Welcome & Overview
Austin is weird — in the best way. It's hot and cool, busy and chill, techy and hippie, all at once. Cowboys, artists, and BBQ lovers mix with musicians and startup folks.
So, what makes Austin awesome? What should you expect?
Let's jump in! 🤠🔥
Actually Cool Things to Do
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Watch 1.5 million bats take flight at sunset, forming a surreal cloud in the night sky. Best seen from March to October, with peak swarms in late summer.
Comedy Mothership
Joe Rogan's comedy club bringing top-tier stand-up acts to Austin.
Kayaking On Lady Bird Lake
Kayak or Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake – Rent from Rowing Dock or The Expedition School.
Barton Springs Pool
A natural spring-fed pool with crystal-clear waters that stay 68-70°F year-round. Perfect for a refreshing swim, even in winter.
Must-have links to navigate SXSW 2025 Events
Navigate on Music Festival
Find all music showcases by genre, listen to artists on Spotify, and see their streaming stats.
Link.
Ultimate Event List
All official and unofficial events aggregated in one place, with easy search and filtering. Never miss a great panel, party, or pop-up.
The link will be available soon.
Comedy During SXSW
SXSW has few comedy shows, but Austin’s scene is always hot🔥.
Check out this table for all stand-up shows in town!
Link.
Chat on WhatsApp
Meet others in our SXSW ATX Unscipted group Chat.
Best Coffee in Austin
Fleet Coffee
A local Austin coffee chain with high-quality espresso and creative drinks. The Webberville Rd spot is next to amazing tacos.
Proud Mary Coffee
Top-notch specialty coffee with a wide variety of beans, deluxe pourowers, and espresso. Bonus: Great breakfast!
Houndstooth Coffee
A well-known local chain with a great vibe and consistently solid coffee.
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
Lakeside café with beautiful views – great for relaxing, but the coffee is just okay.
Best BBQ in Austin
Franklin Barbecue
Iconic brisket, legendary long lines - worth the wait if you have time.
Terry Black's Barbecue
Family recipe, expertly smoked meats, and one of Austin's most popular BBQ spots.
La Barbecue
Mouthwatering brisket, juicy ribs, and incredible sausage -BBQ at its finest.
Michelin-recognized! ⭐
Stubb's Bar-B-Q
Legendary for both its BBQ and live music — a must-visit venue for food and tunes.
Best Breakfast in Austin
Must-Try Food Trucks in Austin
Veracruz All Natural
Iconic Austin taco truck with fresh juices and legendary Migas Breakfast Taco — a Food Network Top 5 Taco in America.
Micklethwait Craft Meats
Award-winning East Austin BBQ trailer with top-tier smoked meats. Must-try: Smoked Brisket.
Spicy Boys Fried Chicken
Thai-inspired crispy chicken sandwiches with bold flavors.
Must-try: OG Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Via 313
Detroit-style pizza with a thick, cheesy, caramelized crust.
Must-try: The Detroiter.
Local Must-Knows
💧Tap water = totally fine to drink.
🤝 People are weirdly friendly – just go with it.
🌮 Breakfast tacos are a religion.
💵 Tipping 20% is standard.
Best Pizza
Home Slice Pizza
Classic New York-style pizza with a perfect foldable crust and bold flavors.
Must-try: The Margherita.
Pinthouse Pizza
A brewpub serving craft beer alongside hand-tossed, flavorful pizzas.
Must-try: The Armadillo.
Via 313
Detroit-style pizza with a thick, cheesy, caramelized crust.
Must-try: The Detroiter.
Bufalina Pizza
Neapolitan-style pizza with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a charred, bubbly crust.
Must-try: The Bianca.