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.

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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Supporting Black-Owned Restaurants in Austin

Austin's Black community has quite the legacy in the Austin food scene. Find award-winning restaurants, authentic Ethiopian, Jamaican and Haitian flavors, savory smoked meats and flavorful southern comfort food all around town. Enjoy Austin's food truck scene with creative takes on baked potatoes…

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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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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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Top Things To Do & See on Sixth Street

Austin’s infamous Sixth Street has a well-earned reputation. Rollicking bars and trendy nightclubs rub elbows with secret speakeasies and iconic live music venues on this historic thoroughfare. Courtesy the backspace. DINING The restaurant scene on Sixth Street goes far beyond bar food. Dig into a…

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Best Dive Bars in Austin

Looking for the best dive bars in Austin, Texas? Head to these spots, where the drinks are stiff, the locals are friendly and the live music and jukeboxes play all night long. We’ve listed 21 down-home Austin bars to get your night started, from the best dive bars on Sixth Street and around…

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Where to See Holiday Lights in Austin

There are so many things that make the holiday season fun. Whether you're in town for a convention or to celebrate the season with loved ones, visiting one of Austin's spectacular light shows should be on the agenda. Here are some of the top places to check out holiday lights in Austin this winter…

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How to Experience Free Week 2025

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 2025 and will feature a myriad of local bands in nearly 20 venues around the city. With so many performances to hear and venues to see, here’s an…

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Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Austin

2024 is quickly approaching, and Austin knows how to celebrate in style. From live music to exclusive dinners, Austin has a range of events so you and your loved ones can ring in the new year the right way. Check out some of the events we’ve highlighted so you can start planning your New Year’s Eve…

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The Complete Guide to Lakes in the Austin Area

Famous for its rivers and lakes, Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country is bisected by its countless waterways. Here's a quick guide to kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and boating on the water in the Texas state capital. Lady Bird Lake There are three lakes in the Austin area formed by…

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