AUSTIN, Texas — Just because SXSW isn't happening, that doesn't mean Austin isn't a worthwhile Spring Break destination! Take the festival's cancellation as an opportunity to visit other local events, explore the Texas Hill Country or try new local restaurants and attractions.
Here's a roundup of a few things you can do around Austin this Spring Break.
Attend local events
Stop by Rodeo Austin for live music, food, the city's largest carnival, livestock shows and a rodeo featuring top-ranked athletes. The event runs from March 14 through 28 at the Travis County Exposition Center.
The Austin Music & Arts Festival takes place March 14 through 15 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. The festival offers live music, art displays, car and motorcycle shows and more for a $5 entry fee.
Aladdin the Musical is in Austin from March 11 through 22 at Bass Concert Hall.
For those looking to party, Strange Brew IX is an all-day event with live music on March 16 at Hotel Vegas and The Volstead. Spring Break Boogie 9 Kickoff is another day-long event featuring live performances at Hotel Vegas on March 17. And on March 21, Do512 is sponsoring The Big One at Barracuda.
Interested in the local drag scene? Go to a Lizzo-themed drag show on March 13 at Elysium or Drag Queen BINGO at St. Elmo Brewing Co. on March 18.
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Go outside
You don't need to go far to experience some of the best outdoor destinations in Central Texas. Cool off at Barton Springs Pool, have a picnic at Zilker Park, take a hike around the Greenbelt or go camping at McKinney Falls State Park.
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake is a 10-mile loop that spans Downtown Austin, offering scenic views of skyscrapers and recreational activities. Also on Lady Bird Lake, you can stop by Rowing Dock ATX and rent kayaks, canoes and paddleboards to explore the city via water.
Make a short trip out to Dripping Springs and swim in Hamilton Pool. Be sure to make a reservation for either the morning or afternoon period.
If you want to travel a little further out of the city, visit Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg to explore 11 miles of trails and scale the massive pink granite dome.
Check out local restaurants, breweries and attractions
Take time over the break to try out some new restaurants like DipDipDip Tatsu-ya, a hot pot restaurant from the creators of popular Ramen Tatsu-ya, or Comedor, a modern Mexican restaurant located downtown that's just as notable for its architecture as its food.
Bring a cooler and lawn chairs and camp out in line for award-winning Franklin Barbecue. Doors open at 11 a.m., but the line starts around 6 a.m.
Stop by the Deep Eddy Vodka's tasting room in Dripping Springs, which is open weekly from Thursday through Sunday. See how their vodka is made, drink cocktails and listen to live music.
The Jester King Brewery is a brewery and restaurant that also offers farm tours on its 165-acre ranch in Austin. Oh, and Goat Happy Hour.
Play a round at Peter Pan Mini Golf, a historic mini-golf venue with two 18-hole courses that is BYOB.
Channel your inner lumberjack and throw axes at Urban Axes.
Go two-stepping to live music at The Broken Spoke, one of the last original dance halls in Texas.
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