Discover Austin.
Live pulse, upcoming shows, and hand-curated local spots across Austin. Choose what you want to do or plan a bespoke day.
What are you looking for?
Happening Today
Live music, markets & day pop-ups
Tonight's Guide
Evening shows, comedy & dinner vibes
This Weekend
Festivals, popups & outdoor escapes
Sunday Chill
Patios, markets & relaxed strolls
Date Night Ideas
Cozy spots, intimate drinks & views
Rainy Day & Indoor
Museums, arcades & cozy cafes
Free & $0 Sights
Parks, overlooks & free days
Under $20 & Budget
Budget eats & cheap local fun
Family & Kids
Parks, interactive science & fun
Live Music & Gigs
Concerts, jazz halls & indie shows
Comedy & Improv
Standup cellars & laughter clubs
After 10 PM
Speakeasies & late-night diners
Upcoming Events & Shows in Austin
Esther's Follies Live Vaudeville & Satirical Comedy
Austin's beloved theatrical institution on Sixth Street serving up fast-paced political satire, magic illusions, musical parodies, and sketches interacting with pedestrians outside the storefront window.
35x35x35 Exhibition Guided Tour at UMLAUF
A docent-guided walking tour celebrating 35 years of the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum, exploring modernist bronze sculptures nestled among peaceful native Texas flora and streams.
Paramount Summer Classic Film Series
The Paramount Theatre's beloved annual summer tradition presenting restored classic motion pictures, complete with vintage newsreels, 35mm projection, and an air-conditioned historic auditorium.
anees Live in Concert at Mohawk Austin
Genre-blending indie hip-hop and R&B artist anees performs an intimate, vibrant outdoor set under the stars at Mohawk on the Red River Cultural District strip.
Buddy Guy 90th Birthday Celebration with Ally Venable
Legendary blues icon Buddy Guy takes the stage at the historic Moody Theater for a high-energy evening celebrating nine decades of blues mastery, supported by Texas blues guitarist Ally Venable.
SFC Farmers' Market Downtown at Republic Square
A historic Saturday open-air market in downtown Austin offering farm-fresh seasonal produce, pastured meats, fresh pastries, chef tastings, and community gathering under the heritage oaks.
Indo Warehouse Live at The Concourse Project
Indo Warehouse brings its experiential South Asian house and techno collective with pulsating rhythms, immersive lighting, and high-energy electronic soundscapes to Austin's premier dance venue.
Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller
Voted Austin's favorite farmers' market, featuring over 100 Central Texas growers, artisanal food artisans, live local music, and food trucks at the Branch Park Pavilion.
Iconic Local Gems in Austin
Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk & Hike-and-Bike Trail
★ 4.8Scenic waterfront boardwalk and 10-mile trail offering skyline views
Looping along the shores of Lady Bird Lake, the Ann and Roy Butler Trail features a continuous boardwalk suspended over the water with multiple scenic overlooks, shaded rest stops, and panoramic reflections of downtown high-rises.
South Congress Avenue (SoCo)
★ 4.7Austin's quintessential vibrant strip for boutique shopping, eateries, and live music
South Congress Avenue captures Austin's eclectic culture with iconic vintage neon signs, historic music venues like The Continental Club, local boot shops, lively open-air patio cafes, and direct views of the Texas Capitol.
Texas State Capitol
★ 4.7Majestic sunset-red granite statehouse surrounded by landscaped historic grounds
Completed in 1888, the Italian Renaissance Revival Capitol stands 308 feet tall at the crown of Congress Avenue. Visitors can tour the monumental rotunda, legislative chambers, and 22 acres of tree-lined grounds adorned with historic monuments.
Barton Springs Pool
★ 4.6Austin's iconic spring-fed natural pool in the heart of Zilker Park
Fed by underground natural springs that maintain a refreshing 68-70°F year-round, Barton Springs Pool spans three acres of crystal-clear water surrounded by grassy limestone hillsides and towering pecan trees.
Mount Bonnell
★ 4.6Historic high point with panoramic vistas over Lake Austin and the 360 Bridge
Rising 775 feet above sea level in Covert Park, Mount Bonnell offers a short 102-step limestone climb that rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views of the Colorado River, the Hill Country, and the Austin skyline.
Zilker Botanical Garden
★ 4.6A 31-acre tranquil garden oasis featuring koi ponds, trails, and themed groves
Known as the jewel in the heart of Austin, Zilker Botanical Garden features the Taniguchi Japanese Garden with cascading waterfalls and koi ponds, a prehistoric garden with dinosaur tracks, rose gardens, and views of downtown Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Austin
What are the top things to do in Austin?
Austin offers a vibrant mix of live concerts, stand-up comedy shows, historic sights, culinary food halls, and scenic parks. Check our live guides for real-time recommendations.
How do I find free things to do in Austin?
Browse our free guide to discover $0 admission public parks, free museum days, outdoor markets, and community events across Austin.
Can I generate a custom itinerary for Austin?
Yes! Use whattodowheretogo's AI Trip Planner to create a personalized, time-optimized schedule matching your budget, group size, and interests in seconds.