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.

LEVITATION Music Festival 2022

Now in it's 15th year, LEVITATION is bringing four packed days of music Red River Cultural District and East Austin. Originally created as a way to showcase local music and visual arts, Levitation has grown to include a record label, clothing and art, online sessions and more. Experience the best…

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Top Local Artists to Watch at ACL Fest

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The long-awaited Austin City Limits Music Festival makes its return to Zilker Park for its 20th anniversary with two full weekends of live music across nine stages on October 7-9 and October 14-16, 2022. With each passing year, ACL seems to outdo itself with…

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ACL Music Festival Survival Guide

Everything You Need to Know Before Attending ACL Festival October is one of Austin’s busiest months of the year with multiple annual music festivals and large events happening. Of them all, one of the most popular is Austin City Limits Festival which derives its name from the longest running music…

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Top East Austin Music Venues

As the Live Music Capital of the World®, Austin, Texas doesn't fall short on places to experience all different styles of music. In particular, East Austin is home to many venues that are full of character, both new and old. Locals and visitors flock to the east side every day of the week to get…

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Hot Summer Nights 2022

Now in it's 5th year, Hot Summer Nights is bringing four packed days of music to Austin's own Red River Cultural District. Originally created to bring awareness to local businesses and artists during the slower summer months, Hot Summer Nights has grown to be a marquee event for locals and visitors…

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Top Things to Do in Austin

Excited to start planning your upcoming trip to Austin but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ll help get you started with these handy insider tips and ideas. Whether it’s your first time in Austin or your fortieth, this checklist is sure to provide plenty of unique Austin experiences for…

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Best Music Venues in Austin

From intimate listening venues to packed dance floors, dive bars to the bright lights of the big stage, Austin has a musical experience for every taste. Austin’s live music scene pervades every corner of the city, day or night. Gritty blues bands, indie rockers, solo singer-songwriters, reggae…

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Where to See Live Music This Summer

The sun isn’t the only thing heating up this summer in Austin. The live music scene is also on the rise and you can catch performances nearly anywhere throughout the city. Watch a local act on the patio of your favorite beer garden, or pack a blanket and your friends to enjoy a show at the park…

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A First Timer's Guide to Austin

Where do you start planning when there are so many things to do, eat and see in Austin? Whether you're looking for weekend trip inspiration, or enough activities to fill a whole week, we've narrowed down the list so you can save hours of planning. Check out these top five things to do in Austin…

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Hot Luck Live Food & Music Festival

Experience the hottest new chefs and inventive culinary creations May 25-28, 2023 at Hot Luck Live Food & Music Festival. This annual event—created by James Beard Award-winner Aaron Franklin, Mohawk owner James Moody and Mike Thelin, co-founder of Feast Portland—is a melting pot of the culinary and…

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