By the time May rolls around, Austin knows what’s coming.

Summer is coming.

And once June, July and August arrive, the question isn’t going to be whether you want to go swimming. It’s going to be where you can get into the water fast enough before you melt.

May is the perfect month to start exploring Austin’s swimming holes, spring-fed pools, creek crossings and natural watering holes. The temperatures are warm enough that jumping into cold water feels amazing, but you’re not yet dealing with the full summer crowds and triple-digit heat.

And Austin has something most cities would love to have:

Actual places to swim in the middle of and around the city.

You can spend the afternoon at Barton Springs Pool without leaving Austin. You can hike down Barton Creek to Twin Falls or Sculpture Falls. You can head east to McKinney Falls State Park. You can make a Hill Country trip out of Hamilton Pool when conditions allow. Or you can find one of the lesser-known places where locals go to cool off when the creek has enough water.

The important thing is knowing the difference between a swimming pool and a swimming hole.

At Barton Springs, somebody is checking the water and managing the facility.

At a Greenbelt swimming hole, you’re on your own.

And that means checking conditions before you go is everything.

BARTON SPRINGS POOL: THE OBVIOUS CHOICE FOR A REASON

Let’s start with the heavyweight.

Barton Springs Pool is one of those Austin attractions that locals sometimes forget is actually pretty incredible.

It’s a three-acre swimming pool fed by underground springs, right in Zilker Park, and the water stays around 68–70 degrees year-round.

That means you can jump into Barton Springs in May and immediately understand why Austinites have been doing it for generations.

The water is cold.

Not “kind of refreshing.”

Cold.

And after spending an afternoon outside in 85-degree weather, that first jump feels incredible.

HOW MUCH DOES BARTON SPRINGS COST?

During the paid season, which generally runs from Austin ISD spring break through October 31, Barton Springs charges admission. Current city pricing lists adult admission at $5 for Austin residents and $9 for non-residents, with lower rates for children, juniors and seniors.

There is also a major way to save money:

Swim during the free hours.

Barton Springs traditionally allows free swimming during the early morning and late evening periods outside regular guarded-swim hours. The city’s current schedule lists swim-at-your-own-risk hours from 5–8 a.m. and 8–10 p.m., with Thursday having a special cleaning schedule.

For a Baller ATX reader, that’s one of the best hacks.

THE BARTON SPRINGS FREE-SWIM STRATEGY

If you’re trying to experience Barton Springs without paying admission, don’t wait until the middle of the afternoon.

Go early.

Really early.

An early-morning swim gives you cooler air, fewer people and a completely different atmosphere from the packed afternoon pool.

The other option is the evening.

As the sun starts going down, Barton Springs becomes a completely different experience.

The pool lights come on.

The downtown skyline is nearby.

People are finishing their day.

And you’re swimming in 68-degree spring water while Austin is still buzzing around you.

That’s one of the most Austin things you can do.

THE BIGGEST BARTON SPRINGS MISTAKE: SHOWING UP AT 2 P.M.

If you’re going on a beautiful Saturday in May, don’t assume you can just roll into Zilker at 2 p.m. and have an easy afternoon.

Barton Springs can get extremely busy.

Recent local reports from May 2024 described long waits and extremely crowded conditions on Memorial Day weekend.

The solution is simple:

Go early.

Or go later.

Midday on a perfect Saturday is when everybody else has the same idea.

THURSDAY IS THE WEIRD BARTON SPRINGS DAY

Another thing first-timers need to know is that Barton Springs closes for cleaning every Thursday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The pool is open for limited swim-at-your-own-risk hours before the cleaning period and reopens for guarded swimming in the evening.

So don’t make the mistake of planning your Thursday afternoon around Barton Springs without checking the schedule.

You’ll arrive and discover that everybody knew something you didn’t.

TWIN FALLS: WHEN YOU WANT THE REAL GREENBELT EXPERIENCE

If Barton Springs is Austin’s famous swimming pool, Twin Falls is one of the city’s famous natural alternatives.

Twin Falls is part of the Barton Creek Greenbelt and is commonly accessed from the Gaines Road/MoPac area.

And unlike Barton Springs, there is no admission fee.

You hike in.

You find the water.

You jump in.

That’s the attraction.

The popular Twin Falls access is roughly a half-mile hike from the trailhead, although conditions and exact routes can vary.

BUT THERE’S A CATCH

Twin Falls isn’t a swimming pool.

It’s a creek.

And creeks don’t care about your weekend plans.

If Austin hasn’t received enough rain, the swimming holes can become shallow, stagnant or completely dry.

That means you should never assume Twin Falls has water simply because it’s May.

In May 2024, locals were actively reporting changing conditions along the Greenbelt. Early May reports described good flow at Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, while later reports noted that some sections were drying out.

That’s exactly why checking conditions before you leave is part of the experience.

THE BEST TWIN FALLS ADVICE

Don’t just look at a picture someone posted six months ago.

Check recent reports.

Check rainfall.

Check water conditions.

And if your entire goal is swimming, make sure there is actually enough water before you make the hike.

Otherwise you may spend an hour hiking through the Greenbelt just to discover a bunch of rocks and a puddle.

SCULPTURE FALLS: GO A LITTLE FARTHER

If you’re already at Twin Falls and want to keep going, Sculpture Falls is one of the best options.

Trailhead to Sculpture Falls provides access toward the Barton Creek Greenbelt and Sculpture Falls area.

Sculpture Falls is farther along the Greenbelt, roughly another mile or so beyond Twin Falls depending on the route and conditions.

The extra hike is exactly why some people prefer it.

It’s a little more work.

It’s a little less convenient.

And when the water is flowing, that can make it feel more rewarding.

THE GOLDEN RULE OF SCULPTURE FALLS

Don’t go just because TikTok says it’s there.

Go because conditions are good.

The entire Greenbelt water system depends heavily on rainfall.

After a good rain, the creek can be fantastic.

During dry periods, it can be disappointing.

And after significant rain, you also need to think about water quality and safety.

Rainwater can wash pollutants and bacteria into waterways.

So “more water” doesn’t automatically mean “better swimming.”

THE GREENBELT IS NOT BARTON SPRINGS

This is worth emphasizing.

There are no lifeguards at these natural swimming holes.

The rocks can be slippery.

The creek bed can be uneven.

Water depth changes.

And conditions can change dramatically after storms.

You’re responsible for yourself.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go.

It means you should go prepared.

Wear shoes with good traction.

Bring water.

Bring sunscreen.

Don’t carry valuables you don’t need.

And don’t assume that because someone else jumped off a rock, you should jump too.

BARTON CREEK WATER LEVELS ARE EVERYTHING

If you’re specifically looking for swimming holes, May is when you should start watching the weather.

A few days of rain can completely change the Greenbelt.

A dry stretch can do the opposite.

Local Austin reports in May 2024 demonstrated exactly that: people were checking whether Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls had enough flow before making the trip.

So here’s the Baller ATX rule:

Rain first. Swim second.

If you get a good rain, that’s when you want to start thinking about the Greenbelt.

MCKINNEY FALLS: A DIFFERENT KIND OF SWIMMING HOLE

If you want something that feels more like a destination than a hike down the Greenbelt, head southeast to McKinney Falls State Park Campground.

McKinney Falls State Park sits within Austin and features the Upper and Lower Falls along Onion Creek.

The limestone formations create pools and ledges where people can cool off when conditions allow.

The big advantage here is that you’re visiting an actual state park.

You have trails.

Picnic areas.

Restrooms.

Camping.

And a little more infrastructure than you’ll find at Twin Falls.

THE DOWNside: YOU PAY TO GET IN

Unlike Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, McKinney Falls isn’t free.

You pay the Texas State Park entrance fee unless you have a qualifying pass.

But if you’re planning to spend most of the day there, the fee can be worth it.

You’re getting more than just a swimming hole.

You can hike.

Explore the falls.

Have a picnic.

And make an entire day out of it.

HAMILTON POOL: THE INSTAGRAM STAR

Then there’s the swimming hole that may have more photographs taken of it than almost anything else around Austin:

Hamilton Pool Preserve.

It’s west of Austin near Dripping Springs and features a dramatic limestone grotto surrounding a natural pool beneath a waterfall.

It looks incredible.

But there’s an important warning:

Don’t assume you’re going swimming.

Hamilton Pool’s swimming status depends on water quality, rainfall, bacteria levels and other conditions. Reservations are also required when the preserve is operating under its reservation system.

That means you need to check the official status before making the drive.

You could arrive expecting a swimming day and discover that swimming has been prohibited.

The preserve is still beautiful.

But if swimming is your only objective, check first.

THE BEST HAMILTON POOL ADVICE

Don’t treat Hamilton Pool like Barton Springs.

Barton Springs is the place you can decide to visit on a random Tuesday afternoon.

Hamilton Pool requires planning.

Check availability.

Check water conditions.

Check swimming restrictions.

Check the weather.

Then go.

And wear actual hiking shoes.

The walk down to the pool isn’t long, but it can be rocky and uneven.

DEEP EDDY: THE EASY OPTION

If you want cold water without hiking through the Greenbelt, don’t forget about Deep Eddy Pool.

It’s the oldest swimming pool in Texas and is fed by spring water.

That makes it one of the easiest choices when you want a real pool but don’t want the Barton Springs crowds.

It’s also close to downtown.

You can swim.

Sunbathe.

Grab food nearby.

And continue your day.

It’s much more straightforward than trying to figure out whether a creek has water.

BARKING SPRINGS: FOR YOU AND THE DOG

Right below Barton Springs is the area commonly known as Barking Springs.

It’s a natural stretch of Barton Creek where people and dogs can cool off.

There is no admission fee, but there are no lifeguards.

If you’re bringing a dog, this is one of the most obvious places to consider.

But remember:

It’s not a controlled swimming pool.

Pay attention to current conditions.

Watch your dog.

And be respectful of other people using the creek.

BIG STACY POOL: THE LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD OPTION

If you’re not interested in hiking or dealing with giant crowds, neighborhood pools are worth considering.

Big Stacy Pool in Travis Heights is spring-fed and has become a favorite neighborhood swimming option.

It’s less of a destination than Barton Springs.

That’s exactly the point.

Sometimes you don’t need the iconic Austin experience.

You just want somewhere to cool off.

SECRET BEACH AND THE COLORADO RIVER

Another option that has developed a reputation among locals is Secret Beach along the Colorado River.

The name is increasingly inaccurate because everybody knows about it now.

But it can still provide a very different experience from Barton Springs or the Greenbelt.

It’s more of a river outing than a traditional swimming pool.

And because it’s a natural environment, conditions can vary.

Don’t assume that a photo from last summer tells you what the river looks like today.

COMMONS FORD RANCH

If you want to get away from the crowds, Commons Ford Ranch is another option worth knowing.

The Lake Austin park offers trails, open space, water access and areas where people can cool off.

It’s not necessarily the first place somebody will mention when you ask about Austin swimming holes.

That’s partly why it can be appealing.

The experience is more relaxed than fighting the crowds at Barton Springs on a Saturday afternoon.

THE MAY SWIMMING-HOLE RANKINGS

If Baller ATX were ranking the options based on the type of day you’re looking for, we’d break it down like this:

BEST OVERALL: Barton Springs Pool

You get cold spring water, a controlled swimming environment and the classic Austin experience.

BEST FREE ADVENTURE: Twin Falls

When the water is flowing, it’s hard to beat the combination of hiking, rocks and swimming.

BEST HIKE + SWIM: Sculpture Falls

Go farther into the Greenbelt and make the journey part of the day.

BEST FOR A FULL DAY: McKinney Falls State Park

Swimming, hiking, picnic areas and more.

BEST PHOTO: Hamilton Pool

When swimming is open and conditions cooperate, the grotto is spectacular.

BEST EASY POOL: Deep Eddy

Cold spring water without having to hike through the Greenbelt.

BEST DOG OPTION: Barking Springs

Your four-legged friend can join you.

BEST LOW-KEY OPTION: Big Stacy

Good for a neighborhood-style pool day.

WHEN SHOULD YOU GO?

May is the beginning of the serious swimming season.

But don’t assume the hottest part of the day is the best time.

For Barton Springs, early morning or evening can be much more pleasant.

For the Greenbelt, morning can help you beat the heat on the hike.

For McKinney Falls and other parks, earlier is generally better on busy weekends.

And for any natural swimming hole, check the conditions before leaving.

WHAT TO BRING

Here’s the basic Baller ATX swimming-hole bag:

Water

Sunscreen

Towel

Water shoes

Dry clothes

Phone protection

Snacks

Trash bag

Hat

And if you’re hiking:

More water than you think you need.

The walk back out of the Greenbelt is much less fun when you’re dehydrated.

LEAVE THE GLASS AT HOME

Natural swimming holes aren’t the place for glass bottles.

They’re dangerous when they break and can create a hazard for everybody else.

Use reusable plastic or metal bottles.

And whatever you bring in, bring back out.

The Greenbelt isn’t your trash can.

DON’T LEAVE YOUR VALUABLES IN THE CAR

This is particularly important at trailheads.

Don’t leave wallets, laptops, cameras or other valuables sitting in plain sight.

The whole point of going swimming is to disconnect for a while.

Don’t make it a trip where you come back to the parking lot and discover your window has been broken.

