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Fun and Facts for Austin, Texas

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Know Before You Go

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  1. At a Glance

    Austin is a city that prides itself on music. The self-proclaimed Live Music Capital of the World lives up to its name, with myriad unlikely establishments -- grocery stores, City Hall -- opening live-music venues on their properties. Thanks to a large German immigration in the 19th century, there's a Southwest-meets-Deutschland vibe here, most keenly illustrated at the local barbecue, where the staples are brisket, ribs, and sausage.

  2. When to Go

    Austin doesn't have dramatically marked seasons. Spring, however, is particularly pleasant, and pretty when the wildflowers are in bloom. It's also the busiest tourist season, with September and October coming in a close second. Football being a religion here, you'll find crowds when the local arena or college team is playing at home.

  3. Weather

    Moderate temperatures average annually in the mid 60s, with the warmest weather -- many 90-plus or even 100-plus days -- in July, and the wettest usually in March. Spring temperatures in the 70s begin to creep up into the 80s by April, remaining balmy until the middle of fall, when winter temperatures drop back into the 50s and 60s. Get more weather info.

  4. Getting There

    The area is served primarily by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Many travelers fly into neighboring San Antonio (SAT) and drive the 90 miles to the state capital.

  5. Getting Around

    The car remains the most convenient way to get around, however public transportation is provided by Capital Metro. Downtown, the free trolleys, called 'Dillos (short for Armadillos), have scheduled stops between the University of Texas and the city's major landmarks. Weekends, Tour of The Town buses touch on some of the attractions the 'Dillos miss.

  6. Festivals & Events

    While music festivals like South by Southwest in the spring and September's Austin City Limits bring throngs of adults to America's favorite college town, there are plenty of family-friendly events throughout the year.

    • Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo (Feb.)
    • Kite Festival (Mar.)
    • O. Henry Pun-Off (May)
    • Museums Day (Sept.)
    • Longhorn football season opener (Sept.)
    • Murder, Mayhem and Misadventure Tour (Oct.)
    • Wurstfest (Oct.-Nov.)
    • Texas Book Festival (Nov.)
    • Trail of Lights (Dec.)

  7. Helpful Info

    The Austin Convention and Vistors Bureau has tons of information on events and activities while the city government's website lists neighborhood guides and parks and recreations information.

  8. Fun Facts

    • The armadillo is the state's official small mammal of Texas. The hard-shelled critters are about as common in Austin backyards as raccoons -- and just about as welcome.
    • The state's official large mammal is the longhorn bull, which is also the University of Texas' mascot.
    • Texas gets its nickname "The Lone Star State" from the design of its flag -- it only has one five-pointed star. Each point represents a letter in the state's name.

Pre-Trip Fun

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    Watch

    "Spy Kids 3-D" -- Local director Robert Rodriguez gave the Texas Capitol has a starring role in the grand finale of the kid franchise flick. (School Age to Pre-Teens)

    "Friday Night Lights" -- The fan-favorite TV show offers a chance to peak at the Austin backdrop while watching all the drama that comes with high school football and dating (Pre-Teens and Up)

    "Miss Congeniality" -- Sandra Bullock, who has a house and a restaurant in Austin, filmed several scenes of this girl-power flick in Austin, including shots at the Omni Austin Hotel and UT's Bass Concert Hall. (School Age and Up)

    "The Rookie" -- Based on a true story, Dennis Quaid's second-chance baseball film will warm even the most sarcastic teen-age heart. (Pre-Teens and Up)

    "How to Eat Fried Worms" -- Hopefully your kids won't pick up any of the eating habits discussed in this timeless classic filmed in Austin. (School Age)

    "A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughn" -- Music-loving minors will dig seeing B.B. King and other legends pay tribute to Austin's fallen son. Then they can check out his commemorative statue on the edge of Town Lake. (Teens)

    Eat

    Texas Pork Ribs -- Did you know there were so many types of barbecuing? Try this Texas-style sauce.

    Tex-Mex Burger -- Austin's got a slew of burger joints and Tex Mex eateries. Why not combine the best of both?

    Chicken-fried steak -- Prepare for some of Texas' famed down-home cooking with this recipe from a local landmark.

    Read

    "Pecos Bill" by Steve Kellogg -- A Texas legend of a young cowboy's adventures lassoing and cattle calling. (Ages 2 to 8)

    "L Is for Lonestar" by Carol Crane -- Learn about cool wildlife, animals and other parts of Texas with detailed illustrations that will help you point them out once you get there. (Ages 2 to 8)

    "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry -- This famed wordsmith and author lived in Austin and is celebrated with an annual Pun-Off. Kids can read his most-famous work and make up their own plays on words. (Ages 4 to 8)

    "Buried Treasures of Texas" by WC Jameson -- When a city's been inhabited from every group from American Indians to French pirates, there's got to be some secrets worth digging up. (Ages 9 to 12)

    "This Is Texas" by Miroslav Sasek -- This colorful story teaches about everything from the cattle and coyote to the rodeos and rattlesnakes that make up the Great State of Texas. (Ages 8 to 12)

    "Giant" by Edna Ferber -- This literary classic gives a dose of women's lib with a taste of Texas life. (Ages 12 to 17)

    Make

    Build a flapping bat --Austin's Ann Richards Bridge on South Congress Avenue houses one of the largest bat populations in the world. Make your own caped crusaders for your home.

    Cardboard guitar -- Make your own instruments to challenge all the shows that go on in the Live Music Capital of the World.