Are you looking for the best things to do in Austin at night? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will be listing down the top things to do at night in Austin.
Austin is a popular city to visit in Texas and is quite famous for its nightlife, food, music, and the unique culture. From watching the bats to visiting the museums, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Austin.
What makes this city even more amazing is that it offers lots of night entertainment options to the visitors. You can party on the 6th street, enjoy a night kayaking experience, watch live music, and do so much more here.
So, if you are wondering about what to do in Austin at night, don’t worry, we got you. Check out our article on the 15 best things to do in Austin at night for a kickass vacation.
15 Best Things To Do In Austin At Night
Bat Watching at Congress Avenue Bridge
One of the best things to do in Austin at night with kids is bat-watching at Congress Avenue Bridge.
It is one of the top attractions in Austin at night in the months of March to October when thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats make this bridge their home.
This sight can be witnessed anytime between 7.30 pm and 9.30 pm and visitors can watch them feed on the insects for around 45 minutes. Trust me, this is the most unique experience in Austin that you cannot miss out on.
If you are looking for free things to do in Austin at night, then there could be nothing better than watching the largest colony of Urban bats in the world flying out from under the bridge.
A few best spots to witness this spectacle are the Statesman Bat Observation Center, viewpoints, and the hiking trails on the east of the river.
Book a Sunset Boat Cruise
Are you looking for fun things to do in Austin at night? If yes, then one of the best activities in Austin at night is taking the sunset boat cruise on Lake Travis, Lake Austin, or Lady Bird Lake.
Austin: Sunset Boat Cruise with Guided Evening Tour offers a sunset cruise on Austin’s Lady Bird Lake with a romantic backdrop as the sky changes color during dusk. That’s not all, you also get to marvel at some amazing sights such as the Paramount Theatre, Texas Capitol, etc. all lit up at night.
If you do this tour between March and October, you will also be able to witness the largest colony of Urban bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge.
After the cruise, you will be dropped back but not before a stop at the main attractions in Austin such as Texas State Capitol, Pfluger Bridge, Willie Nelson Statue, and more.
So, if you want to learn more about the attractions in Austin while enjoying a beautiful sunset boat ride, then this tour is perfect for you.
Book: Austin Sunset Boat Cruise with Guided Evening Tour
Visit the Museum of the Weird
Located in downtown Austin, one of the best places to visit in Austin at night is the Museum of the Weird.
This is the world’s last dime store and features a lot of oddities such as Fiji mermaids, wax figures, mummies, and more. Austin is often termed as a weird city and this museum will show you exactly why.
Enjoy a tour of one of the weirdest downtown Austin attractions at night and catch the live show at the end of the tour.
The best part is that this museum is open till midnight so you can visit anytime throughout the week.
Austin Aquarium
Are you confused about what to do in Austin at night with your family? Well, Austin Aquarium is one of the best attractions to visit in Austin at night.
Austin Aquarium was opened in 2013 and features everything from desert animals to ocean species in its 22,000-acre area and it’s open till 8 PM! How amazing is that?
Perfect place for kids, the aquarium offers stunning views of hundreds of fishes, a variety of amphibians, stingrays, and more. You can also have some fun at the lorikeet and parakeet aviary or visit the rainforest exhibition that is home to hundreds of reptiles.
Visiting Austin Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Austin at night with kids. They also have year-round events and educational programs that are perfect for families with kids.
Book: Austin GetOut Pass
Catch a Performance at Esther’s Follies
If you are looking for the best things to do at night in Austin then catching a performance at Esther’s Follies is definitely a great idea!
This modern-day vaudeville has been operational for 40 years now and is one of the top places to visit in Austin at night. The widely acclaimed theatre features a wide range of performances such as magic shows, musical performances, comedy, political satires, and more.
Located on the Sixth Street, this theatre has something for all ages and is a great place to visit on the weekend. You can enjoy some drinks at the nearby bars and clubs once the show is over at the theatre.
Swim in Barton Springs Pool
Located in Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is one of the top places to visit in Austin throughout the day.
This three-acre outdoor swimming pool is filled from the underground springs and features an average temperature of 68F to 70F that makes it pleasant for a swim throughout the year.
The pool is surrounded by grassy banks where visitors can sit, relax, and stargaze at night after a swim. During the full moon, the place is packed with locals who gather to swim and party to their heart’s content.
If you are looking for the best things to do in Austin at night with family, then you can plan a visit to the Barton Springs Pool on Tuesdays, Fridays, and weeknights when there is a lifeguard to watch over the pool.
Firehouse Hostel
One of the top downtown Austin attractions at night that you must visit is the Firehouse Hostel on Sixth Street.
Firehouse Hostel is located inside the city’s oldest fire station which was built in 1885. Visitors can explore this hostel and marvel at the speakeasy charm of this place or choose to stay in the affordable rooms here.
One of the best things to do in downtown Austin at night is to enjoy Prohibition Era drinks at this classy hostel and party all night long.
Party on the Sixth Street
Do you wish to enjoy the nightlife in Austin? If so, then one of the best things to do in Austin at night for adults is partying on Sixth Street.
Sixth Street features a lot of clubs and bars where you can pick out your favorite or go bar hopping to make the most of the night.
From upbeat music to dive bars, to rooftop lounges, you can find it all on Sixth Street making this a mecca for party lovers.
