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.

Top Annual Arts Events & Festivals

Art thrives in Austin. It's apparent in our world-class museums. rocking music scene and growing film presence. Whether you are looking to view a curated collection or marvel at the stories behind street murals, Austin is a destination for creators and art lovers alike. With arts events happening…

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Where to Buy Vinyl in Austin, Texas

While Austin may be the Live Music Capital of the World®, there are also plenty of record shops for music fans to hunt for vinyl and enjoy recorded music. Austin has a unique collection of independent record stores and music shops that all offer a stellar collection of vinyl and other goods. Check…

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A Solo Traveler's Guide to Austin

Austin is one of the top cities to visit in the United States, and it's no surprise considering the amount of things to do, see and eat. Whether you want to cool off with a quick dip in a spring-fed pool or embrace the live music and nightlife scene, it's nearly impossible to get bored in this…

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Visiting the Paramount & State Theatres

Established in 1915, the historic Paramount Theatre has stood as a Congress Avenues staple for more than 100 years. Then in 1935 State Theatre, the first theatre in Austin specifically designed to screen movies, was built right next door. The duo shares year-round programming with over 550 events…

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8 Must-See Art Galleries in Austin

A city is only as cool as its artists. Austin has no shortage of creatives working to either preserve or transform different aspects of the city’s vibrant culture. Whether you want to soak in some culture or find a stunning piece for your home, there is an art gallery in town to suit your tastes…

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Visiting the Elisabet Ney Museum

On the edge of the historic Hyde Park neighborhood sits an unusual building. Although it’s made of abundant local Texas limestone, its neoclassical portico and two-story tower stand out in a community of Victorian homes and Craftsman bungalows. It’s the Elisabet Ney Museum and, just like the woman…

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Austin’s LGBTQ+ Arts Scene

The LGBTQ+ community in Austin has a long and ever-growing history. The deep cultural tapestry has laid the ground for Austin’s LGBTQ+ art scene to flourish and expand through installations, dance and music groups, individual creatives, and much more. Various communities within LGBTQ+ spaces…

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Visiting the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum

Nestled on six lush acres in the heart of Austin, the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum has become a favorite oasis for visitors. Showcasing a permanent collection of bronze figurative sculptures by American sculptor Charles Umlauf in South Austin, the UMLAUF also features rotating contemporary…

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Austin's Indie Arts Scene

Austin is a magnet for creatives, drawing a mix of artists, actors and musicians who make up the city’s ever-growing indie arts scene. Check out these venues and events for the inside scoop on where to find some of Austin’s best independent art exhibits, theatrical performances and live music shows…

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Historic Austin: Congress Avenue

Congress Avenue isn’t just Austin’s main street – it is the main street of Texas. Mirabeau Lamar, successor to Sam Houston as president of the newborn Republic of Texas, directed that a city be built here in 1839, specifically for the seat of government. His plan called for a 120-foot wide…

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