Austin Comes Alive this Spring

Bluebonnet Sunrise credit Pierce Ingram

Each year springtime finds Austin buzzing with excitement. From enjoying warm, sunny days to attending events and festivals, spring is the perfect time to explore all Austin has to offer. 

Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country are an explosion of color in the spring as wildflowers begin to bloom. See bright bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes and more local flora at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, or take a scenic drive out to Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, just west of Austin, where wildflowers blanket the banks of the Colorado River. Head to Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk to see Austin’s beloved bats. The bridge is home to a colony of nearly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that emerge at dusk in a mesmerizing cloud as they head east in search of dinner. 

Take advantage of beautiful weather by enjoying Austin’s award-winning culinary & cocktail scene on the city’s best patios. Dine on delicious French fare at Tiny Grocer Café on a secluded garden-like patio. Located on popular nightlife district East Sixth Street, Whisler’s expert bartenders mix up craft cocktails perfect for sipping on the laid back patio. Pair a chilled bottle from Flo’s Wine Bar’s curated collection with a slice of thin crust pie from Allday pizza on the shared shaded deck. The large oaks and string lights set the mood outside at Lenoir for farm-fresh, fine-dining American fare.

Lenior: Photo Credit: Jody Horton

Everyone will find a unique event of interest to them during the spring festival season. Music lovers should check out the Austin Blues Fest for laid back blues bands in a downtown greenspace, or rock out to psychedelic rock and dream pop at the hardcore Austin Psych Fest. Shop 100+ vendors in a local marketplace showcasing women and LGBTQ+ artists, designers, makers and craftspeople at The Front Market. See premiers and panels from new series and cult classics at the ATX Television Festival. 

Ready to plan your spring getaway? Learn more about what to do this spring in Austin at VisitAustin.org.