Things to Do in Austin in December

Peppermint Parkway
November 21 - December 28

Peppermint Parkway turns Circuit of the Americas into a full-scale holiday drive-through adventure that feels like stepping into a storybook. Guests cruise past towering displays, glittering tunnels, dancing lights, and cheerful characters that wave from the sidelines as music plays through the route. Families can stop at Peppermint Plaza for sweet treats, rides, seasonal photo spots, and roaming entertainers that keep the energy bright.

 

​​Mozart’s Festival of Lights

November 22 - January 3

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters creates one of the most beloved holiday outings in Austin with a lakeside light show that grows larger and more creative every season. Thousands of bulbs sparkle in perfect sync with a mix of…

Things to Do For Fathers Day in Austin

Looking for things to do for Father’s Day in Austin? Do something fun with dad on his special day to show how much you love and care about him. No matter what you plan to do for your dad on Father’s Day in Austin, your dad will still love you. So get out, have fun, and create memories you and your dad will remember forever.

List of Father’s Day Ideas:

  • Camping
  • Basket of Local Gifts
  • Beer Tasting
  • Drive-In Movie
  • Get Out On The Water
  • Golf With Dad
  • Hike and Bike Trails
  • Order Dad’s Favorite Food
  • Painting With A Twist
  • Urban Axes

Go Camping in Austin

Check out these glamping destinations around Austin, or spend Father's day turning your backyard into your own personal campsite. Camping is a fun and easy way to experience the great…

Things to Do in January in Austin

Free Week

January 9 & 10

Free Week kicks off the year with two nights of free live music across the Red River Cultural District. Downtown venues fill with local and regional bands, giving music fans the chance to move from room to room, catch unexpected sets, and experience Austin’s live music scene at its most laid-back and lively. It’s a simple formula that works every time: no cover, great music, and a neighborhood that knows how to keep things moving well past sundown.

 

“The Canvas Can Do Miracles”
Through January 11

This new exhibition at The Contemporary Austin brings together an intergenerational group of artists who use abstraction in bold, unexpected ways. On view at the Jones Center, the show explores how paint, texture, and process can…

Your Guide to Texas and Austin Beaches

A sandy, sun-kissed beach, a cool Gulf breeze, the quaint charm of the vibrant seaside, stilt houses awaiting, and a piña colada in hand; the beaches are calling your name! When you think of beaches, you're probably thinking of the beaches in Cancun or the Caribbean. Much like Cancun and the Caribbean, you can find beaches in Austin, the Texas coast, and an oasis in West Texas! From the quiet expanses of Boca Chica to the rocky beaches near Austin, Texas, has a lot to offer! So check out our list of Texas beaches and plan your next vacation with family and friends!

Best Texas and Austin Beaches:

  • Balmorhea State Park
  • Boca Chica
  • Crystal Beach
  • Emma Long Park
  • Lake Pflugerville
  • Magnolia Beach
  • Mustang Island
  • North Beach
  • Padre Island…
Guide to Tailgating in Texas

In Austin, tailgating is not just a good time—it's a sport! 



So, get your best grillers, your endurance drinkers, and your favorite koozies ready! This tailgating season is going to be the best pre-game partying and post-game celebration, so much so that most Austinites lay low the night before game day to save up the necessary energy to be able to tailgate. It’s a weekend-long process: there’s preparatory, victory, and recovery. That is what it means to tailgate in Austin, Texas. You better go all out, or go home. No downtime, no air conditioning, and definitely no whining. Here’s what to expect on game days when UT plays at their home stadium.

Top 10 Tips to Prepare Yourself for Tailgating:

  • Parking
  • Prepare for the Weather
  • Prepare for the…
Support Local Austin Businesses

Now more than ever it is important to support and buy local! Local businesses are adapting to the current environment with expanded online shopping, curbside and delivery services. Help us support and love on our Austin-area communities by shopping this list of local favorites to help them stay afloat! Austin Food Brands Austin Slow Burn Austin Slow Burn is an award-winning national line of quesos, salsas, jams, pasta sauce, and jerk marinade. They focus on the flavor and quality of their products with the added bonus of a slow heat. Only quality ingredients are used, and all their recipes are made in small batches so that they guarantee freshness. Made in the heart of Austin since 1994! Beanitos Chips Beanitos Chips lives by the bean. It’s in their DNA;…
Texas State Parks Near Austin

Down in Central Texas, we have an extensive network of parks to explore the broad range of wildlife and enjoy the state’s natural beauty. Many of these parks are located less than 70 miles from Austin, making them great for a weekend camping trip or a day of! All of the state parks have unique qualities and histories, whether it’s stargazing parties on beautiful Enchanted Rock, winding hiking trails in the Lost Pines, visiting the home of former President Lyndon B. Johnson, or hiking around or swimming in one of the numerous lakes and rivers we boast here in Central Texas. Order a state park pass and discover all the natural and historical wonders Central Texas has to offer!



Texas State Parks 0 to 10 miles from Austin:

  • McKinney Falls State Park
Spring Activities for Kids

Say goodbye to winter and say hello to warmer weather, bright colors, and beautiful flowers blooming! From gardening to scavenger hunts, we’ve got you covered with both indoor and outdoor spring activities that will keep your kids busy, active, and learning!

Make a Garden

Avoid being stuck in the house all day and make a garden! This activity is perfect for kids of all ages as it teaches them responsibility, patience, and problem-solving, and encourages imaginative play and storytelling for those who are younger. Inspire kids to eat healthier as well by growing fruits and vegetables - “if they grow it, they will eat it.”

Paint Flower Pots

Now that you are starting to garden with your kids, why not paint some pots for their new plants? Not only are…

Shop Local in Austin For Holiday Gifts

Austin, TX - ‘Tis the season for giving and warm hearts! Now more than ever, local businesses need the support of the community to stay afloat during the holiday season. While many shops provide options for online purchases and shipping, other local businesses rely on in-store transactions. Here is a list of Austin-area businesses that have just what you need to provide the perfect gifts this holiday season while uplifting the Austin community.

Shop Local Austin Businesses

  • A Town
  • Altatudes
  • Amanda Deer Jewelry
  • Amberleaf
  • Articulture
  • Art For The People
  • Austin Art Garage
  • Aaustin Natural Soap
  • Chiva Pets Closet
  • Copeland Jewelers
  • Desk Plants
  • Elena's Organic Products
  • Eleve Cosmetics
  • Faraday's Kitchen Store
  • Game Over Videogames