No Plans? 15 Last-Minute Things to Do in Austin This Weekend
No Plans? 15 Fun Things to Do in Austin This Weekend
Austin is a city full of energy and excitement. From the lively music venues to the mouthwatering food trucks, there's always something happening here that attracts both locals and tourists.
Are you ready to turn your boring weekend into an unforgettable one? Here are 15 fun things you can do in Austin this weekend!
Make your spring unforgettable by attending the 2025 Austin Tulip Festival with over 300,000 Tulips.
What's Included
- 4.5 Acres of 225k Planted Tulips For Photos
- Full Access to Baby Animal Petting Zoo
- Daily Pig Races
- Unlimited Pony Rides
Join our Night Clear Kayaking Glow Tour for a magical 1 hour paddle on the Colorado River. Glide through the waterways of Downtown Austin’ illuminated by LED lights, with Austin’s breathtaking skyline shining against the night sky.
What's Included
- Kayak Paddle
- Safety Equipment
- Dry Bag
Explore the eerie side of Austin through this unconventional ghost hunt, where you'll delve into spine-tingling stories and uncover the haunted history of the city's landmarks.
What to Expect
- Explore uncharted cityscapes during your Austin adventure
- Tackle brain-teasing puzzles and riddles along your journey.
- Uncover intriguing haunted historical anecdotes at every stop.
- Embrace the stories of famous characters as you play out their roles
Step into immersive escape rooms where you and your team become heroes on a mission. Crack codes, uncover clues, and solve puzzles in a multi-room adventure that’s all about teamwork, storytelling, and more than just escaping.
Choose from one of the following:
- Immersive Multi-Room Set
- Heroic Missions
- Code Cracking
- Clue Uncovering
- Collaborative Gameplay
- Tactile Challenges
- Story-Driven Adventures
Throughout the course of the Live Music Crawl, you’ll hear about Austin's live music history, get the latest scoop on the current music scene and see iconic venues and new clubs, all while getting an overview of the city.
What's Included
- Driver/guide
- Live entertainment
- Transport by private vehicle
- Skip cover bands and jam out to authentic music with us all over the city
- Bottled water
- Entry/Admission - Austin Visitor Center
- Entry/Admission - Austin Detours
Looking for other options?
Still haven’t found the perfect plan? Don’t worry—Austin has no shortage of unique things to do. From family-friendly spots and immersive experiences to quirky adventures you won’t find anywhere else, there are always more ways to make your weekend memorable. Whether you're feeling spontaneous or just browsing, these ideas might just surprise you.
The Trolley Pub is powered by you and your fellow pedalers, with an electric assist motor for the hills. Fire up your favorite playlist, open a beverage, and have fun! Suggest stops or have your driver take you to the best spots in town.
What's Included:
- Experience driver/tour guide
- Cooler and cups
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting point
Dive into the shadows of Austin's past with a thrilling walking tour that chases the tale of the 1885 serial killer who preyed on unsuspecting women.
What to Expect
- Explore Austin's dark past with a deep dive into its most chilling unsolved mystery.
- Enjoy a unique bar stop with a view, offering a moment to ponder over historical theories with your choice of drink.
- Conclude the adventure inside the historic Driskill Hotel, stepping back in time to where the saga ends.
Step into a futuristic VR realm where your real body becomes part of the action. Immerse yourself in thrilling worlds with cutting-edge motion capture and haptic technology. Experience a transformation like no other and create unforgettable memories!
What's Included
- Full Immersion: Transform into your virtual self using Hollywood motion capture, 3D body trackers, custom hardware, and haptic suits.
- Shared Adventures: Enjoy thrilling Sandbox worlds, from space journeys to zombie ambushes, designed to enhance connections and create unforgettable moments.
Choose between one of the following
- Squid Game: Compete against your crew in several pulse-pounding (yet more approachable, but just as thrilling) mini-games inspired by the #1 Netflix series. Play again and again to experience and master all-new games and challenges.
- Seekers of the Shard: Dragonfire: Journey through a world of fantasy and explore a ruined fortress, an underground river, a haunted tomb and the dragon's tower as you become Seekers of the Shard.
- Deadwood Valley: Engage in an adrenaline-pumping zombie thrill-ride through a town overrun by zombies, across isolated country roads and into the darkest depths of the valley. Can your squad survive?
