Top Things to do in Austin at Night

Locals never run out of surprises when welcoming guests visiting Austin, Texas - the live music capital of the world! Though the daytime is a great time to soak in the Texan sun at some state parks, and golf courses, or take in the scenery at the University of Texas or the Capital, the city comes alive when the sun goes down.

Whether you plan to check out the live music venues, explore 6th street to take in the legendary bar scene, or visit some scenic areas illuminated at night, or catch some entertainment at the movie theaters - Austin is yours to explore!

Join Tripshepherd Scenic Austin Night Tour

Witness the city come to life at night with a 2.5-hour scenic small-group night tour. Experience the bustling Austin city nightlife with one of our friendly, local guides with a sunset cruise to see the dazzling city skyline, and a narrated tour in the comfort of an air-conditioned Mercedes Metris van, with stops at iconic places like; Texas Capitol, Pfluger Bridge, Willie Nelson Statue, and Paramount Theater.

Share some Laughs at Esther's Follies

Esther’s Follies is a widely acclaimed theater that offers guests the experience of magic, juggling, dancing, and comedy sketches all in one show Thursday - Saturday nights. Those of all ages can come and share some laughs - but be warned some shows may include mild swearing and suggestive humor.

Live Music Crawl

No trip to the United State live music capital would be complete without visiting one (or many) of the city’s live music venues. A great way to witness live music in a city with the highest concentration of live music venues is with Austin Detours.

The tour is led by a local musician who will take you to visit three venues for three hours, where you will learn about the city’s live music history and the latest updates on the music scene today.

Visit Moody Theater

Witness the home of the Austin City Limits Television show - music's best address. This state-of-the-art 2,750-person live music venue hosts around 100 concerts a year serving as the permanent home of the longest-running music series in American television history.

Dine at The Little Longhorn Saloon

Located in central Austin the Little Longhorn Saloon is the honkiest, tonkiest beer joint in town - a great place to grab a drink and dance to live music. For over four decades, the saloon has served as the center of the city’s country music, hosting 10+ bands or over 600+ a year!

Take a Nighttime Stroll

Stroll through the luscious Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center gardens and trails illuminated at night along lady bird lake. Located in South Austin the trails are lined by native Texas plants where you can take in some bird watching and explore stunning architecture.

While in the South Austin area, you can stop at one of their delicious food trucks offered like Veracruz All Natural - named one of Food Network's Top 5 Tacos in America.

Watch the Sunset in Hill Country

Visit Back Porch bar for the best sunset views on Lake Travis to experience an authentic Texas porch experience. Here you can also take advantage of their daily happy hour specials and even get pampered at Lakeway Resort and Spa.

Watch the famous bats fly from Congress Avenue Bridge

No trip to 'Bat City' would be complete without witnessing the world-famous Congress Avenue Bridge Bats! Experience a bat-watching excursion to witness fabled Mexican (or Brazilian) Free-Tailed Bats take flight from underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge where an unimaginably large colony of 1.5 million bats reside—one of the biggest colonies of urban bats in the world!

With speeds of 60 miles per hour, flying across the colorful evening sky, you will be awestruck & delighted at the sight of these bats with their fascinating and erratic flight patterns.

'Get Weird' at the Museum of Weird

Located in the Historic 6th Street entertainment district in the heart of downtown Austin, the Museum of Weird serves to “keep Austin Weird”, delivering a dose of quirk to the main tourist drag. The museum offers an eclectic array of monsters including a stuffed cyclops to a frozen caveman.

Vintage-Era Murder Mystery Tour

Looking for something unique to do? Austin Detours offers an extraordinary interactive tour put on by local actors who will take you exploring through a vintage themed murder mystery where you will make your way downtown to investigate, look for clues, interview suspects, and solve the murder of an Austin socialite.

Barton Springs Pool

Go for a nighttime swim at Barton Springs Pool! Located in Zilker Park, this three-acre outdoor pool, filled with water from underground springs is a great place to cool off from the Texan heat.

The area became a hit when superstar Brad Pitt was seen in it in the 2011 film “Tree of Life”. With its temperature ranging between 68F-70F, it is perfect for all year round swimming under the moon and stars!

Enjoy some drinks while taking in the city illuminated on a Hipside Peddler

Have fun on the city’s top-rated party bike tours around the city’s East side while getting in a bit of a leg workout! The bike tour includes coolers, ice, a stereo system, and phone chargers so feel free to bring your very own drinks and snacks to enjoy while traveling through the city. You can enjoy this East Side Ride with groups of 6-30 for a private excursion through the enchanting east side for some bar and restaurant hopping and sightseeing!

Cruise down Lake Travis on a Boat Cruise

Have your breath taken away while you explore the natural nighttime beauty of Lake Travis onboard a luxury double-decker boat. As one of the most popular vacation destinations in Texas, the boat guides you on a relaxing sightseeing cruise where you can gaze at the majestic waterfront mansions. Pass by Starnes Island - a freshwater dive site, Mansfield Dam, and Devil’s Cove, one of the city’s most surprising hotspots.