• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

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

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Things To Do This Week
    • Things To Do This Weekend With Kids
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

What to Do When It’s Raining in Austin, Texas

January 21, 2016 by Jessica Pino 14 Comments

https://media.blubrry.com/austinot/p/austinotstagi.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Austinot-Podcast-26-Rain.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

What to Do When It's Raining in Austin

Click Play on the podcast player above to listen to our Austinot Podcast, recorded in September 2012. In this episode, we cover local spots like Blazer Tag, Alamo Drafthouse and Texas Military Forces Museum. We’ve collected many more places to share since then, so read on for more ideas!

Let’s all agree that Alamo Drafthouse is any Austinite’s go-to rainy day activity. And if you’re like me, procrastination often keeps your from finding a seat when you want it most.

Fortunately, Austin is an amazing city filled with tons of stuff to do that doesn’t have to take place on an outdoor patio. So you can either stay inside and mope, or go out with friends and explore some of these amazing things to do when it’s raining in Austin.

Museums

Museums may seem like a boring answer to the rainy day question, but Austin is home to some of the coolest, most diverse museums in Texas! Many of them have rotating exhibits, allowing you to visit several times a year without seeing the same thing twice. University of Texas students have some of Austin’s top museums on campus, so they don’t have to travel far on rainy days. For the rest of us, here is my list of the top Austin museums.

LBJ Presidential Library and Museum

Lyndon Johnson Quote and Bust

Quotation by President Lyndon Baines Johnson at the LBJ Library and Museum. (Credit: Jessica Pino)

The LBJ Presidential Library recognizes our 36th president, Lyndon Baines Johnson, who came into his presidency after the assassination of President Kennedy. The library features phone conversations from the presidency, as well as exhibits filled with fascinating relics from the 1960s. This library and museum represent a dynamic time in U.S. history.

2313 Red River St. – Website

Harry Ransom Center

Also found on the UT campus, the Harry Ransom Center has it all. The archives preserve over 65,000 American, European and Asian works of art alone! The free museum hosts several ongoing exhibitions and live performances. This is one of those places that is great to visit with a group of friends who have diverse tastes in art, since there’s something for everyone.

300 W. 21st St. – Website

The Blanton Museum of Art

Blanton Museum of Art Atrium

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

Yet another University of Texas gem. The Blanton Museum’s blue atrium itself is a gorgeous art installation called “Stacked Waters.” The Blanton has a great mixture of art spanning ancient to modern times. Everything about this art museum is truly lovely. Visit on a Thursday for free admission.

200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. – Website

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Star marking the entrance to the Bullock Texas State History Museum (Credit: John Rogers via Flickr CC)

If you aren’t originally from Texas, then you likely never had an opportunity to learn about the entire history of Texas in elementary, middle and high school. The Bullock Texas State History Museum is the place to make up for lost time. It’s also home to an IMAX theater. Now you can remember the Alamo while watching it on the big screen.

1800 Congress Ave. – Website

Texas Military Forces Museum

Austin Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry

Free admission to Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry

People don’t often equate Austin and the military, but Camp Mabry is right in our backyard. Not only that, but it’s open to the public. Simply show your I.D. at the gate and get directions to an amazing museum full of military vehicle and items dating back to the 1800s. Best of all? It’s free!

2200 W. 35th St. – Website

The Thinkery

Thinkery Museum Light Wall

Giant light wall at The Thinkery (Credit: Emmanuelle Bourgue via Flickr CC)

I can’t forget about our readers with families! Although, if you have kids you probably already have this children’s museum in your back pocket. Still worth the mention to keep those kiddos active!

1830 Simond Ave. – Website

Comedy Clubs

What better way to drive out the rainy day gloom than with laughter? Austin’s comedy scene is on the rise, and we have some outstanding venues in town! Typically open evenings and weekends, you’ll be glad you left the house to check out one of these Austin comedy clubs.

