Although many of us are eager to decorate the Christmas tree and play Elf on an endless loop, we can’t let November pass without recognition of Thanksgiving. No matter whether you prefer to spend the day curating a well-balanced feast or with feet kicked up, eyes set on football, there are endless traditions families intertwine to make this holiday special. Below are a few of our favorite classic traditions:
Friendsgiving What’s better than one thanksgiving meal? Two. Our project coordinator, Jade Shafer, started Urbanspaces’ Friendsgiving in her first role with Urbanspace as Director of First Impressions. The company gathers together on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, sharing over 20 different dishes potluck style. Who’s dessert will be the fan favorite this year?
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Annual Parade Stretching back to the early 1920’s, this Musical performances, 40 foot high balloons of your favorite television characters, decorated floats, dancers – the entertainment is endless. The best part? You can watch from the comfort of your own sofa, and keep an eye on that turkey roasting.
Turkey Trot 5k Early bird gets the worm right? It’s the tradition you aren’t sure how you got roped into (or how you married into), yet you still show up. Thundercloud Subs put’s on their very own Turkey Trot in Austin, with options for a 1 mile or 5 mile. You can feel good about joggin off that extra slice of pie and knowing that all the proceeds go to a non-profit that works to prevent homelessness.
Sharing What You’re Grateful For Gratitude. It’s the name of the game for this holiday. As you dig into Grandma’s stuffing, don’t forget to dig into the true meaning and share what you’re thankful for.
With October in sight, the cusp of ACL season is here and the greens of Zilker await our return. Whether it’s your first time going to the Austin City Limits festival, or your millionth, we have created the perfect mini-guide to soak up the most of your ACL experience.
The Lineup Nothing says “two is better than one” like back to back weekends, a standout distinction of ACL in comparison to other festivals. The two weekends feature slightly differing lineups, a curated diverse selection of performers, with something to cater to all of Austin’s taste. Past years’ lineups have included headliners such as Kings of Leon, Coldplay, The Cure, Tame Impala, and even Kanye West. 2022 rolls in headliners like contemporary R&B singer SZA, country artists The Chicks and Kacey Musgraves, electronic-house musician Flume, and the masterminds behind the hit Californiacation: The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
What to Bring A mini fan: Summer may be over, but the warm temperatures we’ve grown to know, tolerate, and maybe even love, will still circulate up into the high 80’s. Cool down and beat the heat with this staple! A fanny pack: The best way to keep movin’ and groovin’ with all of your belongings kept close. A disposable camera: Save your phone battery and snap a film shot. The best way to live in the moment. A reusable bottle: The festival has multiple hydration stations to fill up your water. A blanket: Give your legs a rest and relax behind the crowd!
It’s that time of year again – get ready to break out your burnt orange! Football is finally back and we can’t wait to cheer on the Longhorns this season. Below we’ve gathered some of the best places in Austin to watch UT football games. Hook ‘Em!
Scholtz Garten: This German biergarten boasts the title of being the oldest operating business in Austin, dating back to the Civil War, and has since become an infamous hotspot for watching UT sports events. On game days, Scholtz will open its doors for all UT fanatics at 11:00AM to host the largest tailgates in Austin – click here for a watch party schedule. Scholtz is often packed and is the perfect hype place for a lively game day crowd, complete with a German-twist on your typical game day foods and drinks.
Posse East: Posse East is the best place for large groups and cheap game-day eats. Many UT fans gather here for rowdy game day spirits and pitchers, pitchers, and more pitchers of beer! This bar is just a walk away from DKR Stadium, close enough to hear the cheering of the crowd. Don’t forget to try their delicious queso while you’re there, and be sure to get enough for the whole table!
Crown and Anchor Pub:For over 25 years now, Crown and Anchor Pub has provided winning beer and food for local Austin sports’ crowds. Rivaling the nearby bar Posse East, this pub is also located in the Hyde Park/University Area – only a 15 minute walk away from the DKR Stadium. This pub is especially popular with fans who bring their furry friends to share game day celebrations, with plenty of outdoor space on both their shaded and unshaded patios.
The Tavern: Located off South Lamar, The Tavern has been a fan favorite for local Austinites to gather for game days. Since 1933, The Tavern has been providing an extensive menu of cold beer, hardy burgers, and sports. With two bars, two outdoor decks, two floors, and over 30+ screens The Tavern is well-equipped to accommodate any of your needs. The Tavern’s pub flare menu features the perfect game day bites. From Texas brisket queso, to ballpark nachos, to white wings- Tavern meets all your game day cravings. The Tavern is the perfect spot to bring your crew and watch the Longhorns!
