Our wedding weekend happens to fall on the opening weekend of South by Southwest (SXSW), one of Austin’s biggest annual festivals celebrating music, film, tech, and culture.

This means downtown Austin will be extra lively, with:

Pop-up concerts

Street performances

Film events

Brand pop-ups

Lots of live music and energy all over the city

You don’t need a badge to enjoy the atmosphere — simply walking around downtown, South Congress, or Sixth Street during the day can feel like a mini festival.

A few tips for the weekend:

Expect heavier traffic downtown and give yourself extra travel time

Rideshares may take a bit longer than usual

If you see live music happening somewhere… stop and enjoy it!

It’s one of the most fun times of year to be in Austin, and we’re excited you get to experience the city at its most vibrant.

The Driskill

If you’re downtown, step inside The Driskill for a cocktail. It’s one of the most beautiful historic hotels in Texas and worth seeing even if you’re just passing through.

Texas State Capitol

Walk the beautiful grounds or take a free tour inside one of the most recognizable buildings in Texas.

LBJ Presidential Library

A surprisingly fascinating stop filled with history, exhibits, and a full replica of the Oval Office.

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater that make Texas history anything but boring.

Governor’s Mansion

A beautiful historic home just a few blocks from the Capitol. Tours available with reservations.

Blanton Museum of Art

A world-class art museum on UT’s campus and home to the stunning Ellsworth Kelly “Austin” installation.

Sixth Street

Famous for nightlife, live music, and neon lights. Best experienced in the evening if you want to see Austin at full volume.

The Broken Spoke

A true Austin institution with live country music and two-stepping on a giant wooden dance floor. If you want an authentic Texas night out, this is the place. Check their schedule — many nights include two-step lessons before the band starts.

South Congress Avenue

Iconic Austin street filled with murals, local shops, coffee spots, and skyline views.

Tours

Tour the legendary home of Austin City Limits and see where countless artists have performed.

Downtown food tours, double-decker bus tours, walking tours, bike/e-bike rentals, and even Segway tours are all great ways to see the city quickly.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Ever wanted to skydive without jumping out of a plane? This indoor wind tunnel lets you safely “fly” with an instructor guiding you the whole time. It’s fun, beginner-friendly, and a very memorable Austin activity for first-timers.

Zilker Botanical Garden

28 acres of gardens, ponds, and peaceful walking paths right in the city.

Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail

A scenic trail with skyline views. You can also rent kayaks or paddle boards on the water.

A natural spring-fed pool that stays 68° year-round.

Refreshing… and a little brave.

Hill Country Drive

Rolling hills, wineries, wildflowers, and beautiful Texas scenery just outside the city.

Day trip to Fredericksburg

A charming German town known for wineries, boutiques, and great small-town Texas vibes.