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 Watch a Drive-In Movie in Austin

Immersed in nostalgia and set against the backdrop of Austin's city skyline, catching a movie at a drive-in theater is an unforgettable experience. For those who cherish cinema and the allure of bygone days, Austin is the perfect place to be! From the iconic Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In in the…

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Texas Book Festival 2025

The annual Texas Book Festival (TBF) takes place November 8-9, 2025 at the Texas Capitol, in tents along 11th Street and Congress Avenue, and select nearby venues including the State Theater, The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center, and others. Free and open to the public, the 30th annual Festival…

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aGLIFF 37: Prism Film Festival

Austin’s oldest film festival and premiere LGBTQ+ film fest of the Southwest, aGLIFF (All Genders, Lifestyles & Identities Film Festival) returns August 21-25, 2024 with screening s at multiple theaters around town. aGLIFF’s celebration for the 37th annual festival will salute both the rich history…

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Visiting Barton Springs Pool

How many cities can boast a three-acre, spring fed pool right in the center of town? Austin can, with the famous Barton Springs Pool. Fed by four bubbling springs, this natural wonder maintains a brisk 68-70° year ‘round. Surrounded by grassy embankments, visitors to the pool can lounge in the shade…

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Top Things to Do & See in the Yard

Once an old warehouse district, The Yard has transformed into a vibrant 150,000-square-foot community full of local manufacturers and retailers. Check out the various shops and eateries wander around the property and marvel at the colorfully designed buildings adorned with one-of-a-kind murals. The…

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The Top 15 Places for Queso in Austin

As a Tex-Mex loving city, it's no surprise that a dietary staple in any Austinite's diet is queso. These bowls of melty cheese are the perfect social food, made for gathering around with crisp tortilla chips and good friends. Visitors are always asking where to find the best queso in Austin, so…

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Day Trip Destination: Bastrop County

Known as the "Historic Triangle," Bastrop County includes Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville, which were voted three of the most historic small towns in Texas. Explore Bastrop County’s culture at the historic cemeteries and museums, or celebrate their vibrant community with the locals at one of many…

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Music Venues in South Austin

Known for being an expansive district of oak tree-scattered neighborhoods, green spaces, and the quintessential weirdness that, well, keeps Austin weird, South Austin is filled with a ton of hidden gems that locals like to keep secret. A secret no more, here are some of the best live music spots you…

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Best Places to Kayak and Paddleboard in Austin

Summer, spring, fall or winter, there’s rarely a bad time to get out on the water for a paddle session in Austin. So grab a kayak or paddle board, drop your camera in a waterproof bag, and enjoy the sun from one of the many sparkling bodies of water nearby. Here are the best places to kayak and…

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Visiting Austin's Central Library

Austin’s Central Library, located in the Seaholm District, is one of the city’s most beautiful public spaces. Opened in 2018, the library serves as a modern technology and information hub that reflects Austin’s vibrant culture and unique soul. The space reflects natural characteristics of the Hill…

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