Cain & Abel’s: Cain & Abel’s is the ultimate University staple, located right in the heart of West Campus for UT students and alumni to enjoy game days! They offer a variety of draft beers and cocktails, but their Texas Tea (a Long-Island iced tea with tequila) is every fan’s go-to. Every college football fan in Austin must go to Cain & Abel’s at least once to experience the best school spirit that no other bar can top.
As much as we love spending time in Austin, here are a few day trip ideas for when you want to get out of the city. The hill country has so much to offer, from wineries, to caves, to rivers, and hiking there are endless opportunities for fun activities.
Fredericksburg: Located only an hour away from Austin, Fredericksburg is a German town in central Texas that is known for its wineries and specialty shops. Some popular wineries include Barons Creek Vineyards, Signor Vineyards, Texas Wine Collective, and Messina Hof Winery which are known for their excellent wine tastings and stunning views. After spending a fun day at the vineyard, make sure to stop by Mainstreet for shopping and great German food! Located just north of Fredericksburg is Enchanted Rock, a granite mountain that covers 640 acres of land and is 425 feet high. With over 11 miles of hiking trails, Enchanted Rock is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Hill Country.
Dripping Springs:Dripping Springs is the perfect place to visit for a fun hill country getaway, only a half hour outside of Austin. Make a reservation at Hamilton pool to escape the summer heat and enjoy the picturesque watering preserve. Don’t forget to stop by one of the many breweries and distilleries that Dripping Springs has to offer – our favorites include the infamous Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery, Dripping Springs Vodka Distillery, Twisted X Brewing Company, and the Bell Springs Winery. For the outdoor-activity enthusiasts, Reimar’s Ranch offers a variety of unique hill country experiences including over 18 miles of beautiful trails to hike or bike along, and 3 miles of Pedernales River frontage to take a dip in. Above the trails, there is horse-back riding, fishing, and a separate area for climbing the big, limestone rock walls that encompass the Ranch. Another quick 30 minute drive out of Dripping Springs and you’ll find yourself at Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood if you’re looking for a delicious taste of Texas cuisine.
New Braunfels: Floating the river is the perfect way to cool off from the hot summer heat. The Comal River is located in New Braunfels,Texas which is approximately 50 minutes from Austin. It takes around 2 hours to float the river but there are multiple spots to stop and get out along the way. Bring your own tubes or rent tubes from Corner Tubes, Texas Tubes, or Comal Rockin R tube rental. While in New Braunfels you must make a stop at Gruene, which is a historic district located inside the city. The area is known for its rustic Texas vibe and is the perfect getaway from the city. Make sure to stop at Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, known to host popular country musicians, such as Willie Nelson. Next door to Gruene Hall is the famous Gristmill Restaurant which is known for their amazing chicken fried steak and their outside patio that looks over the Guadalupe River. After eating dinner at The Gristmill, head across the street to the Gruene General Store for souvenirs, homemade fudge, and ice cream!
Lockhart: Located between Austin and San Antonio is the small town of Lockhart and is considered the Barbecue Capital of Texas. No trip would be complete to Lockhart without BBQ and we suggest trying Black’s BBQ, Kreuz Market, Smitty’s Market, and Chisholm Trail BBQ. Lockhart is also home to the unique Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches, located right in the town’s square. It’s completely free to visit, but only opens on Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, or by appointment. The charm of this small town continues with the Lockhart State Park, a spot popular for its 9-hole golfing range, swimming pool, and fishing holes (no fishing license required). So much history resides in this state park as it came to fruition during the Great Depression by Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). Explore Lockhart and all it has to offer – you might even find a few scenic places showcased in many Hollywood films and TV shows … like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape!
Wimberley: Less than an hour away from Austin is the beautiful town of Wimberley, TX. If you are an adventurous person and love the water, this is the perfect place for you, with one of the largest underwater caves in Texas. Jacob’s Well is only available via reservation in which guests are granted a 2 hour time slot. Just like Jacob’s Well, the Blue Hole is a naturally-occuring and incredibly popular swimming hole. You also need reservations in advance for the Blue Hole. After plunging into the well, swimming in the surrounding spring, or hiking around the park, take a stop in Wimberley’s town center for boutique shopping and delicious restaurants!
Top 5 Places to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Austin
The 4th of July is around the corner and we have a list of some of the top places to watch fireworks in Austin, Texas. We hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday weekend!
