When spring begins in Austin, the city comes to life. Austin’s beautiful green spaces become the place to be, as are the Texas city’s many different festivals. Whether you’re a sports fan, concert-goer, film fanatic, or even rodeo lover, there’s something in Austin for you!
One thing to keep in mind is that the weather in Austin in March can be unpredictable. Some days might feel like summer is already here. Other days may be filled with rainstorms, so pack for all different kinds of weather.
Planning to visit Austin in March and wondering what to do? We’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Austin in March for you, from fun and family-friendly festivals to one-of-a-kind sporting events. Pick your favorite March activities from this list, and you’re bound to have a great early spring vacation in this exciting city.
Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to Do in Austin in March
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).
The 15 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas in March
1. Immerse Yourself in the World of SXSW
South by Southwest (SXSW) is basically synonymous with Austin in March. This festival is unlike any other. It’s a celebration of film, music, comedy, technology, and so much more. Discover cutting-edge tech, listen to live performances from exciting new artists, enjoy panels from experts from all different industries, and so much more throughout this nine-day event.
2. Catch the ATX Open
The ATX Open is the largest women’s professional sporting event in Austin and one of the best events in Austin in March. This professional women’s tennis event takes place in late February through early March and sees the best in tennis going head-to-head. Tennis fans are definitely going to want to grab tickets during their Austin spring vacation.
3. Take in the Show at Rodeo Austin
March in Austin brings about the return of Rodeo Austin, a fun and family-friendly festival that helps support education in Texas. In addition to rodeo events like bull riding and barrel racing, you can also rock out to live concerts, ride the rides at Austin’s largest carnival, enjoy sipping at the beer and wine garden, see the livestock and horse shows, and much more.
4. Cheer on the Spurs During the I-35 Series
Are you a sports fan? Get your tickets to cheer on the San Antonio Spurs during the I-35 Series, where the team will be heading to Austin’s Moody Center for two games. See the Spurs compete in a series designed to engage the Spurs’ following beyond the borders of San Antonio.
5. Go on a St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the official St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl, one of the most fun things to do in Austin in March. Enjoy specialty drinks and discounts at several Austin bars and pubs while you jam out to live music and party the night away. Don your best green outfit and get ready to celebrate the luck of the Irish.
6. Enjoy NASCAR’s Return to Austin
Race fans should head to the Circuit of the Americas in March as NASCAR makes its return to Austin. During this weekend-long event, you can watch several premier series take place on this world-class circuit, including the NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.
7. Revel in the Tranquility of Twilight Tuesdays
Enjoying the Twilight Tuesdays of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is one of the best things to do in Austin in spring. Throughout the season, the botanic garden is staying open late on Tuesdays, letting guests enjoy the garden at twilight alongside live music from local artists, treats from Austin’s best food trucks, and specialty sips for grown-ups.
8. Attend the Besame Mucho Festival
After its success in Los Angeles, the Latin music festival Besame Mucho Festival is coming to Austin at the Circuit of the Americas, where it’s sure to be one of the best events in Austin in March. Check out incredible international talents during all-day performances, enjoy treats from local vendors, and spend the day dancing.
9. Take a Trip to the Sherwood Forest Faire
Take a trip over to McDade to experience the Sherwood Forest Faire, one of the best events in and around Austin in March. Running during the weekends in March and April, this fun-filled Renaissance fair features over 150 live shows per day and over 170 artisans. From jousting and swordplay to magicians and bards, there’s always something to do at this fair.
10. Catch the End of Baby Animal Days
Over at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm in nearby Georgetown, you’ll find one of the sweetest things to do while visiting Austin in March. Running from February to March, families are invited to head to the farm and see and feed the baby animals during Baby Animal Days.
Hang out in the petting zoo and bottle-feed baby goats, sheep, and bull calves. It’s a great bonding activity and an experience you and your family will never forget.
11. Give Back with It’s My Park Day
If you’ve got a green thumb, why not put it to some good use while you’re visiting Austin in March? On the first Saturday in March, you can take part in It’s My Park Day, which invites you to help the Austin community keep their green spaces clean and healthy.
The parks and other green spaces of Austin are such an essential part of what makes the city special, so spending some time keeping them pristine is a great way to give back.
12. Go to the ABC Kite Fest
ABC Kite Fest is a fun, family-friendly event that takes place in Zilker Park and is one of the best things to do in Austin in March. From kite-flying contests to the children’s music concert, MossFest, this free, all-day event offers tons of fun for the whole family.
Plus, you’re joining in the fun for a good cause, as proceeds from the festival are gifted to Communities in Schools of Central Texas and the Moss Pieratt Foundation.
13. Check out the Bats
The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge in the heart of Downtown Austin is the home of the largest urban bat colony in the world, estimated at 1.5 million bats. Over 750,000 pups are raised at the bridge each year. If you’re visiting Austin in late March, you’re just in time to see the start of bat season, which is one of the coolest things to see in Austin in spring!
14. Take a Riverboat Tour
Hopping aboard a paddlewheel riverboat to go sightseeing is one of the most fun things to do in Austin in spring, but Lone Star Riverboat goes further by offering a one-of-a-kind tour on their boats. While sunset cruises are always beautiful on their own, this riverboat lets you see the bats emerge from under the bridge at sunset – a truly spectacular sight.
15. Take a Kayaking Tour
Another way to see the bats in Austin in spring is to take a kayaking tour that will take you right to them. Live Love Paddle offers Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Tours, where you’ll kayak up Lady Bird Lake, learn about the bat colony, and get an up-close look at the bats. As the weather heats up in Austin but isn’t too hot yet, March can be a great time to go paddling.
There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Austin in March. What’s your favorite March event in Austin? Let us know in the comments!
Planning a trip to Austin, Texas? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!
SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST
