Spring in Austin, Texas: Ideas for 2025
March 12, 2025
|
Spring in Austin, Texas, is just about perfect. The weather is great and there is so much to see and do. Our sunglasses are on and our sweaters are being packed away!
Spring is the perfect time of year to discover Austin and Central Texas or fall in love with it all over again.
We are thrilled to share with you some of our favorite ideas for how to celebrate spring in Austin, Texas, in 2025!
Photo courtesy of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
See Wildflowers Around Austin
The bluebonnet is the state flower of Texas and Central Texas offers some of the best displays in the state. You’ll typically see bluebonnets pop up along Austin’s highways and throughout the Texas Hill Country starting in late March and lasting until early May.
One of the best ways to see and learn about our Texas wildflowers is with a visit to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Located just 10 miles from downtown Austin and the Heywood Hotel, our State botanical garden and arboretum of Texas is open to the public year-round. The center features 900+ species of native Texas plants in natural settings and carries out its mission of inspiring the conservation of native plants through a range of educational programs and events. The Wildflower Center is currently open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
If you have a little more time, take a day trip to the Texas Hill Country. Ample wildflowers can be viewed as you head west along Highways 71 or 290. The 30-minute drive to Driftwood and Salt Lick Barbecue presents several nice opportunities to see bluebonnets and other wildflowers. Or venture further to Johnson City or Fredericksburg.
An hour northwest of Austin is the town of Burnet, known as the “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas.” The 41st annual Bluebonnet Festival takes place this April 11 – 13, 2025, with live music, a carnival and arts and crafts.
For more road trip ideas, check out the Heywood’s list of Four Short Day Trips from Austin.
Cardinals Play SXSW 2025. Photo by Heywood Hotel.
Attend SXSW 2025
Annually, the South by Southwest conference and festival takes over our entire city, transforming practically every nook and cranny into a venue for music, movies, ideas, day parties and sometimes mayhem.
SXSW (March 7-15) will feature keynotes, music festival showcases, conference sessions and film festival screenings from established performers and emerging acts from all over the world.
The lineup is as diverse as ever. If you are a movie buff, make sure to connect with the film portion of the festival which includes exclusive premieres, screenings, and Q&As.
The Heywood Hotel is perfectly located for SXSW. We are walkable to the Austin Convention Center, and most SXSW venues and day parties, including those in downtown, East Austin and the Rainey Street District. Check availability and book your stay online.
Photo by James Phifer. Saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston at Rodeo Austin. Photo by James Phifer, courtesy of prorodeo.com
Go to the Rodeo!
Rodeo Austin is one of the city’s favorite springtime traditions, combining world-class rodeo action with live music, carnival rides, and classic Texas fun. Taking place March 14–29, Rodeo Austin features top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls competing in rodeo events like bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. Nightly after the rodeo, there are live music performances from current and legendary country and rock artists. Beyond the arena, visitors can enjoy fairground treats, plus a petting zoo, livestock shows, and the ultimate Texas experience — mutton bustin’ for the little ones. Whether you’re a rodeo enthusiast or just looking for an authentic Texas experience, Rodeo Austin is a must-visit during your spring stay at the Heywood Hotel!
For tickets and more info, visit Rodeo Austin.
Photo courtesy of Kasian Boil
Favorite Crawfish Boils in Austin, Texas
The spring season is crawfish season in Austin. Peak season runs from March through April, offering plenty of opportunities to curb your crustacean-ary cravings. Whether you call them crawfish, crawdads or mudbugs, if you are looking for a taste of Louisiana in Central Texas, we have got you covered!
Shoal Creek Saloon, just west of downtown on North Lamar, boils every day from 11:00am to 10:00pm, offering crawfish platters in addition to their normal Louisiana-inspired menu. This legendary eatery is Austin’s home for New Orleans Saints fans, but it’s a friendly and welcoming environment for everyone. The expansive back patio can’t be beat. Pair your crawfish boil with a pint of Abita and “laissez le bon temps rouler!”
Lil’ Easy Fine Cajun Food & Bar brings the flavors and spirit of New Orleans to East Austin with authentic Cajun dishes, fresh seafood, and handcrafted cocktails. Located just a few blocks from the Heywood Hotel on East Cesar Chavez, this lively spot features a New Orleans-style courtyard, perfect for enjoying po’boys, oysters, and frozen daiquiris. During crawfish season, Lil’ Easy hosts a crawfish boil on weekends, starting at 4:00pm on Fridays and at noon on Saturdays and Sundays.
