Every year, Austinites face the second week in March with equal parts anticipation and sheer overwhelming. The excitement that SXSW brings is matched with the dread that schools are closed and parents are forced to find alternative activities for their kids. It’s an intimidating week so we at Delysia Chocolatier are here to provide some tips on surviving spring break and SXSW.
SXSW is something every Austinite should attend at least once. It’s a rite of passage like taking a dip in Barton Springs and standing in line for three hours for Franklin Barbecue. So next year, keep your eyes open for a locals wristband. They are well-worth the $200. You may not see the biggest bands in the world – those are either lottery-based or for VIP badge-holders – but you will definitely enjoy some of the smaller showcases in an intimate setting. It’s a great experience for music-lovers to hop from bar-to-bar and see what could be the next big name in music.
If you didn’t get a wristband but still want to join in some SXSW fun, pick up a free guest pass and enjoy any of the number of family-friendly events like the Gaming Expo, outdoor music at Butler Park, and the Renegade Craft Fair. For more family-friendly SX events, check out our friends over at Do512 Family.
Other music events include KGSR’s live broadcasts from the W hotel, KUTX Live at the Four Seasons, SXSW Day Parties at Waterloo Records, and so many more that we can’t list them all here!
For the foodie set, SXSW Food Crawl looks like a fabulous and inexpensive way to meet with fellow food-lovers and discover some of Austin’s hidden gems.
Not into the madness of SXSW but still staying in town? Luckily Austin never lacks for fun family activities, there are plenty of local activities or within a day’s drive.
Go fly a kite:
The Zilker Kite Festival was postponed from last week to this Sunday, March 9th. Hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate for this beloved festival.
For animal lovers:
Austin Zoo
Cameron Park Zoo
San Antonio Zoo
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Rodeo Austin
Commune with nature:
McKinney Falls State Park
Texas Hill Country
Umlauf Sculpture Garden
Zilker Fairie Homes & Gardens
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Mayfield Park
Catch a flick:
Free kids’ movies at Alamo Drafthouse
Get cultured at a museum:
The Thinkery
LBJ Library
Harry Ransom Center
Texas State History Museum
Blanton Art Museum
Mexic-arte Museum
Eat chocolate:
Stop by Breed & Co., Con ‘Olios or Becker Vineyards to pick up your favorite Delysia Chocolatier truffles and barks.
Of course, this barely scratches the surface of things to do in central Texas during spring break. Whether you enjoy the SXSW madness or the tranquility of a nature center or museum, you’re sure to make this spring break a memorable one.