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.

Festive Things to Do in Austin with Kids

Sing carols, twirl on ice, enjoy spectacular festive displays and get into the spirit of the season. We have the top tips for things to do with kids in Austin this winter. Courtesy of Austin Trail of Lights. See Holiday Lights The Austin Trail of Lights, each December in Zilker Park, is truly an…

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2023 Austin Event Guide

Preview the fun to come in 2023 and mark your calendar with Austin's biggest festivals and events, from food to fine arts and, of course, live music. For dates and the latest updates about each event, please check visitaustin.org/events or visit the event's website. Austin City Limits Music…

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New & Notable in Austin

Get ready to fill your social calendar with even more exciting places to eat, drink and be entertained in and around Austin. Check out our hot list of what’s new. Nido at The Loren. Credit Mackenzie Smith Kelley . NEW RESTAURANTS Sip specialty cocktails at Idle Hands, then head to the Not a Damn…

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Where to See Live Music Tonight in Austin

Live music is everywhere in Austin and with hundreds of music venues featuring everything from rock and blues to country and hip-hop it can be difficult to narrow down exactly where to see a live show. That’s why we created this list of music venues with regular live music schedules, guaranteed to…

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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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Austin Holiday Shopping Guide

Whether you’re ready or not, it’s time to start thinking about your 2022 holiday gift list. If you’re looking for something really special or even one-of-a-kind for your friends and family, look no further than these local, handmade shopping events and markets in Austin, running from Black Friday to…

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Top Things to Do & See in Central Austin

You could spend a week in Central Austin and still find new things to do, eat and buy. From country bars to culinary feats, this area is well worth exploring. The energy of collegiate culture abounds around the University of Texas and the North Campus/Hyde Park neighborhoods, while the North Loop…

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The Ultimate Guide to Holidays in Austin

Spending the holidays in Austin? Celebrate like a local and join in some of our city’s most beloved holiday traditions, from over-the-top holiday lights displays to shopping markets and live performances of Christmas classics. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Holiday Lights Displays…

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Austin Studio Tour 2022

The free, self-guided Austin Studio Tour – an annual Big Medium program – invites visitors to discover new artistic talent, see working studios, learn about artists' tools, techniques and inspirations, and explore galleries. A combination of the popular East Austin Studio Tour and West Austin Studio…

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Texas Book Festival 2022

The annual Texas Book Festival (TBF) takes place November 5-6 at the Texas State Capitol grounds. Free and open to the public, the 27 th annual festival will feature more than 250 authors participating in virtual sessions, including programming for adults, young adults, middle-grade readers and…

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