Every Austinite should check it out at least once! First Thursday is a monthly Austin tradition where local arts and crafts sellers turn out under tents on South Congress, and the stores and restaurants in the area stay open until 10pm. First Thursday is one of the best and most reliable places to pick up unique handmade gifts; most of the same vendors return month after month and prices are reasonable. The sellers have kind of an 'alternative' feel here: edgy and really unique art, handmade and vintage jewelry, ceramics, Austin-themed clothing, woodworking. Just ignore the feather hairpieces and China imports. And hit a few of the shops open late too: Big Top Candy Shop, Monkey Business, Lucy in Disguise, Uncommon Objects and 10,000 Villages, and "i love you so much" graffiti on the side of Jo's Coffee. First Thursday and South Congress are a great place to take visitors to show them a bit of Austin culture and incredible people watching. Like all outdoor activities in Austin, First Thursday is much more enjoyable in the cooler months, or head there after dark. If you've never seen the Bats under Congress Bridge, you can catch them emerging from under the bridge around sunset by walking up Congress to the river (which is a one-mile hike from South Congress). Food trucks in the area just south of the Baptist church have been vacated to build a hotel. Hopefully you can still find a couple of food trucks dotting South Congress elsewhere. Street parking can be found on the little streets off South Congress. Unless you come early (6-7pm), it can be tough to find parking in those narrow streets. And walking back to your car after dark, especially alone, can be pretty horrendous as the streets are not lit. read more

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I came to Austin to get my groove on and back. My chest gurgled with excitement - as my cab pulled up to a quaint clean condo just off of South Congress. Padding around on the beige slick wood floor - I did the Tom Cruise Risky Business floor slide a couple of times. I couldn't wait to explore the area the next day. The following morning- donning my feather earrings, my "Don't Worry be Happy" shirt, a pair of aviators, and a distinct swagger - I hit South Congress. For hours. As the sun began to slowly set - casting a sea of poignant and stirring maroons, and soft oranges in the warm air above - I began to notice South Congress come alive in a new way. Quaint stalls were being set up on either side of the street, showcasing vibrant hand-crafted earrings. Masterfully executed Tye-Dye ware. Retro belt buckles. Crocheted hats. Glass jewelry. Hand-selected gems. Leather ware. And much. Much more. Each first Thursday of the month- local artists, designers, performers, and musicians bring great vibes to the sidewalks of South Congress. In addition to the wealth of charming stalls - many of the quaint stores on South Congress stay open - till about 10pm. In the matter - of just one stunning sky hued night - I hula-hooped, I listened to van morrison covers in a lush green garden, foot tapped to a local folk band, devoured fresh cupcakes, bought a purple quartz -set in the top of a bullet casing - necklace, bought a bright green love themed hued tank-top, discussed the intricacies of tye-dye with a merchant, cooed at adorable puppies for adoption, and groooooooved well into the electric Austin evening. First Thursday South Congress - definitely what's up. Trust. read more

Wullll.... First Thursday ain't what it used to be. Used to being this smallish little thing where you could walk into a SoCo shop and stand in a relatively short line and walk out with a buhr from the keg. Run into some buddies on the street and duck into San Jose for another drink or two. Walk home, and not have to pull some Ninja sheeee ite dodging cars on the way home. I've been one of those cars folks... and you look like frogger out there- hopping from Mars to Continental, stuck in the center lane, watching thru lanes and driveways. I'm not hating on our auto-motive way of life here in this great state of Tejas, but I think it's high time to pedestrian-ize some of our friendly little avenues. Come on City of Austin, whaddya say? read more

This is one of the best things to go to in the city to get a real feel of Austin life. I love to go and people watch, you never know what kind of people are going to be there...but it's Austin, so you never really know what kind of people are going to be anywhere. From the stores serving alcohol and staying open late to the street performers and vendors, this is a must visit for life in Austin. It's also a wonderful place to bring out of town guests so they can get a feel of the Austin flavor! read more

I couldn't have picked a hotter Thursday to do this on (yaaaaay blistering August heat), but I guess that is my own fault! My impression of first Thursday is basically: normal crazy SoCo + a lot of vendors with tents. And browsing vendor tents isn't really my thang, so I guess overall 1st Thursday doesn't blow my socks off. But. I do love that Austin has 1st Thursday, and that people are so eager and happy to be in Austin doing an Austin-y thing. And everyone holds hands and gets along and sings in a circle harmoniously like the Who's in Who-Ville. (Ok not really, but it would feel right if i happened) So there we have it. read more

After reading the reviews about how wonderful First Thursdays were, we couldn't wait to go. What a disappointment. We saw no street vendors, no sales, nothing special at all. In fact, we stopped into Aliens Boot shop and they knew nothing about it. I say don't bother. read more

