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.

ABC Zilker Kite Festival

Welcome Spring at the ABC Kite Festival The nation’s oldest kite festival is a fresh-air ballyhoo of kite flying contests, food, games and more. Austin’s annual ABC Kite Festival takes place each spring, and is free to attend. Hundreds of colorful kites will dot the sky from morning till night. This…

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Spring & Summer Film Festivals in Austin

Austin is known for many film festivals year round. Cinephiles and industry professionals flock to the city and pack out venues to experience movie magic on the big screen. Between March and August, cinephiles can partake in several renowned film and television festivals that attract some of the…

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Women-Owned Businesses in Austin to Support

One of the things that drives Austin’s success as a destination is its fiercely entrepreneurial spirit. From funky local businesses to bleeding edge tech startups, it’s a city where big dreams thrive. Austin also happens to be one of the best spots for female-led businesses. Check out this list of…

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Austin's Black-Owned Brands and Retailers

Austin is home to many independent and family-owned businesses that make our communities culturally rich. Here's a list of Black-owned shops, restaurants, and services that you should know about! Be sure to check out the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce to learn about even more Black-owned…

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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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10 Local Artists to Watch at SXSW 2024

The long-awaited SXSW Conference and Festivals makes its highly anticipated return to stages across Austin on March 8-16, 2024. The SXSW Music Festival brings together artists, industry professionals and music aficionados from around the world to network, enhance their careers and celebrate the…

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Visiting the Zilker Botanical Garden

If Zilker Park is the heart of Austin, then surely the Zilker Botanical Garden is the heart of the city’s favorite park. This 28-acre expanse of lush greenery, flowers, and streams welcomes over 150,000 visitors every year to wander the grounds and enjoy a peaceful respite from the city. Over the 6+…

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Moontower Just For Laughs Comedy Festival

The ridiculously funny Moontower Just For Laughs Comedy Festival returns to Austin on April 10-21, 2024. Get ready to laugh along with your favorite comedians during the more than week long festivities! The festival is held at various venues around Downtown Austin, with headliners performing at the…

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Top Things to Do in Austin This Spring

Spring is almost here! And with it comes loads of outdoor fun in Austin. From picnics in the park to scenic biking trails and alfresco patios, you’ll find that our town knows how to make the most of this sunshine season. Here are 15 fun things to add to your Austin spring. Credit Pierce Ingram. 1…

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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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