things to Do on Rainey Street

Austin’s Rainey Street is known for its historic bungalows, which have been transformed into unique bars, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Beyond its lively nightlife, the area is a go-to for great food trucks and outdoor activities nearby. Here are some of our top recommendations for making…

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Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Austin

2025 is quickly approaching, and Austin knows how to celebrate in style. From live music to exclusive dinners, Austin has a range of events so you and your loved ones can ring in the new year the right way. Check out some of the events we’ve highlighted so you can start planning your New Year’s Eve…

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Where to Go Shopping in Austin

Whether you’re a luxury label lover or a vintage treasure hunter, Austin has just the place for you to shop ‘til you drop. Spend some time at our sprawling shopping malls, charming retail districts and special shopping events. You won’t come home empty handed. Allens Boots. Credit Carolina de Mauro…

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