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.

Things to Do for Halloween in Austin 2024

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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Visiting the Harry Ransom Center

The Harry Ransom Center is one of the top humanities research libraries and museums in the country, and the collections range from performing arts and photography to film, art and literature. Located on the University of Texas campus, the Ransom Center is open to all, including students, scholars…

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Austin Museum Day 2024 Attractions & Galleries

Austin has a booming art scene and several nationally recognized museums. With Austin Museum Day on September 22, 2024, visitors should expect nothing but the best. This year, dozens of local museums and historic spaces around Austin will celebrate with free in-person admission and special events…

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Must-See Austin Historic Sites

Listen up, history lovers! We’ve compiled the iconic Austin sites you can’t miss while visiting the Capital City. Delve into the backstory of our fascinating town, where you can explore everything from art and history museums to lush parks, still kickin’ honky-tonks and restaurants that have proudly…

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Self-Guided Austin Architecture Tour

Take a walking or driving tour to witness examples of Austin's most notable architecture. Each building has a unique story to tell, from the historic buildings on the University of Texas campus to the hard lines of downtown's Contemporary Austin Jones Center. Plan to visit each location for a fun…

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20 Iconic Austin Music Venues

Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World®, and boy does it deliver. With hundreds of live music venues, you’re guaranteed to catch outstanding live performances every night of the week. Whether your tastes lie with country-western or veer toward punk rock, you’re sure to find a music…

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Visiting Barton Springs Pool

How many cities can boast a three-acre, spring fed pool right in the center of town? Austin can, with the famous Barton Springs Pool. Fed by four bubbling springs, this natural wonder maintains a brisk 68-70° year ‘round. Surrounded by grassy embankments, visitors to the pool can lounge in the shade…

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Visiting the Bullock Texas State History Museum

Located just one block north of the Texas State Capitol Complex, anyone interested in immersing themselves in Texas culture and history should check out the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Courtesy of Bullock State History Museum. Exhibits More than 9 million visitors from around the state and…

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Where to Celebrate Juneteenth In Austin

Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” is a holiday that celebrates the abolition of slavery in Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, some states under Confederate jurisdiction did not implement it until years later. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865 that Union…

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