Written by Elain Yao.
Looking for things to do this summer in Austin, Texas? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 activities to keep you entertained during the sunny season. From swimming holes, to favorite drinking spots, to great film spots, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Get ready to experience the best of Austin this summer – here are 10 must-do activities to add to your Austin summer bucket list.
10. Discover Austin’s Vibrant Film Scene
Image Courtesy of Paramount Theatre on Facebook
Discover Austin’s vibrant film scene at The Paramount Theatre or Austin Film Society. Movie-buffs and letterbox fanatics can enjoy new movie screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and classic film series in the summer and throughout the year.
Paramount Theatre’s annual Summer Classic Film Series screened over 85 films last summer, like Goodfellas, Bonnie and Clyde, My Cousin Vinny, and more! Film rosters are released at the top of every month, beginning in May. Don’t miss out on the ultimate summer film experience in Austin.
9. Talk All things Television
Image courtesy of Fangirlish
Get sneak peeks of new TV shows, attend Q&A sessions with your favorite actors and writers, and participate in interactive events that showcase the latest trends in TV at the Austin Television Festival. The agenda includes the premiere of season three of the HBO comedy show, The Righteous Gemstones, an appearance by Seth Meyers, and a conversation with the showrunner and cast of Grown-ish.
With more series and panelists to be revealed within the coming months, be sure to mark June 1st – 4th on your summer schedule. Visit the ATX TV Festival website for more information on badges and tickets.
8. Hang out at Tweedy’s Bar
Image courtesy of Austin American-Statesman
Newly opened on North University, Tweedy’s Bar has replaced the old campus staple, Spider House Café. The new spot has taken its name from a former employee of Spider House and has chosen to honor the original design and ambiance of the previous bar. In addition to drinks, customers can purchase baked goods from Zucchini Kill and sandwiches and burgers from Golden Tiger. Open daily from 12 PM – 2 AM, visit Tweedy’s Bar for cozy summer evenings.
7. Grab Goodies at the Mueller Texas Farmers’ Market
Image courtesy of Texas Farmers’ Market
Featuring over 120 vendors with agricultural producers within a 150-mile radius, the Mueller Texas Farmers’ Market has been hailed as Austin Chronicle‘s Best of Austin Farmers’ Market for 9 years in a row. Open every Sunday between 10 AM – 2 PM, whether it is sunny or rainy, you can incorporate the farmers market into your summer routine.
Visit the Texas Farmers’ Market website or Instagram for more information regarding upcoming events, in-season produce, and additional locations.
6. Take a stroll at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Photo Courtesy of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
With over 900 native Texas plant species, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is the perfect peaceful outdoor activity. Located in South Austin, the center is open daily from 9 AM – 5 PM, with free admission for all UT students, faculty, and staff (with ID). During your visit, be sure to stop by the Wildflower Café, Observation Tower, and Wetland Pond.
Visit the center’s website for more information regarding hours, events, and itineraries.
5. Shop at The Domain
Image courtesy of Visit Austin
In the mood for shopping? Spend the day at The Domain in North Austin, an outdoor shopping mall with over 100 restaurants, bars, retail, and luxury stores to choose from. In the mood for food and an immersive mini-golf course? Check out The Dirdie Birdie.
Open 10 AM – 8 PM Monday through Thursday, 10 AM – 9 PM. Friday and Saturday, and 12 PM – 6 PM. on Sunday, make The Domain a repeated destination this summer.
4. Explore South Congress
Image courtesy of A Taste of Koko
Featuring both local vendors and mainstream stores, South Congress is the perfect blend of Austin’s local culture and city life. With stores scattered along either side of SoCo, the walkable destination features Reformation, Lululemon, and Madewell, alongside local favorites SoCo Makers Market with Vintage, Maya Star, and Allens Boots. The street also includes popular coffee shops and restaurants, including Home Slice Pizza, Amy’s Ice Creams, and Bennu Coffee. Skim over A Taste of Koko’s comprehensive guide on SoCo for more information.
3. Wander into one of Downtown Austin’s Speakeasies
Image courtesy of Thrillist
Austin’s best not-so-kept secret is the hidden bars and speakeasies! Located in unconventional spaces like a parking garage, firehouse, and behind what looks like a run-down floppy disk repair company, Austin speakeasies are perfect for those who want to explore the low-key city bar scene.
Pictured above is Garage, a speakeasy available by reservation only via Resy. Additionally, hidden behind a bookshelf, Firehouse Lounge is open on a first-come, first-served seating. Read more about how you can gain access to Austin’s many speakeasies on Thrillist.
2. Sit back and Relax at the Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in Rooftop
Image courtesy of CultureMap Austin
Boasting a 360-degree rooftop view of Downtown Austin, the Blue Starlite Mini Urban-Drive-in has been “keeping Austin funky and making memories under the stars” since 2009. Blue Starlite provides viewers with a multi-screen experience in both its Mueller and Downtown locations, making the drive-in a great evening venture with friends or a special someone. Catch a public screening Friday through Sunday, or schedule a private event on any day of the week.
Visit Blue Starlite’s website for more information on movie rosters, private rentals, and more.
1. Cool Off in One of Austin’s Swimming Holes
Image courtesy of AFAR
From the famous Barton Springs Pool to Blue Hole, Austin has its fair share of swimming holes and paddleboarding spots within the city and on its outskirts. Open 5 – 8 AM (Swim at Your Own Risk) and 8 AM – 10 PM (Guarded Swim) Monday through Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, Barton Springs Pool in Downtown Austin is convenient for those looking for a small commute.
If you don’t mind the additional travel time, visit Blue Hole Regional Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt, Jacob’s Well Natural Area, Krause Springs, and Hamilton Pool Reserve for the complete, all-natural experience. Be sure to check each swimming hole’s website for updated information on hours, events, fees, and more before scheduling your visit.
Want to explore more of Austin? Check out Visit Austin’s June and July 2023 Calendar or Do512’s “How to Do Summer in Austin” for more events and places to visit this summer.
Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.