Here, you can enjoy film festivals, comedy events, art and crafts events, and more throughout the year.
So, if you love to socialize or party, then Sixth Street is the perfect place for you.
Go on a Pub Crawl
To experience the nightlife in Austin, there is no better way than going on a pub crawl with your friends and strangers.
Austin: True Crime Walking Tour and Pub Crawl is the perfect tour to take as it allows you to not only enjoy the savory cocktails at the best spots in the city but also uncover the Austin murder stories that have become quite popular over the years.
You will learn about the infamous crime stories in Austin as you make your way to the upscale rooftop lounges in the city where you can enjoy a delicious cocktail along with the stunning views of Austin.
The guide will tell you everything you need to know about the highlights of the city on this true crime-themed tour.
If you are looking for the best things to do in Austin at night for adults, then this true crime walking tour and pub crawl is the perfect choice for that.
Book: Austin: True Crime Walking Tour and Pub Crawl
Watch a Movie at Blue Starlite Drive-In
Are you looking for the best things to do in Austin at night with family? Well, then, why not watch a movie at the retro Blue Starlite Drive-In?
This small drive-in will take you back to the romantic era of the 1950s. Visitors can enjoy old and new flicks, mainstream drama, indie movies, and a lot more at the 26-ft screen here.
Since it is small, only 15-40 cars are allowed every night so make sure you book your tickets in advance.
There is an onsite food truck that sells all the movie essentials such as hot dogs, velvet cake, cold drinks, and more. You can also bring your own food and drinks if you want and cozy up with your partner for an epic date night.
If you don’t have a car, don’t worry. There is also a walk-in seating area at the Tikki Beach and the Forest Screen that you can use.
Take the Haunted History Walking Tour
One of the best late-night things to do in Austin is going on a haunted walking tour in downtown Austin. The city is filled with haunted spots where spooky and weird things have happened and there is always a dark history associated with the place.
If you are a true daredevil, then go on the Austin: Weird and Haunted History Walking Tour and see what all the fuss is about. On this guided ghost tour, you will visit the most haunted attractions in Austin such as the Omni Hotel, the William Sydney Porter House, the Walter Tips Building, and more.
Learn the gruesome stories about murders, suicides, freak accidents, and more. Meet the ghosts that haunt these places, some of them are harmless but some of them were the most horrific criminals when alive.
Be ready to catch some spooky moments and if you are lucky, you might even see the suicide brides roaming around Driskill.
Trust me, there is no shortage of ghost seeing on this tour so make sure you are ready for it. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in downtown Austin at night that you won’t experience anywhere else.
Book: Austin: Weird and Haunted History Walking Tour
Enjoy a Meal at Red Ash Italia
Of course, when we are talking about the best things to do at night in Austin, we cannot skip out on enjoying a meal at the amazing restaurants in the city.
One such place that you should go for dinner is Red Ash Italia. This amazing restaurant prepares dishes using the traditional Italian wood-burning grill and oven which is why it offers a unique flavor and dining experience to the visitors.
Here, you will find many Italian dishes to try such as handmade pasta with locally sourced seafood and meat. One of the best dishes to try here is the Tagiolini with fresh blue crab, osso bucco milanese, and more. Their Tiramisu and House Made Gelato are also quite out of this world.
So, if you are looking for a good Italian restaurant in Austin to have dinner at, then Red Ash Italia is the perfect choice.
Live Music at The Continental Club
Established in 1955, The Continental Club is one of the best live music spots in Austin. The city is known for its incredible musical prowess so there is no shortage of talent to feature here.
This club has hosted some of the greatest musicians of the 20th century such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Glen Miller, Robert Plant, and more. So, if you and your friends love live music, then this is a perfect place to visit.
The 1950s vibe here with the period memorabilia and photographs also adds a nice touch to the place.
That’s not all, this club also features an upstairs gallery for intimate performances, a ping pong table to keep the guests entertained between the sets, and regularly hosts jazz, country, soul, etc. performances.
Are you looking for fun late night things to do in Austin? If so, then don’t forget to check out the live music at the Continental Club.
Go Night Kayaking
One of the most fun things to do in Austin at night is night kayaking as it gives you a chance to explore the lakes and rivers in Austin without the crowd.
Enjoy a Kayaking session and admire the city as the downtown becomes illuminated with light as the sun slowly sets and turns the sky a beautiful shade of orange and red. Cruise past the skyscrappers or kayak under the famous Congress Avenue Bridge, there is no shortage of places to explore on a kayak.
Apart from marveling at the fishes, night kayaking is a great way to learn and admire more about the Austin buildings and hidden wildlife.
Honestly, if you are looking for the best things to do in Austin at night, then Night Kayaking is definitely a good option to consider.
Experience Indoor Skydiving at iFly Austin
Do you wish to try some adventurous activities in Austin? If yes, then one of the best activities in Austin at night that you cannot miss out on is indoor skydiving at iFly Austin.
This is one of the top attractions in Austin at night where you can experience the thrill of flying without actually jumping from a plane. Indoor skydiving is a great way to experience freefall as you hover in a wind tunnel.
An instructor will give you pre-flight training and help you maintain the position of a bird during the flight. The last entry to iFly is till 10 PM and each session is 75 minutes long.
For adventure seekers, indoor skydiving is one of the best things to do in Austin at night.
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