THE BEST SWIMMING-HOLE HACK: GO AFTER RAIN

For the Barton Creek Greenbelt, this is one of the biggest pieces of advice.

Watch the weather.

If Austin gets a decent amount of rain, start checking the creek conditions.

Local reports in May 2024 showed how quickly conditions could change, with people reporting good water at Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls after rain and later noting drier sections.

The goal isn’t simply to find water.

You’re looking for clean, flowing water in a safe condition.

BUT DON’T GO IMMEDIATELY AFTER A HUGE STORM

This is where common sense matters.

More water isn’t always safer water.

Heavy rain can create strong currents, muddy water and runoff.

It can also affect bacteria levels.

If there’s been significant rainfall, check current conditions before swimming.

THE BALLER ATX MAY SWIMMING PLAN

If we had a free Saturday in May, we’d do it like this.

Start early.

Grab breakfast tacos.

Head to Barton Springs.

If it’s crowded, don’t fight it.

Go somewhere else.

If the Greenbelt has good water, grab your hiking shoes and head toward Twin Falls or Sculpture Falls.

If you want an easier day, go to Deep Eddy.

If you want a full day outside, head to McKinney Falls.

And if you want the big Hill Country photo opportunity, check Hamilton Pool’s reservation and swimming status first.

The key is having options.

AUSTIN’S BEST SUMMER IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

May is the warning shot.

The weather is warming up.

The pools are getting busy.

The Greenbelt is filling with hikers.

The dogs are swimming.

Patios are packed.

And everybody is trying to squeeze in as much outdoor time as possible before Austin becomes brutally hot.

So don’t wait until July to start figuring out where you’re going to swim.

Start now.

Find your favorite spot.

Figure out which one has the best water.

Find out which one is free.

Find out which one is worth paying for.

And figure out which one you’re going to take your friends to when they visit.

Because once summer really arrives, you’re going to want to know exactly where to go.

THE MAY 2024 WATERING-HOLE CHEAT SHEET

Barton Springs Pool — iconic, spring-fed, cold water, paid during the main season, with designated free swim-at-your-own-risk hours.

Twin Falls — free, natural, hiking required, water level depends heavily on recent rain.

Sculpture Falls — free, natural, farther into the Greenbelt, best when Barton Creek is flowing.

McKinney Falls — state park, entrance fee, waterfalls, swimming areas, hiking and picnic opportunities.

Hamilton Pool — reservation-based preserve, spectacular grotto, swimming subject to current conditions.

Deep Eddy — spring-fed public pool and one of the city’s easiest alternatives to Barton Springs.

Barking Springs — free natural swimming area, popular with dogs, no lifeguards.

Big Stacy — neighborhood spring-fed pool and a good lower-key alternative.

Commons Ford Ranch — Lake Austin access, trails and a more relaxed outdoor experience.

MAY IS FOR SWIMMING

Austin has plenty of bars.

Plenty of restaurants.

Plenty of concerts.

Plenty of festivals.

But once May arrives, sometimes the best thing you can do is leave all of that behind for a few hours.

Put your phone away.

Grab a towel.

Get in the water.

Float.

Swim.

Jump off the rocks where it’s safe and permitted.

Sit in the sun.

Then go get tacos and a cold drink afterward.

That’s the perfect Austin May day.

And the best part is that you don’t have to wait for summer.

The water is already calling.

If March is the month when Austin gets completely taken over by SXSW, April is when the city finally gets back to being itself.

The crowds from SXSW have disappeared. The barricades are coming down. The temporary stages are gone. Downtown starts feeling a little more normal again, and Austinites can finally get back to the things they actually do all year long: finding new restaurants, checking out new bars, listening to live music, drinking on patios and figuring out what is happening around town that weekend.

And April might be one of the best months to do it.

The weather is warm enough to spend hours outside without the brutal heat that will arrive later in the summer. Restaurants are opening patios, breweries are filling their outdoor spaces, music venues are booking spring shows, and Austin’s festival calendar is getting crowded again.

For Baller ATX, this is the part of the year when the question isn’t really “What’s happening in Austin?”

It’s:

“How are we going to fit everything in?”

APRIL IS THE START OF PATIO SEASON

The biggest change you’ll notice around Austin in April isn’t necessarily one particular event.

It’s the patios.

After months of unpredictable winter weather, restaurants and bars start moving people outside whenever the temperature cooperates.

This is the time of year when a casual lunch can turn into an afternoon of drinks.

A happy hour can turn into dinner.

Dinner can turn into live music.

And suddenly it’s 11 p.m. and you’re wondering how a quick drink turned into an entire night.

That’s Austin in April.

The city is built for outdoor drinking and dining, and April is one of the months when you can actually enjoy it without immediately feeling like you’re sitting inside an oven.

East Austin is especially good for this.

The area around East Sixth and the surrounding neighborhoods has enough restaurants, cocktail bars, breweries and patios that you can spend an entire afternoon moving from one place to another without needing to drive across town.

EAST AUSTIN CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF THE CITY’S HOTTEST FOOD AREAS

If you haven’t spent much time exploring East Austin’s food scene lately, April is a good excuse to start.

The neighborhood continues to be one of the most interesting places in the city for restaurants, bars and food trucks.

And what’s particularly fun is the variety.

You can find tacos.

You can find barbecue.

You can find burgers.

You can find upscale dining.

You can find casual neighborhood spots.

And you can find places where the restaurant is barely distinguishable from the bar next door.

That combination is what makes East Austin so much fun for a Saturday afternoon.

Start with lunch.

Find a patio.

Get a drink.

Walk around.

Grab another drink.

Then figure out where you’re eating dinner.

No reservation required.

THE BAR SCENE IS MOVING OUTSIDE

April is also when Austin’s bar scene starts changing.

The rooftop bars become more attractive.

Outdoor cocktail patios fill up.

Breweries start hosting more events.

Bars begin booking more outdoor entertainment.

And people start treating drinking outside like a legitimate afternoon activity again.

Austin has always had a strong patio culture, but there’s something different about the first few weeks of spring when everyone realizes they can finally sit outside for hours.

You start seeing groups meeting for happy hour.

People bringing dogs to patios.

Friends gathering for Sunday afternoon drinks.

And people who normally never go out on weeknights suddenly deciding they need to meet for “just one.”

It rarely stays at one.

LIVE MUSIC DOESN’T STOP AFTER SXSW

One mistake people make is assuming that SXSW is the beginning and end of Austin’s music calendar.

It isn’t.

SXSW is simply the biggest concentrated burst of music.

Once it’s over, the city’s normal music scene takes over again.

April is packed with concerts at Austin’s established venues, smaller clubs, neighborhood bars and outdoor spaces.

The Red River district remains one of the easiest places to build a music night because you can move between venues without spending half the evening in traffic.

You can see one band at Mohawk, walk to another venue, grab food and then finish the night somewhere else.

That’s one of the reasons the Red River area remains important even as Austin’s nightlife continues expanding into other parts of the city.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE SMALL VENUES

If you only pay attention to the biggest concerts, you’re missing a huge part of Austin.

April is a great month to find smaller shows.

Check the schedules at local clubs.

Look at neighborhood bars.

Pay attention to bands playing early sets.

And if you don’t recognize the name, give them a chance.

That’s one of the best things about Austin’s music scene.

You don’t need to know the artist before you walk through the door.

Sometimes the best night is the one you didn’t plan.

THE FOOD TRUCK SCENE IS STILL AUSTIN’S SECRET WEAPON

Restaurants get a lot of attention, but April is also a great month for food trucks.

The weather is perfect for eating outside, and food trucks give you the freedom to build your own evening.

Grab tacos.

Get a burger.

Try something you’ve never had.

Find a food truck park.

Order a drink nearby.

And keep moving.

One of the best things about Austin’s food scene is that you don’t always have to commit to a traditional restaurant.

Some of the city’s most interesting food comes from small operators working out of trailers.

And because April is comfortable enough to eat outside, there’s no reason to stay indoors.

SPRING IS BRINGING NEW RESTAURANT EXCITEMENT

April is also a good time to start paying attention to restaurant openings.

Austin’s food scene doesn’t stay still for very long.

One restaurant closes.

Another opens.

A chef moves into a new space.

A food truck becomes a brick-and-mortar.

An established restaurant opens a second location.

And suddenly everybody is trying to figure out whether the newest place is actually worth the hype.

That’s part of the fun.

Don’t automatically assume the newest restaurant is the best restaurant.

Give it a chance.

But also keep an eye on places that have been quietly building a following.

Sometimes the restaurant that’s been open for six months is better than the place that opened yesterday.

BARBECUE SEASON NEVER REALLY ENDS IN AUSTIN

April is also a great month to revisit Austin barbecue.

The weather makes standing outside in line considerably more pleasant than it will be in July.

If you’ve been putting off trying a barbecue spot because you didn’t want to deal with the wait, spring is a much better time.

And don’t limit yourself to the famous names.

Austin’s barbecue scene stretches well beyond the restaurants tourists know.

Explore.

Try different places.

Compare brisket.

Argue about which one is better.

That’s basically an Austin tradition itself.

TACOS ARE STILL KING

And while we’re talking about food, April wouldn’t be April in Austin without tacos.

Breakfast tacos.

Street tacos.

Food-truck tacos.

Upscale tacos.

Late-night tacos.

There is no shortage.

The best way to approach Austin’s taco scene is to stop trying to find one definitive answer.

There isn’t one.

Everybody has a favorite.

And everybody thinks your favorite is wrong.

That’s how it works.

Instead, build your own list.

Try places in different parts of town.

Compare them.

Then argue about them with your friends.

KITE FEST IS BACK

One of the more recognizable April traditions is the ABC Kite Fest, which returns to Zilker Park.

It’s been an Austin tradition for generations and is a great excuse to spend a spring afternoon outside.

But it doesn’t have to consume your entire weekend.

Go see the kites.

Walk around.

Take some pictures.

Then leave Zilker and find lunch, drinks or live music.

That’s the Austin way to do it.

Make the event part of your day instead of making it your entire day.

EEYORE’S BIRTHDAY IS ANOTHER APRIL TRADITION

April also brings Eeyore’s Birthday Party, one of the city’s longest-running and strangest annual traditions.

If you’ve never been, expect costumes, drums, dancing, food and plenty of people embracing Austin’s weird side.

It’s a completely different experience from Kite Fest, but that’s exactly what makes April interesting.

One weekend you’re watching kites over Zilker.

Another weekend you’re watching costumed Austinites celebrate a fictional donkey.

And somehow neither seems unusual here.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LADY BIRD LAKE

If you haven’t walked the Lady Bird Lake trail in a while, April is the month to do it.

The weather is usually good enough to make the walk enjoyable without feeling like you’re training for survival.

Go in the morning.

Go after work.

Walk with friends.

Run.

Rent a kayak.

Or simply sit somewhere near the water.

You don’t need to spend money every time you go out in Austin.

Sometimes the best plan is free.

SPRING IS ALSO A GOOD TIME FOR BREWERIES

Austin’s brewery scene becomes especially attractive in April.

Outdoor seating.

Food trucks.

Live music.

Games.

Dogs.

Friends.

And cold beer.

The brewery doesn’t necessarily have to be the final destination.

Use it as a starting point.

Meet friends.

Have a beer.

Get something to eat.

Then decide where you’re going next.

That’s much more fun than sitting at home trying to figure out what everybody wants to do.

EAST SIXTH IS GETTING BUSY AGAIN

East Sixth is another neighborhood worth watching as the weather improves.

The bar scene becomes more active.

Patios fill up.

Restaurants stay busy later.

And the streets start feeling like they did before the summer heat arrives.

If you’re looking for a casual Saturday night, East Sixth is still one of the easiest places to start.

You don’t need to know exactly where you’re going.

Just walk.

Look around.

Find a place that looks interesting.

Go inside.

RED RIVER IS STILL THE BETTER CHOICE FOR MUSIC

If your priority is music rather than bar hopping, head toward Red River.

The concentration of venues makes it much easier to see multiple artists in one night.

And unlike SXSW, you’re not trying to squeeze 20 shows into one evening.

Pick two or three.

Enjoy them.

Grab some food.

Have a drink.

That’s enough.

SOUTH CONGRESS IS PERFECT FOR A SPRING SATURDAY

South Congress also benefits from the April weather.

Start with coffee.

Walk the avenue.

Shop.

Get lunch.

Have a cocktail.

Take pictures.

Then stay for dinner.

The neighborhood can get crowded, especially on weekends, but that’s part of the atmosphere.

If you’re bringing someone to Austin for the first time, South Congress is still an easy recommendation because it gives you food, shopping, drinks and people-watching all within a relatively small area.

THE BEST PART OF APRIL: YOU DON’T NEED A BIG EVENT

This might be the biggest difference between April and March.

During SXSW, you feel like you have to be somewhere.

There’s always another event.

Another party.

Another show.

Another RSVP.

April is different.

You can wake up Saturday morning and decide what you want to do that day.

Want brunch?

Go.

Want tacos?

Find tacos.

Want a brewery?

Pick one.

Want live music?

Check the schedule.

Want to sit on a patio for four hours?

That’s perfectly acceptable.

Austin doesn’t need a giant festival every weekend.

THE BALLER ATX APRIL GAME PLAN

If we were putting together the perfect April Saturday, we’d keep it simple.

Start with breakfast tacos.

Find a good coffee.

