Winter Weekend Itinerary in Austin for Art & Music Lovers
Best Weekend in Austin Texas: Live Music, Art, Fashion, Food & Unique Finds
Photo Courtesy of Visit Austin
If there’s one city that knows how to turn a weekend into a full-on experience, it’s Austin, Texas. While summer itineraries are packed with outdoor adventures like Lady Bird Lake or Barton Springs, winter in Austin offers a cozier, more intimate side of the city. A winter weekend in Austin is perfect for crisp evenings, indoor music venues, and tucked-away cocktail lounges. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a rainy weekend, this itinerary is designed to bring out the best of Austin’s art, music, and culture, without relying on the Texas heat.
Friday: Boutique Hotel, Music & Hidden Speakeasies
After a morning of travel, it’s time to settle into Austin at your own pace. Shake off the journey with a little downtime by warming up with a craft cocktail by the fire at Hotel Van Zandt. If you’re ready to dive right in, bundle up and hit the streets to explore Austin’s winter charm on West Sixth. Austin’s West 6th is a haven for music lovers and art enthusiasts, where iconic record stores like Waterloo Records keep the city’s vinyl culture alive and local galleries showcase the cities creative spirit.
Stop by the Austin Visitor Center📍 602 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Before you start your adventure, swing by the Austin Visitor Center for free maps, guides, brochures, and coffee. It’s the best way to get local tips and plan any last-minute stops.
Check into Hotel Van Zandt📍 605 Davis St, Austin, TX 78701
Looking for the best hotel in Austin? Hotel Van Zandt is where Austin’s love for music meets laid-back luxury. Nestled in the heart of Rainey Street, this boutique hotel strikes the perfect chord with stylish rooms, a rooftop pool with skyline views, and live music in the lobby bar most nights. Sip craft cocktails at Geraldine’s or Brass Poppy, unwind in a record-filled lounge, or soak in the city’s electric energy. Van Zandt delivers an effortlessly cool stay with a rock-and-roll soul.
Read our FULL REVIEW of Hotel Van Zandt here.
Quick Lunch & Vinyl Shopping in West Sixth
Walton’s Fancy & Staple – If you need a little afternoon snack, this cozy deli and bakery serves up incredible sandwiches and pastries.
Waterloo Records – An Austin staple for vinyl lovers, music memorabilia, and live in-store performances.
Wild About Music – An eclectic spot where you can uncover rare vinyl finds and support local Austin talent.
Dinner at Anthem – Asian Smokehouse Meets Texas Comfort 📍 91 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
Located JUST around the corner from your hotel, this funky, neon-lit spot blends Asian flavors with Texas comfort food. It was definitely a cozy spot with lots of instagram photo opportunities and Austin Foodie exploration. Happy Hour Monday-Friday 2-6pm
A Winter Night Out on 6th Street
As the neon lights flicker to life, bundle up and head to Austin’s legendary 6th Street for a night of live music, craft cocktails, and comedy. The winter air makes bar-hopping even more enjoyable—just throw on a stylish jacket and embrace the cool breeze between stops. From cozy dive bars to hidden speakeasies, this lineup will keep you warm and entertained all night.
Laugh It Up at an Austin Comedy Show
The Comedy Mothership (Joe Rogan’s Club) (320 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701) – A must-visit for comedy lovers, featuring top comedians and surprise sets. Tickets sell FAST – so be sure to purchase them ahead of time.
Esther’s Follies (525 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701) – A classic Austin experience blending comedy, magic, and political satire, perfect for a lighthearted start to the night.
Bar-Hopping & Speakeasy Cocktails on 6th Street
Midnight Cowboy (313 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701) – One of the oldest speakeasies in Austin embracing its past as a former brothel. With Prohibition-era decor, craft cocktails, and a secret entrance, this reservations-only lounge is the perfect spot for a night of mystery and charm.
The Jackalope (404 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701) – Cozy dive bar vibes with a photo booth in the back and a giant Jackalope statue in the front for a fun photo op. We totally spent $7 on a photobooth to remember the hazy nights at the Jackalope.
Gnar Bar (209 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701) – A vibrant bar with arcade games, local art, live music, and passion for action sports. The decor screams at you the moment you walk in and the music keeps you there to sing along to at least a couple of songs!
Garage (503 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701) – Tucked away in a parking garage, this hip, mid century-inspired bar is known for expertly mixed drinks.
Saturday Morning: Exploration of Art, History, & Iconic Food
Wake up and start your morning with a taste of Austin’s local flavors and vibrant art scene. Stroll through the SFC Farmers’ Market for fresh bites and handmade goods. Or opt for a cozy breakfast at Café 605 or Geraldine’s. From there, dive into Austin’s creative pulse at The Contemporary Austin. As you make your way toward the Texas State Capitol, stop by the Old Bakery & Emporium for a mix of history, local crafts, and unique finds. If you’re up for more exploration like we were, the Texas Science & History Museum offers an engaging look at everything from fossils to space travel. And it’s a chance to see the University of Texas.
Start with the SFC Farmer’s Market📍 Republic Square Park | Saturdays 9 AM – 12 PM
Wake up with a local farmers market breakfast and browse handmade goods at SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown. If it’s too cold, or not your vibe, option for a breakfast at Cafe 605 or Geraldines inside of the hotel.
