Activities Archives - Page 23 of 27

Three Stories of Graffiti for HOPE on Castle Hill

February 11, 2014 by Jessica Pino 15 Comments

A graffiti artist at work on Castle Hill

Editor’s Note: The HOPE Outdoor Gallery closed on Jan. 2, 2019. A new location will open later in the year.

There are a few mainstays in Austin I like to take visitors to when they visit. My list includes the impressive Capitol Building, which is taller than the U.S. Capitol Building in D.C., Whole Foods headquarters, where you can get a $5 smoothie, Zilker Park to fly a kite, and anything on South Congress. But there’s one place that embodies the true spirit and weirdness of our city, and every resident and visitor must experience it: the graffiti wall at Castle Hill.

Tucked away on Baylor and 11th near Whole Foods, this is one of my favorite places in Austin because it has a great energy and amazing art. When I say graffiti wall, I don’t mean just one wall like the “i love you so much” graffiti at Jo’s Coffee Shop or the Austin Postcard at Roadhouse Relics. I’m talking about a three-story playground for artists. [Read more…]

Dart Bowl, Your Neighborhood Bowling Alley for 56 Years

February 4, 2014 by David Thomas Leave a Comment

You can see Dart Bowl’s sign on Grover St. across from McCallum High School

Nestled away in the nooks and crannies of our fair city are tidbits of iconic Austin culture. One of those tidbits is quietly tucked away on Grover St., across the street from McCallum High School in North Austin. Dart Bowl is more than a bowling alley. It’s an Austin icon.

Dart Bowl’s Long History of Community Involvement

In 1958, Jerry and Betty Ray opened Dart Bowl in a shopping center near Anderson and Burnet Rd. (now a Bassett furniture store). They happily remained there for the next 38 years until 1996, when they took over the old Capitol Bowl on Grover St.

Along the way, the Rays also opened Highland Lanes at Burnet Rd. and 183, and Westgate Lanes on William Cannon Dr.

To be in business for 56 years is no small feat. Part of that success has got to be chalked up to Dart Bowl’s involvement with [Read more…]

Miracoco by Architects of Air Has Returned to The Long Center

January 27, 2014 by David Thomas 2 Comments

Architects of Air Miracoco at The Long Center

It doesn’t take much for a vivid imagination to run wild inside Miracoco

When I first moved to Austin, back when Emo’s was on 6th St., there was this dude who would sit out on the sidewalk of 6th St. and spray paint these crazy designs on canvas. He’d then light the canvas on fire and the end result was a beautiful alien landscape. That guy is no longer around, but Austin hasn’t stopped being an inviting environment for creativity.

What Is Architects of Air?

Until February 2nd, The Long Center will be hosting an extremely unique and interactive art exhibit called Architects of Air: Miracoco Luminarium. Created by Alan Parkinson, luminarium are unique, one-of-a-kind sculptures made of custom designed inflatables. Yes, you read correctly. These are surreal, labyrinthine inflatable structures that take advantage of a plethora of design elements and natural lighting. [Read more…]

Austin Modern Home Tour 2014 Coming February 1st

January 22, 2014 by Edgar Barguiarena Leave a Comment

4902 Tortuga Pl., exterior by Paul Bardagjy (Photo credit: Austin Modern Home Tour)

As cities grow up and start to develop their own personalities and distinct characteristics, their citizens begin to get creative with the homes they choose to settle down in. Often times, homes reflect the charm that makes each city unique.

Enough of these homes get built and we start to get curious about how our neighbors are setting up their kitchen, or what’s up with that unique lawn landscape down the street? How did they get that garden on the roof? If you have asked yourself questions like these and are looking for answers, the 7th Annual Austin Modern Home Tour was made just for you. [Read more…]

Last Minute Things to Do on Christmas Eve in Austin

December 24, 2013 by Matthew Champion Leave a Comment

If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably be out scrambling for gifts today and won’t have time for many of the things on this list. But if your Christmas errands are complete and you find yourself and the extended family with some free time, you may want to have a look. Below are a few ways to make the most out of your Christmas Eve in Austin.

