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Top 5 Ice Cream Spots in Austin

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Top 5 Ice Cream Spots in Austin

Need a sweet treat to beat the heat?

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this city is brimming with unique ice cream shops that cater to every taste and craving. From classic scoops to innovative flavors, we’ve scoured Austin to bring you the top spots where you can cool off and treat yourself. So grab your spoons and get ready to explore all the ice cream destinations that Austin has to offer!

Zed’s Real Fruit Ice Cream: a Portland-based gem now nestled on East MLK, brings a unique twist to ice cream with its New Zealand-inspired blended-to-order soft serve. The process is delightfully simple: start with a base of either vanilla or a non-dairy option, then select from an array of fresh fruits. These ingredients are blended into a smooth, creamy dessert and finished with a variety of drizzles and toppings. The result is a delicious treat that feels somewhat healthy but is undeniably tasty! Try out Zed’s next time you are craving something sweet and fruity!

 Lick Honest Ice Cream: True to its name, Lick Honest ice cream prides itself on traceable ingredients and a commitment to purity and quality. While Lick Honest avoids all artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, this ice cream spot does not skip out on flavor. From family favorites like Texas Sheet Cake and Milk Chocolate to the one of a kind options like Goat Cheese, Thyme & Honey and Cilantro Lime, everyone is sure to find a flavor they love. Coupled with handcrafted sauces, freshly made cookie crumbles, and waffle cones straight off the press make Lick Honest Ice Cream a fresh, unique, and sustainable option for your sweet tooth!

The Baked Bear: What’s better than a heaping scoop of ice cream? A heaping scoop of ice cream sandwiched between two warm and gooey cookies. The Baked Bear delights with a variety of original-recipe cookies and ice cream flavors, allowing guests to mix and match cookies or brownies for their sandwich base and top it off with their favorite ice cream in the middle. Before serving, guests can opt to have their sandwich rolled in toppings or warmed up.

 Dolce Neve Gelato: in Austin, Texas, is the brainchild of Francesca, Leo, and Marco, whose love for authentic Italian gelato inspired them to share this art with the Austin community. Francesca, trained at Carpigiani Gelato University in Italy and recognized at the Sherbeth Festival as one of the top gelato chefs in the world, brings her expertise and dedication to the craft. Leo, with a passion for natural and healthy food, contributes his experience with homemade gelato made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Marco, inspired by innovative flavors from his time in New York, adds a creative flair to their gelato creations. Dolce Neve, meaning “Sweet Snow,” offers a variety of inventive and traditional gelato flavors, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Amy’s Ice Cream: is hailed as the original gourmet ice cream experience in Austin. Boasting a staff of servers who perform ice cream scooping tricks bold enough to match the trademarked giant scoop of melting ice cream atop of every location, when you go to Amy’s you are in for an experience. With 350+ rotating flavors, an endless list of “crush’ns”, whipped cream, hot fudge, and of course free sprinkles, Amy’s transports you back to nostalgic dreams of your perfect ice cream sundae. Stop by their original store on Guadalupe Street or head to South Congress for a scoop with a view of the skyline. You really can’t go wrong with Amy’s!

Top 5 Vintage Spots in Austin

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Top 5 Vintage Spots in Austin

Feeling Nostalgic? 

Discover the vibrant vintage scene of Austin, Texas this summer! Whether you are looking for a pair of vintage sunnies for a pool party at The Independent or a funky lamp to add some flair to your apartment, Austin is home to a treasure trove of vintage spots that will make you and your space pop. We curated a list of the city’s best kept vintage shops.

 

Room Service: Housed in a reclaimed pharmacy and soda fountain from the 1950’s, Room Service is a 3,500 square foot vintage explosion with something for everyone. Located on the North Loop Strip, Room Service hails curated vintage from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and beyond. While Room Service features an extensive furniture collection, it also boasts an equally broad selection of lighting, jewelry, wall art, books, and relics. 