If you are visiting Austin or just moving here, please come to First Thursday. It will really give you the splash of local flavor that will tell you what Austin is all about. Vendors set up tents and pack parking lots full of their hand made crafts, musicians play for free on the sidewalks and shops stay open at least until 10, which shops on SoCo normally close early. Some stores even offer free booze! But, this is just a lot of fun to stroll around hand-in-hand with your love, or a great shopping spree with the ladies. read more

The (unofficial, I hope) site for this event is riddled with typos, but the event still seems to be going on, albeit primarily at different SoCo venues. Overall we had a better time than we would have on a normal SoCo night, but don't change your plans around it. read more

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Go EARLY or park far north and make your way south. Or park west of Congress on an outlying street. There's no parking pass situation that I know of, but it's just a matter of time. Really, parking is a nightmare. If you have a friend in Travis Heights or Bouldin hills, by all means, USE them. It's a great jaunt to start with a cocktail at someone's house and meander down to Congress. Street is alive, outdoor music is standard, and it's the best way to shop...at night...with a buzz. Would avoid restaurants on First Thursday. They're packed to the gills. Good date idea (Logan) and fun for easy-going groups. read more

First Thursday is a hybrid of arts, crafts, music, more crafts, food, drink, more crafts, and performance. It's pretty obvious from the moment you step in to First Thursday on South Congress that a lot of the lifeblood to Austin's street scene flows through the 4 or 5 blocks of shops and storefronts between Elisabeth and Barton Springs Drive. There are myriad parking lots full of vendors from far and wide offering everything from everlasting candles to portraits to jewelry. Furthermore, most of the stores along Congress stay open a little longer and offer specials on a number of items. The restaurants and bars are bustling, and the police handle traffic control to make sure you can move freely around the area without getting run over. First Thursday is like a craft show and fall festival on steroids, only it happens 12 times a year instead of at one specific annual time. If you live in Austin and have never experienced First Thursday on South Congress, or you're in from out of town but the calendar works out for you to make it, you won't be disappointed and you'll have a great chance to experience South Austin at it's finest. read more

I always get excited about First Thursday, and am always disappointed. Lots and lots and lots of bad art. Lots. I've had people BEG me to buy their art. The price gets so low, I wonder if David needs a canvas! I mean, he could just paint over that weird Texan flag... thing. Its still fun, though. People-watching, hitting up the candy store, drinking sody-pops and eating pizza while curb-sitting outside of Homeslice. Hippies arrive in packs to poorly play expensive instruments their parents bought them... but there's always at least ONE really good street musician who makes up for the rest. Well now I'm smiling. I guess it isn't that bad. A unique experience... very Austin. :) read more

I am from NY (don't hate me - I got to Austin as soon as I could) and First Thursday reminds me a bit of Greenwich Village. Its "artsee fartsee", weird Austin. Meanwhile, there are plenty of shops to window shop, vendors to peruse and plenty of food to be eat. I pretty much agree with all that's been said so far in previous reviews. It's just a fun, safe atmoshphere to get a glimpse at Austin and have some fun. I will say that I do like the downtown area building up, but also, I hope Austin can maintain it's wierd side and this event on S. Congress once a month will help, I think. read more

On the first thursday of each month, merchants of SoCo (South Congress) keep their shops open until 10pm and later. The street turns into an outdoor street fair with live music, drinks, and street vendors. Great neighborhood for kitschy, antique-ing, and just hanging out. read more

I saw a total of two vendor booths and none of the shops knew what the event was about..... I definitely won't be coming back:( read more

I like strolling SoCo with my girlie watching the crowds and viewing the vendors, but sometimes it just gets to be too much. Rude people on the sidewalks, people begging, people trying WAY TOO HARD to be cool... Otherwise, strolling with my bestest girl, having a sodie pop from Big Top, window shopping, listening to some great grooves, yeah... I still go despite all the cons. read more

i love love love love love to shop and drink and eat....oh and i love live music.... is that enough of a reason for me to be WAY excited about this?? YES! read more

First Thursday - a cool little event where the stores and other businesses on SoCo stay open late, arts & crafts vendors display their creations and SoCo just gets crazy busy. It's pretty fun unless it's ridiculously hot as it usually is on an ATX summer night. Held the first Thursday of the month (duh) from 5pm til whenever... read more

Every first Thursday of the month there's music, free booze and fun on the streets of South Congress. Vendors sell their crafts in parking lots and the businesses on South Congress leave their doors open till 10 p.m. It's a lot of fun, if you're new to Austin, but I hear it's fantastically fun during the Christmas holiday season, when ridiculous drunk Santas line the sidewalk. read more

First Thursday South Congress - Local Flavor Near Me - Austin, Texas

You want to see Austin? Lets try doors open wide late into the night, free beer at a coupla stores, a drum circle of really interesting folks all wearing beanies, live music blaring from a few store fronts and a damn good drink at a few of the bars around so co. I love first Thursday. First Thursday was the first of these "monthly nights." Now there is a night once a month on Guadalupe as well as a night in east Austin for much of the same thing ( but with some different flavor.) For some seriously decent people watching, check it out. Last year it was absolutely freezing and people were still milling around and checking out the sights. Come early though, parking is out of this world. read more

