February in Austin—when the city’s weather flips a coin between “springtime paradise” and “polar vortex,” and every event comes with a side of breakfast tacos. If you’re wondering what to do in Austin in February, let me assure you: the options are endless, and your dignity is optional.
Whether you're a local looking for a reason to leave the house or a tourist who heard “Keep Austin Weird” and thought, Yeah, that’s my vibe, this guide will take you through the best that Austin has to offer—including the single greatest night out in town at Esther’s Follies (which, by the way, you should already have tickets for).
Let’s dive into the things to do in Austin in February, from the absurd to the sublime.
1. Start Your Trip With Austin’s Greatest Spectacle: Esther’s Follies
Before you start pretending you like hiking or acting like you understand modern art, let’s get to the real star of the show—Esther’s Follies. Located right on the legendary Sixth Street, Esther’s Follies is the beating, cackling, politically incorrect heart of Austin’s comedy scene. Think SNL, but actually funny, with a side of magic and musical numbers that will make you question how many drinks you’ve had.
Why Esther’s?
Sharp political satire – because the world is a joke, and we’re just here to laugh at it.
Magic tricks that make your ex’s ghosting seem like child’s play.
Musical numbers that would make Broadway jealous if Broadway knew how to have fun.
A cast that roasts politicians, celebrities, and the audience with equal opportunity savagery.
Seriously, if you only do one thing in Austin this February, make it Esther’s Follies. We promise you’ll leave with a sore stomach (from laughing, not from the questionable tacos you got at 3 AM).
Get your tickets here before they sell out. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
2. Eat Your Body Weight in Tacos & BBQ
February is a perfect time to tell your New Year’s resolutions to take a hike—right before you take yourself to the nearest food truck. Austin is THE place to eat irresponsibly, and February brings prime excuses like "it’s cold, I need the calories" or "I'm in Texas, I legally have to eat BBQ."
Must-Try Spots:
Breakfast Tacos at Veracruz All Natural – because breakfast tacos are a love language in Austin.
BBQ at Franklin Barbecue – arrive at dawn or prepare to make a new friend in the four-hour line.
Burger at Hopdoddy – because at this point, you've abandoned self-control entirely.
If you don’t leave Austin at least seven pounds heavier, did you even visit?
3. Experience the Weird & Wonderful Outdoor Scene
Austin is home to some of the best outdoor activities, and February is one of the few months when the temperature isn't trying to kill you.
Things To Do Outside (Without Regretting It)
Hike the Greenbelt – for that one Instagram pic that makes you look outdoorsy.
Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake – also known as “falling into cold water gracefully.”
Watch the bats at Congress Bridge – Yes, we have bats. No, they won’t steal your soul (probably).
If you’re trying to impress a date, whisper, “Did you know these bats eat up to 30,000 pounds of insects per night?”You’ll either sound smart or terrifying. Either way, it’s a win.
4. February Festivals: Because Austin Finds Any Excuse to Party
February in Austin is packed with festivals that make you feel cultured and slightly hungover.
Can’t-Miss Events:
OUTsider Festival (Feb 19-23) – a glorious mix of performance art, film, and music for the creative souls.
Carnaval Brasileiro (Feb 22) – feathers, samba, and questionable life choices.
Austin Marathon (Feb 16) – for people who like to suffer on purpose.
If you hear someone say, "I’m running the Austin Marathon this year!"—congratulate them, but also deeply question their decision-making skills.
5. Dive Into Austin’s Live Music Scene
Austin is called the Live Music Capital of the World, and if you leave without seeing a band, you’ve legally failed your trip. In February, you can catch music pretty much anywhere:
Stubbs BBQ – eat BBQ, watch a band, question your life choices.
Mohawk – indie vibes and craft beer, because hipsters need a home too.
The Continental Club – old-school cool, where legends (and future legends) perform.
Or, you know, you could just listen to the dude with a guitar at the gas station. He’s probably amazing.
6. Do Something Classy (Just to Balance Things Out)
At some point, you may want to pretend you’re cultured. That’s where Austin’s museums come in.
Blanton Museum of Art – where you can stare at abstract art and pretend you understand it.
Bullock Texas State History Museum – because Texas will make sure you know its history.
O. Henry Museum – if you like irony, short stories, and feeling like a literary genius for a day.
Pro tip: Nod slowly at paintings and say, "It really speaks to the human condition." No one will question you.
7. End Your Night at Esther’s Follies (Yes, Again)
Look, if your February in Austin doesn’t include a night at Esther’s Follies, did you even have fun? Close out your trip with one more night of comedy, satire, magic, and absolute absurdity.
Seriously, get your tickets now. We’re waiting for you.
Austin in February = Laugh, Eat, Repeat
If you take one thing away from this article, let it be this: Austin in February is best enjoyed with a full stomach, an open mind, and a front-row seat at Esther’s Follies.
Now go forth, eat irresponsibly, laugh hysterically, and make some questionable—but highly entertaining—choices.