Austin Insider Blog

View Full Post How to Experience Austin’s Bats

Published: 3/9/2018

When most people think of Austin, visions of things like tasty taco and musicians performing all over town come to mind. But the city is also known for its love of certain winged nocturnal animals that appear at sunset. Yep, those are the Mexican Free-Tailed Bats . A 1980 renovation transformed the Congress Avenue Bridge into an ideal bat cave, soon attracting migrating Mexican free-tailed bats. From late spring until early fall, get ready for the sunset show by heading to the grassy hill vantage point of the Statesman Bat Observation Center, adjacent to the bridge. Visitors... read more

Tags: Outdoors Family Bats Spring Summer Fall Free Iconic Austin Downtown Lady Bird Lake

Posted in: Outdoors Family

View Full Post Iconic Film Locations to Visit Near Austin

Published: 1/12/2018

From box office major hits to independent cinematic brilliance, Austin and the surrounding Hill Country has provided the landscape for filmmakers to bring their vision to life on the big screen. Of course, " Dazed and Confused " and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" are some of the most talked about titles, but there are many more favorites filmed right here in central Texas. Make sure to check out these locations on your next visit to Austin. Saint Mary's Cathedral. Credit Arlen Nydam, Nydam Photography. "Machete" (2010) Robert Rodriguez’s... read more

Tags: Film Hill Country Free BBQ Historical Iconic Austin Craft Beer

Posted in: Film

View Full Post Austin's Hike & Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake

Published: 1/8/2018

The Hike and Bike Trail is a low-grade trail, most of which is wide enough to accommodate both cyclists and pedestrian traffic, making it a leisurely, enjoyable ride for cyclists , runners and families alike. Because the trail winds through downtown, there are access points and parking all along the route, making it easy to choose your distance, detours, and side trips, all in view of the Austin skyline. Whether you prefer to ride the trail’s entire 10 mile loop or take a shorter, more leisurely ride, we recommend taking the time to take a dip in either Barton Springs or Deep Eddy Pool ,... read more

Tags: Outdoors Free Pet Friendly Lady Bird Lake Downtown Fitness Parks Spring Summer Fall

Posted in: Outdoors

View Full Post How to Experience Free Week 2018

Published: 12/22/2017

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 1 -7, 2018 and will feature 180+ local bands in 20+ venues around the city. With so many performances to hear and venues to see, here’s an insider guide to help you make the most out of your Free Week 2018 . Free Week 2017. Courtesy of Do512, credit Roger Ho. KNOW YOUR VENUES Free Week is a great time to visit Austin or explore deeper if you’re a local. Since there is no cover, you can explore freely and take in the some... read more

Tags: Live Music Free Holidays Events Festivals Red River Downtown

Posted in: Live Music Events

View Full Post How to Experience East Austin Studio Tour 2017

Published: 11/3/2017

Mark your calendars for November 11-12 and November 18-10 - it's East Austin Studio Tour time. In its 16 th year, this free, self-guided tour - a Big Medium program - invites visitors to discover new artistic talent, see working studios, learn about artists' tools, techniques and inspirations and explore galleries. Big Medium gallery opening. Credit Madeline Harvey. Studios & Exhibitions Here are just a few studios and exhibitions featured in this year’s tour – be sure to check out the hundreds of other participants while... read more

Tags: Arts & Culture Events East Austin Free Fall

Posted in: Arts & Culture

View Full Post Texas Book Festival 2017

Published: 10/18/2017

The annual Texas Book Festival takes place November 4 & 5, 2017, in and around the Texas State Capitol . Free and open to the public, the 22 nd annual festival will feature more than 300 authors - from Pulitzer Prize winners to poets, satirists to sports writers, Caldecott winners to chefs, and memoirists to mystery writers. The festival has something for everyone! Courtesy of Texas Book Festival. “Kids on Congress” is the place at the festival for families! So much for tots or teens to see and do - storytimes with famous picture book authors, hands-on craft activities, and... read more

Tags: Events Fall Family Arts & Culture Free Festivals Downtown

Posted in: Events Arts & Culture Family

View Full Post Climbers Guide to Reimers Ranch

Published: 10/13/2017

Climbing enthusiasts and beginners alike can be found within the narrow crevices and exposed rock walls at Reimers Ranch . With a range of difficulties, there’s something for every kind of climber, although experienced climbers consider Reimers Ranch as world-class climbing. With close to 300 climbing routes, there are routes between 5.4 and 5.14, although most routes fall above 5.9. Reimers Ranch. Courtesy of ClimbTexas . What Makes it Great You’ll find mostly short, technical routes here. The highest route at Reimers Ranch is 92 feet high, which gives beginners great courses to... read more

Tags: Outdoors Parks West Austin Hill Country Free Pet Friendly

Posted in: Outdoors

View Full Post Mexico Modern Exhibit Opens at the Ransom Center

Published: 9/18/2017

Chronicling two decades of cultural exchange between Mexico and the United States, the Harry Ransom Center 's exhibition Mexico Modern: Art, Commerce, and Cultural Exchange, 1920–1945 showcases examples of modern Mexican art and design. Included are works of modern Mexican art by such artists as Miguel Covarrubias, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Edward Weston. Diego Rivera, [Basket vendors], 1938. Watercolor, 27.7 x 38.6 cm. Courtesy Harry Ransom Center. © 2017 Banco de México Diego Rivera Frida Kahlo Museums Trust, Mexico, D.F. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York On... read more

Tags: Arts & Culture Museums Multicultural Free University of Texas Fall

Posted in: Arts & Culture

View Full Post Austin's Best Murals

Published: 9/6/2017

Weird and wacky, colorful and creative—that’s Austin for you. Explore any of its neighborhoods and you’re bound to stumble on an ever-changing gallery of murals and street art. Whether an ode to the city of Austin, a play on words or a unique cartoon character, some of these public works of art have become beloved icons in the capital city. Stop by a few of the most famous pieces to snap a picture. Austin musician Tje Austin at the I love you so much mural. Credit Annie Ray. I love you so much 1300 S. Congress Ave. In the heart of the South Congress (SoCo) entertainment... read more

Tags: Arts & Culture Free Outdoors Neighborhoods

Posted in: Outdoors Arts & Culture

View Full Post Guide to Outdoor Arts, Culture and Shopping in Austin

Published: 8/30/2017

With an average of 228 sunny days per year, it's no wonder Austinites love the outdoors as much as they do. On any day of the week, locals and visitors alike can be found along Austin’s streets and trails, in its parks and on its shorelines, in the water and on the water. Beyond that, though, are a world of opportunities to enjoy everything under the Central Texas sun outdoors. One needn’t be an outdoor enthusiast to find ways to enjoy everything from art galleries and films to flea markets and live music - outside. OUTDOOR ART GALLERIES John Grade, Canopy Tower, 2015. Ipe... read more

Tags: Outdoors Arts & Culture Live Music Events Shopping Film Free

Posted in: Outdoors Arts & Culture

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