Austin's vibrant culture, live music scene and creative energy continue to evolve every year. Whether you're visiting for the first time, or coming back for a fresh look at the city, you'll find new favorites alongside iconic classics. Here's your ultimate guide to the top things to do in Austin right now.Two women in Western attire country dancing in a dance hall.
The White Horse. Credit Arts + Labor.

1. Catch Live Music All Over the City

Known as  the Live Music Capital of the World®, Austin's sound is everywhere, from intimate bars to sprawling outdoor stages. 

Three stuffed breakfast tacos in open foil on a blue picnic table top.|Veracruz All Natural Breakfast Taco. Credit @burgerchild. 

2. Eat Your Way Through Austin's Food Scene

Austin's culinary landscape is a delicious mix of old favorites and exciting newcombers. Don't leave the city without trying what we're most known for—barbecue and Tex-Mex. We're also known for our unique food trucks, which can be found all over town. 

Image of people sitting at picnic tables at Meanwhile Brewing with an outdoor stage to the right.Courtesy of Meanwhile Brewing.

3. Enjoy a Cocktail, Craft brew or Local Wine 

Austin's beverage scene is just as creative as its music and food, from bold craft beers to expertly mixed cocktails and Hill Country wines. 

Men and women walking past the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue on the Butler Hike and Bike Trail with their dogs.Butler Hike & Bike Trail. Credit to Jeff Djayasaputra.

4. Get outdoors

Austin's sunny skies and natural beauty invite you to expend time outside year-round. 

Austin skyline as the sun is setting with a cloud of bats in the foreground.Congress Avenue Bats. Credit JType Photography (@jtype).

5. See the Famous Congress Avenue Bats Take Flight

One of Austin's most iconic experiences happens just after sunset, and it's completely free. From March through October, around 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge, filling the sky in a breathtaking nightly display. The best ways to watch the bats include: 

  • From the bridge: arrive about 30-45 minutes before sunset for a good spot on the east side of the bridge
  • On the water: book a kayak, paddleboard or boat tour with Live Love Paddle or Capital Cruises for a unique view of the flight
  • From the lawn: bring a blanket to the Statesman bat observation lawn for a relaxing bat viewing experience

Sunrise aerial view of the Texas State Capitol grounds.Texas State Capitol Building. Credit David Aguilar. 

6. Visit Iconic Film Locations Around Austin

Lights, camera, Austin! With its striking landscapes and eclectic neighborhoods, Austin has starred in countless movies and TV shows. Film fans can explore the city through some of its most famous filming locations.

  • Walk through the Texas State Capitol, seen in movies like Miss Congeniality, Spy Kids, and The Rookie
  • Grab a burger or fried chicken basket from Top Notch Hamburgers, the retro drive-in from Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused
  • Stroll South Congress and spot familiar scenes from Friday Night Lights and Death Proof
  • Explore the UT Austin campus, a backdrop for films like Boyhood and Everybody Wants Some!!

Groups of people standing around and sitting on picnic blankets across the Blanton Museum's lawn, in between museum buildings.Courtesy Blanton Museum of Art.

7. Visit Museums, Murals & Historic Sites

Feed your mind and Instagram feed at some of Austin's most interesting attractions. 

Man taking a picture of a statue with his phone while sitting in an open air vehicle.Courtesy of AO Tours. 

8. Take a City Tour

One of the best ways to explore Austin's personality is by letting a local guide show you the sights, Whether you're into history, food, art or outdoor adventures, there's a tour for every style. 

Couple window shopping at a toy store while holding ice cream cones.2ND Street District. Credit Inti St. Clair.

9. Shop Local & Find Hidden Gems

Support local artists, makers and boutiques across the city.

  • Browse eclectic shops on South Congress Avenue and 2ND Street District
  • Explore vintage treasures at Revival Vintage and Charm School Vintage
  • Find curated gifts from talented local makers at Austin Visitor Center and Slow North

Image of the outdoor space at Hot Luck Festival with people everywhere and food tents in the background with string lights hung over the crowd.Hot Luck. Credit to Chad Wadsworth.

10. Experience Austin's Festival Spirit

There's always something happening in Austin, from one-of-a-kind events like a birthday party for Eeyore to music and food festivals that will create core memories.