Head outside.

Walk around Zilker or Lady Bird Lake.

Grab lunch somewhere with a patio.

Find a brewery or cocktail bar.

Take a break.

Then head toward East Sixth or Red River.

See some live music.

Grab late-night food.

And don’t make plans for the next morning.

You’re going to need it.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR THIS MONTH

April is also the time to keep an eye on what’s coming next.

Restaurants announcing new locations.

Bars opening.

New food trucks.

Spring concert announcements.

Outdoor events.

Pool season approaching.

And summer festival schedules beginning to take shape.

Austin changes quickly, and some of the biggest news isn’t always the event happening that weekend.

It’s what’s about to open.

What’s about to close.

And what’s about to become the next place everybody is talking about.

APRIL IS THE MONTH TO GET OUT

There’s something about April that makes Austin feel like itself again.

SXSW is behind us.

The summer heat hasn’t arrived.

The patios are open.

The parks are busy.

The restaurants are experimenting.

The bars are getting crowded.

The music venues are working.

And people are outside.

You don’t need a huge budget.

You don’t need a reservation.

You don’t need a festival wristband.

Pick a neighborhood.

Find some food.

Get a drink.

Listen to music.

Walk around.

Try something new.

And if you happen to run into a giant kite flying over Zilker Park or a group of people celebrating Eeyore’s birthday along the way, even better.

That’s April in Austin.

The city is outside again.

Forget the New Year’s resolutions for a minute.

If you really want to start 2024 the Austin way, head downtown, walk down Red River Street and follow the music.

That’s because Free Week is back.

On January 5 and 6, 2024, the Red River Cultural District is kicking off the new year with one of Austin’s best traditions: two nights of free live music spread across more than a dozen venues in and around the Red River district.

And yes, we’re emphasizing the word free.

No giant festival wristband.

No $150 ticket.

No waiting six months for your favorite artist to announce a tour.

Just walk into the district, find a show and start listening.

The 2024 edition features venues including Mohawk, Stubb’s, Empire Control Room & Garage, Cheer Up Charlies, Elysium, Flamingo Cantina, Swan Dive, Valhalla, The 13th Floor, Barbarella, Chess Club and Creek and Cave, with dozens of artists scheduled across the two-night event.

This is one of those Austin events that locals sometimes take for granted.

Don’t.

FREE WEEK IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE WORD “FREE” SUGGESTS

Free Week actually started back in 2003 at the original Emo’s, near Sixth and Red River.

The idea was simple: January is traditionally a slow time for Austin’s nightlife and music businesses, so give people a reason to come downtown, fill the clubs and support local musicians and staff.

Two decades later, that little idea has grown into one of the city’s signature winter music events.

The Red River Cultural District says Free Week was created specifically to keep clubs’ lights on and staff working during the slower winter months. Today, the festival brings thousands of people together while providing paid performance opportunities for musicians.

That’s an important distinction.

The shows are free to you. The musicians still get paid.

The festival is supported through fundraising, sponsors and the work of the Red River Cultural District, allowing fans to attend without an admission charge while still putting money into Austin’s independent music economy.

So if you go, don’t just show up and enjoy the music.

Buy a drink.

Order food.

Tip your bartender.

Tip the band.

Buy something from a local business.

That’s how Free Week keeps working.

2024 IS A TWO-NIGHT MUSIC MARATHON

One of the biggest changes longtime Free Week fans have noticed is how much the event has evolved.

The 2024 district-wide festival is concentrated on Friday, January 5 and Saturday, January 6.

That may sound short compared with the Free Week of years past, but don’t let the two-day schedule fool you.

There is a lot happening.

The 2024 lineup includes artists such as The Tiarras, Large Brush Collection, Magic Rockers of Texas, Daydream Twins, Redbud and Never, along with dozens of other local and regional acts.

And that’s only the beginning.

There are so many shows happening simultaneously that the biggest problem isn’t finding something to see.

It’s deciding what to skip.

THIS IS AUSTIN’S MINI SXSW

One of the easiest ways to explain Free Week to somebody who has never experienced it is:

It’s a mini SXSW without the SXSW price tag.

That doesn’t mean it’s literally SXSW.

It isn’t.

But the concept of walking around downtown, moving between venues and discovering bands you’ve never heard of is very similar.

And because everything is concentrated around Red River, you can actually do it.

You don’t need a car.

You don’t need to drive across Austin every hour.

You can walk from one venue to another.

Catch a band.

Walk outside.

Hear music coming from somewhere else.

Go inside.

Find another show.

Get a drink.

Repeat.

That’s the night.

THE MOHAWK SHOULD BE ON YOUR LIST

If you’re trying to build a Free Week itinerary, Mohawk is one of the obvious stops.

The venue has long been one of the central pieces of Austin’s Red River music scene, and Free Week is a perfect excuse to spend a night there.

The outdoor stage gives you a chance to see a show under the Austin sky, while the indoor room gives you another option when you want to get away from the January weather.

And that’s another thing to remember about January in Austin:

It can be 70 degrees.

It can be 40 degrees.

It can feel like both on the same night.

Dress in layers.

EMPIRE IS ANOTHER MUST-STOP

Empire Control Room & Garage is another major part of the Free Week experience.

The venue’s programming has long leaned toward hip-hop, electronic, indie and other sounds that don’t necessarily fit neatly into one genre.

That makes it a particularly good place to go when you want to hear something different.

CultureMap’s 2024 Free Week recommendations specifically highlighted artists and performances at Empire, including Foxtales and other acts worth checking out.

And that’s the whole point.

Don’t spend both nights seeing the exact same type of band.

Mix it up.

CHEER UP CHARLIES

Then there’s Cheer Up Charlies.

If you’ve never been, Free Week is a great excuse.

The venue has become one of the Red River district’s most recognizable places to catch local bands, DJs and alternative acts.

The outdoor area also gives you a chance to step away from the crowded rooms and get some air.

In the 2024 schedule, Cheer Up Charlies had multiple performances throughout the night, including sets from Batty Jr., Mockjaw, Sammy 6, Redbud and Billy Glitter.

The best strategy is not to obsess over seeing every set from beginning to end.

See what you can.

Move around.

Explore.

STUBB’S: BARBECUE + MUSIC

If there’s one venue that gives you the complete Austin combination, it’s Stubb’s.

Barbecue.

Live music.

Cold drinks.

A historic venue.

And right in the middle of Red River.

You can literally build part of your night around food.

That’s one reason Free Week is so much more than a music event.

You’re spending money in the neighborhood.

You might start with barbecue at Stubb’s.

Then head across the street.

Then grab a drink.

Then see another band.

Then get late-night food.

The entire district benefits from the crowds.

FOOD IS PART OF THE FREE WEEK EXPERIENCE

If you’re doing Free Week correctly, you’re going to get hungry.

Probably multiple times.

And you should use that as an excuse to explore the neighborhood’s food options.

One of the participating venues in 2024 was Vaquero Taquero, giving festivalgoers an easy opportunity to get tacos without leaving the district.

That is exactly what you want.

You don’t need a fancy dinner reservation.

You need something you can eat quickly between bands.

Tacos.

Pizza.

Barbecue.

Whatever works.

Eat.

Then get back out there.

THE BEST WAY TO DO FREE WEEK

Here’s our Baller ATX strategy.

Don’t try to make a minute-by-minute schedule.

You’ll fail.

Instead, pick three or four artists you absolutely want to see.

Put those on your schedule.

Everything else is flexible.

If you discover a great band, stay.

If the room is too crowded, leave.

If someone tells you there’s an amazing set down the street, go.

If you walk past a venue and hear something you like, go inside.

The lack of a ticket makes this possible.

You aren’t losing money by leaving a show.

That’s what makes Free Week so much fun.

GO EARLY

Another tip:

Start earlier than you think you need to.

The biggest mistake people make at multi-venue music festivals is showing up at 10 p.m. and realizing they’ve missed half the night.

Start around dinner.

Eat.

Get your first drink.

Catch an early set.

Then work your way toward the later shows.

You’ll see more music and avoid spending the first half of the evening standing around deciding where to go.

DON’T TRY TO SEE EVERYTHING

This is impossible.

Don’t even try.

The 2024 lineup was packed enough that music fans were already debating which artists to see before the weekend began.

Local Austin discussions were recommending acts including Never, Glasshealer, Other Vessels, Eagle Claw, Prom Queen, Daydream Twins, Magna Carda, Deezie Brown and Jake Lloyd.

That’s a pretty good example of the problem.

There are too many choices.

And that’s a good problem to have.

FIND A BAND YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF

This is our biggest Free Week rule:

At least one band must be completely new to you.

Don’t spend the entire weekend watching artists you already know.

You’re in Austin.

The city has thousands of musicians.

Free Week is one of the easiest opportunities you’ll get to discover somebody new.

Pick a name that sounds interesting.

Look at the genre.

Go.

Maybe they’re terrible.

Who cares?

You didn’t pay $60 to find out.

Maybe they’re incredible.

Now you’ve found your next favorite Austin band.

That’s the experience.

THE BAR SCENE IS HALF THE FUN

Let’s be honest.

Free Week isn’t just about music.

It’s also an excuse to spend two nights drinking and eating your way through Red River.

That’s why the festival works so well for Austin.

You can see a band at 8.

Grab a beer at 9.

See another band at 10.

Get tacos at 11.

See another band at midnight.

Then find a bar.

And if you still have energy, find another one.

Just remember that the goal is to enjoy the night, not see how quickly you can destroy yourself.

Drink water.

Eat.

Pace yourself.

And absolutely do not drive after drinking.

THE RED RIVER BAR CRAWL

If you’re with friends, make your own Free Week bar crawl.

Start at one venue.

Have one drink.

Walk to the next.

See a band.

Walk again.

Grab food.

Another venue.

Another drink.

Another band.

The beauty is that you don’t need to stay anywhere for three hours.

You’re free to move.

That’s why Red River is such a great neighborhood for this type of festival.

The venues are close together, and the district is designed around nightlife.

WHAT MAKES FREE WEEK SO AUSTIN?

It’s not just that the music is free.

It’s that Free Week represents something Austin has always been good at.

Discovery.

You can walk into a tiny room and hear somebody who may eventually become a big name.

You can see a local band before anybody outside Austin knows who they are.

You can talk to musicians.

You can meet other people who are there for the same reason.

And you can do it without worrying about whether you got your money’s worth.

That is becoming increasingly rare.

THE ECONOMICS OF FREE

Here’s the part that deserves more attention.

Free doesn’t mean the event has no cost.

The musicians are being paid.

The bartenders are working.

The security staff is working.

The sound engineers are working.

The restaurants are feeding thousands of people.

The venues are keeping their doors open.

The Red River Cultural District is putting resources into making the festival happen.

So if you attend, support the ecosystem.

Buy a drink.

Buy food.

Tip.

Donate to the Red River Cultural District if you can.

And come back to these venues throughout the year.

The district doesn’t just need you for Free Week.

It needs you in February.

March.

April.

May.

June.

And every other month.

FREE WEEK IS ALSO ABOUT KEEPING AUSTIN WEIRD

There are plenty of reasons people complain about how much Austin has changed.

Some are legitimate.

Some are inevitable.

But every time you walk down Red River and hear music pouring out of a tiny venue, there is a little reminder of what made Austin special in the first place.

Independent musicians.

Independent venues.

People taking chances.

People trying something weird.

People showing up because they love music.

That’s what Free Week is protecting.

THE BALLER ATX FREE WEEK CHECKLIST

Before you head downtown, here’s the checklist:

✔ Pick three must-see artists

✔ Find at least one band you’ve never heard

✔ Start early

✔ Wear comfortable shoes

✔ Check the set times

✔ Eat before you’re starving

✔ Explore multiple venues

✔ Buy drinks and food locally

✔ Tip your bartenders and musicians

✔ Drink water

✔ Don’t drive after drinking

✔ Have a ride home planned

And most importantly:

Don’t over-plan.

Let the night happen.

TWO NIGHTS THAT CAN TURN INTO A MEMORY

Free Week is one of those Austin traditions that can seem almost too simple.

Free shows.

Red River.

January.

That’s it.

But when you actually experience it, you understand why it has survived for more than two decades.

It’s not about one headliner.

It’s not about one venue.

It’s not about one genre.

It’s about the entire district coming alive at the same time.

Hundreds of musicians.

Dozens of performances.

Restaurants.

Bars.

Friends.

Strangers.

And thousands of people wandering from venue to venue looking for something they haven’t heard before.

That’s Austin.

So don’t spend the first weekend of 2024 sitting at home complaining that there’s nothing to do.

There is plenty to do.

And it won’t cost you anything to get through the door.

Head downtown.

Walk Red River.

Listen.

Eat.

Drink.

Discover.

And support the people who keep Austin’s music scene alive.

Because if we’re lucky, we’ll still be doing the exact same thing twenty years from now.

Free Week.

January 5–6, 2024.

Red River Cultural District.

Free music.

Very Baller.

December in Austin is when the city completely changes personality.

The weather finally gets cool enough to make a jacket useful, downtown starts filling with holiday lights, restaurants roll out seasonal menus, and bars that normally have very little to do with Christmas suddenly become covered in tinsel, lights, ornaments and enough fake snow to make you forget you’re still in Texas.

And then there is the one Austin holiday tradition that everybody knows:

The Trail of Lights.