 

Uncommon Objects: Indulge your nostalgic cravings at Uncommon Objects, a unique emporium nestled in the heart of Austin. Established in 1991 and located in the North Loop, Uncommon Objects has evolved from a modest antique collective into a haven for transcendent junk and quirky relics of American culture. With twenty-four dedicated antique sellers under one roof, Uncommon Objects offers a genuine and sometimes eccentric glimpse into history, providing the perfect blend of sentimentality and curiosity for vintage enthusiasts. 

 

Prototype Vintage: If you have been on the hunt for that perfectly worn leather jacket or boot cut jeans, Prototype Vintage located on South Congress is a great spot to add unique pieces to your closet. Founded in 2005 by two best friends, Audrie San Miguel & Emily Larson as a vintage furniture store, Prototype has flourished into an essential destination within Austin’s vintage clothing landscape. Stop by Prototype the next time you are on South Congress and snap a selfie in front of their iconic green wall. 

 

Charm School Vintage: Charm School, a vintage haven located in East Austin, features handmade, culturally rich, and well-traveled garments. Specializing in the eclectic vibes of the 1970s and influenced by Victorian 1930s allure, Charm School boasts natural fabrics and textiles like leather, lace, velvet, and silk. Beyond fashion, Charm School showcases handmade apothecary products, independent jewelry, and ethically-sourced crystals, prioritizing sustainability and supporting local artisans and ethical practices. 

 

Full Circle Vintage: Full Circle Vintage is credited with keeping Texas history alive through, you guessed it, cowboy boots. Owner and professional boot-finder Joey Medina keeps stories alive through repairing, reserving, and reselling boots. If you aren’t shopping for your next pair of boots, Full Circle has also curated an extensive vintage t-shirts collection to pair with their selection of perfect broken in Levis. Just near the edge of the University of Texas Campus, Full Circle is a one stop shop for curating a quintessential Texas wardrobe.

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 New Restaurants in Austin

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Top 5 New Restaurants in Austin

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure this summer as we give you our top 5 new restaurants that have opened in Austin!

 

 

Bill’s Oyster: Bill’s Oyster, located on 205 West Third Street in Austin, is a captivating cocktail bar and specialty seafood restaurant founded by Stewart Jarmon and Chef Daniel Berg. Inspired by the spirit of Old New Orleans, the space exudes charm. Indulge in a seafood tower of oysters, enjoy tantalizing dishes such as mozzarella sticks with caviar, shrimp cocktail, King crab, and Bill’s Burger. The drink menu features a variety of martinis, wines, and classic cocktails. 

 

 

Gracia Mediterranean: Gracia Mediterranean, nestled at 4800 Burnet Road Suite 450 in Rosedale, is a Mediterranean-style restaurant and wine bar. The restaurant caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians, ensuring a diverse range of options. From delectable Calamari Bolognese to succulent Scallops and delicious Swordfish skewers, the menu promises a delightful seafood feast. With its popularity, reservations are strongly recommended to secure your dining experience. 

 

Bar Toti: Bar Toti, located next door to Este, draws inspiration from the vibrant bar cultures of Spain, France, and Mexico. With communal tables and counter height seating, it provides a lively setting for private gatherings and celebrations. Executive chef Fermin Nunez, influenced by his home country, showcases his creativity in translating those flavors into unique and exciting dishes. Menu highlights include a Mexican hamburguesa, marinated olives, seasoned nuts, croquetas, ash-roasted leeks, and mussels with piquillo brava sauce. The cocktail menu features aperitivos, classic Mexican cocktails, and a variety of beer options.

 

 

Ezov: Ezov, located at 2708 E Cesar Chavez St, is a culinary gem in Austin. Open daily from 5 PM to 10 PM, it offers a menu designed for sharing and inspired by the flavors of Tel Aviv’s markets and the bounty of Texas. The seasonal menu showcases both classic dishes and innovative twists, highlighting seasonal Israeli cuisine with a focus on the Galilee region. The wine selection, features Mediterranean wines from Greece, Lebanon, Israel, Italy, and more. Led by Israeli native Executive Chef Berty Richter, Ezov promises a delightful culinary experience that harmoniously blends cultural influences and seasonal delights.

