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.

Top Things To Do in Austin This Summer

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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Visiting the Thinkery, Austin's Children's Museum

Little ones and parents alike love Austin’s hands-on children’s museum, the Thinkery, where science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) exhibits get families learning and laughing. Located in the Mueller neighborhood, the Thinkery is open daily and within walking distance from popular…

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Top Annual Arts Events & Festivals

Art thrives in Austin. It's apparent in our world-class museums. rocking music scene and growing film presence. Whether you are looking to view a curated collection or marvel in the stories behind street murals, Austin is a destination for creators and art lovers alike. With arts events happening…

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Hot Luck Live Food & Music Festival

Experience the hottest new chefs and inventive culinary creations May 23-26, 2024 at Hot Luck Live Food & Music Festival. This annual event—created by James Beard Award-winner Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, Mohawk owner James Moody and Mike Thelin, co-founder of Feast Portland—is a melting pot…

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ABC Zilker Kite Festival

Welcome Spring at the ABC Kite Festival The nation’s oldest kite festival is a fresh-air ballyhoo of kite flying contests, food, games and more. Austin’s annual ABC Kite Festival takes place each spring, and is free to attend. Hundreds of colorful kites will dot the sky from morning till night. This…

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Spring & Summer Film Festivals in Austin

Austin is known for many film festivals year round. Cinephiles and industry professionals flock to the city and pack out venues to experience movie magic on the big screen. Between March and August, cinephiles can partake in several renowned film and television festivals that attract some of the…

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Women-Owned Businesses in Austin to Support

One of the things that drives Austin’s success as a destination is its fiercely entrepreneurial spirit. From funky local businesses to bleeding edge tech startups, it’s a city where big dreams thrive. Austin also happens to be one of the best spots for female-led businesses. Check out this list of…

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2024 Premieres at the SXSW Film Festival

Explore the heart of Austin's creative buzz by learning about some of the SXSW 2024 movie and television premieres featuring diverse narratives, groundbreaking documentaries and so much more. Whether you're a SXSW veteran or a first-time attendee, join us in uncovering some of the top premieres and…

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10 Local Artists to Watch at SXSW 2024

The long-awaited SXSW Conference and Festivals makes its highly anticipated return to stages across Austin on March 8-16, 2024. The SXSW Music Festival brings together artists, industry professionals and music aficionados from around the world to network, enhance their careers and celebrate the…

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