March in Austin—a time when the city blooms with wildflowers, wild festivals, and even wilder inhabitants. If you're pondering "things to do in Austin in March" or scratching your head over "what to do in Austin in March," fret not! We've concocted a list so audacious, so scandalous, that even your grandmother's ghost will blush. So, strap in (or strap on, no judgment here) and let's dive deep into the heart of Texas debauchery.
1. Dive into Barton Springs Pool: Nature's Ice Bath
Address: Barton Springs Pool
Nothing screams "I'm alive!" like plunging into the frigid waters of Barton Springs Pool. Maintained at a brisk 68°F year-round, it's the perfect remedy for that tequila-induced hangover. Plus, where else can you swim alongside endangered salamanders while contemplating your life choices? Remember, clothing is optional—just kidding, keep those swimsuits on, folks. This isn't Europe.
2. Get Medieval at the Sherwood Forest Faire
Address: Sherwood Forest Faire
Ever wanted to don a corset or chainmail and shout "Huzzah!" without judgment? The Sherwood Forest Faire is your chance. Running weekends from March 1 to April 20, this Renaissance extravaganza offers everything from jousting tournaments to bawdy wenches. Pro tip: Participate in the axe-throwing competition after a few meads. What could possibly go wrong?
3. Experience the Fusebox Festival: Art or Acid Trip?
Address: Fusebox Festival
From March 25 to 29, immerse yourself in the Fusebox Festival, where contemporary art performances blur the lines between genius and "WTF did I just watch?" Whether it's interpretive dance about climate change or a one-person show on the existential dread of avocados, you're in for a treat. Or a mental breakdown. Either way, it's culture.
4. Chill at Deep Eddy Pool: Because One Cold Pool Isn't Enough
Address: Deep Eddy Pool
If Barton Springs didn't freeze your nipples off, Deep Eddy Pool surely will. As Texas' oldest swimming pool, it's got history, charm, and water temperatures that make penguins shiver. Open year-round, it's the ideal spot to question your sanity while enjoying a refreshing dip.
5. Laugh Your Ass Off at Esther's Follies
Address: Esther's Follies
No visit to Austin is complete without experiencing the comedic whirlwind that is Esther's Follies. This modern-day vaudeville show combines magic, satire, and musical numbers that will leave you questioning the very fabric of reality—and your fashion choices. Running every Thursday to Saturday, it's the perfect way to laugh off the existential dread.
6. SXSW: The Clusterf***k of Culture
Address: South by Southwest
From March 7 to 15, Austin transforms into a playground for tech geeks, film buffs, and music lovers. SXSW offers everything from groundbreaking tech panels to indie films that make you ponder the meaning of life—or at least the meaning of that weird rash you got after attending that underground rave. Remember, badges are expensive, but sneaking into events is a rite of passage.
7. Eat Your Weight at Franklin Barbecue
Address: Franklin Barbecue
If waiting in line for hours for smoked meat sounds like your idea of fun, then Franklin Barbecue is your Mecca. Named the best barbecue joint in Texas, it's where cholesterol dreams come true. Just remember to bring a chair, sunscreen, and perhaps a will—because that meat coma is real.
8. Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake: Aquatic Yoga for Masochists
Address: Lady Bird Lake
Combine the serenity of yoga with the thrill of potential drowning by paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake. Whether you're a seasoned pro or someone who trips over flat surfaces, this activity offers both relaxation and the chance to showcase your lack of balance to amused onlookers.
9. Party at the Rodeo Austin: Because Texas
Address: Rodeo Austin
Yeehaw, baby! From March 14 to 30, Austin goes full cowboy mode with the Rodeo Austin, featuring everything from bull riding to pig racing (yes, you read that right). Expect fried food, questionable fashion choices, and the realization that you’ll never be as badass as an 8-year-old mutton buster. Don't forget to practice your “YEE-HAW” in the mirror before you go.
Bonus: Survive Sixth Street Without Losing Your Dignity (or Shoes)
If you really want to understand the unhinged soul of Austin, take a drunken field trip to Dirty Sixth. You’ll witness everything from rogue street magicians to a bachelorette party screaming "WOOOOO!" at 1 AM. If you make it out without losing your wallet, dignity, or ability to stand upright, consider yourself a true Austinite.
Why Esther’s Follies is THE Thing to Do in Austin in March
Now, after all these wild adventures, there’s only one place where you can tie it all together in a neat, hilarious, and slightly inappropriate bow—Esther’s Follies.
At this magical, politically incorrect, and outrageously funny comedy and magic show, you’ll witness the greatest political takedowns, side-splitting sketches, and magic tricks so mind-bending they’ll make your existential crisis feel tame. If you’ve ever wanted to see a magician pull a rabbit out of something truly unexpected, this is the place.
So whether you're in town for SXSW, looking for a reason to wear a pirate hat at Sherwood Forest Faire, or just desperately trying to escape your in-laws, Esther’s Follies is the one stop in Austin you cannot afford to miss.
Grab your tickets, laugh your face off, and let’s get weird!
Austin in March is a Beautiful, Chaotic Mess
If you're wondering "what to do in Austin in March," the answer is simple: EVERYTHING.From near-death experiences at Barton Springs to laughing until you pee yourself at Esther’s Follies, this city has something for everyone—especially if you enjoy a little chaos with your entertainment.
So pack your sunscreen, brace for the unexpected, and get ready to experience Austin in all its absurd, over-the-top, beer-soaked glory.
And remember: If you didn’t end up half-naked on a mechanical bull at 2 AM, did you even really do Austin?