THINGS TO DO
We have so many things planned for ComNet19, but the experience doesn’t just stop with the conference! Check out all that Austin has to offer during your time at ComNet19. Our wonderful Host Committee has compiled a list of all of their favorite places! Click here to see a live Google Map of their favorite hangouts.
Activities/Attractions:
Why it's great? Climb the steps overlooking Lake Austin to one of the best, most sweeping view of Austin from downtown to the iconic 360 bridge & beyond.
Ann Richards Congress Bridge Bat Viewing
Why it's great? Bats continuing coming out through early fall, so we may still get a bat show from the Statesman Bat Observation Center just before dusk.
Why it's great? The largest state capitol building in the US. Beautiful grounds, pink marble, beautifully restored. Before 9/11 the dome was open 24/7 and it was a great place to hang out after bars close.
Why it's great? Honky Tonk dance hall and Texas Two-Step Lessons.
Climb the steps overlooking Lake Austin to one of the best, most sweeping view of Austin from downtown to the iconic 360 bridge & beyond.
Locally-owned, the largest independent bookstore in Texas.
You have to call ahead to make an appointment for a 10/group visit. It's an Uber drive down South Congress: 512-299-7413.
Award-winning library of the future, aka community gathering place; great restaurant Cookbook featuring menu of items from cookbooks in the library.
A large spring-fed swimming pool with a downtown view. It's best to go early in the week due to ACL Fest.
Historic downtown theatre & a great spot to see a show.
Museums:
Why it’s great? Virginia Woolf's manuscripts will be on display in addition to their standard manuscripts, Gutenberg Bible, Shakespearean First Folo, etc.
Why it’s great? Wonderful small downtown museum devoted to Hispanic/Latino art.
Why it’s great? Outdoor sculpture garden on grounds of historic home with lovely garden paths and lake view.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
This place is really cool. And wildflowers are a big deal in the Hill Country.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Big state, audacious museum. You gotta love the 20 foot-tall star out front!
University of Texas's art museum with a lovely Ellsworth Kelly "chapel" installation; strong modern Latino art collection.
Drinks + Food:
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
Why it's great? Great outdoor seating, if the indoor bar is too crowded, with an indulgent brunch menu and great coffee.
Why it's great? Historic dive bar with emerging jazz artists!
Why it's great? Beautiful hotel off South Congress with a fun outdoor patio for drinks.
Why it's great? BBQ & homemade tortillas (Note: It's a about a 20 min drive from downtown).
Why it's great? Unique out door Indian food eatery near the convention center in Rainey District.
Why it's great? The legendary line at Franklin's is key to the experience and the BBQ is worth the wait!
Why it's great? If you don't have the patience to wait in the Franklin line, this is another great BBQ spot!
Why wait in line at Franklin's when you can walk down the street and help save a legend?
Why it's great? Hippy juice bar with great veggie take-out options.
Why it's great? Uniquely Austin gathering place right next to Zilker Park, serving up vegan, organic, macrobiotic meals (and daily yoga classes).
Why it's great? Sour Duck opened last summer, a great spot for creative, locally-sourced fare. Features a bakery, outdoor seating, and lots of happy dogs and small children.
Why it's great? Popular Austin taco joint near JW Hotel; the green chile queso is a must try at Torchy's.
Why it's great? Popular Austin taco joint near JW Hotel.
Why it's great? A famous Austin Tex-Mex restaurant with awesome ambiance.
Why it's great? A modern take on a food court featuring lots of local restaurants, across from the JW Hotel.
Why it's great? "Whiskey-slinging honky tonk" with a food truck.
Why it's great? Historic Tex-Mex haunt of anyone who's anyone ever in Austin.
Why it's great? Downtown cafe and bakery in the historic Driskill Hotel.
Why it's great? Famous dive bar where Texas law really gets made (right next to the Capitol).
Why it's great? Most diverse eating spot in town with mouth-watering everything.
Why it's great? "The honkiest tonkiest beer joint" in town; chicken shit bingo on Sundays.
Music:
Why it's great? Famous "listening room" for folk/acoustic music on UT campus (Townes Van Zandt played here & anyone acoustic you can think of).
Why it's great? Rumored to have best jukebox in town; also next to a great spring-fed swimming pool.
Why it's great? Famous Austin live music venue in the heart of South Congress.
Why it's great? Beloved music room featured in documentary "Nothing Stays the Same" (but it is the same!)
Why it's great? Saxophone, velvet curtain, jazz.
Kenny Dorham's Backyard - Diverse Arts
Why it's great? Historic East Austin spot - not open regularly but if there's something playing it'll be real.
Why it's great? The best place to think it's still the 1980s in Austin. Blues, soul and heart.
Why it's great? "Neighborhood juke joint" with live soul and blues.
Shopping:
Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds
Why it's great? This really goes with South Congress, but it is the best weirdest costume shop you've seen. With dressing rooms to try stuff on and post photos tagged with ComNet19…
Why it's great? Local cowboy boots retailer.
On South Congress, modern boots made from vintage patterns.