Experience Austin’s Art Scene at The Contemporary Austin or The Blanton Museum of Art
The Contemporary Austin
Laguna Gloria (Fri-Sun 9 AM – 3 PM) A lakeside sculpture park with world-class installations.
Jones Center (Thu-Sun 12 PM – 6 PM) Cutting-edge modern exhibits in the heart of downtown.
Blanton Museum of Art
200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712
Don’t miss Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin installation.
Old Bakery & Emporium📍 1006 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
A charming stop on your way to the Capitol, this historic 1876 bakery now showcases local artisan crafts, artwork, and a small museum highlighting Austin’s past. Perfect for unique souvenirs and a quick dose of history!
Texas State Capitol: History & Architecture📍 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Explore Texas history inside the nation’s largest state capitol. Take a free tour, admire the grand rotunda, and stroll the scenic grounds for a true Austin landmark experience.
(Optional) Explore the Texas Science & History Museum📍 2400 Trinity St., Austin, TX 78712
Dive into Texas’ rich past and scientific discoveries, from prehistoric fossils to space exploration. Perfect for history buffs and curious minds, this museum brings the state’s natural and cultural heritage to life.
Saturday Afternoon & Evening: Iconic Lunch & Live Music
El Arroyo: Austin’s Iconic Marquee & Tex-Mex Staple📍 1624 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78703
Snap a photo with El Arroyo’s legendary marquee sign, famous for its witty sayings and Austin humor, before diving into a classic Tex-Mex feast. A local staple for over 25 years, this lively spot serves up bold flavors, cold margaritas, and fan-favorite dishes. Try the El Arroyo Special—a delicious way to sample the restaurant’s best offerings in one plate!
Toast the Man in Black at Mean Eyed Cat📍 1621 W. 5th Street | Happy Hour: Weekdays 4 PM – 8 PM
Directly across the street from lunch at Arroyos, you can pay tribute to Johnny Cash at Mean Eyed Cat, a dive bar packed with Cash memorabilia, strong drinks, and a laid-back, rock-and-roll atmosphere.
Live Music: Austin After Dark
Antone’s Nightclub – One of the best live music venues in Austin! Since 1975, Antone’s has been the heart of Austin’s blues scene, hosting legends like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. A must-visit for music lovers, this iconic club keeps Austin’s blues and rock legacy alive.
The Continental Club – A legendary live music venue with blues, rock, and soul.
The Elephant Room – Hidden below street level, The Elephant Room is a dimly lit, intimate late night jazz club featuring nightly performances and one of the best whiskey selections in town.
Sunday in Austin: South Congress & Brunch
Brunch at Geraldine’s 📍 Inside Hotel Van Zandt
Wrap up the weekend with a soulful brunch and live music. Sip your mimosa with skyline views for a laid-back yet lively Austin morning.
Shop & Stroll South Congress Avenue
Next, take a shopping stroll along South Congress Avenue, a stretch packed with funky stores, chic boutiques, and murals perfect for photo-ops!
Keep Caffeinated & Snap a Selfie Before You Shop
Magick Matcha – A hole in the wall cafe (literally) serves up vibrant matcha lattes, and adaptogenic drinks.
Jo’s Coffee – Arguably the best coffee in Austin! Grab an iced Turbo (a must-try), enjoy live music on the patio, and snap a souvenir selfie at the famous “I Love You So Much” mural painted on the coffee bar’s wall
“Greetings From Austin” Mural – A retro-style postcard mural.
“Willie For President” Mural – Willie Nelson Tribute
Shops To Stop at on Congress Avenue
Maufrais – Easily our favorite store on Congress! Stop in for a true Austin handcrafted, custom-branded hat made with classic Western craftsmanship and modern flair. And stay for a coffee and kolache at Little Brother’s Coffee inside, or flowers from Waysides.
Jackson Vaughn – Another favorite of ours is this boutique blending luxury home fragrances with timeless design. Known for their signature candles and refined aesthetic, this shop is the perfect stop for a unique, high-quality souvenir.
Paper Work – This is a great place to buy souvenirs, jewelry, artwork and clothing by local Austin Artisans.
Feathers Boutique & Prototype Vintage– If you’re looking where to find Austin’s best vintage shopping, add this to your list! A vintage goldmine for ‘70s rockstar fashion and beyond, these two shops are fun to look through. A little on the pricier side, but there are a to of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.
The Cathedral of Junk📍 4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX 78745
If you’re up for something truly Austin-weird, take a short detour on your way out of town to see The Cathedral of Junk. One of the most unique things to do in Austin, this is a towering, maze-like structure built from thousands of repurposed objects. It’s an epic hidden gem, perfect for snapping one-of-a-kind photos. Call ahead for an appointment: (512) 299-7413
Final Thoughts: Austin is Weird
Austin is a city where weirdness is a way of life. Vintage shops, massive murals, and live music at every turn make it a haven for creatives. Hidden speakeasies, late-night taco trucks, and honky-tonks next to modern art galleries keep things unexpected. In Austin, Texas weird isn’t just welcomed—it’s celebrated.
Looking for another popular weekend destination? Check out our Perfect Nashville Weekend For Music Lovers: An Honest Guide