Best March Madness Deals Today In Austin

March Madness has officially descended upon Austin, and with the Texas Longhorns hosting tournament rounds right here at the Moody Center, the energy in the 512 is electric! Whether you’re a die-hard fan bleeding burnt orange or just looking for an excuse to grab some cheap wings and cold brews, today is the ultimate day to soak up the atmosphere.

Expect a gorgeous, sunny day in Austin with a high of 87°F—perfect for patio hopping, though you’ll want to stay hydrated and perhaps wear a light hat if you’re catching the games outdoors.

This is a quick summary of the top deals today; for a complete list, check out our article March Madness Deals Austin 2026.

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We only recommend experiences we truly believe in! Curious about how we choose our content? Here’s our process.

Today’s March Madness event Highlights in Austin

The action kicks off at the Moody Center as it hosts the NCAA Women’s Rounds. If you have tickets, arrive at least an hour early to navigate the heavy UT campus traffic and explore the fan activations around the arena. For those watching from the sidelines, Bouldin Creek Cafe is the go-to for plant-based fans, offering $4 local drafts and vegan cauliflower “wings” during all Longhorn matchups.

If you’re looking for a rowdy downtown vibe, head to Little Woodrow’s (West 6th) or Shiner’s Saloon. Woodrow’s is featuring massive outdoor screens and “SXS Woodrow’s” drink specials, while Shiner’s is pouring $5 “Buzzer Beater” shots every time a game goes down to the wire. For a more family-friendly experience, Meanwhile Brewing Co. has outdoor screens and a playground for the kids, plus 4-pack to-go deals if you’d rather watch the late games from home.

Hungry fans can score major national deals today: Applebee’s is serving up $0.50 boneless wings for to-go orders, and Smashburger is offering BOGO burgers for rewards members. If your bracket is already in shambles, head to TGI Fridays where you can show your “busted” bracket for a free six-pack of wings.

What to Expect Today – Friday, March 20, 2026 in Austin

Expect significant traffic congestion around the University of Texas campus and the Moody Center throughout the afternoon and evening. Many downtown streets are still recovering from recent festival closures, so we strongly recommend using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to reach West 6th or Red River spots. If you must drive, look for parking garages north of 15th Street to avoid the heaviest pedestrian crowds near the arena.

There’s always a lot of fun and interesting events happening in Austin. Check out our always updated, curated list of Things to Do in Austin this Weekend.