Whether Up North, Down South or Central, There’s No Shortage of Fun in Austin

Whether for work or play, the capital city’s got you covered.

By Laura RiceOctober 27, 2016 9:30 am,

There’s always something new and cool happening in Austin. Here’s the lowdown on some of the hottest things to add to your “to-do” list for a fall weekend in the Capital City:

The newest section of The Domain, Rock Rose, is the city’s first entertainment district outside of downtown. Featuring an art-infused streetscape, Rock Rose showcases funky, Austin-original businesses such as Birds Barbershop (with a kitschy Palm Springs design); Raven + Lily’s fair-trade fashion for women; and Weathered Coalition, an apparel and apothecary shop for the modern man.

There’s also a strong dining and nightlife scene in Austin, with East Side King Thai-Kun, Mia Italian Tapas & Bar, Sway, Tarka Indian Kitchen and The Dogwood. Bars such as Jack & Ginger’s Irish Pub, Kung Fu Saloon and Lavaca Street Bar are sure to keep the fun going late, along with rooftop bar 77 Degrees and dance club The Rose Room.

If you’re a foodie, you should know about this “future of dining” concept, EatWith. The communal table dinner club brings chefs and gourmands together for pop-up meals in cities around the world, from Tel Aviv to Austin. It’s an easy way to access the underground food scene and connect with creative, interesting people.

In the Texas Capital City, Manville Chan hosts professional-standard weekly dinner parties in his hip downtown apartment. Chan is a senior product manager for a food and tech startup and says his culinary influences are global. His goal is to create an international ‘culinary staycation’ for guests.

One of the most exciting new spaces in Austin is The Yard. Its collaborative mix of workspaces spans more than eight acres off South Congress, from creative offices and breweries to maker and artist studios. Coworking and event spaces like Vuka and Impact Hub call the city home, along with The Austin Winery, St. Elmo Brewing, Spokesman Coffee & Beer and Still Austin Whiskey Company.

Calling all midnight doughnut scarfers: Portland’s VooDoo doughnuts now has a shop on Sixth Street. The trademark pink boxes of uber-indulgent treats can be seen everywhere downtown – day and night. Yes, this culinary sin city is open 24/7 to serve doughnuts you never want to tell your heart doctor about, like the bacon maple bar doughnut. With lines out the door, this Northwest transplant is set to be a Central Texas favorite.