Esther’s Follies

Esther's Follies Comedy Show

Stopping to watch a comedy show at Esther’s Follies (Credit: me and the sysop via Flickr CC)

Take “Saturday Night Live”-type sketches and mix with musicals and magic, and you have Esther’s Follies! This comedy club/magic show fantasy world has been around for 35 years and they don’t miss a beat. A guaranteed good time!

525 E. 6th St. – Website

Velveeta Room

The Velveeta Room Austin Comedy

Catch more Austin comedy at The Velveeta Room (Credit: Dyxie via Flickr CC)

You don’t have to walk far in the rain to continue with the barrels of laughs because Velvetta Room is right next door to Esther’s Follies.

521 E. 6th St. – Website

Cap City Comedy Club

Duncan Carson Cap City Comedy Club

Cap City Comedy Club (Credit: Voltaic Video)

For our North-enders, you don’t have to travel far on those slick roads to get your belly laughs. Cap City Comedy Club brings in some amazing national talent with local comics as openers. These people don’t joke around when it comes to comedy.

8120 Research Blvd. – Website

Get Physical

Just because it’s raining, doesn’t mean you can’t move your body. Here are some of my favorite and more playful rainy day activities.

Austin Bouldering Project

If you can’t climb at the Greenbelt, that doesn’t mean you should start climbing your walls at home. The Austin Bouldering Project is the newest outlet for getting out the urge to climb, and it provides a great activity to do with the kids.

979 Springdale Road #150 – Website

Pinballz Arcade

Pinballz Arcade Austin

Pinball machines come in a wide array of themes and styles at Pinballz Arcade (Credit: David Thomas)

Nostalgia is the perfect pair to a rainy day. Move those fingers at Pinballz Arcade with over 200 games to choose from.

8940 Research Blvd. – Website

Micro-Breweries

Probably the easiest thing to do when it’s raining in Austin is drink beer–responsibly, of course. Drowning your rainy day sorrows never tasted so good than at these indoor taprooms in Austin. Disclaimer: this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the best breweries in Austin.

NXNW

North by Northwest Austin

Pull up a seat at the bar at NXNW (Credit: Edgar Barguiarena)

Now with two locations, NXNW has much to offer from its full restaurant to live music. Grab your friends and explore the flavors.

10010 N. Capital of Texas Hwy – Website

Hops and Grain

Glass of Hops and Grain Beer

A glass of fantastic beer welcomes you at Hops and Grain (Credit: Hops and Grain)

Hops and Grain offers a fun, albeit loud, environment for friends to chill, play games and even listen to music. If you’ve never visited, be sure to take a tour of the brewery–they’re free!

507 Calles St. #101 – Website

Black Star Co-op

Black Star Co-op is an interesting hangout. This place is an obvious rainy day choice, especially if there are sports to be watched. Good beer, good food, good people.

7020 Easy Wind Drive – Website

And the best part about rainy days in Austin? Traffic is typically better because fewer people want to explore like you do!

 

@jpino9 wants to know:

What do you do when it’s raining in Austin?

Filed Under: Activities, Austinot Podcast, Discoveries, Podcasts

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
14 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Thomas Loppe
Thomas Loppe
10 years ago

Do what Seattleites do. Fly to Hawaii ….

0
Reply
Steve Scott
Steve Scott
9 years ago

Go see Improv. Austin has an amazing Improv community, with five separate theaters offering shows 7 nights a week. Parents can even take kids to see family friendly shows like What’s the Story Steve at ColdTowne, Saturdays at 10 AM or Flying Theater Machine at The Hideout, SUndays at 2 PM.

0
Reply
Brittany Highland
Brittany Highland
9 years ago
Reply to  Steve Scott

Good call, @disqus_c8U9PAlg3j:disqus! Thanks for all the details.

0
Reply
Jason
Jason
9 years ago

Drop by “Craft” on S. First to do some DIY crafting for fun.

0
Reply
Brittany Highland
Brittany Highland
9 years ago
Reply to  Jason

That sounds like a lot of fun! What kind of stuff have you made there @10af86f00568c0609c12533db241f2cd:disqus?

0
Reply
ianprikryl
ianprikryl
9 years ago

Lots of museums on the UT Campus.