Another gathering that makes Austin unique. Stores stay open later than usual, local artists and independent stores have tents set up, and there's plenty of food and live music. There have been other similar functions that try to copy First Thursday, one is even so bold to call itself Third Thursday. I like coming to this every now and again to shop, or to just hang out. It's a great thing to do if you're out of town and want to catch a glimpse of Austin that is all its own. read more

As a tourist, this was an awesome way to experience Austin. Not all cities have outdoor events like this and the fact that it happens once a month in Austin is great. It was so fun to stroll up and down the street casually looking at the art and jewelry then pop in to a restaurant for a drink or bite to eat along the way. Now that I live here I have to admit we haven't been back. I guess I feel like I got the gist of it after that one time. The jewelry was definitely better than the art but everything was a bit overpriced...when we did go I only bought a couple of pairs of earrings. The lines were pretty long and though that didn't bother me at the time I know it would now. I can go to Amy's Ice Cream on another day of the week and not stand in a 45 minute line. ;) So, great to check it out but not so much something that I want to do once a month. read more

I give three stars because I live in the area, and I almost unintentionally hit 5 pedestrians on every first Thursday. I am careful, but it seems like these people dont know the concept of walk/dont walk signs. I accept that I choose to live here and must live with this event. It is a fun event for everyone to come to South Congress for a good time, so come down to first thursday, just watch out for my car. :) read more

i ll be there mann whether u see me drunk and buzzing or just eating and with family its always a good time . i might end up continental for some good mellow piano and jazz beats or might end up near guerros and the the cupcakes ; oh dont forget the best cupcakes austin has to serve.! Other rambitious nights, you may find me at a rock/ metal bar. The options are endless and the art is always endless . come out ! read more

It was good to experience once. I just walked up and down the street and stopped by the tents. There's lots of jewelry, art, and other random accessories. It's pretty much a bigger version of the Renaissance market on the drag. Of course, there are the food trailers too, the star of which is Hey, Cupcake. Even though I didn't buy anything, I enjoyed the atmosphere. There are lots of people walking around and just chilling. Parking is a b*tch. You mostly likely have to scout out parking in the surrounding neighborhoods, and the streets are so packed and narrow that it's hard to navigate. read more

Okie dokie...First Thursdays are ok. That is unless you live in Travis Heights, and everybody who you've ever occasionally chatted up in the Warehouse district wants to know if they can park at your house/on your lawn. You'll never hear from these people until next First Thurs I assure you! But it's something to do other than the usual bar crawl in the usual places. Bike, scooters and classic car watching tend to be my favorite past times during all the brewhahah. Then again you can do that on any given evening at Jo's or Continental. I had a much different view of F.T when I lived at 2020 though. Alcoholic beverages, gum and the occasional puke on my vehicle, my vehicle being blocked in by F.T goers who gave up on finding a proper parking place and drunken F.T goers getting down and dirty in the pool. Let's just say I find it a lot more tolerable since moving off of Congress! read more

A little off topic here, but I have been wanting to sell my artwork and be a vendor on First Thursday. Anybody know what you have to do in order to become a vendor?? Thanks! -J read more

this was a good introduction to austin. a few blocks are packed with people walking around, checking out the scene. there's a parking lot of vendors selling crafty things (soap, jewelry...). there was some live music outside. and some places had drink specials. a fun stop on a warm summer night. read more

If you're new to Austin or raised here, this is one of the best night s to go out and enjoy what I feel is best about this city. Merchants, vendors, musicians, artists all come together to showcase Austin and all it's Weirdness. It is on my calendar every month and it's a great way to catch up with old friends or makes an awesome date night...like tonight. read more

The woman that runs the section by Vespaio is awful. Screwed our business out of selling two months in a row due to her terrible communication as well as customer service skills. We will no longer be partnering with Vespaio or the 1st Thursday event. I showed up after taking a half day and running all over town for last minute items we needed. I show up and no one is there. I went inside and they guy at the bar say "ohh...Jennifer didn't call you? 1st Thursday has been canceled". Needless to say I was pissed. I texted her asking why the hell she didn't bother to let us know before taking off work and running around all day. I also told her she needs to improve her crap communication skills and her response was "with all do respect, I'm not a fucking weather man." We went back n forth for a while, so she could complain about how she hates her job and I should "give her a fucking break". Sorry but in the professional world you don't get a break when you act and treat people like that. I work a full time job too and I spend what little extra money and time that I have on my art and for you to tell you just don't care because I am hot headed, well you can bet that this will not end positively. Worst experience for out business so far. The vendors that sell are great but the operations side is lacking. I am not even sure we will get our money back from them. read more