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.

Historic Austin: Sixth Street

Sixth Street is a National Register historic district in Austin, with six blocks of turn-of-the-century Victorian commercial buildings. It is also home to a number of rocking venues that contribute to Austin's robust music scene. Before the music era began, the area was a melting pot of small…

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Your Guide to Paddling Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is the epitome of the Austin lifestyle. Every day of the week, the lake is filled with people taking advantage of this stretch of dammed-off Colorado River that offers endless recreation opportunities. Backdropped by the downtown Austin skyline on one side, Zilker Park and Auditorium…

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10 Local Artists to Watch at SXSW 2023

The long-awaited SXSW Conference and Festivals makes its highly anticipated return to stages across Austin on March 10-19, 2023. 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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Austin's ACL Live at the Moody Theater

ACL Live at the Moody Theater has been one of Austin’s favorite music venues since it first opened in 2011. Home to the famous Austin City Limits television program and to more than 100 concerts each year, it’s a downtown musical hotspot that supports both local and national entertainers. Credit…

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Best Downtown Austin Restaurants

Austin is known for its mouthwatering barbecue and creative breakfast tacos, but not everyone is familiar with the city’s complete food scene, one that is just as eclectic and diverse as the Austinites who live here. To get a true taste of what the city has to offer, you must visit Downtown Austin…

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5 Reasons to Visit the Texas State Capitol

Whether a longtime resident, a transplant or a visitor just passing through town, a must-do activity in Austin is checking out the Texas State Capitol building and grounds. Learn more about the historic statehouse and find out how to explore the Texas State Capitol with these top 5 reasons to visit…

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How to Experience Free Week 2023

Looking to shake off those post-holiday blues? Red River Cultural District’s Free Week has your cure. This year’s festivities will take place January 5-7, 2023 and will feature 100+ local bands in 15 venues around the city. With so many performances to hear and venues to see, here’s an insider guide…

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