Texas Trotter

Looking for something new and exciting to do near the Austin area?  Austinites need not look further than the nearby city of Round Rock. This October 1st and 2nd, the city will host the Round Rock Chalk Walk Arts Festival! This colorful, creative festival will feature the works of hundreds of artists, vendors, sponsors, local/regional musicians, theatrical performances, food, drinks, and plenty more! And for those of you with little ones, there will also be plenty of play areas as well as performances to keep everyone entertained!  This amazing festival is a huge showcase when it comes to the art and imagination of so many talented artists across the area, including live chalk drawings that will make your heart soar! It’s truly a spectacle to behold and I wouldn’t miss it for the world, especially when there’s just so much to see and do! The big thing to see at this festival will definitely be the huge chalk mural that all the artists contribute to with their street paintings....

There’s always something new and exciting happening in the Austin area, especially when it comes to all things shopping and entertainment! This week, I got a brand-new September event I know you’re going to absolutely love! Starting on September 10th, Pop Spot is the perfect experience for shoppers to fully experience the masterworks of one-of-a-kind designers and brands, allowing for them to shop, have fun, and support small businesses. This event aims to revolutionize the changing landscape of retail, allowing customers to fully experience the glitz and style of the best local businesses in the Austin area!  For those of you who absolutely adore all things shopping, this is definitely the perfect event to take part in, especially since it’ll help you become more acquainted with Austin’s best and brightest on the fashion scene. Plus, it’s at the Hilton in Austin, giving way to a fancy, classy atmosphere that everyone can love.  Austin may be known for its strange and unusual ...

For all you Austin creepy-crawly lovers, I’ve got some great news for you all! The city is getting hyped for its local Bat Fest, an exciting occasion bound to take flight as Austinites marvel at 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from under the bridge at dusk. Yes, you heard me. TONS of bats. But don’t worry, there’s more to it than that--there will be plenty of amazing party-fueled activities to enjoy including live stage music, over 50 arts and crafts vendors, food and drinks, children’s activities, a bat costume contest, and more!  For parents with kids that love animals, this is definitely the perfect event for a great time while letting your little ones get excited over the beauty of nature. And if you’re just a general fan of bats, what could be better than a whole festival dedicated to them? Not going to lie, bats are pretty rad, especially when it comes to their prevalence in popular culture, from Dracula to Batman. So why not celebrate them while also getting th...

This one came as a big, but definitely welcome, surprise to me because I was not even aware that Austin had a Museum of Ice Cream! The more you know, the better. Especially when ice cream is involved! Running from August to October, Austin’s Museum of Ice Cream will be featuring 12 reimagined and never-before-seen installations dedicated to the celebration and experience of enjoying ice cream. When guests drop by for a visit, they can enjoy a Shirley Temple soft serve in the 1960’s retro diner or ride on a life-size animal cookie in the Carnival Room.  Does that sound a bit out there? Well it is and it’s worth every moment. You can even enjoy a dip and slide in the world-famous sprinkle pool. Now this, I’ve GOT to see! Guests are invited to exclusively reserve one of the pool-side cabanas for their private events, giving them the full opportunity to sip and enjoy the sweet space all day long. The Museum will also additionally be debuting the launch of the Museum of Modern Ice Cream...

  Austin always has what I need to satisfy all the best food cravings, especially on a health-conscientious level! Whenever summer rolls around, you can expect the very best festivals around the Austin area, especially when it comes to food! And if you’re feeling the urge to binge, I got some GREAT news for you! Running from June 18th all the way to July 11th, Bolthouse Farms Wunderoots is teaming up with two local food trucks and their chefs, Mary Hermadi of TaLad and Miguel Kaiser of T-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs, to present some delicious plant-powered innovative meal solutions.  This FREE food opportunity features full entrees of unique plant-based recipes, perfect for satisfying your taste buds while still maintaining a solid level of health. The trucks will showcase delicious dining options consisting of carrot-based products including carrot dogs, riced carrot, and noodled carrots. And while the presence of vegetables might not sound appealing for some, I can verify that thes...

Back in the day, comic conventions exclusively targeted a small pocket of devoted fans. But now, with the presence of the internet and the prominence of pop culture, everyone can proudly call themselves a geek!  Comic-Con, most known by its San Diego counterpart, is an exciting event where people can dress up and congregate to celebrate their favorite fan bases and franchises while also getting to partake in some nerd-filled shopping and even getting the chance to meet famous actors and creators associated with their favorite works! It might sound like a bit too much for some people but you’d be surprised at the level of love and dedication that Comic-Con brings to the table, even in its smaller, more regional subsets.  Running from June 19th to June 20th, the Greater Austin area will proudly be featuring its very own Comic-Con, giving Texas residents the chance to enjoy some excellent exhibits, presentations, and all the things that make us proud pop culture fanatics. The eve...

Are you ready for some delicious smokey goodness?  That’s right, I’m talking barbecue. Ribs, smoked ham, brisket--all the finger-licking treasures you’d come to expect from living in the glorious state of Texas. Well for Austin residents, the time has come to loosen your belts and get ready for a dining experience you won’t want to miss!  Running from May 20th through May 22nd, Hot Luck is a one-of-a-kind, palate-pleasing event that is sure to get your mouth watering! With plenty of delicious food and some great live music, guests can experience the thrills of a truly great meal with friends and family.  Located at Franklin Barbecue, Hot Luck features top chefs within the area here to provide some red-hot munchies and live special events throughout the weekend. It’s an absolutely perfect way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend, complete with a special dining experience you’ll definitely never forget. Austin is home to some of the best food locations in the state. Texas is k...