But if you think December in Austin is just about taking a walk through Zilker Park and looking at Christmas lights, you’re missing a huge part of what makes the month fun.

December 2023 is bringing back the Trail of Lights, holiday pop-up bars, Christmas markets, seasonal food and plenty of ways to spend the final weeks of the year without sitting at home watching Christmas movies for the 47th time.

And once Christmas is over, Austin immediately switches gears.

Because New Year’s Eve is coming.

THE TRAIL OF LIGHTS IS BACK

For many Austinites, December doesn’t officially begin until the Austin Trail of Lights turns on.

The tradition dates all the way back to 1965, when what started as a small community gathering around a yule log eventually grew into one of Austin’s biggest holiday attractions.

In 2023, the Trail is returning to Zilker Park with more than 2 million lights, 96 lighted trees, more than 70 holiday displays and lighted tunnels, creating a roughly 2.5-mile walk through the park.

That’s a lot of Christmas lights.

And that’s exactly why you shouldn’t treat the Trail of Lights like a quick stop.

You’re going to walk.

You’re going to stop.

You’re going to take pictures.

You’re going to get distracted by food.

You’re probably going to wait for somebody in your group to catch up.

And eventually somebody is going to say, “Are we almost done?”

No.

You’re not.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2023?

One of the biggest changes this year is the way the Trail is handling admission.

There are multiple free general-admission nights, including December 8, 10 and several nights during the middle of the month, while paid general admission is offered on other nights. The festival also continues to offer upgraded options such as ZIP passes and Platinum experiences for people who want earlier access and additional amenities.

That means you can still experience one of Austin’s biggest holiday traditions without necessarily spending a fortune.

And that’s something we like.

The Trail also continues to offer the things that have become traditions of their own: the Ferris wheel, carousel, Santa’s House, food vendors, live entertainment and designated areas where visitors can roast s’mores.

THE BEST WAY TO DO THE TRAIL

Here’s the Baller ATX recommendation:

Don’t rush it.

Go after sunset.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Bring a jacket because Austin December weather can change quickly.

And don’t show up expecting to walk straight through without stopping.

You’re going to stop.

You should stop.

Take pictures.

Look at the displays.

Get something to eat.

Get a drink.

Ride the Ferris wheel if you’re feeling adventurous.

And make sure you actually walk through the entire trail.

The whole point is experiencing it.

DON’T DRIVE IF YOU DON’T HAVE TO

The Trail of Lights can create a serious parking headache around Zilker Park.

In 2023, parking at Zilker was limited and required a prepaid parking pass, while organizers encouraged visitors to use rideshare, carpools and the Trail’s shuttle system. Shuttle tickets included Trail admission.

So plan ahead.

If you’re going with friends, carpool.

If you’re drinking, rideshare.

And if you’re trying to save money, look at the shuttle options.

The worst way to start a holiday night is sitting in traffic around Zilker wondering where you’re supposed to park.

THE HOLIDAY BAR TAKEOVER

Once you’re done with the lights, Austin’s holiday bar scene is waiting.

And 2023 is bringing back one of the city’s most recognizable Christmas pop-ups:

Miracle on 5th Street.

The holiday takeover at The Eleanor returns for its seventh year, running from November 16 through December 27.

The entire bar gets transformed into a Christmas-themed wonderland, complete with elaborate decorations and holiday cocktails including Jingle Balls Nog, hot buttered rum and seasonal shots.

This is not a subtle Christmas bar.

If you’re looking for one little Christmas tree in the corner, this isn’t it.

The whole point is excess.

Lights.

Ornaments.

Christmas music.

Ridiculous drinks.

And decorations covering basically everything.

That’s exactly why people go.

FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS BAR

Downtown also gets another major holiday transformation in 2023 with Frosty’s Christmas Bar at Tiger Lilly.

The bar becomes a three-floor holiday experience featuring four different bars, themed drinks and massive decorations, including life-size nutcrackers, Christmas trees and enough Christmas lights to make Santa’s navigation system unnecessary.

And this is becoming a bigger trend in Austin.

Holiday bars aren’t just bars with a Christmas cocktail anymore.

They’re experiences.

You walk in and you’re supposed to feel like you stepped into somebody’s extremely over-the-top Christmas fantasy.

And honestly?

Austin does it pretty well.

AUSTIN’S HOLIDAY BARS HAVE BECOME AN EVENT

The holiday pop-up bar scene has changed dramatically over the years.

What used to mean putting a wreath on the door and serving eggnog has turned into full-on productions.

Bars build elaborate themes.

Menus change.

Cocktails get ridiculous names.

There are decorations everywhere.

Some places add Christmas markets, movie nights, themed parties and special events.

That means December has become one of the most entertaining months to explore Austin’s bar scene.

You can spend an entire night visiting holiday bars and never see the same Christmas decorations twice.

DON’T FORGET LALA’S

And then there’s Lala’s Little Nugget.

Unlike the temporary holiday pop-ups, Lala’s has been famous for its Christmas decorations year-round.

That’s what makes it different.

You don’t need to wait until December to get the Christmas experience.

But December is obviously when it makes the most sense.

If you want something more old-school and less polished than the giant holiday pop-ups, Lala’s is the kind of place that feels authentically Austin.

It’s weird.

It’s nostalgic.

It’s a little divey.

And it’s covered in Christmas.

Exactly how it should be.

MAKE IT A HOLIDAY BAR CRAWL

If you’re going to do the holiday bars, don’t just go to one.

Make a night of it.

Start downtown.

Have a drink.

Walk or rideshare to the next place.

Find another Christmas theme.

Then head east.

Grab food.

Find another bar.

The key is to keep the group small enough that you can actually move around.

And remember:

You don’t need to drink at every stop.

Sometimes the best move is to order one drink, look around, take some pictures and move on.

Otherwise, by bar number three, your Christmas spirit is going to be significantly stronger than your ability to walk.

CHRISTMAS FOOD IN AUSTIN

December also gives Austin restaurants an excuse to get creative.

Holiday menus start appearing.

Bakeries begin producing seasonal desserts.

Restaurants add special cocktails.

Coffee shops bring back peppermint, gingerbread and other winter flavors.

And because Austin is Austin, you’ll inevitably find some restaurant putting a Texas spin on a holiday classic.

That’s part of the fun.

You don’t have to eat a traditional Christmas meal every time you go out.

Look for seasonal specials.

Look for holiday brunches.

Look for restaurants doing special dinners.

And definitely look for the bakeries and dessert shops that go all-in on Christmas.

December is one of the easiest months of the year to justify eating dessert.

It’s practically required.

AUSTIN DOES CHRISTMAS DIFFERENTLY

One thing that makes an Austin December interesting is that the city never completely gives up its personality for the holidays.

You might see a traditional Christmas display next to a taco truck.

You might find Santa at a bar.

You might drink an eggnog cocktail at a dive.

You might eat barbecue while looking at Christmas lights.

And you might spend the afternoon in shorts before needing a jacket that night.

That’s Austin.

Christmas here doesn’t mean everything suddenly becomes traditional.

It becomes Austin Christmas.

And that’s much more fun.

THEN COMES NEW YEAR’S EVE

Once Christmas is over, the entire city changes gears.

Suddenly everybody wants to know:

“What are we doing for New Year’s?”

Austin has never had a shortage of options.

Downtown parties.

Live music.

Bars.

Rooftops.

Hotel parties.

Dance clubs.

Restaurants.

Neighborhood celebrations.

And, of course, plenty of people who wait until December 30 to start figuring out what they’re doing.

Don’t be that person.

If you’re planning a big New Year’s Eve night, start thinking about it early.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPEND $200

One of the biggest misconceptions about New Year’s Eve is that you need to buy an expensive ticket to have fun.

You don’t.

Some of Austin’s best New Year’s celebrations can be found at regular bars and music venues where the focus is simply on having a good night.

In 2023, local recommendations included places such as Far Out Lounge, where people could catch live music without paying the enormous prices associated with some downtown New Year’s events.

And that’s something to remember.

A packed bar with a good band can be just as fun as a giant hotel party.

Sometimes more fun.

LIVE MUSIC IS THE SAFE BET

If you’re not sure what to do on New Year’s Eve, live music is usually a good answer in Austin.

Find a band you like.

Get some friends together.

Go somewhere with food and drinks.

Watch the show.

Countdown at midnight.

Then figure out how you’re getting home.

You don’t need to reinvent New Year’s Eve.

You just need a good place and good people.

THE BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE STRATEGY

Here’s the Baller ATX plan:

Dinner around 7 p.m.

Don’t start the night hungry.

Drinks around 8:30.

Find your first bar.

Live music around 9:30.

Get somewhere you’ll want to stay.

Midnight countdown.

Celebrate.

12:15 a.m.

Do not immediately try to leave downtown with 100,000 other people.

Stay put.

Have another drink.

Grab food.

Let the traffic calm down.

1:30 or 2 a.m.

Head home safely.

The worst New Year’s Eve plan is trying to move across Austin immediately after midnight.

Everybody else has the same idea.

AND THEN THERE’S THE AFTERPARTY

For people who aren’t ready to go home at midnight, Austin’s nightlife continues.

Some bars stay open late.

Some venues have DJs.

Some restaurants and food spots continue serving.

And the city’s dive bars are often the place to go if you want to escape the giant downtown crowds.

That’s another reason we love Austin.

You don’t have to celebrate New Year’s Eve in one particular way.

You can go huge.

You can go casual.

You can stay home.

You can go to a neighborhood bar.

You can see a concert.

You can get dressed up.

You can wear jeans and a T-shirt.

There is no wrong answer.

DECEMBER IS ABOUT TRADITIONS

That’s ultimately what makes December special in Austin.

The Trail of Lights.

Holiday bars.

Christmas decorations.

Seasonal food.

Old traditions.

New traditions.

And then New Year’s Eve.

Somebody will go to the Trail for the first time.

Somebody else will have gone every year since they were a kid.

Somebody will discover Lala’s.

Somebody will spend the entire month trying every holiday cocktail in town.

Somebody will insist they have found the best Christmas lights in Austin.

And somebody will wait until 11 p.m. on December 31 to figure out where they’re going.

Don’t be that person.

THE BALLER ATX DECEMBER CHECKLIST

If you’re looking for a simple Austin December bucket list, start here:

✔ Walk the Trail of Lights

✔ Find a holiday pop-up bar

✔ Visit Lala’s Little Nugget

✔ Try a seasonal cocktail

✔ Eat something from a holiday menu

✔ Check out a Christmas lights neighborhood

✔ See live music

✔ Find a new restaurant

✔ Make New Year’s Eve plans

✔ Have a safe ride home

And most importantly:

Get out of the house.

Austin is at its best when you’re actually experiencing it.

THE FINAL MONTH OF THE YEAR

December has a funny way of making people slow down.

The year is ending.

People are coming home.

Friends are visiting.

Restaurants are busy.

Bars are decorated.

The city feels a little different.

And Austin has plenty of ways to take advantage of it.

Start at Zilker.

Walk through millions of lights.

Find a holiday drink.

Eat something good.

Listen to some music.

Visit a bar you’ve never tried.

Then, when Christmas is over, get ready for the final night of the year.

Because New Year’s Eve in Austin is waiting.

And if you plan it correctly, you can end 2023 exactly how you should:

With good food, good drinks, good music and a great group of people.

That’s a pretty good way to finish the year.

July in Austin is hot.

Really hot.

By the time lunch rolls around, the idea of sitting inside a fancy restaurant for two hours can sound less appealing than finding a taco trailer, grabbing your food and eating outside with an ice-cold drink.

Fortunately, Austin has one thing that can make almost any summer day better:

Tacos.

And we’re not talking about the giant national chains or the restaurants that happen to serve tacos. We’re talking about the places that made Austin’s taco culture what it is—the trailers, trucks and tiny neighborhood operations where you walk up to a window, place your order and get some of the best food in the city.

This month, we’re skipping the fancy dining room and taking a taco tour.

Because if you really want to understand Austin’s food scene, you need to eat tacos from a trailer.

Austin’s taco-trailer culture is one of the best things about the city. Some of these places have been around for years. Others are newer operations that have developed cult followings almost overnight. Some specialize in breakfast tacos. Others make one specific taco and refuse to do anything else. Some are open all day. Others sell out and close.

And that’s part of the adventure.

You don’t necessarily need reservations.

You don’t need a dress code.

You don’t need a $100 dinner.

You just need to know where to go.

START WITH THE CLASSIC: EL PRIMO

If you’re looking for an old-school Austin taco trailer, start at El Primo on South First.

This is the kind of place people mean when they talk about Austin’s classic taco-trailer culture.

The setup is simple.

Walk up.

Order.

Grab a seat outside.

Eat.

There is nothing overly complicated about it, and that’s exactly why it works.

El Primo has built its reputation around traditional Mexican breakfast and lunch favorites, with breakfast tacos remaining one of the biggest draws.

If you’re going early, the migas are a great place to start.

Eggs, tortilla chips, cheese and salsa wrapped into a taco make the perfect Austin breakfast, particularly when paired with coffee.

The bacon, egg and cheese is another obvious choice, while chorizo and barbacoa are worth considering if you want something heavier.

But don’t make the mistake of thinking El Primo is only a breakfast stop.

The trailer also serves lunch tacos, tortas, burritos and other Mexican favorites.

