Austin Event Planning Guide

Source the best vendors and venues for your event.

Welcome to Austin

Arguably one of the fastest rising cities in the U.S., Austin has become a popular destination for events, meetings, and conventions, thanks in part to its cool vibes and tech and music industry connections. As the capital of Texas, Austin also offers access to a world-class airport, top-notch hospitality including a prized food scene, and a talented pool of entertainment acts as well as performance venues. Plus, many outdoor activities are easily reachable from the city.

Austin Highlights

For the latest, most up-to-date information on Austin, visit the following resources. Here, you’ll find useful links geared toward event and meeting planners, including access to the main airport and local tourism board, as well as to the Texas office of tourism. Get acquainted with the city and its staff of event pros who are ready to help.

State Capitol

Located in the heart of central Austin, this impressive legislative building is more beautiful than boring.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Found across the river from downtown Austin, this 351-acre park includes attractions like art museums and swimming holes.

Blanton Museum of Art

Located on the University of Texas at Austin campus, this museum is considered one of the largest university art museums in the country.

Barton Springs Pool

Located within Zilker Park, this three-acre pool is formed from underground springs that provide the perfect spot to cool off.

Congress Avenue Bridge

Home to about 1.5 million bats, this bridge becomes an attraction during the summer when the nocturnal creatures take flight in the evenings.

Sixth Street

The hub of Austin's music scene, this is where you can catch a live show in the "Live Music Capital of the World."

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

This 10-mile route encompasses all of Lady Bird Lake and is a popular spot for runners, walkers, and cyclists.

LBJ Presidential Library

Dedicated to the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson's library houses artifacts as well as quirky exhibits.

State Capitol

Located in the heart of central Austin, this impressive legislative building is more beautiful than boring.

Zilker Metropolitan Park

Found across the river from downtown Austin, this 351-acre park includes attractions like art museums and swimming holes.

Blanton Museum of Art

Located on the University of Texas at Austin campus, this museum is considered one of the largest university art museums in the country.

Barton Springs Pool

Located within Zilker Park, this three-acre pool is formed from underground springs that provide the perfect spot to cool off.

Congress Avenue Bridge

Home to about 1.5 million bats, this bridge becomes an attraction during the summer when the nocturnal creatures take flight in the evenings.

Sixth Street

The hub of Austin's music scene, this is where you can catch a live show in the "Live Music Capital of the World."

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

This 10-mile route encompasses all of Lady Bird Lake and is a popular spot for runners, walkers, and cyclists.

LBJ Presidential Library

Dedicated to the 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson's library houses artifacts as well as quirky exhibits.

Austin Weather

Austin is characterized by long, hot summers (with many days reaching above 100°F) and short, mild winters, and is mostly sunny year round. The spring and fall seasons are considered the best times to visit, although storms can crop up in the spring. The oppressive heat in the summer makes it the least desirable time to visit. If you’re planning an event then, be sure to schedule indoor activities or trips to the nearby swimming holes.

Today

Clouds

60°

Wednesday, Dec 01

Austin Weather Essentials

Month	High	Low	Precipitation
December	63°	42°	2.4 in
January	62°	42°	2.2 in
February	65°	45°	2.0 in
March	72°	51°	2.8 in
April	80°	59°	2.1 in
May	87°	67°	4.4 in
June	92°	72°	4.3 in

7 Day Forecast

Wed, Dec 01

67°

Clouds

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 72%

Wind: 7.81 m/s

Thu, Dec 02

75°

Clouds

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 60%

Wind: 8.41 m/s

Fri, Dec 03

70°

Rain

Precipitation: 67%

Humidity: 88%

Wind: 13.15 m/s

Sat, Dec 04

72°

Rain

Precipitation: 77%

Humidity: 77%

Wind: 9.35 m/s

Sun, Dec 05

72°

Clouds

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 76%

Wind: 11.52 m/s

Mon, Dec 06

61°

Clouds

Precipitation: 47%

Humidity: 42%

Wind: 16.42 m/s

Tue, Dec 07

65°

Clouds

Precipitation: 4%

Humidity: 79%

Wind: 11.56 m/s

Wed, Dec 08

56°

Rain

Precipitation: 100%

Humidity: 71%

Wind: 17.4 m/s

Wed, Dec 01

67°

Clouds

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 72%

Wind: 7.81 m/s

Thu, Dec 02

75°

Clouds

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 60%

Wind: 8.41 m/s

Fri, Dec 03

70°

Rain

Precipitation: 67%

Humidity: 88%

Wind: 13.15 m/s

Sat, Dec 04

72°

Rain

Precipitation: 77%

Humidity: 77%

Wind: 9.35 m/s

Sun, Dec 05

72°

Clouds

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 76%

Wind: 11.52 m/s

Mon, Dec 06

61°

Clouds

Precipitation: 47%

Humidity: 42%

Wind: 16.42 m/s

Tue, Dec 07

65°

Clouds

Precipitation: 4%

Humidity: 79%

Wind: 11.56 m/s

Wed, Dec 08

56°

Rain

Precipitation: 100%

Humidity: 71%

Wind: 17.4 m/s

Austin Resources

Helpful Resources

Get There

What is the best way to get to Austin?

Flying: Located close to downtown, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport boasts non-stop service to 70-plus domestic and international destinations. From here, travelers can reach the city by a public bus route, as well as via taxis, shuttles, and car rentals.

Train: Austin’s Amtrak station is a stop along the Texas Eagle line, which offers service from Chicago to San Antonio. You can also reach the city’s northwestern suburbs from downtown via a commuter rail service.

Car: To reach Austin from San Antonio, head north on IH-35. From Dallas, head south on IH-35. From Houston, head west on US-290 (or I-10 W to Highway 71 W if you want to reach south Austin). Keep in mind, parking in the downtown area can be hard to find, which means it’s usually pricey.

What is the best time to visit Austin?

Weather wise, the best time to visit Austin is between the months of September and November or March and May. That’s when you’ll experience pleasant daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Expect high temps, most likely in the triple digits, as well as high humidity, during the summer (which is June through August). Spring and fall are considered prime seasons in Austin, which means they are also popular times for festivals and events such as South by Southwest in March, Austin Food and Wine Festival in April, and Austin City Limits Music Festival and Austin Film Festival in October. For major events like SXSW, remember to book well in advance before hotels fill up and rates climb.

Get Around

Walking: Austin is known as a pedestrian-friendly city, with many attractions easily accessible by foot from popular hotels. Also, some travelers prefer to bike since there are several bike trails throughout central Austin. You can rent one via the city's bike-share program called Austin B-Cycle.

Transit: The city’s bus system, Capital Metro, provides routes across Austin, as well as a MetroRapid bus that services the downtown area.

Taxi: You can’t hail a taxi on the street in Austin, so you’ll need to call for one. But rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber are available and probably your best bet if you need a ride.

Get Inspiration From Previous Events in Austin

Want to be inspired? Browse our Austin galleries by event type, industry, vendor, venue and even attendee count.