It’s about to be another early summer weekend in Austin. Temps rising into the 90’s, yet again, but that’s when Austin is at its best! SXSW badge-holders have officially left, and the city is ours again. Primetime for disc golf, Barton Springs, paddling on the lake, or enjoying any of the parks.
Some Big, Fun Events:
📅 All Weekend | ⏰ Time TBA | 📍 Travis County Expo Center | 💰 Affordable
It’s peak rodeo season! Go for the bull riding, stay for the carnival rides, live country music, and ungodly amounts of deep-fried food on a stick
Thursday 3/19 - Anne Wilson
Friday 3/20 - William Clark Green
Saturday 3/21 - Pro Rodeo & Kaitlyn Butts
Sunday 3/22 - La Maquinaria Nortena
📅 Friday, March 20 | ⏰ 8:00 PM | 📍 Everywhere | 💰 Free
Late March is prime time for the start of wildflower season. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center or the Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area (west of Austin) are top-tier outdoor destinations for this weekend. If staying in town, drop by St. Ed’s!
📅 Saturday, March 21 | ⏰ 7:30 PM | 📍 Q2 Stadium | 💰 ~$50
LA’s in town, but Q2 only bleeds Verde. Grab a beer, warm up those vocal cords, and get ready to dodge some celebratory flying tallboys - let’s show LAFC how Austin does match day.
Austin Spotlight:
The Veloway at Circle C Ranch
Tired of dodging traffic and unpredictable pedestrians on your bike or skates? Head south to the Veloway. Tucked into the greenery of Circle C Ranch, this 3.1-mile paved loop is a car-free, pedestrian-free haven built exclusively for cyclists and skaters. It’s a fast, one-way track surrounded by Hill Country nature where you can crush miles on your road bike or cruise on your roller skates in total peace. Best of all? It’s completely free.
MARCH MADNESS: Where to Watch The Horns🤘
🍻 The "Patio & Pints" Vibe (Best for groups & day drinking)
Armadillo Den (South Austin): If you want to watch the games outside, this is the spot. They have a massive LED outdoor screen plus TVs scattered throughout the venue. It’s dog-friendly, packed with top-tier food trucks, and usually runs bucket deals on beer and seltzers for the tournament.
Bouldin Acres (South Lamar): This place has everything a millennial/Gen Z sports fan needs: dozens of screens, craft cocktails, pickleball courts, and incredible BBQ from CM Smokehouse. It gets packed, so get there early to claim a table.
Haymaker (East Austin): A massive patio, tons of screens inside and out, pool tables, and an incredible craft beer list. If you plan on camping out for 8 hours of basketball, their ridiculously good poutine and huge sandwiches will keep you alive.
🏀 The High-Energy / Rowdy Vibe
Cain & Abel’s (West Campus): Want to experience the sheer chaos of a 12-seed upsetting a 5-seed? Go here. It is peak college basketball energy, the walls literally shake during buzzer-beaters, and they run cheap daily drink specials.
Lavaca Street Bar (Downtown, South Lamar, or Domain): With three locations, Lavaca is an Austin sports staple. They boast just as many taps as they do TVs, and the dive-y, high-energy atmosphere is perfect for screaming at the refs with strangers. Expect daily bucket deals and half-priced wing nights.
🍗 The Classic "Wall-to-Wall TVs" Sports Bars
Cover 3 (Anderson Ln & Downtown): If you want an elevated sports bar experience where the food is actually incredible, Cover 3 is consistently ranked as one of the best sports bars in the country. You won't find a bad sightline in the building, and you can feast on upscale shareables instead of soggy nachos.
Pluckers Wing Bar (Multiple Locations): You can't talk about March Madness in Texas without Pluckers. Every location is plastered with screens, so you'll be able to see every single game happening simultaneously. (Pro tip: They usually run specials where you get free wings if a Texas-based team is playing.)
Mister Tramps Sports Pub (North Austin): A reliable, massive neighborhood sports pub that explicitly guarantees they will show every tournament game. Flat screens line the entire bar, and the crowd is full of die-hard sports fans.
🍽️ FOOD & DRINK
• Austin Pickle Ranch Rally & Rosé Ladies Night Social — Austin Pickle Ranch, Fri 6:00 PM. Pickleball, rosé, and light bites—girls’ night done right.
• Seafood with a French Accent — Local Eatery, Sat time TBA. Savor coastal French flavors without leaving Austin.
🎵 MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
• Darlene Mitchell from RuPaul’s Drag Race — Oilcan Harry’s, Sat 9:00 PM. Drag charisma and killer tunes collide for a one-night-only show.
• Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes — The Continental Club, Sat 10:00 PM. Rock, punk & cumbia rhythms that make you move fast and slow.
• Jazz in The Crescent Room: John Burnett’s Bluesette Quartet — The Crescent Room, Fri 7:00 PM. For that smooth Austin jazz fix without the SXSW crowd.
🎨 ARTS & CULTURE
• Spring Equinox Community Singing Ritual - 3rd Annual — Community venue, Sat time TBA. Ring in spring with song and community spirit—no experience needed.
• Patchwork Pet Pillow Workshop — Crafty DIY for animal lovers looking to cozy up their critters.
👨👩👧 FAMILY-FRIENDLY
• Zootopia 2 Community Cinema — Community First! Village, Fri 7:00 PM. Bring the crew, blankets, and snacks for an outdoor movie night that’s pure family fun
🍹 THIS WEEK'S FEATURED HAPPY HOUR
Launderette
Sip craft cocktails and local wine at Launderette in East Austin, where the chic, converted laundromat vibe feels like your stylish new go-to spot. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday, 5PM to 6PM, with $2 off cocktails, beer, and wine plus a killer happy hour food menu—bar seating only. If you’re looking for a cool spot to unwind after work, this is it. Come for the drinks, stay for the vibe.
📍 2115 Holly St, Austin, TX 78702
⏰ Mon - Fri | 5PM - 6PM
P.S. Here is the link to our Happy Hour Map — 199 Austin happy hours, all in one place. You're welcome. 🍻