### Key Facts
* Austin is known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," hosting over 250 live music venues and more than 2,000 performances daily during peak seasons.
* SXSW (South by Southwest) festival runs annually in March (e.g., March 8-17, 2024), drawing 417,000+ attendees for music, film, and tech events since its start in 1987.
* Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival occurs over two weekends in October (e.g., Oct 4-13, 2024), attracting 450,000 visitors to Zilker Park.
* Capital Metro (CapMetro) provides 80+ bus routes and a 32-mile MetroRail line, serving 30 million rides annually as of 2023.
* Ideal visiting seasons are spring (March-May, average highs 75-85F) and fall (September-November, 75-85F), avoiding summer highs above 95F.
### Important Details
Austin's vibrant scene shines brightest in spring and fall, when mild weather (typically 70-85F) enhances outdoor festivals like SXSW and ACL, alongside year-round staples. Summer brings intense heat (often 100F+ with high humidity), making indoor venues preferable, while winter is mild (50-65F) but quieter. These seasons align with peak events, lower hotel rates outside summer, and blooming bluebonnets in spring or colorful fall foliage.
Music venues range from iconic spots like the Continental Club (opened 1955, blues/rock hub) and Antone's Nightclub (live music since 1975) on Sixth Street to the state-of-the-art Moody Center (capacity 10,500, home to Austin City Limits Live). Sixth Street alone boasts over 50 bars and clubs, while Red River Street offers indie rock dives. Free outdoor shows at venues like the Long Center amplify accessibility.
Transportation is efficient and affordable: CapMetro's buses ($1.25 single ride) and MetroRail connect downtown to the airport (AUS, 22 million passengers in 2023) and suburbs. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft average $10-20 downtown) and dockless e-scooters/bikes (via MetroBike, $1.50 unlock + $0.20/minute) suit the walkable core. For next adventures, extend your trip to Texas Hill Country (30-min drive) for wineries like Duchman Family (30+ medals annually) or kayaking Lady Bird Lake (rentals $20/hour).
### Practical Tips
* Book SXSW/ACL tickets 6-9 months ahead (prices $200-1,200); use CapMetro's festival shuttles to avoid parking ($30+).
* Rent a bike or scooter for Sixth Street hopping-download the CapMetro app for real-time transit and passes ($2/day).
* Visit in shoulder seasons for 20-30% cheaper hotels; pack layers for variable spring/fall weather.
* Next steps: Day trip to Enchanted Rock State Park (hiking, $8 entry) or a BBQ crawl (Franklin Barbecue, lines start 8 AM).
**Summary:** Austin offers endless fun through its world-class music, optimal seasonal timing, and seamless transport-perfect for wrapping up with Hill Country extensions or festival vibes. Plan around spring/fall for the best experience.
