What is the Best Entertainment in Austin?

The city of Austin is known for its music, art, and culture. Situated on the banks of the Colorado river, this thriving Texas city has a lot to offer for locals, tourists, and visitors alike. We have compiled a list of the best entertainment to be found in the live music capital of the world! That being said, let’s get started and explore the entertainment scene in Austin.

Live Music

Live music is what made Austin famous, and there’s a reason why. The city is overflowing with amazing bar/club/venue combos that are sure to entertain. Nightlife in Austin is managed to be both relaxed and exciting, so you can fit in whether you like a casual night out or a wild weekend. Check out The Whitehorse Saloon or The Continental Club for some of the best live music Austin has to offer.

Art Galleries

Arts and culture are both in abundance in the city of Austin. Local and international artists alike showcase their work in some of the finest galleries the city has to offer. Some highlights of Austin’s thriving art scene include the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin Fine Arts Gallery, and the Mexic-Arte Museum. Visit any of these three for a unique and memorable experience.

Cultural Events

Austin is known for its vivid and varied culture, and there are plenty of festivals and events throughout the year that locals and visitors can enjoy. For starters, be sure to check out The SXSW festival, which takes place every March and brings together over 50,000 people from around the world to share in creative ideas and grand experiences. In addition, Austin City Limits is an annual music festival that sees over 85,000 visitors each year. Other popular festivals and events include South By Southwest (March 15-18), Eastside Culture Crawl (May 10-12), Flow Austin Festival (July 27-29), and Pecan Street Festival (September 21-22).

Outdoor Activities

Lady Bird Lake, located in the heart of Austin, draws locals and tourists who want to take part in all sorts of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, or simply enjoying a picnic by the lake. Visitors can also take a dip at Barton Springs Pool and catch some rays, or go camping at McKinney Falls State Park just outside of town. Afterward, don’t forget to take advantage of some of the amazing nightlife spots Austin has to offer!

Shopping

Austin’s core shopping areas are a mix of traditional shops, street festivals off Congress Avenue, retro-style boutiques, one-of-a-kind sellers, family-owned stores specializing in local artisans and craftspeople, as well as hip vintage clothing stores. Top shopping spots include the South Congress Avenue district, 2ND Street District, 6th Street District, Domain Northside outdoor mall, and Westlake Shopping Center. Be sure to explore each one for some unique items!All in all, there’s no shortage when it comes to entertainment in Austin! Whether you’re visiting for a day or looking for a place to call home for a while, Austin is sure to satisfy any entertainment needs you may have. With its vibrant culture, stellar music scene and colorful art galleries, the city will never let you down. So come experience all that Austin has to offer and enjoy some of the best entertainment Texas has to offer! For more information on Entertainment in Austin, visit AustinTexas.org.

Insider’s Guide to Entertainment in Austin

Austin, Texas, is a city known for its creative and artistic vibe and its love for music. It is a place where you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, savor good food and drinks, and immerse yourself in the city’s unique culture. In this insider’s guide to entertainment in Austin, we will take you on a tour of some of the city’s best attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Attractions

Austin has an abundance of things to see and do, and here are some of the must-visit attractions:

• Barton Springs Pool: It is the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat. It is a natural spring-fed pool located within Zilker Park and is three acres in size and is accessible for a small fee.
• Lady Bird Lake: The lake is located in the heart of Austin and offers a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. And you won’t have to look far to find a rental company for renting out kayaks, paddleboards, etc.
• Texas Capitol: The building has a glorious architecture and a rich history. There are free tours available to explore the building that also includes the Governor’s Mansion across the street.
• The University of Texas at Austin: The sprawling campus of the University of Texas at Austin is worth a visit, whether you are an alumnus or not. The university has many different museums such as the Blanton Museum of Art and the Harry Ransom Center, which is an extensive archive of literature, art, and history collections.

Dining Spots

Austin has a diverse food scene ranging from local food trucks to high-end restaurants, offering everything from traditional Tex-Mex to creative fusion cuisine.

• Franklin Barbecue: This is the place for the best Texas-style BBQ, but be prepared for the long queues.
• La Barbecue: If you are looking for an alternative to Franklin, La Barbecue is a good option. With mouth-watering briskets, ribs, and pulled pork, La Barbecue gets very busy.
• Ramen Tatsu-ya: Ramen Tatsu-ya is a popular spot serving up Japanese ramen bowls. The restaurant is informal and buzzy, with a great atmosphere.
• Kemuri Tatsu-ya: It is a unique combination of Texas BBQ and Japanese cuisine. It is an up-and-coming spot and worth a visit.
• Veracruz All Natural: Their food trucks are dotted around town and serve some of the best breakfast tacos and migas tacos around, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Cultural Experiences

Austin is a city that is steeped in culture, and the city has various destinations that reflect its heritage.

• Texas State History Museum: It offers visitors an interactive and immersive experience to showcase the state history of Texas from prehistoric times to modern times.
• The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center & Laguna Gloria: It hosts contemporary art, having two locations- Downtown Austin and in Lake Austin.
• Blanton Museum of Art: The museum has a substantial collection of European paintings but is significant for its Latin-American art section.
• Mexic-Arte Museum: This museum showcases the art, culture, and ideology of Mexican, Latin American, and Latino communities through exhibitions and educational programs.

Local History

Austin has a rich historical past, and here are a few ways to explore that history:

• Texas State Capitol: The beautiful building offers free tours, is a great place to explore the political history of Texas, and the architectural splendor of the building itself.
• The Driskill Hotel: The historic luxury hotel has an opulent decor, and its bar is where infamous decisions were made. While you’re there, soak up the atmosphere with a drink.
• The O. Henry Museum: The museum is dedicated to the famous American short story writer, O. Henry, who lived in Austin in the 1890s. The building is ‘The O. Henry House Museum’ is a restored Victorian house that he lived in for only a year.
• The Paramount Theatre: It is an iconic theatre in downtown Austin and was built in 1915, which housed silent films to grand performances to the present day where it is a venue for stage performances, movies, and live music.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Here are some unique experiences that are often overlooked by tourists:

• Hope Outdoor Gallery: It is a unique and vibrant graffiti park where accomplished graffiti artists showcase their artwork. The park is open-air, with concrete walls to beat the heat.
• The Cathedral of Junk: It is an installation of recycled materials, located in Austin’s South Congress district, It is a wonder to behold, where you can get a unique glimpse of what upcycling can do.
• Blue Starlite Drive-in: It’s a classic drive-in experience, but in the middle of town, with individual themed movie nights and private bookings.
• The Broken Spoke: It is a famous dance hall and honky-tonk bar with a live music scene, where legends like Willie Nelson and George Strait have performed. It is a great as a quintessential Texas experience.

Conclusion

Austin is the perfect destination for travelers who love outdoor activities, good food and drink, and rich cultural experiences with an artistic twist. With our insider’s guide to entertainment in Austin, we hope this has given you a brief idea of the best things to see and do in this vibrant city. Enjoy exploring and discovering everything Austin has to offer!