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.

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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Best Dive Bars in Austin

Looking for the best dive bars in Austin, Texas? Head to these spots, where the drinks are stiff, the locals are friendly and the live music and jukeboxes play all night long. We’ve listed 21 down-home Austin bars to get your night started, from the best dive bars on Sixth Street and around…

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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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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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Best Restaurants with Live Music in Austin

Austin is no longer just a city full of live music and entertainment. Now, the Live Music Capital has also become a robust foodie city with some of the best smoked barbecue in the state, a surplus of fine dining establishments as well as various walk-in, sit-down, no-frills watering holes to beat…

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Family-Friendly Music Venues in Austin

Whether you are looking to enjoy music with friends of all ages, a significant other, by yourself, or even as a family, Austin has it all! To satisfy your music needs, we’ve gathered a list of local venues that are open to audiences under 21, and breweries with regular music that allow you to bring…

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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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LEVITATION Music Festival 2025

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 year of LEVITATION yet…

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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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