Nothing like summertime in Austin! From refreshing dishes to summer concert series to staycations, we’ve got all the makings for the best summer in Austin.
Refreshing Dishes
We have come to that time of year when we will do (or eat) anything to stay cool and refreshed.
Ceviches
The Peruvian dish of citrusy marinated raw fish is delightful in these hot times. Food truck Ceviche7’s ceviche de pescado is made with mahi mahi fish mixed with veggies, and paired with lettuce and boiled sweet potatoes. Then there’s the Peruvian restaurant Lima Criolla with a wider ceviche menu available.
Cold Noodles
There is something soothing about chilled noodles on a hot day! Premier noodle mini-chain Xian Sushi and Noodle offers lovely cold sesame noodles paired with steamed chicken and a bunch of vegetables. Pan-Asian restaurant Noodle Alley offers a spicy take on cold sesame noodles mixed with chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns.
Veggies
The tomato zucchini salad at the barbecue restaurant Interstellar BBQ is bright, zingy, and refreshing. For something different, try the more interactive chilled artichoke at the wine bar and restaurant June’s, served with a dijon vinaigrette.
Cool Cocktails
Don’t let the summer temperatures get you down. Beat the heat with a cool, refreshing cocktail!
What screams summer more than frosé? Cool off on their delightfully upscale yet laid-back patio tucked away from the hustle and bustle of South Congress.
1316 S Congress Avenue | 512.444.7322
Loro is serving up frozen gin and tonics that are refreshing and pair perfectly with their Asian smokehouse-inspired menu and large patio.
2115 S Lamar Boulevard | 512.916.4858
Frozen Hurricane from Pool Burger
This summer’s forecast: sunny with a chance of frozen hurricanes. This popular Central Austin tiki bar and burger spot is known for its frozen Hurricane with an optional rum floater.
2315 Lake Austin Boulevard
Sweet Treats
There is no better way to cool off than with a cold, sweet treat.
Can’t decide between ice cream or cookies, why not choose both? Their concept is simple: placing ice cream between two cookies along with toppings like candies, nuts, and sprinkles.
211 Walter Seaholm Drive Suite LR150 | 512.300.0167
Is it even summertime without snowballs? Chose from an array of over 70 flavors at this family-run snowball stand.
808 E 51st Street
Austin’s only frozen banana stand has revolutionized the art of dessert. Build your own banana with dips like chocolate or peanut butter and a food truck full of toppings. Or try their signature Afternoon Delight: all four dips swirled together and topped with nuts and graham crackers.
Summer Essentials
A few of our favorite local necessities to make the most of summer.
Perfect for the lakes, hikes, picnics, and everything in between! With its durable construction, this efficient backpack cooler is ready for all of your summer activities.
220 S Congress Avenue | 512.640.7249
Citronella Candles from Hearth & Soul
Keep the bugs away so you can stay! This Citronella Sea Salt Candle blends together the fragrance of ocean air and notes of jasmine.
2727 Exposition Boulevard | 512.474.7685
This Katie Kime Austin toile passport holder and luggage tag will ensure you travel in style without forgetting your roots.
512.576.1788
Staycation
Enjoy some well-deserved R&R while not traveling too far from home.
Tucked away in the heart of Central Austin, this reimagined residential estate channels European elegance with approachable Texas hospitality.
4100 Red River Street | 866.976.4312
Live a life in balance through mindfulness! Located in the Texas Hill Country, this wellness destination provides exclusive spa treatments, nourishing cuisine, and world-class wellness specialists.
13500 FM2769 | 855.234.1672
Located 15 minutes west of downtown, this friendly boutique hotel makes time move a little bit slower being surrounded by the rolling hills and the inviting Texas sky.
9601 Bee Caves Road | 512.520.9590
For the Kids... And the Kids at Heart
Even the youngest among us can enjoy Austin. Here are some great activities geared toward kids and the whole family.
Bike Night at Circuit of the Americas
Grab your bikes and let’s go! This is your chance to pedal around the iconic turns at COTA challenging world-famous drivers and motorcyclists alike.
9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard | 512.301.6600
Pease Park Treehouse Observation Pod + Splash Pad
Making Austin feel like Austin! Serving as an outdoor oasis, Pease Park is the quintessential “urban park” experience with an interactive water feature, a Treehouse Observation Pod, a nature play area, a playground, and more.
1100 Kingsbury Street | 512.842.9018
Zilker Hillside Theatre | Matilda
Adored by children and adults alike, Roald Dahl’s Matilda tells the story of a highly intelligent little girl who uses her imagination to dream of a better life. Come experience this reimagined classic presented by Zilker Theatre Productions.
2206 William Barton Drive
Only in Austin
Here are a few of our favorite Austin happenings this summer.
The Drop-in Summer Concert Series at the Long Center
Your Thursdays just got booked! Every Thursday from now through August 10th, The Long Center and ACL Radio are presenting a free outdoor concert series inspired by Austin’s love of outdoor jams.
701 W Riverside Drive | 512.474.5664
Paramount Summer Classic Film Series
Flashing marquee lights. Buttery popcorn. Colossal screen. It’s that movie palace atmosphere, an air-conditioned oasis. The Paramount Summer Classic Film Series has returned for its 49th year with new films being announced each month.
713 Congress Avenue | 512.472.5470
Shake off your picnic blankets and lawn chairs to be a part of Austin’s favorite summertime tradition! This free concert series, presented by ACL Radio, takes place at Zilker Park on Tuesday, July 18th, and Wednesday, July 19th.
2100 Barton Springs Road