Black-owned and Eastside strong, The Original New Orleans Po-Boy and Gumbo Shop is a food truck on Airport Blvd. serving up crawfish at only $9 per pound. Add a side of gumbo and try their New Orleans famous beignets! Open Tuesday – Sunday 12:00-9:00pm and Monday 3:00-8:00pm.
B.D. Riley’s celebrates St. Patrick’s Day.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Austin in 2025
Irish eyes will be smiling on Austin this year as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Don your green and enjoy a pint at one of these local watering holes.
Kelly’s Irish Pub is as authentic as you’ll find outside of the Emerald Isle. Located on West Oltorf St., just three miles south of the Heywood Hotel, Kelly’s features traditional Irish pub grub, like shepherd’s pie, lamb stew and bangers and mash. The staff, most of whom are true-born Irishmen and Irishwomen, will be quick to tell you that the perfect Guinness pour takes 119.5 seconds. Every day is a celebration of Irish customs and hospitality at Kelly’s Irish Pub, but expect the craic to be kicked up a notch on St. Patrick’s Day.
Scholz Garten is not only the oldest bar in Austin, it also the oldest still-operating business in the entire state of Texas! This venerable institution celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in style each year with such festivities as stein holding competitions, “Luck of the Irish” coin tosses and local live music. Check their website for this year’s activities, then make a plan to grab a wiener schnitzel with your pint of Guinness at Texas’ most famous outdoor Biergarten. Sláinte und prost!
B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub, located a few miles north of the Heywood Hotel claims to serve more perfect pints of Guinness than anywhere in Texas. This year’s St. Paddy’s Day festivities are expected to include live music starting at 11:00am on their spacious patio. Enjoy traditional dishes like corned beef and cabbage and Irish stew. It’s sure to be a great craic!
Image courtesy of ABC Kite Fest
Let’s Fly a Kite!
Austin’s famous Zilker Park is a great place to fly a kite any day of the week. With 351 acres, there’s plenty of room to spread out and let your kite truly soar!
For a full display of amazing aerodynamics, visit Zilker Park on April 7, 2024, for the annual ABC Kite Festival held in partnership with Austin Parks Foundation.
The country’s longest-running festival of its kind is suited for both the casual observer and the avid kite enthusiast, and free to attend. The colorful flying marvels are really a sight to behold and the spring weather in Austin couldn’t be nicer. Parking passes are available on the event website, but reserve well ahead of time, as nearby parking will be limited.
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve photo by Brandon Rowe
Visit the Peacocks at Mayfield Park & Nature Reserve
Located on a bluff overlooking Lake Austin, Mayfield Park is a hidden gem right in the center of Austin.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the original cottage was built in the 1870s. The 21-acre grounds include gardens, walking trails and a nature preserve.
The estate was gifted to the City of Austin by Mary Mayfield Gutsch in 1971. Today, the park is best known for a wandering pride of peacocks and peaceful water lily ponds. It’s a great way to spend a beautiful spring day in Austin!
Parker Stinson and Allie Kieffer finish first in the 47th Annual Statesman Capitol 10K Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Austin. Briana Sanchez/American-Statesman
Run Through Austin’s Cityscape
The Statesman Capitol 10K, the largest 10K in Texas, is celebrating its 48th year. The iconic race attracts thousands of participants and spectators alike. The Capitol 10K is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of community, fitness and the spirit of Austin. Runners of all levels, from seasoned athletes to first-time participants, take to the streets to challenge themselves and experience the thrill of crossing the finish line in the heart of downtown on April 6, 2025.
Circuit of the Americas photo courtesy of NASCAR.com
Catch NASCAR at COTA
If your idea of a race comes with more horsepower, you are in luck. In Spring 2024, NASCAR races at Austin’s fabulous Circuit of the Americas, February 28 – March 2.
Our 3.41-mile long track is sure to see lots of excitement over this jam-packed weekend featuring the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series plus the IMSA-sanctioned Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Series.
Each driver will face the 20-turn, counterclockwise circuit purpose built for Formula 1 racing. Turn one features a staggering 133-foot hill, sure to get both drivers’ and race fans’ adrenaline pumping! Check the website for more information and tickets.
MotoGP motorcycles racing around a tight turn. Photo courtesy of motogp.com
Experience MotoGP in Austin
Circuit of the Americas hosts a second thrilling weekend of racing during the spring in the form of 1000cc motorcycles that can reach top speeds of 220 mph! MotoGP represents the highest level of motorcycle racing on the international circuit and comes to Austin March 28th – 30th. It’s an exciting spectacle of motorcycle riders using all of their skills as they take daring turns and hit the highest speeds. Our favorite spot to watch is Turn 2. For more information, check out Experience MotoGP in Austin: Where to Watch, Play, and Stay.
