Accord Paris JP

Austin has the double blessing of being a college town, which is always good for night life and being a city of good size. This means that there are always new clubs opening, fun theme nights, unsurpassed happy hours and much more. Here are just a few of the can’t miss things to do in Austin after the sun goes down.

There aren’t many clubs in Austin that have received recognition from government officials for being such a great live music venue, but that’s exactly what you get when you go to the Elephant Room on Congress St. This is not only the best live jazz venue in Austin, it might just be the best live music venue in Texas. Check their website for a night by night breakdown of live acts, drink specials and more. If you want to get your groove on, check out the Elephant Room for all of the jazz you need.

Antone’s in Austin is another wonderful live music venue. Not only can you see more than your fair share of local acts at Antone’s, but there are plenty of worldwide known acts that play here, too. Combine the great music with a funky vibe, a great décor and bartenders who know how to mix the perfect drink and you have the best night out in all of Austin. If you want fun, check out Antone’s on 5th St. in Austin.

For a night of rock and roll that is second to none in Austin, check out the Continental Club. Voted one of the best bars on the planet by Playboy Magazine, the Continental Club is the place to drink and the place to be seen if you are in Austin. Want to party with Longhorns that you’ve seen on TV? This is the place to go. From live music to a jukebox that is unsurpassed, this is the place to let your hair down in Austin.

One final night spot to check out is the Cedar Door Bar & Grill. If you are looking for an exotic cocktail or just a no-nonsense place to party and have fun, than this is the place for you. Located at 2nd and Brazos right in the heart of Austin, this is a night out you can’t miss.

There is nothing quite like the fun and excitement of a festival. The city of Austin celebrates throughout the year with a multitude of festivals that are sure to make both you and the kids smile. Here is a brief glimpse of just a few of the festivals that will be in the greater Austin area soon.

Starting right after the end of Thanksgiving, the Austin Trail of Lights Festival goes the entire month of December and features a trail of lights that completely illuminates Zilker Park. If you are new to Austin, you have to come check out these lights. Nothing will get you in the holiday spirit faster. There are tables selling crafts, hot refreshments and more. It is a family favourite every year in Austin.

March is when festival season really kicks off. The Texas State Arts Festival takes up the first week in March and it is an event residents look forward to every year. This festival showcases every medium and every kind of artist you can imagine. Even if you are just a casual art fan, this festival can’t be missed.

One festival that everyone in Austin can look forward to is the Austin Chocolate Festival during the month of March. Best of all, this festival benefits breast cancer research, so feel free to spend a little more than you would otherwise and enjoy some of the best chocolate you’ll find anywhere. Pace yourself or you’ll be in for an early day.

Festivals return to Zilker Park with the Zilker Garden Festival. Enjoy live music, outdoor grilling food and so much more at the botanical garden. View amazing plants and flowers and remember to take a few home with you, as well.

Perhaps the most popular festival of the year is the Louisiana Swamp Thing and Crawfish Festival. You’ll think you are back in the bayou with this authentic Cajun party right in the heart of Austin. The festival takes place in late March and is held all over downtown. If you love spicy food, live music and cold beer, this is the festival for you.

Austin is blessed by not only having a university in its midst that brings many outstanding cultural events to the area, but the city is surrounded by other locales that also have a rich cultural tradition.

Tickle your funny bone with the Mish Mash Show in Austin. The next showing of this popular running series in January 5, with additional shows on January 12, February 2, 9 and 16. All showings are performed at the Capitol City Comedy Club. The great thing about the Mish Mash show is that everyone comes out laughing. No matter what kind of comedy you prefer, the Mish Mash Show has something for everyone.
Check out this magical one person show at the Dougherty Arts Center starting December 4 and running through the 29th. Natasha Mylius : A Walk Around Austin is a one of a kind show that is sure to make you laugh, make you cry and make you think. Few people know and understand the city of Austin better than Natasha and she shares her insights into what makes this city special during her amazing show. Tickets are free and show times run throughout the day.

Enjoy an art show like no other with the Mix n Mash Art Exhibit and Sale at the MexicArte Museum on Congress St. See genres from all over the art world thrown together to create a whole new type of art that is utterly unclassifiable. This amazing exhibit runs through the month of December and is a fun time out for the whole family.
If sculpture is your thing, than check out UMLAUF Sculpture Gardens on Lee Road this holiday season for Water Sparks: The First 30 Years of Sculpture; A Damian Priour Retrospective. This exhibit is sure to spark interest in art, even if you can’t tell one from the other. Not many sculptors use limestone as their medium, but Priour does and the results are extraordinary. See the history of the Texas gulf coast laid out in front of you like never before. The natural beauty of Texas is evident through the UMLAUF Sculpture Gardens this holiday season, don’t miss it.