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Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

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Classic Game Fest: More Than a Trip Down Memory Lane

July 20, 2021 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

A variety of classic game controllers at Classic Game Fest 2019 (credit: Bill Tucker)

When COVID-19 hit in March of 2020, it devoured events like a termite chews through wood. The rash of cancellations made sense given the seriousness of the pandemic, but it still stung thousands of organizers, venue owners, and attendees. Classic Game Fest, a yearly celebration of all things retro videogames, was one of the casualties.

Now with the pandemic slowed and restrictions lifted, Classic Game Fest is on with no limitations to the fun. Bigger than ever before in both size and scope, this love letter to the games of old offers something for everybody. Whether you’re an NES junkie or an Atari nerd, there’s something for everyone this year.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Activities, Events Tagged With: culture, events, video games

Austin Gilgronis Rugby Brings Intense Action to Bold Stadium

April 15, 2021 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

As a life long East Coaster turned Austinite, rugby’s been a mystery. Outside of catching a match at a British pub at 11:00 AM or the rare highlight on TV, this punishing yet fascinating sport has been lost on me. And I think if I took an informal poll, most locals would feel the same way.

If so, y’all are missing out! Last week, my wife and I had the chance to check out Austin Gilgronis (AG) Rugby’s home opener at Bold Stadium. We found a sport well suited for our Longhorn loving city. Hard nosed, aggressive, and exciting, the lads of AG Rugby are bringing good times and great play to Circuit of the Americas.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Activities, Discoveries, Entertainment

Splash Shack Indoor Water Park Provides Refreshing Spot for Families All Year

August 14, 2020 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Splash Shack Water Park Play Structure
Splash Shack in Cedar Park is an indoor oasis of watery fun

Whenever people talk about summer in Austin, water activities are always recommended. Dipping in Barton Springs, a trip to Hamilton Pool, floating the river. All fantastic ways to beat three straight months of 100-degree heat.

But what if you don’t even want to be outside? Regardless of your water activity of choice, the blazing sun can turn the coolest of pools into bath water, and fry skin to a crisp. And forget it if you have little ones. Spending any amount of time in broiling temperatures can be downright dangerous. What’s a parent to do?

Cedar Park’s micro indoor water park may be the perfect solution. Allow me to introduce you to Splash Shack, a family-focused waterscape and play area, designed with big and little kids in mind. All without reliance on greasy sunscreen or suffering through triple-digit temps.

And, more good news: Splash Shack is open year-round. So when the heat has passed and it’s actually a bit cool to swim outside, you can find swimming fun right here, every month of the year.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Activities, Discoveries Tagged With: cedar park, family friendly

Tips for Smart Outdoor Exercise in Austin During COVID-19

August 5, 2020 by Katrina Cervantes Leave a Comment

Safe Outdoor Exercise in Austin During COVID-19
Outdoor exercise isn’t prohibited in Austin, but we should all follow best practices for our safety and that of our neighbors (Credit: Kurt Larson)

The pulse of Austin may have slowed, but its spirit lives on in the resilience of its people. Ways to engage in culture have moved primarily to Internet spaces, from art-viewing to live-streaming music. While we are more connected online than ever before, occasional breaks from the screen to exercise are helpful for maintaining mental and physical health. (I know some exercise classes are held online and–in this case–I’ll count that as a break from screen time.)

Everyone is encouraged to stay home during Austin’s current mandate, and there are many exercises you can do indoors. However, our order does not prohibit outdoor exercise, and fresh air during a time of stress can do a body good.

Here are a few simple ways you can get moving through outdoor exercise, and places you can go to do it.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Activities, Discoveries Tagged With: fitness

Guide to Bat Season in Austin

July 20, 2020 by Kelli McDonald 22 Comments

Guide to Bat Season in Austin
Background photo: Peter17 via Wikimedia Commons

Though we see bat imagery all over Austin, many Austinites have yet to experience one of the most incredible sights that takes place along one of our busiest streets every year from March to November.

Underneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge lives the largest urban bat colony in North America. When they emerge in the evening during “bat season,” it’s like a cloud flying toward the east.

There are several locations where you can see the group of bats. The Austin-American Statesman park on the southeast side of the South Congress Bridge is free and open to the public. There is also standing room along the sidewalk of the bridge itself. Another way to see the bats and the city is to take a boat ride on Lady Bird Lake.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Activities, Discoveries

Living in Austin During COVID-19: Ways to Help, Things to Do

April 21, 2020 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

Organization Doing Good in Austin During COVID-19

Here in Austin, we’ve all been impacted by COVID-19 in different ways. Some of have lost all of our income, or enough that it keeps us up at night.

Some of us are agitated during the stay-at-home, lonely by ourselves or overwhelmed with having the family together all of the time.

