Austin Events & Things to Do 2025

Live music, lake life, and legendary BBQ—Austin blends creativity and culture like nowhere else. Use this guide to discover concerts, festivals, nightlife, and can’t-miss tours across the city and Hill Country.

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Jump to: Concerts & Live Music · Festivals · Sports & Outdoors · Nightlife · Tours & Attractions · FAQ

Concerts & Live Music

The “Live Music Capital of the World” delivers nightly shows across every genre. Catch touring headliners or local legends at open-air venues and intimate bars.

Top Venues

• Moody Center
• ACL Live at The Moody Theater
• Stubb’s BBQ Amphitheater
• Emo’s Austin
• Saxon Pub · Antone’s · Continental Club

Festivals in Austin

Year-round events highlight music, tech, food, and film—book early for major weeks.

• South by Southwest (SXSW) – March
• Austin City Limits Festival – October
• Blues on the Green (summer series)
• Hot Luck Fest, Austin Food + Wine Festival

Sports & Outdoors

Get outdoors on Lady Bird Lake, ride scenic trails, or watch college and pro sports under the lights.

• Texas Longhorns (UT Austin) – Football, Basketball, Baseball
• Austin FC (MLS) – Q2 Stadium
• Lake Travis boating and paddleboarding
• Hike Mount Bonnell & Barton Creek Greenbelt

Nightlife & Bars

6th Street, Rainey Street, and South Congress all deliver energy after dark—from honky-tonks to craft cocktail lounges.

Tours & Attractions

Discover Austin’s culture and scenery with local-led tours across downtown, Hill Country, and the lakes.

Top Experiences

• Downtown Austin walking & food tours
• Hill Country wine tasting and BBQ excursions
• Lady Bird Lake kayak or bat-watching cruise
• Live music crawl or brewery bus tour
• Texas State Capitol & history tours

Austin FAQ

When’s the best time to visit?

March–May and October–November for ideal temps and festival season.

Where should I stay?

Downtown or South Congress for nightlife and walkability; East Austin for local food and music.

How do I get around?

Rideshares and scooters are easy downtown; rent a car for Hill Country day trips.

What’s unique about Austin?

Music everywhere, creative food, outdoor spaces, and a culture that keeps it “weird.”