Austin is the capital of Texas, but, until recently, it was in the background when standing amongst its giant neighbors, Dallas and Houston. Interest in Austin as a travel destination began to peak with the popularity of the South by Southwest Music Festival (SXSW), which is held in March. The event has grown into one of the largest gathering of musical enthusiasts in the US. It highlights the obscenely large number of live music venues in the Austin area. Visitors to SXSW might have to fight the crowds during the March event, but because Austin has a big enough music scene to accommodate anyone’s sonic tastes, visiting during non-festival times can be a treat.

The music portion of SXSW overlaps with a film festival that has gained a bit of buzz amongst industry types. Think Sundance without the skiing (and Robert Redford).

Austin has a book length list of other festivals. Many are offbeat. Austin gathers in April to celebrate the birthday of Eeyore (of Winnie the Pooh fame). It has little to do with the downbeat donkey. The gathering is more about beating drums and ringing in spring. At least you can be assured that the people watching will be quite interesting.

Theater has long been a part of Austin’s culture. There are touring shows at the State Theater. However, the bulk of Austin’s stage scene is decidedly more on the fringe (nowhere near “off-Broadway;” it’s more “anti-Broadway.”) Original musicals, plays, experimental theater, comedy improv, more experimental theater, and–did I mention?–experimental theater.

Aside from being a place on the cutting edge of music and counter culture, Austin is a pleasant place. It’s a big enough city to have all the museums and restaurant choices one could want. But there is little pretension in Austin’s size or cultural status. People are laid back and friendly, no one is overly arrogant or unwelcoming. Austin is downright nice.

Music Venues in Austin

Tags: SXSW