That makes it a good first stop on a taco tour because you can get the classic Austin breakfast-taco experience before moving on to something completely different.

And that’s the key to doing an Austin taco tour correctly.

Don’t order six tacos at the first place.

You’re going to regret it.

Order one or two.

Try them.

Then move.

VERACRUZ ALL NATURAL: THE BREAKFAST TACO THAT PUT AUSTIN ON THE MAP

No list of Austin taco trailers would be complete without Veracruz All Natural.

In 2023, Veracruz was still one of the city’s most recognizable names in the taco world, and its reputation was well deserved.

The obvious order is the migas taco.

This is one of those tacos that has become so associated with Austin that visitors frequently put it on their must-eat list before they even arrive.

The combination of eggs, crispy tortilla chips, avocado, cheese, pico and salsa creates a taco that feels substantial without being ridiculously heavy.

But Veracruz isn’t only about breakfast.

The menu expands into seafood, chicken, steak, al pastor and other tacos, which means you can easily turn one visit into a full lunch.

The shrimp taco is another standout, especially if you want something different from the typical beef-and-pork rotation.

And don’t forget the drinks.

Aguas frescas and fresh juices are exactly what you want when you’re eating tacos in July.

Because here’s the thing about Austin in July:

You need something cold.

A spicy taco followed by an ice-cold agua fresca might be one of the best combinations in the city.

Veracruz has also become an important part of Austin’s food culture because it represents something bigger than one popular taco.

It is a family-run business that grew from a small operation into one of the city’s most recognizable taco brands.

And that is exactly what makes Austin’s taco scene interesting.

The best places aren’t necessarily the ones that started with a huge investment.

They started with food.

Then people came back.

Then they told their friends.

Then suddenly there was a line.

CUANTOS TACOS: SMALL TACOS, BIG FOLLOWING

Next stop:

Cuantos Tacos

Cuantos has become one of the most talked-about taco operations in Austin, specializing in Mexico City-style street tacos.

And this is where the taco tour starts getting serious.

The tacos are smaller than what many Americans expect.

That’s intentional.

They’re designed to be street tacos—small, flavorful and easy to eat several at a time.

Which means you don’t order one.

You order a few.

Cuantos offers several fillings, including carnitas, barbacoa, chorizo and other rotating options, and the best strategy is to order a variety so you can compare them.

One of the things that makes Cuantos particularly interesting is its connection to Austin’s broader taco community.

Owner Luis “Beto” Robledo became part of a group of Austin taco makers that local media later dubbed the “Taco Mafia.”

The group includes Robledo along with Xose Velasco and Anthony Pratto of Discada and Edgar Rico and Sara Mardanbigi of Nixta.

In 2023, Austin PBS was producing a documentary series about the group, highlighting their businesses, friendships and the way they were shaping Austin’s modern taco scene.

That’s a pretty big deal.

Because it demonstrates that Austin’s taco scene isn’t just a collection of random food trucks.

There is a community behind it.

There are friendships.

There are chefs sharing ideas.

There are different styles of Mexican cooking being represented.

And there is a real sense of pride surrounding the city’s taco culture.

DISCADA: THE TACO THAT DOESN’T NEED A MENU

Then there’s Discada.

Discada may be the easiest taco trailer in Austin to explain.

They basically make one taco.

That’s it.

No giant menu.

No twenty different fillings.

No spending ten minutes trying to decide what to order.

You order discada.

And you eat it.

The taco gets its name from the cooking technique, which uses a large metal disc similar to a plow disc or wok.

The mixture combines meats and vegetables, creating a rich, intensely flavored filling.

Then it gets put into small corn tortillas and topped with ingredients such as onion, cilantro and pineapple.

That pineapple is important.

It adds a little sweetness that cuts through the richness of the meat.

The result is a taco that is very different from the standard Austin breakfast taco.

And because the tacos are small, you can eat several.

That’s the idea.

Discada’s focused menu has become part of its appeal.

You’re not walking up wondering whether you want chicken or steak.

You’re there for the discada.

And if you like it, order more.

Austin’s food scene has increasingly moved toward chef-driven food trucks and highly specialized concepts, and Discada is one of the best examples.

The trailer doesn’t need to do everything.

It does one thing.

And it does it extremely well.

NIXTA: WHEN THE TACO TRAILER WORLD GETS CHEFY

Technically, Nixta Taqueria is a taqueria rather than a traditional trailer, but it belongs on this list because it represents where Austin’s taco scene is going.

Nixta combines traditional Mexican techniques with modern, chef-driven ideas.

The restaurant became nationally recognized after chef Edgar Rico won the James Beard Award for Emerging Chef in 2022.

And by 2023, Nixta had become one of the city’s most talked-about taco destinations.

The standout is the duck carnitas taco.

Yes.

Duck.

Instead of the traditional pork carnitas, Nixta uses duck to create something richer and more unusual.

The tortillas are another major part of the experience.

Nixta focuses heavily on heirloom corn and nixtamalization, which gives the tortillas a flavor and texture that can stand up to the fillings.

This is where a taco tour gets interesting.

You can go from a simple breakfast taco trailer to a Mexico City-style street taco truck to a Northern Mexican discada truck and then finish at a chef-driven taqueria.

And they’re all serving tacos.

That’s Austin.

DON’T FORGET THE BIRRIA

No 2023 taco tour would be complete without talking about birria.

The birria craze was still going strong, and Austin had several places serving the rich, slow-cooked meat alongside crispy tacos and consommé.

One of the most popular styles involved dipping the tortilla into the cooking juices, griddling the taco until crispy and serving it alongside a cup of consommé.

It’s messy.

It’s rich.

It’s extremely satisfying.

And it is not necessarily the taco you want to eat while wearing a white shirt.

Austin’s birria scene also demonstrates how quickly taco trends can spread.

A few years earlier, birria wasn’t nearly as ubiquitous.

By 2023, you could find it throughout the city.

That doesn’t mean every birria truck is worth visiting.

It means you need to find the good ones.

And that’s where asking locals becomes useful.

Austin food discussions regularly recommend places such as Cuantos, Discada, Granny’s, Ensenada, Santa Barbacha and TexSueño when people ask about standout taco trucks and trailers.

THE SEAFOOD TACO STOP

If you’re doing a serious taco tour, don’t eat only meat.

Austin has a surprisingly strong seafood-taco scene.

Ensenada is one place worth putting on the list if you’re looking for seafood rather than the usual barbacoa, carne asada or al pastor.

Fish tacos can be especially appealing in July because they’re lighter than some of the heavier meat options.

Crispy fish.

Cabbage.

Salsa.

Lime.

Cold drink.

That’s a perfect summer lunch.

And it gives your taco tour some variety.

THE BREAKFAST-TACO RULE

Here’s a Baller ATX rule:

Breakfast tacos count.

They absolutely count.

In fact, you could make an entire Austin taco tour out of breakfast tacos.

The city takes breakfast tacos seriously.

Eggs.

Potatoes.

Bacon.

Cheese.

Sausage.

Chorizo.

Migas.

Barbacoa.

And more.

The trick is knowing when to go.

Some of the best breakfast taco trailers get busy early.

If you show up at 10:30 or 11 a.m., you may have missed the peak selection or be standing behind everyone who had the same idea.

Get up early.

Eat breakfast.

Then take a break before starting the lunch portion of the taco tour.

THE PERFECT AUSTIN TACO TRAILER DAY

Here’s how we’d build a July taco day.

8:00 a.m. — El Primo

Start with a breakfast taco.

Keep it simple.

Migas or bacon, egg and cheese.

Coffee.

Don’t overeat.

You’ve got work to do.

10:30 a.m. — Break

Go somewhere with air conditioning.

Drink water.

Let your stomach recover.

Noon — Veracruz

Get the migas or a seafood taco.

Try one of the aguas frescas.

Take a break.

2:00 p.m. — Cuantos

Now it’s time for Mexico City-style tacos.

Order several small tacos and share them.

4:00 p.m. — Discada

This is the specialty stop.

Get the discada taco.

Then get another.

You’ve earned it.

6:00 p.m. — Pool

This is important.

You need to cool down.

Head to Barton Springs or another swimming spot.

8:00 p.m. — Dinner

If you’re still hungry, go for something lighter.

Maybe seafood.

Maybe a final taco.

Maybe just a cold drink.

10:00 p.m. — Bar

Finish somewhere with live music.

Because no Austin food tour should end before the night does.

THE BIGGEST MISTAKE: TRYING TO DO TOO MUCH

There is one major problem with making a taco-trailer itinerary.

You are going to want to visit everything.

Don’t.

You don’t need ten taco stops in one day.

Your stomach will hate you.

Pick three or four.

And spread them out.

The goal is to experience the tacos.

Not create a medical emergency.

Also remember that food trucks and trailers can have different hours than restaurants.

Some open early.

Some open late.

Some close when they sell out.

Some are closed certain days.

And some move.

Always check the current schedule before driving across town.

That was true in 2023, and it remains one of the most important rules of the Austin food-trailer scene.

WHY TRAILERS MATTER TO AUSTIN

There is a reason Austin’s taco trailers have become such an important part of the city’s identity.

They represent accessibility.

You can walk up.

Order something incredible.

Eat it outside.

And not spend a fortune.

They also give chefs an opportunity to experiment.

A trailer is a lower-cost way to test a concept.

If people love it, the business can grow.

And some of Austin’s most celebrated restaurants started with that kind of small-scale food operation.

The taco trailer is also deeply connected to the city’s Mexican-American food culture.

These aren’t simply trendy businesses.

They are part of a much larger history of Mexican food in Central Texas.

What has changed is the attention.

Austin’s taco makers are now getting national recognition.

They’re appearing in documentaries.

They’re winning awards.

They’re attracting visitors from around the country.

And in 2023, Austin’s taco culture is arguably one of the city’s biggest food attractions.

THE FINAL BITE

So if you’re looking for something to do in Austin this July, forget the expensive dinner.

Forget the complicated reservation.

Forget the restaurant where you have to dress up.

Find a taco trailer.

Order something you’ve never tried.

Sit outside.

Drink something cold.

Then find another one.

Austin’s taco scene is too big to experience in one day, and that’s exactly why you should start exploring now.

There are old-school breakfast taco legends.

Mexico City-style street tacos.

Northern Mexican specialties.

Birria.

Seafood.

Chef-driven tacos.

And countless neighborhood trailers that don’t have national recognition but have a loyal following of locals who swear they’re the best in town.

That’s the fun.

There isn’t one definitive “best taco in Austin.”

Ask ten Austinites and you’ll get ten different answers.

But there are places worth trying.

And the best way to decide for yourself is to grab a few friends and start eating.

Just remember the Baller ATX taco-tour rules:

Order small.

Share.

Drink water.

Wear sunscreen.

Bring cash just in case.

Check hours before you go.

And most importantly:

Never stop after the first taco.

It’s Austin.

There’s always another taco trailer around the corner.

June is when Austin stops pretending summer is coming and finally admits that summer has arrived.

The temperatures are climbing, the sun stays out late, Barton Springs is packed, lake weekends are becoming a regular part of people’s schedules, and every bar with an outdoor space is trying to figure out how to keep its customers cool.

But June 2023 has another reason to get outside.

It’s time for Austin’s annual summer tradition of finding somewhere with water, shade, cold drinks and good music—and staying there as long as possible.

After a spring packed with SXSW, Eeyore’s Birthday, Kite Fest and countless other events, June feels less like a festival month and more like a giant citywide patio party.

The best part?

You don’t have to travel far.

Austin has everything you need for a summer weekend right here.

Start with Barton Springs Pool.

There may be no more iconic way to spend a hot Austin afternoon.

The water is cold.

Really cold.

But when the temperature outside is climbing toward triple digits, that becomes a feature rather than a problem.

Barton Springs is fed by natural springs and stays around 68 degrees year-round.

That means you can jump into the water in June and immediately forget that it is 95 degrees outside.

The pool is also one of the easiest places to spend several hours without needing to create an elaborate itinerary.

Swim.

Lay in the grass.

Read a book.

People-watch.

Talk with friends.

Go back into the water.

Repeat.

That’s an Austin summer day.

But Barton Springs isn’t the only place to cool off.

Deep Eddy Pool remains another excellent choice for people who want a more traditional swimming-pool experience.

It is smaller and more neighborhood-oriented, but that’s part of its charm.

If Barton Springs feels like a destination, Deep Eddy feels like a local hangout.

And June is when both become especially important because Austin’s outdoor culture starts revolving around escaping the heat.

Another obvious option is getting out onto Lady Bird Lake.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are perfect June activities because you can spend the afternoon outside while actually being in the water.

And unlike a traditional pool day, getting onto the lake can turn into a full adventure.

Rent a kayak.

Bring friends.

Paddle around.

Stop somewhere afterward for food.

Then find a patio.

That’s a much better Saturday than spending the entire day inside watching television.

The same goes for Lake Travis.

By June, the lake becomes one of the major summer playgrounds for Austin.

Boats are everywhere.

People are renting pontoons.

Groups are planning lake houses.

Restaurants near the water get busy.

And the weekends become noticeably more energetic.

If you have friends with a boat, June is when you suddenly become very interested in being their friend.

If you don’t have a boat, don’t worry.

There are plenty of rental options and lake-related activities that don’t require boat ownership.

