Take in 20th-century and contemporary American art at The Contemporary Austin, showcasing two renowned and architecturally unique locations, where they bring multidisciplinary exhibitions, engaging programs, and enticing special events to the city's visual arts landscape. The Contemporary Austin aims to create a cultural center of gravity in Austin for a variety of experiences linked to contemporary art. They offer many engaging opportunities for artists, enjoyable hands-on programs for families, and many exhibitions and event opportunities.
Get ready to join the granddaddy of all local music venues, the Continental Club, where they have enjoyed a coast-to-coast reputation as the premiere club for live music in Austin. This historic live music destination opened its doors as a swanky private supper club, but in the decades since, it's become a mecca for roots, rockabilly, country, swing, rock, and blues music every night of the week. The classic neon sign flashing above the entrance is a landmark on South Congress, and vintage cars and hot rods often line South Congress Avenue in front of the dimly lit club.
Jam out at the Old Settler's Music Festival, where they bring American roots music lovers together for camping, community, and celebration. Enjoy this signature music festival that features Americana music roots, folk, acoustic, jazz, blues, bluegrass, singer-songwriter, gospel, and country from local favorites and award-winning artists from around the world. Work your way through three campgrounds that provide more than 29 acres of tree-covered parkland for gathering, camping, and late-night jams by the campfire. Eclectic arts and crafts, delectable food, and ice-cold local libations round out the magical experience.
One spark of inspiration is all you need for your next big idea at the Thinkery, where each exhibit is hands-on, play-based learning, with activities and content appropriate for visitors of all ages. Create colorful works of art, take apart toys or build and launch gliders at the Spark Shop. See, feel and hear the connections between water and sound at the Currents exhibit. Find out how color, light, and shadows impact the environment at the Light Lab. Participate in sensory exploration, chemical reactions, and edible minerals in the Kitchen Lab. Imagine buying and selling delicious fruits and vegetables or collecting eggs from a pretend chicken coop in Fresh! Farmers’ Market. Step outside to the Backyard and scale the heights of a universally-accessible, custom-designed climber, or rest under the branches of a native elm tree.