The Austin Bucket List – How many have you done?

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It can be hard to keep up with all the things going on around town.  There are plenty of sites that aim to help you  figure out what is going on in Austin any night of the week (In fact, here is our list of them).  But that isn’t what this post is about.  These are the classic timeless things that you need to do before you can say you have ‘done Austin’.  The things that two people from Austin who meet somewhere else ask each other about and the things you should definitely do if you only have limited time in our fair city.

Consider this a Cliff Note’s version of Austin.

As always, please let me know in the comments if you think I should add anything.

Anytime things (Weather Permitting)

From the super-touristy to more local spots

Of course, you should spend at least one night going from bar to bar on 6th Street

Seasonal Things

These may require a bit more planning since they are only available at certain times of year

  • South by Southwest – March. This three part festival is almost overwhelming.  You’ll have to hang on and see how much free stuff you can get into.
  • Celebrate Eeyore’s Birthday Party – April
  • Root for the home team at a Round Rock Express minor league baseball game – Spring.  I think this is one of the highest ratios of fun/money spent activities in town.
  • A concert at Blues on the Green – Summer starting in June
  • Avoid the summer heat by renting a boat or wave runners and spending the afternoon on Lake Travis – Summer
  • See the Congress St Bridge Bats – Best during late summer/early fall.  No bats during the winter.  Wouldn’t be a bad idea to wear a hat.
  • Austin City Limits music festival – September. Practically an official holiday in Austin.
  • See a UT Football Game – Fall.  Even if you don’t go to the game, check out the tailgating. Its hard to imagine.
  • Christmas Lights on 37 1/2 St – December.
  • Christmas Tree at Zilker – December.  Get under and go spinning.  At least watch other people do it.

Food

What and where to eat before you leave

 

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8 thoughts on “The Austin Bucket List – How many have you done?

  1. Steve says:

    What about Highball or Dart Bowl?

    1. Chris L says:

      I don’t have anything against either of them, but I’m not sure they qualify as ‘Classic Austin’. Or at least based on what I know of them. I’ve been to both, but I guess I may not have realized what a big thing I was a part of at the time. Set me straight if I am wrong

  2. Chris A says:

    I’d lobby for the Parlor Northloop to be on this list, but seeing as it’s closed, how about getting the Ainsworth at Fricano’s Deli?

  3. Ken says:

    Don’t forget the LBJ Library & Museum at UT. It’s interesting history and a cool building. And it’s free!

  4. jonathan says:

    No Oasis? Even though it’s a tourist trap now… Still pretty awesome view…

    1. Chris L says:

      Yeah…the food is so bad though. I really hate being a part of sending people there. I try and recommend the Iguana Grill to people. Great view and real Mexican food

  5. sullivan says:

    the parlor was an austin staple 🙁 terrible pizza and mostly terrible bands, but charming in it’s own way.

  6. marina says:

    How ’bout swimming at Devil’s Cove on Lake Travis? Rafting up with a bunch of other boats and partying all afternoon!

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