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.

Viva la Vida Festival & Parade

Each year, Mexic-Arte Museum celebrates the tradition of Día de los Muertos in Austin. During Viva la Vida Festival & Parade, the city's largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos event, visitors will experience a street festival and a parade down the iconic Congress Avenue, bringing together a…

Continue Reading

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…

Continue Reading

Fall & Winter Film Festivals In and Around Austin

Fall and Winter are always a wonderful time for film fans in Austin, with film festivals almost every weekend covering a range of genres and distinct visions. From horror and sci-fi at Fantastic Fest, to the screenwriter-centric flicks featured at the Austin Film Festival there are a variety of…

Continue Reading

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…

Continue Reading

Mezcal Bars in Austin

In recent years, the popularity of mezcal has skyrocketed the world over, and Austin is no exception. Thanks to our roots and love for all things Mexican, our city is home to many watering holes and restaurants that specialize in the iconic agave spirit. Whether you are a novice looking for guidance…

Continue Reading

Top 5 Things To Do in East Austin

East Austin has evolved into a hot destination for great food, luscious lounges, and marvelous educational museums. Discover the best East Austin restaurants, bars, museums, live music venues and more. Then find your perfect East Austin hotel and book your stay! The hangouts are casual in East…

Continue Reading

Best Independent Bookstores in Austin

Austin's independent spirit is alive and well in our community-owned, new and used bookstores. Make time to visit one of the many independently owned bookstores located around the city. All of them have something different to offer—here’s a list of the best indie bookstores to visit in Austin to…

Continue Reading

James Beard Nominated & Award Winning Restaurants

While Austin still excels at barbecue and Tex-Mex, the city has a wide variety of cuisines and styles. From interior Mexican to regional Italian to farm-to-table New American, there is something for everyone, and the James Beard Foundation is taking note. Have a look at these eateries from recent…

Continue Reading

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…

Continue Reading