The summer season is in full gear and with it we hope you and your family have had a chance to relax. However, summer vacations are all about taking advantage of the kids being away from school for a few weeks and enjoying the warm summer weather. Before school starts up again make your way to Austin for one last back-to-school vacation getaway. Austin has all you could want with exciting events and summer activities to keep you busy. Take a look at what your back-to-school vacation to Austin can look like this year:
Catch the Local Festivals and Music Series
For the unaware Austin is known as one of the music capitols of the world. The city is home to countless music venues and hosts a variety of music festivals and concerts each year. The big stages also host various theater, stand-up, and other performances too. Enjoying these live performances is a must whenever you come to Austin for the end of summer fun.
One of the biggest live performances that is put on in the city is the Fourth of July Fireworks and Symphony. This free event is an annual concert provided by the Austin Symphony on Auditorium Shores. After the patriotic music has ended the event will culminate in a dazzling display of fireworks in the night sky. This event is absolutely free and a must-see if you are in town around the event!
If your end-of-summer stay takes place later in July and into August, you can catch the Zilker Music Series. This is another free event in the city that is put on by Zilker Hillside Theater. The musical series is a weekly series of stage performances that change each summer. This year’s engagement is Legally Blonde the Musical and is sure to be a hit for the whole family. You can catch the Zilker Music Series every Thursday through Sunday starting July 12th and runes until August 17th. Live performances are a must whenever you visit Austin!
Go See the Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Another staple for Austin locals and visitors is seeing the millions of bats that call the underside of Congress Avenue Bridge home. You read that right, there is a huge colony of bats right here in the city and migrate to Downtown Austin each spring. Austin typically sees around 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats claim the bridge as home but don’t worry as they are only here to catch bugs for food! Each evening the bats will take flight into the night sky for a truly stunning experience. Congress Avenue Bridge has several viewing areas for you to check out including Statesman Observation Center. You will want to get to the bridge early as it will fill up well in advance before sunset hits. We recommend checking out the bats from the water of Lady Bird Lake right below the bridge. You can catch a cruise with Lone Star Riverboat tours that will provide the closest viewing you can get. If you prefer to head out onto the water on your own, you can always rent a kayak or canoe and paddle up to the bridge as well. If you prefer to stick to land, head on over to Butler Hike & Bike Trail where you will find great viewing spots of the bridge too; just make sure to stay out of the bike trail to avoid any collisions! You will feel like a local when you get to experience the infamous bats take flight at dusk!
Check Out Local Eats
You cannot go to Texas without stopping by a local BBQ joint and the same can be said for Austin. You will find several different BBQ companies here in town ready to provide you with a hot and tasty meal. Stubb’s Bar-B-Q has authentic Texas BBQ in a homely setting. Make sure to get there on the weekend when they offer live music to entertain you with. Additional local favorites also include Terry Black’s Barbecue, Stiles Switch BBQ, and Rollin Smoke BBQ. After you have had your share of smoked meats go cool off with a little ice cream. Stop by Merry Monarch Creamery for their eggless ice cream that utilizes creative flavors such as Oreo miso and ricotta vanilla. You can enjoy your ice cream at their location or take your ice cream to go. There has never been a better way to cool off here in Austin!
Get Ready for Your Next Vacation to Austin
Take advantage of the last bit of summer and make your way to Austin today. Our vacation rentals are ready to host you and your family for one final trip before everyone heads back to school.