Visit the Circuit of the Americas’ website for more information and tickets.
|
Aparna Nancherla performs at the 2025 Moontower Comedy Festival. Photo by Rachel Parker, courtesy of Moontower Comedy Festival
Attend the Moontower Comedy Festival
Laugh away the winter blues at the Moontower Comedy Festival, a beloved citywide event celebrating stand-up, improv, and all things funny. Taking place April 9–19, 2025, this year’s Moontower promises another incredible lineup of top-tier talent, more than 150 comics! Featured headliners include Tiffany Haddish, Aziz Ansari, Josh Johnson, Alex Moffat, and Pauly Shore. The Handsome Podcast will record live with Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster and Mae Martin.
What sets Moontower apart is its distinctly Austin vibe. The festival spans multiple iconic venues, including the historic Paramount and Stateside Theatres, as well as intimate clubs across downtown and East Austin, offering something for every comedy fan. Lineup and badges are available at the Moontower Comedy Festival website.
View of the stage and Auditorium Shores Lawn, courtesy of Austin Reggae Festival
Celebrate Peace, Love & Music at Austin Reggae Fest
The Austin Reggae Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary, April 18–20, 2025, at scenic Auditorium Shores. This beloved annual event brings together world-class acts from the reggae, world music and dub genres, for three days of music, peace, and positive vibes. With the downtown skyline as its backdrop and Lady Bird Lake just steps away, it’s one of our most feel-good festivals of the season.
The Austin Reggae Festival also supports a great cause—proceeds benefit the Central Texas Food Bank, helping to fight hunger in the region. Visit Austin Reggae Fest for tickets and more information.
View of the crowd at Austin Psych Fest. Image courtesy of Levitation.
Rock Out at Austin Psych Fest
Another spring favorite returns to Austin this April: Austin Psych Fest, takes place April 25–27 at the Far Out Lounge. This year features a hand-picked lineup of boundary-pushing artists from around the world, including Explosions in the Sky, Dinosaur Jr., Yo La Tengo, Kim Gordon, STRFKR, The Octopus Project, Alex Maas of the Black Angels and more.
Set in the laid-back, tree-shaded setting of the Far Out Lounge in South Austin, Psych Fest offers immersive visuals, swirling guitars, vintage synths, and a dreamy atmosphere that makes this event a standout in Austin’s live music scene. Schedule and tickets are available at the Levitation website.
Austin Field Guide Festival at Fiesta Gardens. Photo courtesy of austintexas.org
Be a Foodie at the Field Guide Festival
The Field Guide Festival returns to nearby Fiesta Gardens from April 25–27, 2025, celebrating the critical connection between local food, farming, and community. Set on the banks of Lady Bird Lake, this unique festival connects more than 65 chefs and farmers with food lovers for a weekend of curated tastings, live fire cooking, and farm-to-table experiences—all set to the backdrop of great local music and wellness programming.
Unlike your typical food festival, Field Guide focuses on education and sustainability, offering a deeper look into Austin’s local food systems and the people who power them. It’s a deliciously down-to-earth way to celebrate spring in Austin. Tickets are available via the Field Guide Fest website
|
Photo courtesy of Gary Clark, Jr.
Find Your Soul at Austin Blues Festival
The Austin Blues Festival returns April 26–27, 2025, bringing two soulful days of music to the stunning Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. This celebrated event honors the city’s deep-rooted blues heritage with performances from legendary artists and rising stars alike. This year’s lineup features powerhouse acts including Gary Clark Jr., Mavis Staples, Jimmie Vaughan, North Mississippi Allstars, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jackie Venson and over a dozen more. Tickets are available at austinbluesfestival.com.
Wangechi Mutu, Water Woman at The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria. Image courtesy The Contemporary Austin. Photograph by Brian Fitzsimmons.
Pack a Spring Picnic
The Contemporary at Laguna Gloria has a free admission day on Thursday, and what a great reason to check out Spread & Co’s newest location on the property. Order in advance and choose from cheese and charcuterie boards, sandwiches and salads, and other shareable options to enjoy on property as you browse the 14-acre sculpture park on Lake Austin.
And perfect for any destination is a ready-to-go picnic box from Antonelli’s. Choose your favorite cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts, crackers, and add a bottle of bubbly. Pack it up in a chilled cooler tote, and be on your way! Pick up your selection from their adorable location in Hyde Park, or make a date to do a cheese tasting at their new South Lamar tasting room. And as far as a picnic location goes, might we suggest the picturesque Mount Bonnell or perhaps the Heywood Hotel patio?
Heywood Hotel Courtyard Patio
Featured image of Texas bluebonnets by Delaney Van