The important thing is getting out there.

Because June is also when Austin’s pool-party culture begins.

Hotels and rooftop venues start promoting summer pool events, and weekends become a steady rotation of DJs, frozen cocktails and people trying to stay cool.

The key to surviving a pool party in Austin is simple:

Hydrate.

It sounds boring.

It isn’t.

Sun plus alcohol is a terrible combination if you don’t drink water.

Bring sunscreen.

Drink water.

Take breaks from the sun.

And know when you’ve had enough.

You want to remember the party.

You don’t want to spend Sunday recovering from heat exhaustion.

The other major June trend is the return of the frozen drink.

Austin loves frozen cocktails in the summer.

Frosé.

Frozen margaritas.

Frozen daiquiris.

Frozen everything.

This is the time of year when bartenders start turning drinks into slushies.

And honestly, there is no better time for it.

One of the city’s most famous frozen drinks is the Frozen Irish Coffee at Nickel City.

The East Austin bar’s version has become a summer tradition and is exactly the kind of drink that makes sense when it’s 100 degrees outside.

You can also find frozen margaritas throughout the city, especially at Tex-Mex restaurants and neighborhood bars.

If you’re planning a summer bar crawl, make sure frozen drinks are part of the itinerary.

Just don’t make every drink a frozen cocktail.

Your brain will thank you.

June is also an excellent month for Austin’s food-truck scene.

The heat makes outdoor dining more complicated, but food-truck parks often have covered seating, fans and plenty of cold drinks.

And the variety is unbeatable.

You can get tacos.

Pizza.

Burgers.

Asian food.

Barbecue.

Desserts.

Breakfast.

Vegan options.

And probably something you didn’t even know existed.

This is a good month to stop going to the same restaurant every weekend.

Pick a food-truck park.

Bring friends.

Let everyone choose something different.

Then spend the rest of the evening nearby.

Austin’s restaurant scene is also moving heavily toward summer menus.

Expect more seafood.

More salads.

More fresh produce.

More margaritas.

More patio specials.

And more restaurants encouraging customers to spend the evening outside.

The city’s patios become a major part of the dining experience.

But there is one rule:

Choose your patio carefully.

A west-facing patio at 5 p.m. in June can feel like sitting on the surface of the sun.

A shaded patio with fans can be perfect.

Look for shade.

Look for fans.

Look for misters.

And if the patio doesn’t have any of those things, make sure you really like the people you’re sitting with.

Because you’re going to be sweating.

June also means the return of live music outside.

Austin’s music scene never stops, but warm weather creates more opportunities for outdoor performances.

Smaller venues continue booking local bands while bars and restaurants use music to bring people onto patios.

The Red River Cultural District remains one of the best areas for discovering live music.

If you’re looking for something to do on a Friday night, don’t automatically search for a giant concert.

Look at the smaller venues.

Pick a band you’ve never heard of.

Go see them.

Then find another place nearby.

That is still one of the best ways to experience Austin.

June is also when Austin starts looking toward the Fourth of July.

But before we get there, there is another important summer event to watch:

Austin FC.

The soccer club has quickly become part of Austin’s sports and nightlife culture, and match days at Q2 Stadium have created an entirely new type of pregame experience.

Even if you aren’t going into the stadium, the surrounding area can become busy with supporters before matches.

Bars fill up.

People wear green.

Music plays.

And Austin FC supporters turn game day into an all-day event.

For people looking for something different from the traditional bar scene, this is worth checking out.

Sports plus food plus drinks plus live music is basically the Austin summer formula.

And if you are going to an Austin FC match, don’t forget the obvious:

Eat before you go.

Or arrive early enough to explore the food options around the stadium.

Because once the match starts, you’re going to want to stay in the atmosphere.

Another June tradition worth exploring is Pride.

Austin’s LGBTQ+ community has a strong presence throughout the city’s nightlife and entertainment scene, and June’s Pride-related events bring parties, drag performances, music and community events to bars and venues throughout the city.

If you’re looking for nightlife beyond the traditional downtown districts, June is a good time to explore the city’s drag and LGBTQ+ bars.

You may discover a completely different side of Austin nightlife.

And that’s really what June should be about.

Exploring.

Getting outside.

Trying something new.

The spring festival season gets all the attention, but summer is when Austin’s everyday culture becomes more interesting.

A swimming hole.

A food truck.

A neighborhood bar.

A live band.

A lake.

A patio.

A frozen cocktail.

You don’t need a major event to have a great Austin weekend.

In fact, some of the best summer nights happen when there isn’t a plan at all.

You start at one restaurant.

Someone suggests another bar.

You walk somewhere.

You hear music.

You stop.

Then someone says there’s a pool party.

Suddenly it’s midnight.

That’s Austin.

Of course, the heat can be a problem.

June is the beginning of the long stretch where you have to think about the weather before planning an outdoor activity.

Check the forecast.

Carry water.

Wear sunscreen.

Don’t leave pets in hot cars.

And remember that pavement can get extremely hot.

If you’re bringing your dog to a patio, make sure there is shade and water.

The city may be fun in the summer, but Texas heat is serious.

The best strategy is to plan around it.

Do outdoor activities early.

Go swimming during the afternoon.

Take a break indoors during the hottest part of the day.

Then come back outside after sunset.

That is the Austin summer schedule.

Morning:

Breakfast tacos.

Afternoon:

Pool or lake.

Evening:

Dinner and patio.

Night:

Live music and drinks.

Repeat.

And June is just the beginning.

July will be hotter.

August will be hotter.

So enjoy June while you can.

The city is entering its longest stretch of summer, and Austin’s food, bar, music and outdoor scenes are ready.

The pools are packed.

The lakes are busy.

The patios are full.

The frozen drinks are flowing.

The bands are playing.

And everyone is looking for the same thing:

somewhere to stay cool.

So grab your swimsuit.

Find a shaded patio.

Order something frozen.

Put on some sunscreen.

And get outside.

Summer has officially arrived in Austin.

May is when Austin starts feeling like summer is already here.

The calendar might say spring, but anyone who has spent a May afternoon walking downtown knows better. Temperatures are climbing, patios are packed, pools are becoming the place to be, and Austin’s restaurants and bars are moving their entire social lives outside.

After the festivals and craziness of March and April, May has a different energy. There is still plenty happening, but the city feels less frantic. Instead of chasing one giant event after another, May is about finding somewhere fun to spend the afternoon and letting the day turn into the evening.

And this year, there is one obvious theme:

Get in the water.

Memorial Day weekend is approaching, summer is around the corner, and Austin’s legendary swimming-hole culture is coming back to life.

For anyone visiting Austin—or anyone who has somehow lived here for years without taking advantage of it—May is the month to start exploring the city’s pools.

The most famous is obviously Barton Springs Pool.

The three-acre spring-fed pool in Zilker Park remains one of the most recognizable places in Austin. The water stays around 68 degrees year-round, which sounds refreshing until you actually jump in.

In May, though, that cold water starts making considerably more sense.

After spending an afternoon in the Texas heat, jumping into Barton Springs is less of a shock and more of a reset button.

And the best part is that you don’t need a fancy pool club to enjoy it.

Bring a towel.

Bring sunscreen.

Bring some water.

Find a place to sit.

Swim.

Then spend the rest of the afternoon around Zilker Park.

That can easily become an entire Austin day.

But Barton Springs isn’t the only way to spend a warm afternoon.

Deep Eddy Pool is another Austin classic and one of the city’s oldest swimming pools.

Located just west of downtown, Deep Eddy has a completely different feel from Barton Springs. It is smaller, more neighborhood-oriented and deeply connected to Austin’s history.

The pool dates back to the early 1900s and has become one of those places that longtime Austinites tend to take for granted.

Don’t.

If you’ve never spent an afternoon there, May is the perfect time.

And if you’re looking for something even more casual, Austin’s lake culture starts becoming more important as the temperature rises.

Lady Bird Lake is already busy with kayakers, paddleboarders, runners and people walking the trail, but May is when the lake really starts feeling like part of the city’s social calendar.

You don’t have to own a paddleboard.

There are rental operations around the lake that make it easy to get on the water for an afternoon.

For a group of friends, renting kayaks or paddleboards can be a much better summer activity than sitting inside a bar for four hours.

And afterward?

Go get a drink.

That’s the beauty of Austin.

You can spend the afternoon outside and still end up at a bar before dinner.

May is also when Austin’s rooftop and patio bar scene starts becoming a major part of nightlife.

The weather is warm, but the evenings can still be comfortable.

That means people are staying out later.

Downtown rooftops become busy.

East Austin patios fill up.

South Congress gets crowded.

Rainey Street becomes one giant outdoor party.

And neighborhood bars start opening their doors and windows to take advantage of the weather.

If you are planning a night out in May, don’t automatically head to the biggest bar district.

Some of the best nights happen at smaller neighborhood spots.

Find a patio.

Order a cold beer.

Get some food.

Listen to music.

Let the evening develop naturally.

That is a much more Austin way to spend a Saturday than planning every minute.

Food is another major part of May.

As the temperatures rise, Austin restaurants begin leaning heavily into lighter summer menus, frozen drinks, outdoor dining and food events.

This is when tacos become especially dangerous.

Not because tacos are bad.

Because you can eat them at almost any hour.

Breakfast tacos in the morning.

Tacos for lunch.

Tacos after the pool.

Tacos after the bar.

There is always a taco truck somewhere.

And May is a great month to explore them.

Instead of automatically going to the most famous taco restaurant in town, try something you’ve never visited.

East Austin is an obvious place to start.

So is South Austin.

And if you’re willing to drive a little farther, some of the city’s best food discoveries can be found outside the downtown core.

May is also a good time to explore Austin’s food truck parks.

They are particularly useful for groups because everyone can order something different.

One person wants tacos.

Someone else wants pizza.

Someone wants barbecue.

Someone wants something vegan.

Nobody has to compromise.

And everyone can sit outside.

That’s essentially the perfect Austin meal.

Music remains part of the city’s identity too.

The biggest difference in May is that you don’t have to wait for a major festival to hear good music.

Austin’s smaller venues are busy throughout the month.

Red River remains one of the easiest places to catch multiple bands in one night.

East Austin has its own collection of venues and bars with live music.

And South Austin continues to provide plenty of smaller shows.

This is the month to stop chasing famous names and start paying attention to local bands.

You might discover somebody before they get booked for the next big festival.

And unlike SXSW, you can actually watch the entire set.

May also means graduation season.

The University of Texas is wrapping up another school year, which means Austin starts seeing a temporary change in its population.

Students leave.

Families arrive.

Hotels get busy.

Restaurants fill up.

And downtown can feel noticeably different.

If you own a restaurant or bar, graduation weekend is an important business period.

If you’re simply trying to go out, it means you may want to plan accordingly.

The same restaurant that usually has open tables might suddenly be packed.

The same downtown bar might have a completely different crowd.

That is part of Austin’s seasonal rhythm.

May is also when people start planning their summer visitors.

Friends are coming into town.

Family is visiting.

People are asking the inevitable question:

“What should we do while we’re in Austin?”

The answer in May is easy.

Don’t put them in a car and spend the entire day driving around.

Show them Austin outside.

Take them to Barton Springs.

Walk around Zilker.

Get tacos.

Go to a brewery.

Find a patio.

See live music.

Take them downtown at night.

That is the Austin experience.

And if they are visiting around Memorial Day weekend, start making plans early.

Memorial Day is essentially the unofficial beginning of summer.

Pools get busy.

Lakes get busy.

Bars get busy.

Restaurants get busy.

And everyone starts thinking about the next few months.

May also marks the beginning of one of Austin’s most important summer traditions:

pool parties.

Hotel pools, rooftop pools and private pool parties begin filling the calendar.

Some are expensive.

Some are free.

Some are family-friendly.

Some definitely are not.

But the common theme is that Austin’s social life starts moving toward the water.

That means you should probably get your summer gear ready.

Sunscreen.

Sunglasses.

Hat.

Swimsuit.

Comfortable shoes.

And, most importantly, a plan for getting home if you are drinking.

The worst summer decision is thinking you can drive because the bar is “only a few minutes away.”

It isn’t worth it.

Take a rideshare.

Get a designated driver.

Walk if you’re close enough.

The point of summer in Austin is to have fun, not make a bad decision at midnight.

And if you’re planning a weekend around swimming, remember that May weather can change quickly.

Texas weather does whatever it wants.

Check the forecast.

Bring water.

And don’t assume that because it was 90 degrees yesterday, today will be the same.

One thing you can count on, though, is that the city will keep getting busier.

The outdoor calendar is filling up.

Restaurants are expanding patios.

Bars are promoting summer events.

Music venues are announcing shows.

And Austinites are preparing for another long, hot summer.

That’s why May is one of the best months to enjoy the city before the heat becomes overwhelming.

June, July and August can be brutally hot.

May is the sweet spot.

You can spend an afternoon outside without feeling like you’re being punished.

You can walk around.

You can swim.

You can sit on a patio.

You can eat outside.

And you can still wear jeans at night without immediately regretting the decision.

So if you’re looking for the perfect May Austin day, keep it simple.

Start with breakfast tacos.

Head to Barton Springs.

Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing around Zilker.

Grab a cold drink.

Go somewhere for dinner.

Find a patio.

Listen to live music.

Then finish the night somewhere with a good bar scene.