Some of us are on the front lines, essential workers who allow the rest of us to receive medical care–or eat.

And some of us are sick. Some of us have lost our lives to this virus. And some of us are hurting in isolation as people we love suffer.

Here at The Austinot, our volunteer team has been impacted. A number of us have lost our jobs. Our advertising revenue, which keeps the lights on, has been impacted. No one is searching for “guide to east austin” right now. (We don’t blame you.)

There’s no way around it: this is a challenging, dark time, and part of coping is acknowledging that truth. But we don’t need to stay there.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Activities, Discoveries, Drink, Food, Food & Drink, Local Business

Everything Cancelled and Stuck Social Distancing? Enjoy Austin Culture Online

March 16, 2020 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

Blanton Museum of Art Atrium
The beautiful atrium at Blanton Museum of Art (Credit: Jessica Pino)

This month hurts. Austin is an active, social city and we are not used to being at home, where most public health experts say we need to be. But Austin’s light comes from within, from the many talented, creative, and innovative people–and they are here to quell your quarantine blues.

Whether you want local music, tech or business panels, exercise, education, art, or food, someone is out there somewhere in Austin, cranking out quality content for you. So make some popcorn and hot cocoa–or a stiff cocktail. Sit back, relax with loved ones, and make the most of a decidedly crappy situation.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Activities, Discoveries, Entertainment

11 Local Businesses at Belterra Village, Gateway To Dripping Springs

February 10, 2020 by Katrina Cervantes Leave a Comment

Belterra Village Near Dripping Springs, Texas
Belterra Village is home to many local shops and businesses (Credit: Belterra Village)

If Dripping Springs is the gateway to Texas Hill Country, then Belterra Village is the gateway to Dripping Springs. Located halfway between Austin and Dripping Springs on Highway 290, Belterra Village is a booming community that continues to grow.

It’s called a village for a reason. It’s a 93-acre mixed use development with residences and retail space. In other words, it’s one of the Austin area’s newest adult playgrounds. You can spend a whole day exploring, or stop for a bite on your way to Dripping Springs for a day trip.

In this list, I highlight some of the Austin-based businesses that have found a home at Belterra Village.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Activities, Discoveries, Drink, Food, Food & Drink, Local Business Tagged With: dripping springs

The Art of Shoes in Austin Teaches How to Create Your Own Shoes

January 21, 2020 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

Shoemaking Workshop Austin
The Art of Shoes offers a variety of shoemaking workshops

When I think of creating my own wardrobe, my first thought is about designing and sewing clothes: like a chic shirt, or a pretty and comfortable dress. But while it’s easy to find a sewing class, one doesn’t find shoemaking classes so easily.

Luckily, those of us in Austin don’t have to look far. The Art of Shoes, a local online retail store and shoemaking workshop, allows anyone to come into a class to create their very own shoes or sandals. Sign me up!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Activities, Discoveries, Local Business Tagged With: fashion

7 Popular Lady Bird Lake Activities to Experience This Year

January 14, 2020 by Susan Meyer 3 Comments

Lady Bird Lake Activities in Austin
Lady Bird Lake activities provides endless views (Credit: Kurt Larson)

On any of the more than 300 days of sunshine in Austin each year, there’s no better place to go than Lady Bird Lake. Whether hiking or biking the trails, doing stand-up paddle board yoga, or taking a river cruise, you’ll find no shortage of outdoor fun to be had in the heart of beautiful downtown Austin.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Activities, Discoveries Tagged With: downtown, lady bird lake, yoga

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Things to do

Things to do in Austin with kids this weekend | Snow Day

Top 10 things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of January 20, 2023 include Snow Day at Science Mill, Kid’s Makers Market, and more!

If there’s one thing about this city, it’s that there is always something going on. So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of January 20, 2023, there’s plenty of fun to be had, including Snow Day at Science Mill, Color, Music, Motion! A Lunar New Year Celebration, Kid’s Makers […]

Things to do in Austin this weekend | The Paper + Craft Pantry and Kathy Phantastic present Lunar New Year Festival and Vendor Market

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Austin’s New Year: Fireworks from Afar

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Are you ready to say goodbye to 2022? What better way to ring in the New Year than with fireworks at Austin’s biggest and official New Year party! This beloved, annual Austin event draws thousands of people including locals as well as visitors from neighboring towns in the Central Texas area. If you are googling […]

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Johnson City Christmas Lights Spectacular 2022 – A beloved Texas lighting event!

Come one, come all to celebrate the Johnson City Lights Spectacular 33rd Season! Johnson City is an area close to Fredericksburg, TX. Every Christmas holiday for the last 33 years, Johnson City transforms from a slow-paced, presidential hometown nestled on the banks of the Pedernales River, into a bright beacon of light — like a […]

Recent Posts

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