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.

Self-Guided Tour of Austin's Historic Homes

Austin's history can be explored through its architecture, from charming Victorian-era homes to early 20th-century bungalows. These historic residences tell stories of the city’s past, offering glimpses into the lives of the visionaries, settlers and artists who shaped the Texas' capital city…

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Visiting Mexic-Arte Museum

As one of Texas’ cultural hubs, Austin enjoys a variety of museums and cultural centers. One of the most fascinating is Mexic-Arte Museum, which celebrates traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latin and Latin-American art. Since its inception in 1984, this favorite Austin museum has grown to…

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Weird Things to Do in Austin

Austin’s reputation for “weirdness” is somewhat hard to pin down. What exactly does it mean to be weird, anyway? If it means laid back, creative, fun-loving, and a little quirky, then it’s a fitting description. Visitors to our fair city should stop by some of these attractions to see if you agree…

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2025 Austin Event Guide

Preview the fun to come in 2025 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. January 1/3-4/25 Free Week Red…

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New & Notable in Austin

Fill your social calendar with even more exciting places to eat, drink and explore the arts around Austin. Check out our hot list of what’s new, plus see who recently won awards and accolades. Come spring 2025, patrons visiting the Blanton Museum of Art can enjoy French food. Austin restaurant…

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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 Trail of Lights. See Holiday Lights The Austin Trail of Lights is truly an Austin tradition celebrating its 60th…

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Top Holiday Concerts & Shows in Austin

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Austin is bringing back some festive traditions featuring amazing live music and spirited performances. If you haven’t experienced the holidays in Austin, see below for some of this season’s can't-miss events! "A Christmas Carol." Courtesy of ZACH…

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Austin Holiday Shopping Guide

Whether you’re ready or not, it’s time to start thinking about your 2024 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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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 Light Displays…

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Austin's Creek Show at Waterloo Greenway

Creek Show in Austin is a dazzling light art event that returns this year in November! Held along Waller Creek, this event showcases large-scale light installations by local artists and designers, transforming the urban landscape into a colorful outdoor gallery. Creek Show has cancelled their 2025…

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