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.

NASCAR Returns to Austin

Race fans will experience another unforgettable weekend of NASCAR in Austin when the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and Xfinity Series (NXS) return to Circuit of The Americas (COTA) February 28 - March 2, 2025. The action-packed NASCAR at COTA weekend will also include the IMSA-sanctioned VP Racing…

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The ATX Open 2025

Austin's Premier WTA Tour Tournament Following a successful debut in 2024, Austin is gearing up for the return of the ATX Open professional women's tennis tournament in 2025. The WTA 250 tournament is one of the first U.S.-based events on the 2025 Hologic WTA Tour calendar and will celebrate its…

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2025 Austin Event Guide

Preview the fun to come in 2025 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 1/3-4/25 Free Week Red…

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Splash Pads in Austin

Searching for family-friendly fun in Austin? Look no further than the city’s splash pads! From colorful play areas to refreshing water features, these splash pads offer a fantastic way for kids and adults to cool off and enjoy a sunny day. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best splash pads…

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Best Patio Bars for Al Fresco Drinking

Austin is synonymous with breakfast tacos, watering holes (for drinking or swimming) and an obsession with patios. Triple-digit temperatures may slow us down, but never stop us from rounding up human and furry troops for ice-cold local craft beers, juicy burgers, ooey-gooey queso and the simple…

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Austin Farmers Markets Worth Visiting

There are few things as refreshing as a sunny morning in Austin, surrounded by fresh produce, colorful bouquets, hot coffee and the sound of a local musician wafting through the stalls at one of our many farmers markets. Whether you're in town for a few days or a few weeks, a visit to one of our…

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Best Places to Kayak and Paddleboard in Austin

Summer, spring, fall or winter, there’s rarely a bad time to get out on the water for a paddle session in Austin. So grab a kayak or paddle board, drop your camera in a waterproof bag, and enjoy the sun from one of the many sparkling bodies of water nearby. Here are the best places to kayak 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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Latino Music Month in Austin

There is always a show going on somewhere in the Live Music Capital of the World® and May, Latino Music Month, is no exception. From Cinco de Mayo celebrations and anniversary shows to festivals, we've curated a list of events to attend this month. Stephanie Bergara with Bidi Bidi Banda. Credit Eric…

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