Everyone was very nice and helpful. The artwork was amazing. Plenty of parking and food spots for a…read morefamily outing.

'OMG girl, run! I'm afraid he's going to injure you!'…read more This was an explicit warning I received from fellow (and skilled) salsera Dej M. during one of MACC's Pura Salsa meetups. Some background information: The gracious Marion and Jason hold these dance socials the first Thursday night in the facility's auditorium. Counterintuitively, they get started early with a 6-7p beginner lesson and continue to blast the salsa jams until about 10p. Start early, end early, for the sake of the 8am weekday workforce. Thank you a thousand times for this, Marion. There are usually some very skilled partners at these dances, and one lead was able to safely lift my salsera friend and I (off the ground, though not simultaneously) without breaking a sweat, despite our misgivings. He had adequate upper body strength for that feat, fortunately. These meetups are worthy of more dancers than the typical 12-15 couples who are lucky enough to spread out on the auditorium's HUGE wooden floor, so bring on more people, Party People. Other events hosted by MACC have been a Day of the Dead community celebration, complete with a paint-your-own-sugar-skull crafts area, live latin band, theater dance performance, wacky altars for loved ones gone, and of course a giant paper mâché skull. They currently host flamenco, yoga, power spanish (feel the power!) and martial arts classes as well. I'm a fan.

Community service is a fundamental part of who I am...part of my DNA. It dates back to when I was…read morea child and my mom used to take care packages to people who were sick and shut in. My mother always said and I believe that "we are all blessed to be a blessing to others." I judged the National Arts Competition (Theme: Unity through Art) today at the George Washington Carver Museum in East Austin, evaluating entries for creativity, content, and artistic ability. We received submissions from students at Bertha Sadler Means Academy for Young Women Leaders, middle school grades 6 through 8. We have also received submissions from 4th & 5th graders at Lee Lewis Campbell Media & Performing Arts Elementary School. This museum honors community, memory, and lived experiences. The museum started as Austin's first public library in 1926, later becoming the "Colored Branch" library when moved to East Austin during segregation. Then it evolved into the first African American neighborhood museum in Texas, which gives it a deeper sense of purpose. The exhibits are both informative and deeply moving. The storytelling offers context that connects local history to broader national narratives. The museum is well maintained and located in a historic Black landmark in Austin. Staff are friendly and informed, and rotating exhibitions provide fresh experiences with the permanent collections. In addition, admission is free, making the Carver Museum accessible for everyone. If you value history and culture, it's a worthwhile visit that educates and encourages dialogue in a respectful setting.

Hidden Gem Happen…read moreto come here for Museum Day. Never heard of it and it's wasn't on my radar. What a nice little surprise. It's a quaint museum with only two exhibits. One on American Slavery and the other on a rotating schedule. Riley Holloway's What I Carry exhibits was currently being displayed. Surprisingly there's no George Washington Carver exhibit outside of the children's room. You'll spend 20 minutes tops here. If you are in the area and have time to kill stop in by. It's also free! 8/10 Paintings

Laguna Gloria is one of the most beautiful and inspiring locations in Austin. The combination of…read morehistoric architecture, waterfront views, sculpture gardens, and Mediterranean-style details makes it feel truly unique. As a brand and lifestyle photographer in Austin, I've photographed several sessions here and it consistently offers stunning, versatile backdrops. The natural light is especially soft and flattering, and there's so much variety throughout the property that clients can get multiple looks in one session. Beyond photography, it's also just a peaceful place to explore art, walk the grounds, or bring visitors. The atmosphere feels calm, creative, and timeless every time I visit. https://www.camilleadrianephotography.com

So my plan was to originally visit for free because I heard they had an event on the weekend but…read moreThe Contemporary has TWO locations and it was free for the downtown museum only that day. This is Laguna Gloria, and it features sculptures all outdoors. We ended up paying since we were already there. BUT Laguna Gloria is FREE on Thursdays. Other days is $10 pp and if you didn't pay in advance online, they can take payment at the gift shop. Though, I'm not sure how they enforce it because it looks like you can just pass by the gift shop and enter the park. As a former art student, I just wasn't that impressed or intrigued by the art. You have to walk a ways away to visit the next sculpture. They provide a map at the gift shop, but since I'm not good at geographic directions, I just allowed my husband to plan the walking route for us. We got to see all the sculptures (there aren't a lot...15?) In total, we were probably there for less than an hour. I didn't understand some sculptures. I saw a lonely, abandoned light pole covered with spiderwebs and joked to my husband, "look at this artwork!" It turns out, it was actually art because there's a sign next to it introducing the art piece and everything. Awkward. Anyway...appreciated walking around the grounds. My favorite is the crying Miffy fountain, which is one of the first things you see when you enter the grounds. Street parking only (unless you are an art student or staff there).

Went here for the first time in May during their Cinco De Mayo Margarita Month promotion. It was…read morepacked on a weekend and had a fun vibe. We got the discounted margaritas at the bar and I think they were only $7 each. We really liked them! It was hard to find a spot to stand let alone sit since it was so busy. Eventually we got a spot on a couch inside. A company was hosting a party with a buffet and when their event was up they offered the other guests to enjoy what was left of the buffet. We had chips, salsa, tacos, and tuna poke! It was so good! We will definitely come back to eat here. Fun random Saturday!

