Austin has tall boots to fill as the Texas state capital, but does an incredible job of representing all that the Lone Star State has to offer in one city. Full of incredible historic landmarks, breathtaking vistas and a skyline that grows and changes every year, this capital city has so much to offer, you would be challenged to fit it all into one trip, or even one year. Find nestled within the heart of Austin a seemingly endless selection of live music venues, acclaimed resorts and spas, award-winning dining, nationally acclaimed film and music festivals and dozens of parks and natural sites to explore.

Austin is a multi-dimensional city known for being the home of the prestigious University of Texas- Austin, for being an 
international center for the high-tech industry and for maintaining an ambiance of fun and coziness. Not many cities can pull off a small-town feel and still manage to offer a bustling downtown filled to the brim with pedestrians, but Austin certainly has succeeded in this endeavor. You will find here a thriving cultural city, recognized by the world as the home for the South by Southwest Film and Music Festival, as well as the Austin City Limits Festival, both events which bring millions of visitors into the streets of Austin every year. Smaller events are the staple of Austin, like fun First Thursdays on Congress Avenue, the annual Eeyore’s birthday party, and a bi-annual Pecan Street Festival featuring live music, arts and crafts.

There’s so much to share about what makes Austin exciting, but if we’ve sparked your interest here we’ve succeeded! We’ve been celebrating Austin for thirty-one years now and we never tire of informing locals and visitors about everything we love and respect about our beautiful city. We encourage you to visit the attractions, retail sites and dining options in this book. Almost every store has a story, and almost every attraction a history, and it’s all waiting for you to walk through their doors! As a locally owned and operated publication itself, Celebrate Austin proudly supports its local businesses.

Our annual book is full of fun information, but be sure to visit our Web site at www.celebrateaustin.com to find continually updated information on events, attractions, dining, retails option and more!

Everything is bigger in Texas and that includes our hearts, our minds, our fun attitudes and our sense of adventure. This issue we’re encouraging locals and visitors to celebrate Austin and the surrounding Hill Country “Texas Style” and to embrace the eclectic culture that makes Austin, and Texas, so very unique. So get out there and enjoy The Live Music Capital of the World, a city we know and love, and let us be your guide! Allow Celebrate Austin to be your handy tipster to all that Austin and the Texas Hill Country has to offer!

Dear Visitor,  

As Governor of Texas, I am pleased to welcome you to Austin. With world-class entertainment, historic landmarks, beautiful scenery, fantastic food and a vibrant cultural scene, Texas’ capital city has something for everyone. Celebrate Austin is your guide to all the fun.

More than 20 million travelers visit Austin and other destinations in the Texas Hill Country each year. Top attractions in Austin include the State Capitol, the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum, Lake Travis, the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony, The University of Texas-Austin and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Austin is also home to world-class events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and South by Southwest.

Residents of the great State of Texas pride themselves on greeting friends and strangers alike with a warm welcome. Our famous hospitality, along with our state’s great natural beauty, abundance of attractions and exciting travel experiences, make Texas one of the most visited states in the United States.

First Lady Anita Perry joins me in wishing you a wonderful time. 

Sincerely,