About Austin

Imagine a city bursting with an entrepreneurial spirit, a commitment to personal freedom and a passion for unearthing new discoveries. Add a vibrant, internationally renowned music, film and art scene, along with a thriving economy that leads the way in the technology, engineering and health care industries. Throw in a glittering lake running through the center of the city, big blue skies, gleaming Texas sunshine and the natural beauty of the surrounding Hill Country. Underline all of that with an open-minded sense of community, a serious commitment to breakfast tacos and a deep appreciation for all kinds of people and all kinds of dreams, and you've got Austin, Texas — one of the most amazing places in the world, and the city we're proud to call home.

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Given the immense talent pool UT Austin produces, it's no surprise that technology companies such as Dell, IBM, Intel, Apple, Samsung and National Instruments have established major operations here in Austin. The city is also becoming a top destination for entrepreneurs and was recently named one of the best startup cities in the country. The vast and ever-growing high-tech scene in Austin, combined with its beautiful hill country, has dubbed the city the "Silicon Hills" complementing California's Silicon Valley. According to Forbes magazine, Austin "boasts the strongest expansion in tech sector employment of any of the nation’s 52 largest metropolitan areas from 2004 to 2014, 73.9%, as well as 36.4% growth in STEM jobs, the fourth-highest growth rate in the country."

SXSW

An annual set of film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences that take place in mid-March.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

An annual music festival held in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on two consecutive three-day weekends.

Austin Urban Music Festival

A two-day, national and local entertainment stage hosting, family-centric event.

Latino Music Month

An annual celebration of Latino Music and festivals bring new Latin sounds to eager audiences.

Euphoria Music & Camping Festival

For the love of good music, great friends, and the amazing festival family found in Texas and Around the world.

Rodeo Austin

A two-week rodeo, concert and carnival extravaganza that takes place each spring at the Travis County Expo Center.

Barton Springs Pool

The 900ft pool was formed when Barton Creek was dammed up, so it has a natural rock and gravel bottom.

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

The story of Texas is told through films and exhibits; home to Austin’s only IMAX theater.

Texas State Capitol

Texas Capitol is the largest in gross square footage of all state capitols and is second in total size only to the National Capitol.

6th Street

Popular, trendy area of downtown Austin known for clubs, live music and unique restaurants.

Zilker Park

Home to the Austin Nature and Science Center, Botanical Gardens, Hillside Theatre and the Zephyr.

South Congress (SoCo)

Home to eclectic shops and retro clothing stores and the very popular First Thursday event each month.

Harry Ranson Center

The Ransom Center encourages discovery, inspires creativity, and advances understanding of the humanities for a broad and diverse audience.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum

The LBJ Library and Museum houses more than 40 million documents relating to the career of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

UT Austin's Library, Centers, and Museums

The University of Texas at Austin’s library system is the nation’s fifth-largest academic library and is one of the top 10 research libraries in the nation.

Formula 1

Taste the cuisine of Austin, hear the roar of the crowd, and feel the exhilaration of the world's top racing event.

Republic of Texas Biker Rally

The ROT Rally has brought bike riders and enthusiasts from all 50 states and international locations to Austin.

Longhorn Sports

Texas Longhorns athletics programs include the extramural and intramural sports teams of UT Austin.