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.

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 tours. Texas State…

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7 of the Best Swimming Holes in & Around Austin

There’s no denying it: summer is sizzling in Austin. But luckily, Mother Nature helps out with a number of splashy swimming holes that offer a fun way to cool off. Shake the summer heat at some of the best swimming holes found in and around Austin. Please note that swimming is not always guaranteed…

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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, 1965 that Union…

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Your Complete Austin Summer Bucket List

Summer is a great time to visit Austin. Outdoor activities are the name of the game, from kayaking Lady Bird Lake and cooling off in a spring-fed swimming hole, to catching an outdoor concert and picnicking in a scenic park. Here are 25 Austin summer activities to help build your itinerary. Lady…

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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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Where to Catch Dinner and a Movie in Austin

Whether you're planning a romantic date night, evening with friends or just trying to escape the Texas heat, Austin's independent theaters are a great place to have a uniquely Austin experience—think specialty screenings of tried and true classics, themed nights and first looks at new films. Grab a…

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aGLIFF 35: Prism Film Festival

Austin’s oldest film festival and premiere LGBTQ+ film fest of the Southwest, aGLIFF (All Genders, Lifestyles & Identities Film Festival) returns in-person August 24–28, 2022 with screening at the Galaxy Theater (6700 Middle Fiskville Rd). aGLIFF’s celebration for the 35th annual festival will…

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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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Day Trip Destination: Schlitterbahn

Situated in the rolling hills of Central Texas is the state's first waterpark, Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels. For the past 40 years, Schlitterbahn has been one of the top destinations for family fun during the hot summer months. Located less than an hour outside of the Austin city limits…

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