Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!
Canopy, an eastside art center, houses several studios, including Keith Kreeger’s. (Credit: Big Medium)
Sprouting signs for East Austin Studio Tour (EAST) are a sure sign that fall is here. The 14th annual EAST neighborhood event has artists of all mediums throughout east Austin sprucing up studios and putting finishing touches on art pieces for another wonderful community celebration of creativity. [Read more…]
Frank, a 6-month-old tabby, lounges in a re-purposed drum at Blue Cat Cafe
Editor’s Note: Blue Cat Cafe closed on Feb. 5, 2019.
When I heard about the first cat cafe opening in Austin, I thought of all the blog posts I’d read about businesses in Japan where people could sit and relax with resident cafe cats. The accompanying pictures depicted cozy utopias for cat lovers, and I couldn’t wait to join in. With my next thought, worry crept into my mind. Cats are notoriously particular and many don’t want anything to do with other cats. Would our Austin business be run by people who would keep that idea, along with the importance of cleanliness, in mind? And what about litter boxes?! [Read more…]
From heart-wrenching dramas to quirky comedy, there’s something for everybody at Austin Film Festival 2015. Known in movie circles as the “Writers Festival,” this year’s festival will feature more than 100 films over the course of eight days.
To help you navigate the jam-packed schedule, keep reading for one film pick each day during your week of cinematic magic. I’m even giving back-up options–just in case. [Read more…]
Service dog in training, Piper, relaxes in the shade
Guest article by Angela Bowers
There’s a reason we say a dog is man’s best friend. Austin Dog Alliance, a non-profit based in Cedar Park, trains and coordinates therapy teams consisting of a dog and its owner. These volunteer teams work with special needs patients, as well as nursing homes and elementary schools. Oh, and did I mention some of these services are free?
Credit: Matthew Peoples via Flickr CC
Navigating beer festivals can be daunting. With dozens of brewers slinging styles from every corner of the beer world, it’s easy to get lost. Austin Beer Week, a nine-day celebration of all things local and boozy, is no exception.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert to have fun during this event. Whether you’re new to Austin’s beer scene or a certified cicerone, there’s plenty to do and see during local beer’s biggest week. [Read more…]
If you’ve never been to Germany or experienced the passionate way Germans celebrate their beer, Banger’s invites you to discover this year’s holy matrimony of sausage and suds as they pack weeks’ worth of sounds, sights and sumptuous flavors into four glorious days.
Thursday, Oct. 15, to Sunday, Oct. 18, Banger’s will host what may be the most epic Oktoberfest celebration you can find in Austin. [Read more…]
Book signings typically follow author discussions. More details here. (Credit: Texas Book Festival)
On Oct. 17 and 18, Texas Book Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary of offering a large, free event to celebrate authors and readers. Guests can visit the rooms of the Capitol Building, Paramount Theatre, and tents on South Congress and the Capitol grounds to hear authors discuss their books.
With a book tent to purchase new reads, book signings, panels, live music, food vendors, a children’s tent and even a cooking tent, there’s something appealing for [Read more…]
Thousands of women will be in Austin on Thursday, Oct. 15, for the 2015 Texas Conference for Women. For more than 16 years, this one-day gathering has provided a platform for women from all walks of life to network, find inspiration and hone professional skills.
Hundreds of speakers are scheduled, including nationally-known figures such as actress Patricia Arquette, television anchor Robin Roberts, community advocate Connie Chang and businessman Bert Jacobs. There’s an incredible array of local talent (see the list at the end of this article). The day is full of roundtable discussions, breakout sessions, book signings, exhibitions and even musical performances.
With so much going on, the day might seem overwhelming. The most challenging aspect may be deciding where to spend your time. Here’s just one of the successful local women lending her voice and experience to creating a memorable day at the 2015 Texas Conference for Women. [Read more…]
The Samsung stage features so many quality artists that folks pick a spot to camp out there all day
(Credit: John Cabuena)
Weekend One of the 14th Austin City Limits Music Festival wrapped up Sunday evening after three days of near-perfect weather. The 75,000 attendees at Austin’s annual Autumn bash were serenaded by national acts like the Foo Fighters and Drake, and nostalgia rock from Billy Idol, not to mention a growing number of local Austin bands that are starting to make a name for themselves on a national scale.
Join us as we take a quick look back at Weekend One and get you ready for Weekend Two. We’re sharing the best food to eat on site, local acts you don’t want to miss, and even ways to catch ACL musicians on the cheap outside the festival. Don’t forget to check out our list of 16 ACL pro tips that we published last week. [Read more…]
Austin is the fourth fastest growing city in the U.S. and second fastest growing in the south. As any Austinite will tell you, things have definitely changed since the days when you could rent an apartment for $600 a month, and that wasn’t even 10 years ago. Now the average rent is up to $1,455!
Besides the skyrocketing housing prices, it’s not all bad. Austin has always been more culturally open-minded and, as a result, we have a growing variety of restaurants, bars and entertainment options. In spite of its growth, Austin has held to its traditions and newcomers are happy to participate.
I’ve compiled an Austin neighborhood guide for life in the city today, including insight on rent and home prices, entertainment and atmosphere to help you navigate rising costs and changing neighborhoods. [Read more…]