Ready for some exciting Austin news? This year, one of Austin’s most beloved historic parks is set to reopen with a brand new makeover, complete with acres of green space, hike-and-bike trails, playscapes for the kiddos, and a dazzling outdoor amphitheater for performances.  Waterloo Greenway Conservancy recently announced that on Monday, May 3rd after years of construction, Waterloo Park and Moody Amphitheater will open to the public this coming August. This sleek, scenic park is designed to cultivate the full Austin experience with stunning landscaping, plenty of nature, and fresh gardens for everyone to enjoy. It hopes to be the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as a solid outing to enjoy some quiet time outside.  “The reopening of Waterloo Park represents a bridge between Austin’s past, present, and future,” says Kathy Miller, interim CEO of Waterloo Greenway. “We’re honoring the culture of the area while building a place that is a vital part ...

I’ve showcased pop-up restaurants around Houston before. But why not try my hand at Austin? This May, Austin is featuring a brand new Kevin Smith-themed pop-up restaurant for locals to enjoy--Mooby’s! Running from May 10 through May 15, Mooby’s features a great selection of tasty fast food for movie lovers across the Austin region. From burgers to vegetarian and vegan options, there will be plenty of tasty grub to chow down on at this fun-filled take-out venture.  Mooby’s, for those unaware, is a fictional dining location in Kevin Smith’s movies, from Clerks to Jay and Silent Bob, and more! Guests can book their time in advance and pick up their food with utmost Covid-19 safety. There will even be dine-in options on a first-come, first-served basis. For those of you who love all things greasy and delicious when it comes to fast food, I think it’s safe to say that this will prove to deliver on all fronts! There will even be beer and dessert options available! Austin’s hip, funky atm...

Ready to take partying to the next level in the Austin area?  On May 1st, starting at 10 pm, you can set your sights for maximized entertainment at Quiet Events’ Outdoor Silent Disco Party! This awesome event will allow guests to tune into three different genres of music all night long for endless fun on the dance floor! Live DJs will be present to spin top 40 dance hits, ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000’s throwbacks, as well as your favorite Hip Hop and R&B songs!  Located in a large open-air courtyard with plenty of breathing room for safe social distancing, the unique gist of this event is that guests will be given a pair of Quiet Events headphones, glow-in-the-dark gear, and 3 DJs all battling for your attention at once! It’s called a QUIET event for a reason but don’t worry, I can promise that your dance partners will all be just as hyped as you are when they wear their headphones. This event will be exclusively 21+ and will take place rain or shine! All guests, naturally, must b...

Summer is coming, which means things are about to get pretty scorching out there in the near future. If you’re an Austin resident or even just a Texas resident, you know what I’m talking about. Texas summers can be absolutely sweltering , even in the shade.  So why not beat the heat? If you’re living near the Austin area, chances are you’ve probably heard of Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures. This excellent aquatic getaway is a private island location and a revolutionary floating water park. The water park includes resort-style amenities, beachside hotspots, hammocks, saddle floats, games, food trucks, and more!  If you’re someone sick of the same old urban landscape and just want to find a relaxing place to stay cool, this place is absolutely PERFECT for a weekend out with friends and family. There’s even a bar where you can purchase frozen drinks at your leisure. Sounds to me like a real party in the making. And if you’re a family with kiddos, there will be plenty of amazing f...

Spring is here! That means fresh sunlight, budding flowers, and the sense of a whole new view for the year!  If you’re a local resident living in Austin, there’s a whole new reason to celebrate the new Spring season with the Austin Spring Festival! Barton Hill Farms is hosting its annual Austin Spring Festival on Saturdays and Sundays from April 17th to May 31st. This is an all-ages event that offers families an outdoor experience they’re sure to adore! The theme for this year’s festival will be focusing on flowers, featuring an array of zinnias, sunflowers, lupines, and cosmos planted in the U-Pick Flower Fields. Want something extra unique to add to the table? The Southwest Dairy Farmers Association will be hosting The Milk Cow Classroom daily throughout the festival, offering kids and adults the chance to learn more about the lives of dairy cows, farmers, and the value of milk. And don’t forget about shows! There will be shows spread over the course of the day, including animal ...

Austin knows how to keep things classy. And I truly mean that--there’s always an event going on that’s tailor-made for special occasions, family get-togethers, and romantic nights out.  On Saturday, April 17th, Austin is preparing a special Moonlight & Music event for everyone to enjoy! This outdoor event will feature a safe socially-distanced atmosphere, along with the kind of pomp and polish you’d expect from an engaging outing in a luxurious bohemian-inspired environment. There will be low-floor seating, dried floral arrangements, twinkle lights, and candlelight--perfect for a date with your special someone! But let’s not forget about the bigger things. This event will feature gourmet pizza by Marye’s, wine, bubbles, or beer. Plus, guests can enjoy some exquisite live music, along with an available choice of a complimentary bottle of red, rose, and white wine. Vegetarian options will also be available upon request so that everyone can enjoy.  Austin always knows how to ...

Austin residents have a new reason to celebrate because the Sherwood Forest Faire is on!  The Sherwood Forest Faire is a locally-owned medieval-style village located in the Lost Pines section of Central Texas, just shy of around thirty minutes away from Austin. The festival consists of shows, shops, food, and more! Guests can enjoy some great live acts including fire juggling, knife throwing, live bands, comedy, sword-fighting, falconry, jousting, and a castle siege. And for some of you lovebirds, there’s even a section where you can experience a real fairytale wedding with your significant other! Whew! That’s a lot, huh? But it just means you’ll have plenty of opportunities for fun and entertainment during your visit!  But where would the Sherwood Forest be without Robin Hood? That’s right, he’ll be there as well, along with Lady Marian. Plus, there will be plenty of tasty grub and drinks to enjoy as you stroll across the green. There will even be live demonstrations, includi...