You don’t need a major festival.

You don’t need an expensive ticket.

You don’t need to schedule every minute.

May is about enjoying Austin while the weather is still on your side.

The city is getting ready for summer.

The pools are open.

The patios are full.

The lake is busy.

The food trucks are cooking.

The bands are playing.

And the bars are getting ready for another long season of outdoor drinking.

Summer is coming.

In Austin, that means one thing:

Get outside while you still can.

April might be one of the best months to be in Austin.

The weather is usually warm without reaching the unbearable summer heat, patios are packed, parks are full, festival season is in full swing and Austinites have plenty of excuses to get outside. After the madness of SXSW in March, April feels like the city gets a chance to breathe again—but there is still plenty happening.

And two of Austin’s most recognizable traditions are about to take over the city.

One involves hundreds of colorful kites filling the sky.

The other involves a giant party celebrating the birthday of a fictional donkey.

Only in Austin.

The first big event on the April calendar is the ABC Kite Fest, returning to Zilker Park on April 2.

The event has been an Austin tradition for decades, bringing families, kite enthusiasts and spectators to the park for a massive celebration built around one very simple idea: fly a kite.

That simplicity is part of the appeal.

You don’t need a concert ticket.

You don’t need a fancy outfit.

You don’t need a reservation.

You don’t even need to be particularly good at flying a kite.

You just need to get to Zilker Park, look up and enjoy the spectacle.

And it can be spectacular.

When the wind cooperates, the sky above the park fills with enormous colorful kites, unusual shapes and elaborate designs. Some are traditional diamond-shaped kites, while others are massive creations that look more like floating sculptures.

For families, it is one of the easiest Austin events to recommend because kids can actually participate instead of simply watching something happen.

Bring a kite.

Bring a blanket.

Bring snacks.

Find a spot in the grass.

And spend the afternoon outside.

The event also includes food, entertainment and competitions, turning what sounds like a simple kite-flying afternoon into a full spring festival.

For anyone new to Austin, the Kite Fest is also a great introduction to the city’s outdoor culture.

Austin loves its parks.

It loves its festivals.

It loves being outside.

And it especially loves events that don’t require people to spend a lot of money.

That’s why the Kite Fest has remained popular.

It feels like an old-fashioned community event in a city that is changing incredibly quickly.

You can look around Zilker Park and see families, longtime Austinites, young professionals, tourists and kids all doing essentially the same thing.

Looking up.

But the Kite Fest isn’t the only April tradition that feels uniquely Austin.

A few weeks later, the city gets considerably stranger.

Eeyore’s Birthday Party returns to Pease Park on April 29.

If you’ve never been, there really isn’t an easy way to explain Eeyore’s Birthday Party to someone who has never experienced it.

Yes, it is officially a birthday party.

Yes, the guest of honor is a donkey from Winnie-the-Pooh.

And yes, tens of thousands of people can show up.

But it isn’t a children’s birthday party.

It is one of Austin’s most unusual annual celebrations, featuring costumes, drums, live music, dancing, food, drinks and an enormous collection of people dressed in ways that are difficult to explain outside of Austin.

The tradition dates back to the 1960s, when University of Texas students began celebrating Eeyore’s birthday.

It eventually grew into one of the city’s signature counterculture events.

And while Austin has changed dramatically since the first party, Eeyore’s Birthday has managed to retain its unusual personality.

That’s increasingly rare.

A lot of Austin’s older traditions have either disappeared or changed beyond recognition as the city has grown.

Eeyore’s Birthday is different.

It remains intentionally strange.

There is no corporate festival branding trying to make it feel polished.

There isn’t a carefully curated Instagram aesthetic.

It’s messy.

It’s colorful.

It’s loud.

And that’s exactly why people love it.

The 2023 party is scheduled for Pease Park on April 29, with the celebration returning after the pandemic-era disruptions that changed the event in previous years.

For longtime Austinites, that makes this year’s party especially significant.

It’s another opportunity for one of the city’s oldest traditions to bring people together in person.

And if you’re planning to attend, prepare accordingly.

Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty.

Bring water.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Don’t expect to spend the afternoon looking sophisticated.

The people around you probably won’t be either.

That’s part of the fun.

April also means that Austin’s patio season is officially underway.

This is the month when restaurants and bars really begin taking advantage of their outdoor spaces.

The weather is warm enough to sit outside but usually hasn’t reached the point where you’re questioning your life choices after ten minutes in the sun.

That makes April one of the best months to explore Austin’s bar scene.

Instead of going directly downtown, try spending an afternoon exploring one of the city’s neighborhoods.

East Austin is an obvious choice.

The area continues to develop new restaurants and bars, while longtime neighborhood spots remain part of the scene.

You can start with lunch, walk around, stop for a drink, find live music and finish with dinner.

South Congress is another good option.

The neighborhood has become one of Austin’s most recognizable destinations, but it remains especially enjoyable in spring when people can walk between restaurants, shops and bars without dealing with the brutal summer heat.

And then there is Rainey Street.

By April, the outdoor patios are in full swing.

The historic houses converted into bars make the area unlike almost anywhere else in the city, and the warm spring evenings make it an easy place to spend several hours.

But don’t limit yourself to the obvious entertainment districts.

One of the best things about April in Austin is that neighborhood bars become destinations.

You don’t necessarily need a giant event.

Sometimes the best Saturday is finding a patio, ordering a cold beer and spending three hours talking with friends.

That’s particularly true after SXSW.

March can be overwhelming.

April is when you can slow down and actually enjoy the city.

Food is another reason to love the month.

Spring brings more farmers markets, outdoor food events and seasonal menus.

Austin’s food-truck scene becomes especially enjoyable in April because you can sit outside without sweating through your shirt.

Grab tacos.

Get barbecue.

Try a burger.

Find a food truck you’ve never visited.

And eat outside.

That’s the April Austin experience.

The city’s breweries are also worth watching.

April is a great month for brewery patios and outdoor events, particularly on weekends when people are looking for something less chaotic than downtown.

A brewery can be the perfect middle ground between a restaurant and a bar.

You can bring friends.

Order food.

Try several beers.

Sit outside.

And often bring your dog.

Austin’s dog-friendly culture also becomes much more visible in April.

Patios fill with dogs.

Parks fill with dogs.

Trails fill with dogs.

And at some point, somebody will probably bring a dog to an event where everyone else is dressed in a costume.

That is Austin.

Music is still everywhere, of course.

After SXSW, the city’s live-music calendar doesn’t suddenly disappear.

If anything, April is a good month to focus on local shows instead of major festival performances.

Check the smaller venues.

Look at Red River.

Explore East Austin.

Find a neighborhood show.

The city’s smaller music rooms are where you often discover artists before they become major festival acts.

And because the weather is better, some outdoor venues begin becoming much more active.

April also starts the countdown toward the enormous spring and summer events that dominate Austin later in the year.

That means this is a good month to start paying attention to what’s coming.

The city is entering its busy season.

More visitors are arriving.

Restaurants are opening new patios.

Bars are announcing summer events.

And Austin’s event calendar begins filling rapidly.

But if you’re looking for something to do right now, the two events to put at the top of your calendar are simple.

Kite Fest.

And Eeyore’s Birthday Party.

They couldn’t be more different.

One is a family-friendly afternoon in Zilker Park.

The other is one of the strangest parties in Austin.

But they have something important in common.

Neither one feels like it could happen anywhere else.

That’s what makes these events special.

Austin has plenty of large festivals that could happen in any major American city.

But watching hundreds of kites fill the sky over Zilker Park?

That’s Austin.

Walking into Pease Park and seeing thousands of people celebrating the birthday of Eeyore?

That’s Austin too.

And in a city that is changing as quickly as Austin, those traditions matter.

They remind people that the city existed before the newest apartment tower, before the newest restaurant opening and before every bar had an Instagram account.

They’re part of the city’s personality.

So if you’re looking for something to do in April, don’t overthink it.

Buy a kite.

Head to Zilker.

Spend an afternoon outside.

Then, later in the month, put together your strangest outfit, grab some friends and head to Pease Park.

Between those two events, you’ll experience two completely different versions of Austin.

One is colorful, family-friendly and floating above the park.

The other is loud, weird, unpredictable and completely Austin.

And that’s exactly why April might be the city’s best month.

The weather is right.

The patios are open.

The food is good.

The music is everywhere.

And Austin is still weird enough to throw a birthday party for a donkey.

Welcome to April in Austin.

Bring a kite.

Bring a costume.

And leave your expectations at home.

Valentine’s Day in Austin Without a Reservation: The Best Last-Minute Date Ideas for 2023

Valentine’s Day is coming up, and if you haven’t made a reservation yet, don’t panic.

Actually, in Austin, skipping the reservation might be the better plan.

February 14 has become one of the most stressful nights of the restaurant year. The city’s most popular restaurants fill their dining rooms weeks in advance, prix-fixe menus take over, and suddenly a casual dinner that normally costs $60 can turn into a $200 evening because someone decided Valentine’s Day needed to involve four courses, champagne and a mandatory chocolate dessert.

But that isn’t necessarily what Austin couples want.

Sometimes you just want to get dressed up, go somewhere fun, have a good meal and see where the night takes you.

Fortunately, Austin has plenty of options for exactly that.

And in 2023, there are several places where you can build a Valentine’s date without spending weeks refreshing Resy or OpenTable.

The trick is to think beyond the traditional Valentine’s restaurant.

Instead of trying to get into the city’s most hyped dining room at 7 p.m., look for counter-service restaurants, food trucks, bars with food, neighborhood restaurants and entertainment venues where you can simply walk in.

One of the strongest options for a last-minute Valentine’s meal is Birdie’s in East Austin.

Birdie’s is particularly interesting because it doesn’t operate like a traditional restaurant. It is a neighborhood wine bar and restaurant where customers order at the counter, making it much more casual than its reputation might suggest.

And most importantly for Valentine’s procrastinators, Birdie’s does not take traditional reservations.

Eater specifically included Birdie’s among its recommendations for people looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day meal in 2023, noting that the restaurant operates on a walk-in basis and recommending arriving early, when the doors open at 5 p.m.

That makes Birdie’s one of the best answers to the question: “Where can I go on Valentine’s Day if I didn’t plan ahead?”

The atmosphere also works.

You’re not sitting in a giant dining room surrounded by couples staring at each other across white tablecloths.

You’re in East Austin, drinking wine, eating good food and enjoying a neighborhood atmosphere.

The only catch is that everybody else may have the same idea.

Birdie’s can get busy, so don’t interpret “no reservations” as “no wait.”

It means you can show up.

That’s an important distinction.

If you’re willing to arrive early, your chances improve dramatically.

And if there is a wait, you can always make the evening part of the adventure.

Another excellent option is Cuantos Tacos.

Forget the expensive prix-fixe dinner.

Get tacos.

The East Austin taco truck is exactly the kind of place that makes sense for a low-pressure Valentine’s date. Eater specifically recommended Cuantos for Valentine’s Day 2023 because it was open on Tuesday, February 14 and didn’t require reservations.

This is the anti-Valentine’s Valentine’s date.

You don’t need flowers.

You don’t need a dress code.

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars.

Grab tacos, bring your own beer, sit outside and enjoy Austin.

That might actually be more romantic than a restaurant where everyone is paying extra because it happens to be February 14.

And if tacos aren’t enough for dinner, there is another option nearby.

Pedroso’s Pizza was another Eater recommendation for a last-minute Valentine’s meal in 2023.

The restaurant’s location at Night Owl Pizza and Drinks gives diners the ability to get pizza and drinks without dealing with the traditional reservation system.

Pizza on Valentine’s Day may sound simple.

That’s precisely why it works.

You can share a pizza.

Order drinks.

Sit outside.

Talk.

And not worry about whether you’re supposed to be finished with dinner in exactly 90 minutes because another reservation is waiting.

Austin has always been good at turning casual food into a date-night experience.

And February is a perfect time to embrace it.

If you’re looking for something more active, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to revolve around dinner at all.

One of the best alternatives is Cidercade.

The massive arcade and cider bar on Riverside gives couples something to actually do instead of sitting across from each other for two hours.

In 2023, Cidercade was hosting a Valentine’s Day party built around its arcade games and a playful relationship-status theme.

Guests could select wristbands based on whether they were single, complicated or taken, with the party running from 7 p.m. to midnight.

That is much closer to the Austin way of celebrating.

Drink cider.

Play arcade games.

Compete against your date.

Laugh at each other when somebody gets destroyed at an old-school video game.

Then grab food.

It’s a date, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

And that’s an important Valentine’s trend in Austin.

Not everybody wants romantic candlelight.

Some people want fun.

If you are newly dating someone, especially, an activity can be much easier than a formal dinner.

You have something to talk about.

There are things happening around you.

And if the conversation somehow runs out, you can blame the arcade game.

For couples who want to go somewhere a little more traditional but still don’t want to commit to a formal Valentine’s package, Justine’s Brasserie is another possibility.

The East Austin restaurant has always had more of a late-night bar-and-brasserie atmosphere than a stuffy fine-dining restaurant.

For 2023, Justine’s was offering an à la carte Valentine’s menu rather than forcing every customer into the same prix-fixe experience, with dishes including king crab legs, grilled lobster and other French-inspired options. Eater also noted a tentative anti-Valentine’s party afterward.

That’s exactly the kind of flexibility that last-minute planners need.

You can go for dinner.

You can focus on drinks.

You can order something special.

Or you can make Justine’s part of a larger East Austin night.

And that’s probably the smartest way to approach Valentine’s Day in Austin.

Don’t make the entire night depend on one restaurant.

Make a plan that has several options.

Start with drinks.

Try dinner.

Walk somewhere.

Find live music.

Grab dessert.

If one place is packed, go somewhere else.

Austin gives you enough choices that you don’t have to treat Valentine’s Day like a military operation.

For people who want a cocktail-heavy evening, downtown offers plenty of possibilities.

Péché is an especially good fit for couples who want atmosphere without committing to an elaborate dinner.

The downtown cocktail bar and French restaurant is known for its extensive cocktail program and intimate, darker atmosphere. It can work as a destination for drinks before dinner or as the main stop if the goal is simply to spend time together over cocktails.

And that brings up another Valentine’s strategy:

Skip dinner.

Seriously.

Go out for drinks.

Get dessert.

See a movie.

Go somewhere with live music.

Then grab late-night food.

There’s no rule saying Valentine’s Day has to begin with an appetizer.

In fact, avoiding the dinner rush might make the evening considerably easier.

You can have a cocktail at 6.

Walk around downtown.

See a show.

Get pizza at 10.

Then head home.

That sounds a lot less stressful than trying to coordinate a 7:30 reservation with 300 other couples.

For couples who want to keep things inexpensive, Austin also has some surprisingly good Valentine’s options.

Axios Austin highlighted several affordable ideas in 2023, including walking the Lady Bird Lake boardwalk, playing golf at Butler Pitch & Putt, grabbing a burger deal at Jo’s Coffee, getting sweets at Yummi Joy and seeing a Valentine’s-themed movie at Alamo Drafthouse.

That gives you an entirely different type of Valentine’s date.

Start with a walk around Lady Bird Lake.

Stop for coffee.

Play a round of mini golf or pitch-and-putt.

Grab dinner somewhere casual.

Finish with a movie.

You can spend considerably less than you would at one of Austin’s high-end restaurants and potentially have a much more memorable evening.

And if you’re single?

Austin has you covered too.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a couples-only holiday.

Cidercade’s relationship-status party is a perfect example.

Green wristband?

You’re available.

Yellow?

It’s complicated.

Red?

Taken.

That kind of event makes it possible for singles to celebrate Valentine’s Day without feeling like they accidentally walked into somebody else’s romantic dinner.

The same philosophy applies to Austin’s bars.

If you don’t want a romantic atmosphere, head somewhere casual.

A neighborhood bar.

A brewery.

A dive.

A music venue.

The city’s nightlife doesn’t shut down simply because February 14 is Valentine’s Day.

In fact, it can be more fun because everyone is looking for something different.

Some people want romance.

Some people want to avoid romance.

Some people want to meet someone.

And some people just want a burger and a beer.

Austin has room for all of them.

One thing you should probably not do is assume that “no reservations” means you can show up at 7:30 p.m. and immediately get seated.

Valentine’s Day is still Valentine’s Day.

Restaurants that normally have easy walk-in seating can become packed.

That is why timing matters.

If you’re going somewhere that accepts walk-ins, go early.

Five o’clock is much better than seven.

Six is better than eight.

And if you are willing to eat later, your options may open up again after the traditional dinner rush.

Another good strategy is to eat somewhere casual and then go somewhere else for the romantic portion of the evening.

Get tacos first.

Then cocktails.

Or pizza first.

Then a walk.

Or drinks first.

Then a movie.

The key is separating the different parts of the date.

That way you aren’t competing with every other couple for one table.

Austin is particularly good for this because many of the city’s best neighborhoods are packed with multiple types of entertainment.

East Austin is an obvious example.

You can find tacos, wine bars, cocktails, live music and late-night food all within a relatively small area.

South Congress gives you restaurants, coffee, shopping and places to walk around.

Downtown gives you bars, theaters, cocktails and entertainment.

South Lamar gives you restaurants, bars and movie options.

You don’t need one reservation when you have an entire neighborhood.

And perhaps that’s the biggest Valentine’s lesson for Austin in 2023.

Stop trying to make Valentine’s Day perfect.

The perfect reservation is overrated.

The perfect prix-fixe menu is overrated.

The perfect romantic restaurant is overrated.

What’s actually important is having a good night together.

Maybe that means tacos.

Maybe it means pizza.

Maybe it means arcade games.

Maybe it means sitting at a bar drinking wine.

Maybe it means walking around downtown.

Maybe it means watching a movie.

Maybe it means getting dressed up and going somewhere expensive.

All of those are legitimate Valentine’s dates.

So if you are reading this on February 13 and suddenly realize you forgot to make a reservation, don’t panic.

Austin isn’t out of options.

Show up early at Birdie’s.

Get tacos at Cuantos.

Grab pizza at Pedroso’s.

Play games at Cidercade.

Have cocktails at Péché.

Try your luck at Justine’s.

Walk around Lady Bird Lake.

Get dessert.

See a movie.

And if everything else fails, find a good neighborhood bar and order another round.

Because Valentine’s Day in Austin doesn’t have to be expensive, formal or perfectly planned.

Sometimes the best date is the one you didn’t make a reservation for.

January can be a strange month in Austin.

The holidays are over. New Year’s Eve is finished. The weather can be cold one day and warm the next, and after a month of holiday parties, people are suddenly looking for something to do that doesn’t cost a fortune.

Fortunately, Austin has a tradition that practically seems designed for the first week of the year.

Free Week.

For local music fans, January doesn’t really get started until Free Week arrives.

What began as a way to help Austin’s live-music venues bring people through the doors during the slowest part of the year has grown into one of the city’s most important annual showcases for local music.

And in January 2023, it is once again giving Austinites an opportunity to discover new bands, revisit old favorites and spend several nights bouncing between some of the city’s best music venues without paying a cover charge.

The concept is simple.

The music is free.

The bands get exposure.

The venues get customers.

And Austin gets another reminder of why it calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World.

The 2023 edition is especially concentrated around the Red River Cultural District, with participating venues including Cheer Up Charlies, Chess Club, Elysium, Empire Control Room & Garage, Flamingo Cantina, Mala Vida, Mohawk, Stubb’s, Swan Dive, the 13th Floor, Valhalla and Vaquero Taquero.

That concentration is part of what makes Free Week so much fun.

You don’t necessarily have to plan an elaborate night.

You can start at one venue, watch a band, walk down the street, stop somewhere else and catch another performance.

If you don’t like the band, leave.

If you love the band, stay.

Because there is no cover charge, there is very little risk involved.

That’s the entire point.

Free Week encourages people to take chances.

And that is particularly important for Austin’s local musicians.

A band that might normally play in front of a few dozen people can suddenly find itself performing for a packed room full of people who simply wandered in because the show was free.

That can lead to new fans.

It can lead to future shows.

It can lead to new collaborations.

And occasionally, it can be the beginning of something much bigger.

For people who have lived in Austin for years, Free Week is also a way to reconnect with the city’s music scene.

It is easy to fall into a routine.

You go to the same bar.

You see the same bands.

You listen to the same playlists.

Then January arrives and suddenly there are dozens of free shows happening around town.

It becomes much easier to say, “Let’s go see what they’re doing.”

And that’s when you discover something new.

One of the best examples during the 2023 Free Week lineup is El Tule, performing at Flamingo Cantina with the Tiarras and Los Kurados.

El Tule brings together cumbia, merengue, Afro-Latin, reggae and psychedelic influences, making it a perfect example of how broad Austin’s music scene has become.

This isn’t simply a rock festival.

And it isn’t simply an indie-music showcase.

You can find Latin music.

Punk.

Hip-hop.

Country.

Electronic music.

Metal.

Soul.

Blues.

Psych-rock.

And everything in between.

That variety is one of Free Week’s greatest strengths.

Another standout show is happening at Hotel Vegas, where Annabelle Chairlegs, Queen Serene, Heavy Meddo and Chuck are scheduled to perform.

Annabelle Chairlegs brings a blues- and psychedelic-influenced rock sound, while Queen Serene represents a younger generation of Austin musicians building a following through indie and bedroom-rock influences.

Hotel Vegas is exactly the kind of venue where Free Week works.

The atmosphere is casual.

The venue is part of the Red River entertainment district.

And there are plenty of other places nearby if you decide to keep going after the show.

That makes Red River one of the best places in Austin to spend a January night.

You can walk between venues.

Grab a drink.

Watch a band.

Get tacos.

Find another show.

And do it all without spending a fortune.

Food is actually a major part of the Free Week experience.

Because the music is free, people have more money to spend on dinner and drinks.

That makes the bars and restaurants around Red River especially important.

One of the most convenient options is Vaquero Taquero, which is participating in Free Week and gives people the opportunity to combine one of Austin’s favorite things—tacos—with another Austin tradition—live music.

That combination is almost impossible to beat.

Watch a band.

Walk outside.

Get tacos.

Find another band.

Order another drink.

Repeat.

For Baller ATX readers, that’s probably the best way to approach Free Week.

Don’t treat it like one concert.

Treat it like a neighborhood-wide music crawl.

Pick a part of town.

Choose two or three shows.

Leave yourself room to discover something you didn’t plan on seeing.

And don’t be afraid to walk into a venue because you recognize the name of a band you’ve never heard before.

That’s what Free Week is for.

The event is also important because January is traditionally a slower period for Austin’s nightlife industry.

The holidays have ended.

Visitors aren’t arriving for major festivals.

Students are just returning.

And many people are recovering from December spending.

Free Week gives the bars and venues a reason to bring people back out.

Instead of sitting at home because January feels quiet, Austin has a citywide excuse to go out.

And the timing couldn’t be better.

After the holiday season, people are often looking for inexpensive entertainment.

Free Week provides exactly that.

You can spend an entire evening listening to live music without buying a ticket.

Your money can go toward food.

Or drinks.

Or parking.

Or another night out.

For musicians, meanwhile, January provides an opportunity to start the year in front of new audiences.

The Austin music scene is constantly producing new artists, and Free Week acts as an informal introduction.

Some of the bands playing in January 2023 may become much more familiar names later in the year.

Others may remain Austin favorites without ever becoming nationally famous.

Both are valuable.

Because Austin’s music culture has never been exclusively about making stars.

It has always been about having somewhere to play.

Having somewhere to listen.

And having a community that cares about music.

That’s why the Red River Cultural District matters so much.

The neighborhood contains an unusually high concentration of independent music venues within walking distance of one another.

That creates an environment where experimentation is possible.

A band can play one room.

A different band can play down the street.

A DJ can be performing somewhere else.

And a completely different crowd can be watching a metal show around the corner.

Free Week takes advantage of that concentration.

For several days, the district essentially becomes one giant music festival.

The difference is that you don’t need a wristband.

You don’t need to buy a three-day pass.

You don’t need to choose one stage.

You simply show up.

Another reason January 2023 Free Week is worth paying attention to is the number of Austin musicians who are already building reputations beyond the city.

The local music scene is not isolated.

Austin musicians are touring.

Releasing records.

Playing festivals.

Collaborating with artists around the country.

And Free Week gives locals a chance to see some of them before their schedules get more expensive.

That makes the event particularly valuable for people who want to discover artists early.

And if you’re new to Austin, Free Week may be one of the best introductions you can get to the city’s music culture.

You don’t need to know the history of every venue.

You don’t need to understand every genre.

You simply need to show up.

Walk around.

Listen.

And see what catches your attention.

There is also something very Austin about the fact that an event built around free music can still support the local economy.

The music costs nothing.

But people still buy dinner.

They buy drinks.

They buy records.

They tip bartenders.

They use rideshare services.

They visit nearby businesses.

The bands get exposure.

The venues get traffic.

The neighborhood gets energy.

Everybody benefits.

And that is why Free Week has survived and grown.

It isn’t just a promotion.

It is part of Austin’s music culture.

January also provides an interesting contrast with the rest of the Austin festival calendar.

SXSW is still several months away.

ACL is months away.

There isn’t the same pressure to make every show a major event.

Free Week is smaller.

More local.

More spontaneous.

And in some ways, more representative of everyday Austin music.

You aren’t necessarily seeing the biggest artist in the world.

You’re seeing the band that might be playing your neighborhood bar next month.

You’re seeing the singer who is about to release a new record.

You’re seeing a local group that has been playing Austin for years.

And you’re seeing musicians who are simply trying to build their audience.

That’s the Austin music scene at its most authentic.

For people who usually say they don’t know where to find live music, January is the perfect time to change that.

Start with Free Week.

Pick one night.

Head to Red River.

Walk into a venue.

Listen to something you’ve never heard.

Grab a drink.

Then walk into another venue.

You might discover your new favorite band.

And you might discover your new favorite bar while you’re at it.

That’s what makes January in Austin different.

The city isn’t trying to be the biggest.

It is trying to be interesting.

Free Week turns what could otherwise be a quiet winter week into one of the most active periods on the local music calendar.

And in 2023, the event once again demonstrates why Austin’s music identity remains so important.

The next time someone says there isn’t anything to do in January, send them to Red River.

There will be music.

There will be bars.

There will be tacos.

There will be people.

And best of all, there will be no cover charge.

For a city that loves music as much as Austin does, that’s about as good as January gets.