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.

Texas Book Festival 2025

The annual Texas Book Festival (TBF) takes place November 8-9, 2025, at the Texas Capitol, in tents along 11th Street and Congress Avenue, and select nearby venues including the State Theater, The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center, and others. Free and open to the public, the 30th annual Festival…

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Austin's Hike & Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake

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…

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Where to Play Pickleball

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Many consider it as the happy marriage of tennis and ping-pong. For those unfamiliar with the game, the net is typically shorter than in tennis, and the courts are more compact. As a result, you are not traveling as far of a distance in…

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Hot Summer Nights 2025

Hot Summer Nights is bringing three packed days of music to Austin's own Red River Cultural District this July 24 -26, 2025. Created to bring awareness to local businesses and artists during the slower summer months, Hot Summer Nights has grown to be a marquee event for locals and visitors alike…

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Where to See Live Music This Summer

The sun isn’t the only thing heating up this summer in Austin. The live music scene is also on the rise and you can catch performances nearly anywhere throughout the city. Watch a local act on the patio of your favorite beer garden, or pack a blanket and your friends to enjoy a show at the park…

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50 Cheap & Free Things to Do in Austin, TX

Experience the best of Austin—without putting a serious dent in your wallet—with our suggestions for 50 free and cheap things to do while you’re here. Stretch your travel dollars with everything from affordable food truck eats and outdoor adventures to free live music and fun activities for the…

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Where to Find Outdoor Yoga in Austin

With nearly 300 days of sunshine annually in Austin, why not move your yoga practice outdoors? Throughout the spring, summer and fall, many local yoga studios will host classes in some of the city's best greenspaces making it easy to enjoy a flow in the sunshine. Check out the list below of the top…

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Where to Go Stargazing in Austin

Austin’s nearby parks and scenic landscapes offer the perfect escape from city lights for stargazing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Here’s the best stargazing Austin has to offer, combining daytime adventure with nighttime wonder. Best Stargazing Spots Near Austin Pedernales Falls State Park…

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ATX Television Festival 2025

Season 14 of ATX Television Festival is returning to Downtown Austin May 29 - June 1, 2025. Experience this incredible event that brings together television fans and industry professionals to deep-dive on how shows are made, reflect on past favorites and much more. Lovingly dubbed “TV Camp for…

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