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.

Where to Eat in Austin Right Now

Looking for the best places to eat in Austin right now? Our curated list of new and essential restaurants and bars will almost certainly have whatever you’re craving, from a lovely Italian spot nestled inside a cozy boutique hotel to an incredible Japanese tasting menu experience and a welcoming…

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Guide to Exploring Hamilton Pool Year-Round

Hamilton Pool Preserve is one of the most popular parks in the Travis County area. So popular, in fact, that you need reservations to get in. It’s easy to see why—the beautiful blue pool in the collapsed grotto and trickling waterfall make for excellent photo ops and hiking trails provide gorgeous…

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Where to Have Christmas Dinner in Austin

If you're planning to spend Christmas or Hanukkah in Austin, let our award-winning chefs minimize your time in the kitchen and order in from these local restaurants. Find great places to order holiday meals to take home, plus Austin restaurants that are open on Christmas and Christmas Eve. TLC…

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2024 Austin Event Guide

Preview the fun to come in 2024 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 1/5-6/24 Free Week Red…

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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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Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner in Austin

If you're planning to spend Thanksgiving in Austin, let our award-winning chefs minimize your time in the kitchen and dine in or order in from these local restaurants. Find Austin restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving, plus great places to order Thanksgiving meals to take home. TLC. Credit to…

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Haunted Places in Austin, Texas

While Austin isn’t typically known for its haunted offerings, you can find a few places to celebrate the spooky and supernatural this fall in the capital city. Check out our list of top spine-chilling things to do and (allegedly) haunted places in Austin, Texas. Haunted Places in Austin The…

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Texas Book Festival 2024

The annual Texas Book Festival (TBF) takes place November 16-17, 2024 at the Texas State Capitol grounds. Free and open to the public, the 28 th annual festival featured more than 300 authors and more than 200 sessions, including programming for adults, young adults, middle-grade readers and…

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Things to Do for Halloween in Austin 2023

If you're looking for a good ghost story, not only does Austin have some ghoulish ones to tell, the city is also full of festive ways to celebrate Halloween. From scary movies, haunted houses and parties at your favorite local bars to kid-friendly events like corn mazes and Boo at the Zoo, here are…

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ACL Music Festival Survival Guide

Everything You Need to Know Before Attending ACL Festival October is one of Austin’s busiest months of the year with multiple annual music festivals and large events happening. Of them all, one of the most popular is Austin City Limits Festival which derives its name from the longest running music…

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