 

 

Estelle’s: Located in downtown Austin’s vibrant warehouse district at 400 Colorado St., Estelle’s is a stylish and upscale social lounge that has specialty cocktails, shareable bites, and a charming boutique-scale flower shop. The venue encompasses an intimate and sophisticated bar and lounge on the first floor, while the second floor hosts a lively club room complete with a DJ booth. For an exclusive experience, Estelle’s offers private seating areas with bottle service. Their menu includes a curated selection of upscale wines, craft cocktails, and beers, all drawing inspiration from a botanical theme and a thoughtfully chosen color palette. Additionally, Estelle’s offers happy hour every Tuesday through Thursday from 5 PM to 6 PM, featuring complimentary passed canapés and light bites.

10 Things To Do in Austin This May

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10 Things To Do in Austin This May

May is a beautiful month to visit Austin, with sunny days and bearable Texas temperatures, it is the perfect time to explore all the city has to offer before the summer rush! Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or outdoor enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in Austin this May. Here are some of the most exciting events and activities happening in Austin this month:

Pecan Street Festival (May 6-7): This free, family-friendly festival takes over historic Sixth Street for two days of live music, food vendors, and local artists selling their wares.

Hot Luck Festival (May 19-22): This food and music festival brings together some of the top chefs from around the country for four days of culinary delights and live music performances.

Austin Reggae Festival (May 27-29): This annual festival features three days of live reggae music, food vendors, and local craft beer.

Hiking and Biking Trails: With mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, May is a great time to explore Austin’s many hiking and biking trails. Some popular trails include the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, and the Walnut Creek Trail.

Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater: This legendary music venue hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout May, featuring both local and national artists.

Austin FC Soccer Matches: May is the start of the MLS season, and Austin’s own soccer team, Austin FC, will be playing several home matches at Q2 Stadium. Catch a game and join the excitement of the city’s newest sports team.

Congress Avenue Bat Colony: Every evening from May to September, the Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Watch as over 1.5 million bats emerge from under the bridge at sunset.

Austin Food and Wine Festival (May 27-29): This three-day festival celebrates Austin’s vibrant culinary scene with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and wine and cocktail seminars.

Art Galleries: Austin is home to a thriving art scene, with many galleries showcasing works from local artists. Some popular galleries to check out include the Blanton Museum of Art, The Contemporary Austin, and the Mexic-Arte Museum.

Texas State Capitol Tours: Take a guided tour of the Texas State Capitol building, a historic landmark and the largest state capitol building in the country. Learn about Texas history and the state’s legislative process.

These are just a few of the many exciting things to do in Austin in May 2023. With so much to see and do, there’s never been a better time to visit this vibrant city.

ATX Skyline Over The Years

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Austin’s Skyline Over The Years

Austin, Texas is rapidly growing and changing, and nowhere is this more evident than in the city’s skyline. In recent years, several new high-rise buildings have been constructed, transforming the skyline and bringing a new level of sophistication to the city.

The most notable buildings amongst the skyline include The Frost Tower, The Austonian, The Independent, and one of the most recent additions gaining fame, The Google tower. As the city of Austin continues to grow and expand, its skyline is also evolving at a rapid pace. Here are some of the upcoming developments under construction that will be coming soon to Downtown Austin.

Sixth and Guadalupe: A mixed-use development located at 400 W. 6th St. The 66-story building broke ground in the fourth quarter of 2019 and is expected to be delivered in 2023. 

415 Colorado Street: This property boasts an impressive 457,684 square feet of space, including 110,000 square feet of office space. The expected completion date is set for the 4th quarter of 2024.

Waterline: A mixed-use development located at 98 Red River St. in Austin, Texas. The impressive 2,300,000 square foot building includes 703,000 square feet of office space along with residential and hotel components. The 74-story tower will offer 240 hotel rooms and is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Modern: The Modern is an upcoming residential development located in the historic Rainey district at 610 Davis St. The 56-story building will offer 300 residences and is expected to be delivered in late 2024. The development is being led by Urbanspace, with Page serving as the architect.

