Things to Do this Spring in Austin, Texas

Posted on February 21, 2025 by Alyse Nicole

Things to Do this Spring in Austin, Texas

As spring approaches, Austin, Texas, is gearing up for an exhilarating lineup of events that promise to captivate both locals and visitors alike. From thrilling sports competitions to vibrant music festivals, there’s something for everyone in the Live Music Capital of the World. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect this season!

Sports Fanatics Rejoice!

Basketball enthusiasts will want to mark their calendars for the I-35 Series: San Antonio Spurs games at the Moody Center. Catch the Spurs as they take on the Phoenix Suns on February 20 and the Detroit Pistons on February 21. This is an excellent opportunity to witness high-stakes NBA action right in the heart of Austin.

Tennis lovers can look forward to the ATX Open, running February 22 to March 2 at Westwood Country Club. This prestigious event is part of the Hologic Women’s Tennis Association Tour, featuring top-tier athletes and attracting a global audience. Don’t miss your chance to see world-class tennis in action!

NASCAR and MotoGP: Thrills on the Track

Race fans will be thrilled as NASCAR at COTA returns to Austin from February 28 to March 2. Experience the adrenaline of the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and IMSA-sanctioned VP Racing SportsCar Challenge at the Circuit of The Americas.

Later in the spring, the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix revs up March 28-30, showcasing the fastest motorcycle racing action in North America. This is a must-see event for motorsport aficionados!

Music Festivals Galore

Austin’s vibrant music scene will shine brightly this spring with several exciting festivals. The Sips and Sounds Music Festival, happening on March 7-8, will feature an impressive lineup of artists, including Halsey and Khalid, at Auditorium Shores.

The renowned SXSW® Music, Film and Interactive Conference and Festival returns from March 7-15, offering a unique blend of creativity and collaboration across multiple disciplines. This nine-day event is a hub for industry professionals and creatives from around the world.

Don’t miss the Austin Blues Festival on April 26-27, celebrating its 50th anniversary with an incredible lineup of blues talent, including Mavis Staples, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jackie Venson, and more! This event promises to deliver soulful performances that pay homage to the rich history of blues music.

Family-Friendly Fun

One of my favorites, the ABC Kite Fest, taking place on April 5, is the nation’s oldest kite festival, featuring a colorful display of kites soaring across the Austin sky. This free event is perfect for families looking to enjoy a day outdoors.

Another highlight is the Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival on May 3-4, which transforms Sixth Street into a lively arts fair with musicians, food vendors, and artists showcasing their talents.

Culinary and Comedy Delights

Food lovers will delight in the Hot Luck Festival, scheduled for May 22-25. This unique event combines culinary creativity with live music, offering a picnic-style experience that celebrates the best of Austin’s food scene.

For those in search of laughs, the Moontower Comedy Fest, April 9-19, features an array of comedic talent, from big-name stars to local favorites, ensuring plenty of entertainment throughout the festival.

Celebrate Television at ATX Television Festival

Finally, the ATX Television Festival, taking place May 29 – June 1, is a celebration of the small screen, featuring premieres, panels, and Q&A sessions with industry professionals. This festival is perfect for TV enthusiasts eager to explore the past and future of television.

With such a diverse array of events, spring in Austin is shaping up to be an unforgettable season. Whether you’re a sports fan, music lover, foodie, or just looking for family-friendly activities, Austin has it all. For the latest updates and a complete list of events, head to Visit Austin. Don’t miss out on the excitement—plan your trip to Austin today!

How to Prepare for the ACL Festival

Posted on September 28, 2022October 5, 2023 by Alyse Nicole

How to Prepare for ACL Festival

It’s festival season! So here’s some last minute tips on how to prepare for ACL to help out this year’s attendees. Keep reading for all the things I wish I knew before going.

What to Wear

Of course everyone wants to dress their best, but do yourself a favor and wear comfy cute clothes, like a tank top and shorts. Whatever you do, DON’T WEAR HEELS! I saw it with my own eyes, people not realizing how much walking was involved or that you’re literally out there for an entire day. Save yourself and your feet by just saying no. You may get away with some brands of cowboy boots, but think more like cute sneakers or even something you don’t mind getting dirty.

Consider bringing a towel or bandana because you’re 100% going to sweat, and you’ll need something to wipe it off. You can even wear the bandana as a headband to catch sweat going into your face while still looking kind of cute.

Prepare for the Weather

Though ACL Fest is in October, it’s still going to be hot because Texas. Plus, there’s literally thousands of people around you putting off massive body heat. So dress light, drink lots of water, and since you’ll be outside for a full day, apply and reapply sunscreen.

There will be stations for you to refill your water bottle. So bring one or purchase one there. Also, not weather related, but don’t try to sneak in alcohol. They will find it!

Download the App

The ACL Fest app is very convenient and helps make sure you don’t miss anyone you wanted to see. It shows you who’s performing when on what stage, and you can mark the shows you’re interested in so you don’t forget. It also shows where everything is located, like the water stations, the VIP or GA+ sections, special pop-ups, etc. It’s nice to have, and you can just delete it right after til next year.

Free $5 from American Express

If you have an American Express card, you can link it to your wristband and receive a $5 credit to use for food, drinks, merch, whatever! You’ll also be able to use your wristband to make all your purchases while you’re there. So, there’s no need to bring cash or your card to accidentally lose in the sea of people around you.

What to Bring

Bring a small backpack or drawstring bag with you to hold water, a towel or bandana, a portable charger, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, deodorant, etc. Yes, you read that correctly. BRING DEODORANT! Again, it’s going to be hot. You’ll more than likely sweat off your deodorant, even your antiperspirant. So, bring it with you to reapply as needed.

You may be able to get free canned or bottled water at some booths. Get it, and put it in your bag for later. Be sure to drink plenty of water while you’re there.

Plan for Next Year

Regardless of what wristband level you had this year, I strongly suggest getting the GA+ wristbands. They don’t cost much more than the GA wristbands, and you get access to a shaded sitting area with a huge screen to watch shows while you cool down. In this area, there’s also private air conditioned restrooms, food vendors, and a bar. Oh, and did I mention all the free water you can drink??

I know VIP has more bells and whistles, but if you want to fully experience the actual festival, GA+ is all you need. Just pop into the private section for a bit to rest and recharge. Then, get back out there to enjoy the shows!

These are just a few tips I wanted to share to make sure you had the best experience possible at this year’s ACL Festival. Also, remember. If you’re feeling under the weather, please stay home. Yours and everyone else’s health and safety are more important than a wasted wristband or missing some music acts. Stay safe and smart, and hopefully I’ll meet you by the flags at ACL Festival 2023!