HEB Austin Symphony July 4th Fireworks:One of Austin’s most popular traditions for the 4th of July is Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual performance at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Live music, great vibes, and an accompaniment of fireworks overlooking the downtown Austin skyline serves for the perfect July 4th celebration. It is free and open to the public and only a 5-minute walk away from Lady Bird Lake, a great place to walk to enjoy the lake views. The festivities begin at 8 p.m., followed by “mile-high” fireworks. The event is free and open to the public.
Lady Bird Lake: Watch firework displays on a boat, kayak, or lakefront restaurant on Lady Bird Lake. Rent a boat with rentals like Capital Cruises, one of our favorites, that offer private charter boats for a more reserved party, or a public cruise (on a first come first serve basis) to watch the fireworks show from the lake. Typically, kayak and paddle board rentals close at sunset, however, many will be open later on the 4th so the firework views can be enjoyed.
Mount Bonnell: Being Austin’s peak natural overlook, there is no better seat in the city than the top of Mount Bonnell for panoramic views of the fireworks across Austin. Bring a lawn chair, a few blankets, and some good company to celebrate the 4th of July in the Austin outdoors. Mount Bonnell is definitely a hotspot for watching fireworks, so plan to get there early to set up camp and get a prime parking spot.
Zilker Park: With 350 acres of sprawling fields and landscape, Zilker is a great spot to enjoy the 4th of July during the day and into the night. Hundreds of people gather to celebrate the holiday in the huge park. Don’t forget to bring your picnic basket! This park is free to all and has plenty of space to celebrate.
Fairmont Rooftop Bar – Rules and Regs: Located on the 7th floor of the Fairmont Hotel, Rules and Regs bar offers one of the best views of downtown Austin at night. It is conveniently close to Rainey St., home to part of Austin’s best nightlife. Make sure to call ahead to beat the crowd, but walk-ins are also available.
Summer is finally here in Austin! Check below for some free events you won’t want to miss out on.
Blues on the Green:Join ACL Radio at Zilker Park for free live music by local artists! Blues on the Green will be taking place on June 14th and June 15th as well as July 19th and July 20th. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, bring a blanket, and invite your friends to this Austin summer tradition. (Zilker Park)
The Drop-In:The Drop-In is an outdoor music concert that takes place every Thursday at 8:00pm from May 26th through August 11th at The Long Center. Bring your pets and enjoy a free concert with friends and family. Doors open at 7:00pm and parking is located at the PEC Garage next door. (The Long Center)
Free Workouts:Visit Waterloo Greenway every Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday from 6:00 to 7:00pm for free workout classes hosted by Castle Hill Fitness! Monday and Tuesday classes are located at the Moody Amphitheater and Sunday classes are held at the Meredith Tree Deck. Choose between yoga with live music, pilates, dance, meditation, and more! These weekly workouts are the perfect way to get movement in a budget friendly way. (Multiple Locations)
Zilker Hillside:Disney’s popular musical Newsies will be performed at Zilker Hillside Theater every Thursday through Sunday from July 8th through August 13th. Admissions are completely free and reservations are not required! The musical begins at 8:15pm but it is recommended to arrive early in order to get a desired spot. Pack a picnic and enjoy this affordable outdoor show performed by talented austin locals. (Zilker Hillside Theater)
Barton Springs Pool:Barton Springs is a natural spring-fed pool located within Zilker park at 2201 William Barton Drive. The entrance fee is free in the morning from 5:00 to 8:00am and at night from 9:00 to 10:00pm. Grab a towel and tan in the sun in the morning or bring a blanket to stare at the stars at night. (Barton Springs Pool)
As Austin continues to grow, we’ve picked our Top 5 new & notable spots around the city. See below for all the exciting additions!
