One part vaudeville and one part stinging political/social satire, this place has been amusing and delighting its guests, as well as the pedestrians who pass by its front-stage windows and observe its goings-on, since the late 1970s. A troupe of multi-talented performers write, act, sing and dance their way across a broad and constantly updated comedic map that pokes fun at our elected officials, celebrity icons, and regular citizens. It is not all for laughs, though; a magical act comes on a couple of times per show to startle and captivate your senses. This is a true downtown institution.
A famous slogan states that everything is bigger in Texas, and if one views its capitol building, the age-old phrase rings true. Standing a stately 309 feet (94 meters) and modeled after the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., the Texas State Capitol owns the distinction of being the nation's tallest capitol building. Designed by architect Elijah E. Myers and constructed using lustrous red granite, the capitol took more than seven years to complete. It was finished in the year 1888 at a total cost of more than three million dollars, an extravagant price even by today's standards. The perfectly landscaped grounds reflect the languid pace of life under the central Texan sun, inviting passers-by for a quiet stroll or a lazy day under a tree.
This venue, south of the river, is a throwback to the 1950s. Roots rock and country reign supreme in this bar, where one can often find men in leather jackets and classic Cadillacs out front. With live music nightly, tributes to Elvis, and celebrations of Hank William's birthday, this place is great for dancing, drinking and kicking back on the high stools. Happy hours feature some of Austin's favorite songwriters. The venue has broadened its range of live music to include occasional indie rock.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center was established by Lady Bird Johnson, First Lady of the United States from 1963-1969. This fabulous garden bearing her name brims with native Texas plants in courtyards, terraces, arbors, and meadows. Along with a fantastic children's center, visitors can explore a visitor's gallery, observation tower, cafe, gift store, and nature trails. Enjoy award-winning architecture and fabulous scenery in this wonderful garden spot. The center also offers programs that offer hands-on experiences including art sessions, yoga workshops, summer camps, gardening, and more.
This company knows how to push the limits and still keep the traditional form. The traditional Christmas production of The Nutcracker always brings a smile to patrons' faces. Each year an innovative twist or take on this classic ballet provides a new perspective on this timeless work. Ballet Austin is very familiar with the eclectic nature of the Austin arts scene, and keeps that in mind when developing the seasonal productions.
A 35-foot (10.7 meters) bronze Lone Star sculpture greets visitors at the entrance of this epic museum. This place narrates the story of Texas, sharing its rich cultural heritage and traditions. The three floors of the impressive building present interactive exhibits, special effects shows and more. On the first floor, you will find a permanent exhibit called Encounters on the Land, which highlights the first meetings between Native Americans and European explorers. The second and third floors have exhibits that showcase the evolution of Texas from the time of its inception. The museum boasts a total of 17 media installations and over 700 artifacts, not to mention Austin's only IMAX Theater.
Ginko Studios is a space meant for art and various kinds of art work. Established by two well renowned artists, this place holds many events in the cultural, art and creative fields. On display here are lovely pottery works, paintings, porcelain art and art on tiles. Besides this, it is also a venue for the Handmade Austin Women, an annual market that gives scope for women artisans to display their talents. This initiative was the brainchild of some local women artists who felt the need to encourage art in women. The event includes exhibitions in sculpture, photography, handicrafts, paintings, mosaic work and so on. Other events held here are small music shows by women bands, performances and so on.
One part vaudeville and one part stinging political/social satire, this place has been amusing and delighting its guests, as well as the pedestrians who pass by its front-stage windows and observe its goings-on, since the late 1970s. A troupe of multi-talented performers write, act, sing and dance their way across a broad and constantly updated comedic map that pokes fun at our elected officials, celebrity icons, and regular citizens. It is not all for laughs, though; a magical act comes on a couple of times per show to startle and captivate your senses. This is a true downtown institution.
Blue Rock Studio is a modern concert venue that doubles up as a recording studio. Designed by architect Lou Kimball and Michael Cronin, an acoustic designer, this space meets the sound and technical specifications requisite of a concert hall. The live performances are staged in the events room and the likes of Chris Smither, Iris Dement, John Gorka, Willy Porter, Ellis Paul and David Wilcox have performed here in the past. And, if you do not wish to drive home after a late-night concert, Blue Rock offers comfortable accommodations complete with a kitchen, pool, fireplace and an enviable DVD collection. For more details, check website or call ahead.
Established with the intention of creating a comfortable space, the Whitestone Brewery is a popular local brewery that serves some delicious and ingenuous brews. On offer are a variety of core brews as well as a number of seasonal and guest brews that are full of individuality and incredible flavors, making for exceptional flights. Step in, sample a few brews, and if you fancy, take away a growler or two of your favorites. The ambiance is friendly and casual and the taproom also hosts live music for you to listen to. With an on-site food truck and a guest food truck, you will have enough snacks to munch on! Do visit the Whitestone Brewery for a fun time.