Live Music

Whether you’re catching your all-time favorite band at one of Austin’s 250 music venues or stumbling upon your next favorite group, Austin lives up to its slogan as ‘The Live Music Capitol of the World.’ From indie to punk to jazz- music lovers of all kinds go nuts for this city. Everywhere you look in Austin there’s a stage- even in the airport!

Amidst the endless concerts and venues, Austin hosts some of the biggest fests in the country. The massively popular Austin City Limits fest and the rowdy Fun Fun Fun fest draw big names and big crowds. But there’s nothing like the epic South by Southwest, a collection of music, film, and professional fests that take over the city for nearly two weeks every year. Everything really is bigger in Texas.

Mobile Eats

Did you ever think that the best meal of your life could be handed to you through the window of a truck? Austin’s vibrant food scene has its roots in food truck culture. The city is scattered with popular food trailer parks, allowing Austin chefs to release their creativity with cheeky culinary fusion. Some local favorites include “Hey!...You Gonna Eat or What?” and “Kebabalicious.”

Of course, Austin is known for its killer barbeque and tacos as well. Do your taste buds a favor and check out Franklin Barbecue where the best brisket you have ever gifted your mouth is waiting. Some local TexMex favorites are Taco Joint, Torchy’s and Taco Deli. But with taco trucks on every other corner, it’s easy to find your own favorite spot.

Secret Swimming Holes

After all those spicy tacos in the Austin sun, you might get a little hot. But fear not! There are plenty of watering holes where you can cool off. Barton Springs, a massive outdoor swimming pool in Zilker Park, fills with water from a nearby spring and stays a cool 68 degrees year-round. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, take a hike along the Barton Creek Greenbelt which is speckled with refreshing swimming holes and waterfalls for you to discover.

Ladybird Lake cuts through downtown Austin and is a popular spot for kayaking, running and biking. In the summer, you can join spectators at the lake to watch the largest urban bat colony fly out from under Congress Avenue Bridge. It’s a thing!

Backyard Bars

Austin’s nightlife is known for its outdoor patios. Check out Rainey street, a cool row of bars, restaurants and hangouts in repurposed historic houses. The notorious 6^th street spans from a rowdy college scene downtown to a funky hipster scene east of 35. Some highlights are Easy Tiger, a creekside beer garden and bakery, and Whisler’s, a quirky cocktail bar with (obviously) food trucks and live music. These bars can really be in your backyard if you stay at the Radisson Downtown Austin or The Driskell – both are a short walk away from the 6th St. and Rainey St. nightlife  

Welcome to Austin, a paradise for music lovers and taco lovers alike. We’re glad you’re here!

Now, plan your next adventure; there are countless things to do in Austin, TX.