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Things to do in Austin in spring: water, tacos and live music

Spring in Austin: a water outing, lunch on South Congress and an evening of live music.

Spring in Austin is a good reason to leave room for an outdoor morning, tacos and an evening of music. Keep the water outing flexible, then give South Congress enough time for lunch and browsing. These five stops let you build a day without relying on a festival or a particular performer being in town.

1. A spring paddle on Lady Bird Lake

Start with a paddle if the day’s conditions suit it. From a kayak, the lake becomes part of your visit rather than something you cross on the way to lunch. Rowing Dock offers rentals, so you can make the water the morning’s main activity.

Good to know

  • Rowing Dock operates first come, first served; arrive early on weekend mornings to reduce the wait.
  • Paddles and lifejackets come with the rental. Wear your lifejacket; children under 13 must wear one.
  • Swimming in Lady Bird Lake is prohibited. Check the operator’s conditions and opening notices before setting off.

2. A swim at Barton Springs Pool

Prefer getting into the water? Make Barton Springs your alternative to paddling, not another task to squeeze into the same morning. The spring-fed pool in Zilker Park gives you a straightforward outdoor plan for a suitable spring day.

Good to know

  • Check the city page for current admission, guarded swim hours and closure notices.
  • The pool normally closes for cleaning during the daytime on Thursdays; plan around that break.
  • Tickets are available online, through ATXSwims or at the entrances; online purchases require an account.

3. Tacos at Güero’s on South Congress

Make lunch an actual stop at Güero’s, where tacos al pastor and handmade corn tortillas give you somewhere specific to start. Its South Congress location puts you in the neighborhood for the afternoon, so you can eat before browsing rather than crossing town for another meal. The Oak Garden also has its own live-music program.

Good to know

  • Find it at 1412 South Congress Avenue.
  • Check the official menu and hours before going, particularly if you need a specific dietary option.
  • Oak Garden music is advertised Wednesday to Sunday; check the calendar rather than assuming a particular act or time.

4. An afternoon browsing South Congress

After lunch, stay in the neighborhood for boutiques, boots and a coffee stop. This pedestrian-friendly district works well as the unhurried part of a spring day. You can browse without making every shop a planned purchase.

Good to know

  • Visit Austin’s district guide lists shops and restaurants; individual businesses keep their own hours.
  • Allens Boots is an option if you want to look at western wear.
  • Keep your route flexible so you can shorten the outdoor browsing if the weather changes.

5. Live music at the Continental Club

Finish with a show chosen from the Continental Club’s calendar. Staying on South Congress keeps the evening connected to your afternoon, while the performance gives it a clear focus. Book for the music, not for an assumption about who might be playing in spring.

Good to know

  • Shows are for ages 21 and over unless the listing says otherwise.
  • Day-of-show cover charges are cash only; advance tickets are offered for listed ticketed shows.
  • Check both door and performance times on the official calendar before making dinner plans.

Quick tips

  • Choose one water outing and check conditions before leaving; keep the Capitol’s free tours in mind as an indoor alternative.
  • Book the show first, then work backward to dinner and your afternoon browse.
  • Want company? Check upcoming events in Austin on Socroo below and find someone to go with.

Upcoming events

Things to do in Austin all year Rowing Dock: rental information Barton Springs Pool Visit Austin: South Congress Continental Club: shows and tickets Texas Capitol tours Güero’s Taco Bar