Spring break, March 16-21, brings an energizing yet relaxed atmosphere in Austin, making it a great time to explore the city at your own pace. Whether you’re staying in town, hosting visitors, or simply looking for new experiences, Austin offers festivals, outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and local favorites that are easy to enjoy without rushing. Below are a few local favorites to explore over spring break!
Festivals and Events
A defining feature of March in Austin is South by Southwest (SXSW), the city’s internationally known festival celebrating music, film, and technology. While many official events require a badge or ticket, the festival’s energy extends throughout downtown. Simply walking around the area, you’ll often find free outdoor concerts, public art installations, and pop‑ups open to the public.
Outdoors and Nature
Zilker Metropolitan Park and Nature Reserve (known locally as just Zilker Park) is accessible by public bus and offers plenty to see during the day, like the Austin Nature & Science Center, which is free to visit.
If you have a car, there are plenty of natural options to explore near Austin. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park features wooded trails and limestone ledges. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve provides peaceful, shaded paths through protected Hill Country habitat.
For day trips, visit Hamilton Pool Preserve (reservations required), known for its dramatic limestone grotto and waterfall. Inks Lake State Park offers lakeside hikes and relaxed scenery about an hour northwest of Austin.
Culture and Museums
For a classic Texas cultural experience, Rodeo Austin offers rodeo competitions, live concerts, a carnival, and agricultural exhibits. This ticketed event at the Travis County Expo Center is a fun option for students or visiting family who want a taste of true cowboy culture.
Austin’s museums offer enriching indoor experiences — and many provide free admission for UT ID holders or on select days:
- Blanton Museum of Art: Free for UT ID holders anytime; free for the public on Tuesdays.
- Contemporary Austin: Free on Thursdays; includes both the Jones Center and the outdoor Laguna Gloria sculpture grounds.
- Mexic-Arte Museum: Free admission on Sundays.
- Texas Science & Natural History Museum: Free for UT ID holders.
- LBJ Presidential Library: Free for UT ID holders.
- Harry Ransom Center: Free for UT ID holders.
- Texas Military Forces Museum: Located at Camp Mabry and always free.
Local Fun and Farmers’ Markets
Downtown offers playful activities as well. Peter Pan Mini Golf is a fun, nostalgic mini-golf course that has been an Austin favorite for decades. Across the street, Butler Pitch & Putt offers a small, easygoing, beginner-friendly par‑3 golf course with club rentals available.
Austin’s farmers’ markets offer a relaxing way to explore local neighborhoods. The markets located in Mueller and the Domain offer fresh produce, local foods, and artisan goods — all with free entry.
Discover Austin’s pop-up events, concerts, and local gatherings throughout the week. The Instagram account whenwherewhataustin regularly highlights free or low-cost activities around the city.
And don’t forget to join us during spring break and year-round at ISSS events!
Enjoy Exploring Austin!
Spring break in Austin rewards curiosity, balance, and a willingness to explore. By combining free outdoor spaces, museum free days, local markets, and a few other unique experiences, you can fill the week with activities that are both restorative and memorable.
This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, program coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
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