During the summer, students at UT Austin may notice holiday celebrations, community events, and traditions happening across Austin and the United States. Two important holidays during this time are Emancipation Day (Juneteenth) and the Fourth of July. Although both holidays are celebrated in the United States, they have different histories… read more
Explore Austin
Outdoor Adventures in Austin
Austin offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. Parks, trails, and swimming spots are easy to find across the city. Beautiful landscapes are only minutes from downtown. People can hike, bike, kayak, or relax in nature. This guide highlights popular outdoor destinations in Austin. Zilker Metropolitan Park Zilker Metropolitan Park… read more
Stay Cool: Pools and Splash Pads in Austin, TX
Austin is a wonderful place to live, but summers can get HOT! Pools, splash pads, and shaded areas help people stay active without getting too hot. Staying cool helps you enjoy summer while helping reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and stroke. Here are some ways to stay cool and… read more
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Bluebonnets are blooming across Texas! These cheery blue wildflowers are a sign of spring. Bluebonnets grow in fields, along highways, across campus, and in parks. Many people take photos of these native plants and post them on social media. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is one of the best… read more
Winter Holiday Activities
Grade Packets Final Reception Fall 2025 Continuing Student Applications Holiday Light Shows in Austin Mozart’s Annual Holiday Light Show Austin Trail of Lights
Thanksgiving 2025
Fall Break Thanksgiving Closures/Special Hours: Final Reception Fall 2025 Continuing Student Applications A Guide to Thanksgiving: Meaning, Traditions, and Local Ways to Join In Each November, people across the United States gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. This is a holiday centered around gratitude, food, and community. Thanksgiving is observed on the… read more
Día de los Muertos
Scholarship Application: Spring 2026 Continuing Student Applications Día de los Muertos What is Día de los Muertos? According to Austin’s Mexic-Arte Museum, “Celebrated by Mexicans and Mexican Americans alike, as well as others in Latin America, Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead is an important religious and cultural event… read more
Longhorn Halloween
Scholarship Application: Spring 2026 Continuing Student Applications Halloween in the United States Halloween, celebrated on October 31, has roots in ancient Celtic harvest festivals. It has long since evolved into a widely celebrated holiday focused on costumes, candy, and community fun. Children often dress up and go “trick-or-treating” in their… read more
The Fourth of July
No Classes on July 4 Scholarship Application: Fall 2025 Continuing Student Applications The Fourth of July Independence Day Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks Visit the Star Spangled Fest website for the latest information This blog post was contributed by Jack Taylor, administrative associate of global engagement at the… read more
Outdoor Adventures
Austin is known for all the beautiful outdoor activities you can do here! We have tons of hiking trails, and places to swim, kayak, and paddleboard. You can be minutes from downtown and enjoy the peace of being outdoors. Barton Springs Pool Barton Creek Greenbelt Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike… read more