The Pitch:Joining Austin’s already exciting restaurant scene is The Pitch, an eatery park containing a wide variety of cuisine! The Pitch includes the Corner Kick Bar, Ranger Burger, Ga Roti, Coffee Club, Taco Flats, Smoke Show Sandwiches, and the Sandbar! Located right next to Parmer Field, head to an Austin FC Game after indulging or spend a celebratory drink at The Pitch afterwards! (13000 Harris Ridge Blvd, Austin, TX 78753)
The Moody Center:The long awaited construction and unveiling of the Moody Center is now upon us. Ribbon cut by Matthew Mcconaughey himself, the Moody Center boasts a 15,000+ seat venue, the new home of the University of Texas’ men and women’s basketball teams. Along with sporting events, the Moody Center will be hosting its fair share of concerts and events as well, sure to take up plenty of Austin’s social calendar! (2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712)
Dripping Springs Distilling – Distillers Bar:Located right outside of Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country lies Dripping Springs Distilling. Known for their award-winning gin, vodka, and bourbon, Dripping Springs Distilling has opened their doors to a new hospitality concept. On the distillery grounds lies Distillers Bar, open to the public each weekend, Thursday-Sunday. Head out to the bar for tours of the grounds, tastings, drinks, and phenomenal food! (5330 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620)
Smash ATX:Located in the heart of downtown on W 5th St, Smash ATX has opened its doors with a fresh and welcoming concept. Providing an experience like no other, Smash ATX offers a combination of dining, drinks, and yes, ping-pong! With an upscale comfort menu and trendy interior, Smash ATX offers Austin residents and visitors a new spot to combine all their favorites: sports, food, & drinks! (213 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701)
The Grey Market: Located in the bottom of Austin’s new Thompson and Tommie hotels lies the Grey Market – Austin. Inspired by their sister location founded in Savannah, Georgia, this market and diner offers southern-style cuisines paired with a cocktail bar and restaurant soon to appear next door! Head there for a sit-down lunch or grab’n’go style! (501 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701)
Your April 2022 Austin Guide is here! With plenty of new and versatile restaurants making their way to Austin, here’s a list of essential new restaurants and eateries coming to our city!
Wax Myrtle’s:Joining the downtown Austin restaurant hub is Wax Myrtle, located at the bottom of the Thompson Austin Hotel just off of San Jacinto and 5th St. Head to Wax Myrtle’s for what feels like a getaway from the city: designed near the pool along with an expansive pool deck and cabanas open for rent. With a wide variety of Mediterranean cuisine and well-rounded cocktails, Wax Myrtle’s has you covered. (506 San Jacinto Blvd Suite WM, 4th Floor, Austin, TX 78701)
Toshokan:If you’re looking for an exclusive and intimate atmosphere, Toshokan is the place for you. Located in the bottom of the Native Hostel and Bar, this new restaurant offers a 14 course omakase sushi speakeasy experience. Toshokan’s dining and chef-prepared meals cater to a 6-person seating, creating the perfect ambience for this private affair. (807 East 4th Street, Austin, TX 78702)
Canje:The highly anticipated addition to the Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group has now hit the streets, Austin style. Located on E. 6th St, joining Austin’s trendy Eastside, Canje offers a new age take on Caribbean fare. With an unparalleled cocktail menu along with an array of fresh and vibrant food choices, head to Canje to experience a vivacious dining experience. (1914 East 6th Street, Austin, TX 78702)
Koko’s Bavarian:Joining the growing list of Biergarten speciality spots in Austin is Koko’s Bavarian, located on East 5th St. This brewery and biergarten venue serves an impressively hefty menu of Bavarian specialties including sausages, schnitzel, and wood-fired grill cuisine. Even better, the beer list and menu is to die for! (4715 E 5th Street, Austin, TX 78702)
Rosen’s Bagel Co: Rosen’s Bagel Co, located on Burnet Rd, will be bringing a little bite of the big apple right here to Austin! Serving New York style bagels, Rosen’s Brick and Mortar will now be serving their in-house made bagels, schmears, and coffee for all to enjoy! Stop by for a quick bite to enjoy on the patio or take a bagel to go! (11101 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78758)
Photo: Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club
Your March 2022 Austin Guide is here! There are plenty of once a year activities in Austin that take place in March. See below to start planning out your 2022 March schedule!
SXSW Festival:This March, the infamous SXSW Festival returns to Austin. Over the course of March 11-20, SXSW will be hosting a fun-filled and packed schedule of its music, film, art, and comedy festivals, keynote speakers and conferences, along with exhibitions and lounges. Since 1987, Austin and the South by Southwest organization have been dedicated to bringing our community together by highlighting upcoming creatives and professionals in achieving their goals. Purchase tickets here.
Dell Technologies Match Play:This March 23rd-27th, the Austin Country Club will host the annual 2022 World Golf Championships – Dell Technologies Match Play. Opening its tickets to the public yet again, Austin Country Club will host over 60 of the world’s best players on the official PGA tour schedule. In addition to the atmosphere, energy, and display of talent, since 1999, Dell Technologies Match Play has raised over $20 Million for charity. Purchase tickets here.