Super chill rooftop in the aloft hotel on Congress…read more Food: N/A Service: 3 Atmosphere: 4 Cost to worth it rating: 3 Opentableable: no walk-in only Return worthiness: yes Highlights: - Liked the casual relaxed vibe in a rooftop so didn't have to be fancy - Mix of ages - Plenty of seating - Cute white lights hanging - Could go full party drink mode or relax with a few - Have water jugs out so you can fill your own Midlights: - Order at bar line can be long and not many working behind it but then saw waiter coming around when was seated - Drinks just ok--there more for vibes Lowlights: - Didn't get to try the tacos since we were off to have a meal after

Loved this experience. This place has definitely been around for awhile and I can see why. Got…read morethere early to scope out the location and upon entering you provide your name and they provide a paper to give upon entering the show room. There was a group on the patio area where you can order tacos, I did not partake. Then the bar area inside. You can take drinks into the showroom as well. Scoped out the venue which was bigger than anticipated and really enjoyed the fish tank TVs. So fun! The show was entertaining and up to date with references all relevant to the current times. Everyone on stage was great and their chemistry can be seen. The audience was laughing 99% of the time and the show went back fast! I'd totally go back for a local Austin night out with good laughs.

Esther Follies is an Austin staple!…read more They've been performing for 50 years, providing amazing entertainment for all guests attending their shows. They do a mix of comedy, magic, music , and just overall great entrainment for their shows. It's mainly themed around local and world politics + the LGBTQ community. Tickets are approximately $40. The show is about 90 minutes, with a 5 min break halfway through. They have a bar on site, and a taqueria that's connected to their building as well. Highly recommend the taqueria, it's authentic and delicious! Absolutely recommend for locals, visitors, and those who just want to enjoy a great show in the best city in the country!

I absolutely love this library (Lyndon B. Johnson). I visited once before relocating to Austin and…read morenow that I live within walking distance, I often take family and friends who come to visit. It's an important museum that houses millions of photos, videos, documents, etc. with regard to the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, LBJ's presidency, and so on. There are exhibits displaying information on Medicare and its beginnings. The Oval Office replica is pretty cool to see. So many things to check out including, you guessed it, a gift shop! This is a "not to be missed" museum.

I gave this Presidential Library only 3 stars because I was only able to visit 2/3's of the museum…read more Apparently, they are renovating one of the floors. When we arrived and paid our admission fee, we immediately were met with 2 hosts that kind of went over and explained everything you would be seeing. The funniest part is when an elderly white lady tried to explain to me their new traveling exhibit. It was a hip hop exhibit and she was explaining how interesting it was. She was like 70 and I am sure she is bumping Biggie and 2 Pac on her way to work. The 1st floor was just the presidential Limo, some campaign exhibits, a gift shop and the hip hop exhibit. When I think about LBJ, I am pretty sure Hip Hop is far from the top of the list of things associated with him. However, as a kid from the hip hop generation it was cool to see Run DMC's Adidas, Slick Rick's Kangol and other artists out fits. The 10th floor (I think it was the 10th) had a replica Oval Office, lots of gifts given to LBJ during his presidency and other exhibits as well. I enjoy going to the different Presidential Libraries and Museums and this one is pretty nice but nothing that will wow you.

We had time for one museum while on our trip and so we picked Bullock Texas State History Museum…read more This was a great choice that we made and certainly something to explore. The History History and the contemporary history that is all laid out here is very well presented and in the contemporary part it felt like you were reading, observing and strolling from decade to decade. A wide range of topics and different vantage points of Texas is explored here which makes it very fascinating and was mind broadening as we progressed through the displays and artifacts. I didn't know a whole lot about Austin City Limits and all of the musicians and musical acts that played there which was very much a learning experience and perhaps one of my favorite sections of the museum. Definitely worth going to if you are in Austin and wanting to take in some history and culture that makes up the state and the city.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is an absolute must see! From the moment you walk in,…read moreyou're immersed in the rich story of Texas from its early days to modern times. The exhibits are interactive, engaging, and thoughtfully curated, making history come alive for visitors of all ages. There is a paid parking garage available, but parking is free after 5:00 for movie showings. Highlights include the detailed artifacts, hands-on displays, and the impressive theater experiences that really bring Texas history to life. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions and guide you through the exhibits. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a fun and educational outing, this museum is a must-see. I left feeling inspired and with a deeper appreciation for my home state of Texas! I have attended numerous movie screenings at the IMAX theater on site. Most recently the EPiC Elvis Presley in Concert. The seats are comfortable and it was easy to purchase tickets from the box office and they have a bar and concessions. Was a very comfortable place to watch a film.

One of my favorite things about working on a college campus are the gems (art, music, dance,…read moretheatre) that are available to enjoy.who knows if the arts can withstand the tide that is currently decimating our history so I won't take it for granted and will experience as much of it as I can. The contemporary, modern and Latin collections in the Blanton, along with the art pieces at Rowling Hall are my favorites.

Unpopular opinion loading: as someone who has lived in New York, Chicago and San Francisco, I'm…read moreafraid that this museum leaves very much to be desired, both for the quantity, and quality of the artworks, or lack there of. Basically a single story of actual art, since the first floor is in overly large, check-in area, atrium, and staircase with a large piece of art hanging from the ceiling. The second floor is laid out around the perimeter of said atrium, leaving little space for actual art. I would be surprised if this museum could display more than 20 works at one given time. I've been three times and never seen anything impressive or particularly interesting, and the entire ground can be covered in about 20 minutes if you move at a relatively leisurely pace. One of the times was there Saturday events and it was pretty boring. It was basically a bunch of people congregated outside in the heat because they had declared it wasn't an event with an OK band playing and food. You had to pay for on top of paying for the event. It was the regular art exhibit and there was no where air conditioned to sit in the heat. Whyyyyyyy? The little house outside is cute but it's not worth a visit alone. It's a novelty that wears off within about five minutes. In a city that prides itself on being so artsy, why don't we have any good museums or film houses? Not even one.