Things to do in Austin
Stay at our beautiful hotel near by Austin’s events and activities! There’s something for everyone. Check out the local sites and events going on while your here. There’s always festivals and adventures in Austin going on near River Ranch Inn!
SXSW – South by Southwest
Held in March, the festival includes interactive, film and music components. The music festival is the most well-known, drawing bands from around the world at all stages of their careers. However, Austin’s technology sector is becoming the next Silicon Valley.
ACL Music Festival
The early-October event stretches across two three-day weekends. About 70,000 music fans descend on Zilker Park each day to roam among several stages. The event’s organizers pride themselves on including a mix of up-and-coming bands and established acts.
Circuit of America Grand Prix
Held in October, COTA attracts crowds that are completely different from those drawn by the Austin Film Festival and South by Southwest. Since the races are held all over the world. And many of the F1 fans do travel to every race from Austin to Monaco.
Republic of Texas Biker Rally
The city literally roars during ROT Rally weekend in mid-June. Bikers from all over the country descend on the Travis County Expo Center and downtown Austin. The Expo Center is part trade show and part ongoing party. A parade for bikers is also held along Congress Avenue on the opening night.
Austin Food and Wine Festival
Held every April, the Austin Food and Wine Festival seems to attract higher-profile chefs each year. You can attend talks, cooking demonstrations, classes and tastings hosted by big-name chefs from Austin and around the country. The event is located near downtown on the shores of Lady Bird Lake.
Texas Relays
Held every March, the Texas Relays is one of the biggest track-and-field events in the country. Located on the University of Texas campus in March, the event often overlaps with South by Southwest. Featuring some of the best runners, jumpers and discus throwers in the world.
River Ranch County Park
Located only one mile away, River Ranch County Park is Williamson County’s brand new signature parkland featuring 1,354 acres of Hill Country to recreate. The park features 12.5 miles of hiking trails and 7.5 miles of equestrian trails. The park entrance is only one mile from River Ranch Inn.
Local Wine Beer and Spirits
There are more than a dozen places to explore local beers, wines, and spirits in the Liberty Hill and Burnet area. Thirsty Mule Winery, Wedding Oak Vineyards, Flannigans Distillery and many more are all less than 30-minutes from River Ranch Inn. Hell or Highwater Brewery is just one mile away.
National Wildlife Refuge
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is only 15 minutes. The refuge is home to native Texas wildlife and plants, and was specifically established to protect the nesting grounds of the black-capped vireo and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. The refuge harbors 245 bird species and designated a Globally Important Bird Area (IBA). Read more HERE.
Mountain Biking
Central Texas has become a nationally-recognized mecca for Mountain Biking. This is greatly attributed to Spider Mountain and Reville Peak Ranch in Burnet where people travel from all over the world to come ride their bikes. Spider Mountain hosts the only year-round event just 30 minutes from our property.
4X4 Off-Roading
Hidden Falls Adventure Park is one of the coolest off-road 4-wheel-drive experiences in central Texas. With over 2000 acres to explore, you can bring your own Jeep, dirtbike, or ATV, or rent one and spend the day 4×4 off-roading.
Austin Hot Sauce Festival
What began as a small hot sauce contest in 1990 has grown into one of Austin’s best-known food events. Hundreds of hot sauces have been consumed testing the bravest of pepper heads and chili-loving festival goers with beverages on hand to cool off the overheated.
Bat Fest
Live music and live bats. What could truly be more Austin Texas than that. Between the sweet live beats you could head over to Congress bridge and watch the emergence can last up to ½ hour as 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats head out for their nightly flight.
Pecan Street Festival
6th street as it is now known was originally Pecan Street. The huge festival of live music, street vendors and artist brings in millions of visitors annually to walk the streets, enjoy downtown Austin all while giving back to the local area where all proceeds go.