Rodeo Austin:Rodeo Austin will be hosting its annual county fair and ProRodeo this upcoming March 12th-26th. Rodeo Austin will have concerts, rodeo competitions, an exciting carnival, along with livestock shows and agricultural education for those interested! In addition to this exciting lineup, there will be traditional Texas shopping, food, and beverages for all. Purchase tickets here.
NASCAR at Circuit of the Americas:At the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) during March 25th-27th will be the EchoPark Texas Grand Prix, a NASCAR Cup Series stock car race. Gates will open on Friday followed by a weekend filled with several different NASCAR races. In addition to the races, there will be a pre-race concert, performed by Midland, and an after party at the AMP. Purchase tickets here.
The Cathedral: Open House: March is Women’s History Month and the Cathedral House is hosting a special night in order to celebrate and highlight the city of Austin’s female talent. On March 25th from 6:30-10 PM, the Cathedral House will be showcasing emerging art from Austin women artists, live music, and complimentary drinks in order to celebrate and exhibit female talent! Purchase tickets here.
It’s the season of love! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so we’ve put together a few romantic date night ideas for those spending the day of love in the city of Austin. Check out Urbanspace’s Top 5 Valentines events.
Love Shack at Geraldines: Love Shack includes two hours of food and beverage service from Geraldine’s menu, cozy seating (up to 6 guests), vinyl records, and games. You can purchase tickets here for your romantic evening at Geraldines! (605 Davis Street, Austin, TX 78701)
Drive-In Movie:Blue Starlite mini urban drive-in theater currently has three drive-in locations where you can spend your Valentine’s day with the most intimate, personal, one of a kind drive-in experience. You can purchase tickets here. (Multiple locations)
Helicopter Tour:A helicopter ride over the city of Austin at sunset? The definition of romantic! You can book a helicopter tour for you and your significant other here through HELO Austin. (10301 FM 969 Austin, TX 78724)
Boat Ride of Lady Bird Lake:Spend your Valentine’s day cruising the lake in one of several vintage fiberglass boats that have been restored to their original jet-age beauty. You can book your unique experience here. (74 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701)
Romantic Picnic:Have a luxury picnic set up for you and your special person at the location of your choice. All you have to do is pick a time and place and Posh Picnic’s will take care of the rest. This intimate idea is an easy and thoughtful date night. Book Posh Picnic here. (Multiple Locations)
Top 5 Ways To Help You Keep New Year’s Resolutions
Happy 2022!
January means the start of a New Year which also means New Year’s Resolutions. It can be hard to stay on top of new goals and ambitions in the New Year, so we have gathered a list of our top 5 ways to help you keep your 2022 New Year’s Resolutions. Below you can find the best gyms, outdoor trails, free fitness classes, healthy restaurants, and cooking classes. We hope everyone achieves their resolutions and has a great year ahead!
Your Ultimate Austin Winter Bucket List is here. There is plenty to do in Austin during the wintertime, see the fun-filled activities below!
Austin Trail of Lights: The 57th Annual Trail of Lights will take place this year from November 27th-December 31st as a drive-thru event. The Trail of Lights is the longest running holiday tradition of its kind in Austin and welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests from Central Texas each year. The trail features more than two million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, and 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels. Purchase tickets here.(Zilker Park)
Peppermint Parkway:Taking place November 26-December 26 is the Circuit of The America’s Peppermint Parkway. The holiday spectacular will be transformed into a mile of holiday displays, millions of lights, live dancing elves, and a walking plaza full of food and activities. Purchase tickets here. (Circuit of The America’s)
Mozart’s Light Show: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters light show runs nightly from November through January. The annual Christmas Light Show will require reserved seating tickets in advance, along with general admission standing-room only tickets. Enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate while watching the lights choreographed to music. You can reserve tickets here.(Mozart’s Coffee Roasters)
Ballet Austin’s “Nutcracker”:Ballet Austin’s 59th annual production of The Nutcracker will return from December 4-23. Hundreds of dancers perform Stephen Mills’ enchanting choreography to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s magical score with live accompaniment from Austin Symphony Orchestra. The show is two 50-minute acts with a 20-minute intermission. You can purchase tickets here. (Austin Symphony Orchestra)
Christmas Bar’s:Get in the holiday spirit by attending a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar. Miracle on 5th Street, located at the Eleanor, will run from November 19-December 28. Sippin’ Santa will also return to Nickel City for a tiki version of Miracle on 5th St. Enjoy holiday cocktails in a festive setting, surrounded by Christmas decor. (Multiple Locations)
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