As Austin continues to grow and change, it is clear that its skyline will continue to evolve. These new developments and buildings bring new energy to the city and help to solidify Austin’s status as a major player on the national and global stage. While the skyline may look different than it did just a few years ago, one thing remains constant: Austin’s unique blend of charm, culture, and innovation will continue to make it a beloved destination for years to come.

Spring In Austin

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SPRING IN AUSTIN

Spring is just around the corner in Austin, Texas, and the city is gearing up for some exciting events that will kick off the season in style. With its perfect mix of outdoor activities, music, and sporting events, Austin offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful weather and create unforgettable memories. 

One of the biggest events that will take place in March is South by Southwest (SXSW), an annual festival that brings together the worlds of music, film, and interactive media. Every year thousands of people gather in the heart of Austin Texas to celebrate the convergence of the tech, film, and music industries with SXSW. The event features an eclectic range of conferences, film festival screenings, musical festival showcases, unique networking opportunities, world-class exhibitions, and much more. This year, SXSW will be a hybrid event, with both in-person and virtual programming, allowing audiences from all over the world to participate. From March 11-20, visitors can enjoy an incredible lineup of musicians, filmmakers, and innovators as they explore the latest trends and ideas in their fields. Whether you’re a music lover, a tech enthusiast, or a film buff, there’s something for everyone at SXSW. 

Another exciting event that’s coming up is what is possibly the last Dell Match Play golf tournament in Austin. This prestigious tournament attracts the best golfers in the world to compete in a match play format. Fans can watch the action up close at the beautiful Austin Country Club, located on the shores of Lake Austin. The tournament runs from March 24-28 and promises to be an unforgettable experience for golf fans and sports enthusiasts alike.

Urbanspace will be hosting our annual “Urbansips” party to celebrate all of the festivities with our clients, friends, and colleagues before the craze of Austin’s busy season sets in.

Of course, no visit to Austin would be complete without experiencing the city’s renowned food and music scenes. With a wide variety of restaurants, food trucks, and bars, visitors can savor the flavors of Austin’s diverse culinary landscape. And with live music venues like the Continental Club and the Broken Spoke, visitors can catch some of the best live performances in the country.

As the city emerges from winter, springtime in Austin is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Visitors can hike the trails of the Barton Creek Greenbelt, take a dip in Barton Springs Pool, or rent a paddle board and explore Lady Bird Lake. With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, Austin is the ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

 

Waterloo Greenway Phase II

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Waterloo Greenway Phase II: Coming Soon

On January 18, 2023, the Waller Creek Local Government Corporation approved a contract for the construction of the second phase of Waterloo Greenway, The Confluence. The Confluence, formerly known as the Creek Delta, will be located at the south end of the 1.5-mile park system, Waterloo Greenway. The approved design calls for nearly 1,550 trees, 200,000 mature plants, and 10 acres of seed mixes to improve downtown air quality, improve creek health, and reduce the urban heat island effect, while also mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Phase II will be at the epicenter of Austin culture, i.e Rainey Street.

Anticipating the surge of residents to come to the Historic District, construction of the Confluence will take place in the Spring of 2023 with an estimated duration of two to three years before its completion. After its completion, the 1.5-mile park system will connect Waterloo Greenway from 15th Street to Lady Bird Lake. The project’s design is focused on sustainability and resiliency. 

CEO of Waterloo Greenway, Jesus Aguirre, whose main goal is to “preserve our green spaces in one of the busiest and most rapidly growing areas of downtown Austin”. This exciting next phase is centered around nature and the connection of our urban community to the various historical and cultural destinations Austin has to offer. 

The project will be brought to life by Jay Reese Contractors. They have a conspicuous portfolio of several Austin projects, including the Pfluger Bridge, Boardwalk Trail at Lady Bird Lake, and 2nd Street Bridge.

 

A mini guide: Austin City Limits Festival

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A Mini Guide to The Austin City Limits Festival

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!

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 Places To Watch UT Football Games

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Top 5 Places To Watch UT Football Games

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.

 

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 Day Trips from Austin

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Top 5 Day Trips from Austin

 

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!

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 Places to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Austin

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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.

 

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 Free Austin Summer Events

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Top 5 Free Austin Summer Events

 

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)

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