This month, we had a scheduling glitch with our Featured Family, so I decided to do a Summer Bucket List feature story instead since this summer seems like Austin’s pretty much getting back to normal with fun, sun and festivals abound… (We’ll be back to our featured families starting next month and you’ll really love our next family!)
1. Watch the bats on the South Congress bridge. They come out about 20 minutes before sunset during the summer. While they are there from March – November, the best time to view is between July and September! BONUS: Rent a SUP and watch the bats from the water!
2. Get out and enjoy the Blues on the Green to catch some free live music. Visit acl-radio.com/blues-on-the-green to get information on the 2022 shows as the information becomes available.
3. Head out to a Farmer’s Market to pick up some fresh produce and support local growers. You can check out the Mueller market or, if you prefer to stay a little closer to home, Lakeline and Barton Creek mall both of good markets.
4. Catch a show at the Blue Starlite Drive-in. With multiple locations now (and even an option to host your own), it’s a perfect throwback to the 70s and 80s. You can choose from new releases to iconic favorites depending on location and dates. (Locations include: Downtown Sky, Mueller Multi, and Northwest Austin.)
5. Enjoy the Zilker Summer Musical! This year, they’ll be showing Disney’s Newsies from July 8th – August 13th, Thursdays through Sundays at 8:15pm. The show is back at the Zilker Hillside Theatre this year!
6. Rent a boat and head out to Lake Travis or Lake Austin. With lots of boat rental options, you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to when and where you want to relax on the lake(s).
7. Take a stroll around Lady Bird Johnson Wild Flower Center. They have a variety of events and classes throughout the spring and summer months from story time for the little ones to classes, exhibitions, and even Tai Chi!
8. Play a round of mini golf at Peter Pan mini-golf. Even if you don’t have little ones, it’s a fun little ‘day date’ to get out and about and experience some of the fun things that “Keep Austin Weird.”
9. Relax at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden. Enjoy events like Family Day, Yoga in the Garden, Umlauf After Dark, and more. Check their schedule for special events throughout the spring and summer.
10. Take in an Austin FC Game. The Q2 Stadium is home to the first professional sports team in Austin. Choose from a number of games throughout the summer.
11. Go on a hike. While we have quite a few trails and hike and bike paths right here in Steiner, spring and summer is a great time to check out some other hidden gems like Riverplace, Wild Basin, Mount Bonnell (especially beautiful at sunset), and more! Explore some of our hidden gems for an early morning hike before it gets too hot or enjoy an evening sunset stroll at some of the more picturesque locations.
It also looks like festivals are back in full swing this year as well! Check out some iconic Austin festivals as well as some newer ones you may not have heard about before:
1. Hot Luck Festival. From May 26th – May 29th, founders Aaron Franklin, Mike Thelin, and James Moody will bring together top chefs and a killer music lineup for a festival that you won’t want to miss! is festival benefits the Southern Smoke Foundation.
2. Float Fest. If you’re up for a 2-mile oat down the Guadalupe River, then don’t miss Float Fest where you’ll cool off in the rivers where thousands of your closest friends during the day, and finish off with a great music lineup. Purchase day passes or stay and camp through the weekend if you prefer a little extra time in the great outdoors.
3. Bat Fest. Looking for more bats than a simple sunset viewing o of South Congress bridge? Head on out to Bat Fest on August 27th. They’ll be live music on multiple stages, food and drink options, arts and crafts booths, and more.
Fall festivals will also be back in swing with ACL, Pecan Street Festival, Out of Bounds Comedy Festival and more!
If you’re looking to check out some of the swimming holes in and around Austin, it’s great fun for a family picnic or simply a change of scenery:
1. Pick up a day pass at Hotel Ella, South Congress Hotel, The W, and others! If you are looking for a change of pace, enjoy a few hours sunbathing at one of the swanky hotel pools in and around Austin.
2. Blue Hole in Wimberley. Enjoy this natural, spring-fed swimming hole lined with gorgeous Cypress trees right in the heart of Texas Hill Country. The water is crystal clear and the grassy lawn is perfect for sunbathing or picnicking.
3. McKinney Falls State Park. Here you can hike, camp, picnic, fish, and swim in Onion Creek where the water flows over the ledges, splashing into the pools. It is running water, so consider life jackets for little ones. .
4. Jacob’s Well. Another favorite swimming spot, this artesian spring in Wimberley is a chilly 68 degrees year round! The park is open without entrance restrictions. However, swimming reservations are required and fill up fast.
5. Hamilton Pool. While Hamilton Pool is currently closed for swimming, it’s still worth a visit if you’ve not been out to see it before. They do not expect that it will be open for swimming this year.
6. Barton Springs and Deep Eddy. Some of the popular Austin swimming holes are great option as well. Check schedules and be sure to get reservations in advance.
And last but not least, if you’re looking for a day trip within a couple of hours, here are a few quick getaways:
- Dripping Springs: Breweries, distilleries, BBQ, & more…
- Georgetown: Downtown Square, Inner space cavern…
- Driftwood: Salt Lick, Sunsets, wineries, and more…
- Wimberley: Swimming, hiking, Bella Vista Ranch & more…
- Fredericksburg: Museums, wineries, peach-picking & more…