0
Reply
Brittany Highland
Brittany Highland
9 years ago
Reply to  ianprikryl

@ianprikryl:disqus, is there a full list somewhere? I’m familiar with the Blanton and the Ransom Center…not sure I’ve been to any others.

0
Reply
Katy
Katy
9 years ago
Reply to  Brittany Highland

http://www.utexas.edu/know/2013/12/17/what-to-see-and-do-at-ut-during-the-holidays/

0
Reply
Brittany Highland
Brittany Highland
9 years ago
Reply to  Katy

Appreciate it. 🙂

0
Reply
bangoloff
bangoloff
5 years ago

Came across this while looking for weather information for my Masters program.

0
Reply
bangoloff
bangoloff
5 years ago
Reply to  bangoloff

Always love when I randomly see these pages Eric

0
Reply
EricHighland
EricHighland
5 years ago
Reply to  bangoloff

Hey, glad you found my blog Ryan! Best to you on your Masters program. ~ E

0
Reply
Gavin Hostetter Muenzberg
Gavin Hostetter Muenzberg
6 years ago

Thanks for the great article! saw on Yobored.com that its supposed to be rainy in Austin this weekend, Esther follies could be fun 🙂

0
Reply
Yobored_G2
Yobored_G2
6 years ago

For Some More Suggestions on What to do when its Raining in Austin check out http://blog.yobored.com/2016/08/16/what-to-do-when-it-rains-in-austin/
There’s lots of awesome ways to Join the Adventure!

0
Reply

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Things to do

Things to do in Austin this weekend with kids | KIds Night Out at Anderson Mill

Top 10 things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of January 13, 2023 include Kids Night Out, Comedy Match Live, 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 13, 2023, there’s plenty of fun to be had, including Kids Night Out – Movie Star Party, Comedy Match Live ComedySportz Austin, Second Saturdays are […]

Things to do in Austin this weekend | Crafting Workshop: Intro to Alcohol Inks

10 Fun things to do in Austin this weekend of January 13, 2023 include Crafting Workshop: Intro to Alcohol Inks, Warehouse District 10k, and More!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin this Weekend of January 13 which include Crafting Workshop: Intro to Alcohol Inks, Warehouse District 10k, Off Script!, and more! Whether you’re planning a date or having fun with friends, these events and things to do in Austin this weekend may be right for you. Deal Alert […]

Things to do in Austin this week | Jeff Dunham: Still Not Canceled Tour

10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of January 9, 2023 include Jeff Dunham: Still Not Canceled Tour, The Workout Comedy Show, and more!

Austin’s New Year: Fireworks from Afar

Austin New Years Eve 2023 fireworks guide – NYE party start time, entertainment line up, parking tips & more!

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 […]

Johnson City Christmas Lights Spectacular 2022 - What to expect at this lighting event in Texas

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

  • MLK Austin Texas – Your Guide to Martin Luther King Weekend 2023 Activities, Events, and Celebrations!
  • Top 10 things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of January 13, 2023 include Kids Night Out, Comedy Match Live, and more!
  • 10 Fun things to do in Austin this weekend of January 13, 2023 include Crafting Workshop: Intro to Alcohol Inks, Warehouse District 10k, and More!
  • 10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of January 9, 2023 include Jeff Dunham: Still Not Canceled Tour, The Workout Comedy Show, and more!
  • Free Fitness Classes Austin – Yoga, HIIT, Cycling and more!

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Trending Posts

  • 10 Fun things to do in Austin this weekend of January 13, 2023 include Crafting Workshop: Intro to Alcohol Inks, Warehouse District 10k, and More!
  • MLK Austin Texas – Your Guide to Martin Luther King Weekend 2023 Activities, Events, and Celebrations!
  • Austin’s Speakeasy Secrets (Shhh): Floppy Disk Repair Co.
  • 8 Austin Jewelry Designers to Consider as You Shop Local
  • Top 10 things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of January 13, 2023 include Kids Night Out, Comedy Match Live, and more!

Copyright © 2023 · Log in

wpDiscuz