Hit the Bazaars

I put this one first for my fellow shopping procrastinators because I know they’ll be scanning with sparse free time.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Vintage Ware Booth at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar (Photo credit: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar)

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is open until 11 PM tonight and they have gift-wrapping on-site. Entrance is $7 for adults and kids are free. They offer a variety of unique gifts from local artists, plus live music from local artists (Jitterbug Vipers go on at 3:30 PM today and they are fantastic). And, of course, beer. [Read more…]

Everything You Need to Know About Decorating Holiday Trees on 360

December 16, 2013 by Cris Mueller 19 Comments

Twas the day after Thanksgiving and all through the city were cars full of laughter and bags of bows, so pretty. The Austin holiday elves wasted no time, loading trees full of decor pasted with glitter so fine!

Christmas, as most things, is bigger in Texas. Austinites have one, giant-sized holiday tradition that looks like a cheery cup of creativity poured all over the cedars that line 360 Loop, Capital of Texas Highway.

Capitol of Texas Highway Tree Decoration

Enjoying tree decoration with my mom

Each year beginning in November, the beautifully decorated trees along 360 become a sparkly focal point of holiday cheer, almost as if by magic.

While this decorating tradition continues to expand each year, there are a few unanswered questions that arise from the masses of people who are new to Austin each year. Keep in mind, this tradition stemmed from sheer holiday cheer, so there is no organized website, Facebook page or phone hotline you can call to get logistics. With that said, here are some answers to frequently asked questions. [Read more…]

What to Expect from Trail of Lights 2013

December 2, 2013 by Brittany Highland 5 Comments

Photo credit: Margaret Licarione and Licarione Photography

Trail of Lights is one of Austin’s most beloved holiday traditions. The event was cancelled from 2010-2011 due to city budget shortfalls, but the private sector rallied in response to the outcry from disheartened Austinites. Thanks to generous donations from major sponsors like H-E-B, KXAN, Austin-American Statesman and Seton, Trail of Lights returned last year with a flash of brilliance.

Admission continues to be free, allowing everyone access to a memorable night of Christmas cheer. The private sector is contributing somewhere in the $1.5 million range to produce Trail of Lights 2013.

If you’re a Trail of Lights veteran, there are some new features you can expect this year. If you’re planning your first visit ever, we have the information you need to get the most out of your experience. [Read more…]

Let’s Get Uncomfortable at The Institution Theater

November 27, 2013 by Matthew Champion 4 Comments

Photo credit: The Institution Theater

I was introduced to The Institution Theater in Austin swiftly and uncomfortably almost a year ago. My younger sister sent me a last-minute text asking if I wanted to go to a free improv class with her there.

I was in a rare “yes” mood, so I agreed to tag along (when I think of things I want to do, making up stories on the spot with complete strangers is usually near the bottom of my list). [Read more…]

Enjoy the Season During Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll

November 22, 2013 by Lizzy Newsome Leave a Comment

Downtown Austin gets decked out for the holidays

It’s that time of year again. Thanksgiving is swiftly followed by a quick succession of holiday traditions and errands. It can be an exhausting time of year, which makes focusing on the more relaxing seasonal rituals that much more important.

December 7, 2013 is a date to mark on your calendar right now. Bring your family and friends to downtown Austin to enjoy a full schedule of events during one of Austin’s newer holiday traditions: the Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll. [Read more…]

Adventurous Austinites Stay Fit at Austin Rock Gym

November 20, 2013 by David Thomas Leave a Comment

A climber at Austin Rock Gym looks up to where he lost his grip

Until recently, my experience in rock climbing was limited to a giant rock in Walnut Creek Park that my fiancé and I climbed for a picnic lunch.

It may be surprising, but Austin has quite a bit of outdoor rock climbing opportunities for adventurous types. Our glistening metropolis lies at the foot of the famous Texas Hill Country. A short trip to Lake Travis, Inks Lake or Lake Buchanan provides climbers with plenty of opportunities to practice their best Spider-Man impression.

But what is a newbie to do? The best option is to go to Austin Rock Gym.

Austin Rock Gym has two locations in north and south Austin. The north location is at 8300 N. Lamar Blvd. Suite B-102. My hardcore readers may [Read more…]

Dart Bowl’s Long History of Community Involvement

What Is Architects of Air?

Hit the Bazaars

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

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