- Amber Sky 2088: Journey from the futuristic city of New Hong Kong and soar through the clouds via Earth's last standing space elevator.
- Deadwood Mansion: Do you and your friends have what it takes to survive the zombie horde? Work together to discover the terrible secrets of Deadwood Mansion as you face the undead challenge.
- Curse of Davy Jones: Battle supernatural creatures on the high seas and hunt for Davy Jones' treasure.
- Star Trek: Discovery Away Mission - Engage in exhilarating shootouts with your iconic Starfleet Phaser and beam down to explore breathtaking alien worlds with your friends. Discover the mysteries of a lost Starfleet ship along the way."
You really have to "sea" it to believe it. There are thousands of oceanic entities to feast your eyes on during this top Texas day out, offering fun and exploration for the whole team.
What to Expect
- Get up close to lemurs and kangaroos, and meet other rainforest creatures
- Interact with stingrays in a touch tank
- Unforgettable family fun that will connect you to wildlife
Designed for stress relief and to give you a fresh start. Aroma blends of lavender, lavandin, and clary sage combine with a taste of Swedish and deep tissue massage techniques, foot reflexology and acupressure points to make you feel good as new.
Massage:
Discover Austin's vibrant musical heritage with the Downtown Austin Music History Walking Tour.
What to Expect:
- Explore Austin’s famous live music venues and learn about the city's rise to being the 'Music Capital of the World'
- Hear stories of legendary musicians and the iconic performances that shaped Austin's music scene
- Walk through historic neighborhoods and discover the cultural tapestry that supports Austin’s diverse music genres
- Capture memorable moments with your camera or smartphone as you visit each landmark and story-rich location
Join us at Good Vibes Tours for a bat-tastic e-bike adventure that dives deep into the heart of Austin's most unique nightlife spectacle.
What's Included:
- Bottled Water
- Disposable Rain Poncho
- Use of E-bike
- Use of Bike Helmet
- Use of Walkie Talkie
Get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure at the mind-blowing San Antonio Aquarium! Plunge into a mesmerizing underwater kingdom teeming with over 8,000 captivating creatures from across the globe.
What to Expect:
- Discover the fascinating creatures of the deep with tickets to the San Antonio Aquarium
- Experience interactive areas, including a touch tank with stingrays and an aviary with lorikeets
- Explore San Antonio's premier aquarium and encounter sharks, reptiles, and a diverse array of tropical fish
Prepare to be amazed as you step into a captivating underground world, bathed in the mesmerizing glow of over 2,500 LED lights. Follow your expert guide through this atmospheric wonderland, where breathtaking mineral formations will leave you in awe.
What to Expect
- Discover the enigmatic subterranean realm that lies beneath San Antonio
- Trace the illuminated path on an enchanting guided excursion
- Encounter awe-inspiring gemstone formations and cavernous wonders
- Meals, snacks, and beverages are available at the Cavern Café and Big Daddy’s Sweets & Treats
Searching for an affordable and fun way to get out to Salt Lick and Texas wineries? Look no further.
What to Expect:
- A great way to get out to Salt Lick and Texas wineries
- Enjoy wine and a BBQ
- The perfect day in Hill Country for solo travelers, couples and small groups
What's Included:
- Driver/guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- A BBQ and Wine shuttle, great for solo travelers, couples, and small groups
- Bottled water
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Do I need to book these experiences in advance?
While many of these experiences can be booked last-minute, some popular tours and activities may sell out—especially on weekends. We recommend checking availability and reserving your spot ahead of time when possible.
2. Are these activities family-friendly?
Yes! Many of the options listed—like the Tulip Festival, Aquarium visits, and kayaking tours—are great for families. Be sure to check the details of each experience to see age recommendations or restrictions.
3. What should I bring for outdoor activities?
For outdoor fun like the Bat Twilight Tour or Kayaking Glow Tour, bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Some tours may provide gear, but it's always good to double-check what's included.
4. Are these activities located in Austin proper?
Most of these experiences are located in or near central Austin. A few may involve a short drive but still make for perfect quick getaways that can easily fit into your weekend plans.
5. What if the weather changes suddenly?
Texas weather can be unpredictable. Many tours operate rain or shine, but some may reschedule or refund in case of severe conditions. Always check the provider’s weather and cancellation policy in advance.