As people new to Austin visit to attend the Longhorns football game, many leave before ever fully experiencing the city’s culture. The Daily Texan selected some fun Sunday activities to attend before heading back home.
Texas Farmers Market — 2006 Philomena St
The Texas Farmers Market, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday, features fresh produce from local farmers and artisan goods from vendors. With over 120 stalls sprawled across their location next to Mary Elizabeth Branch Park, attendees shop, eat and drink while listening to live music.
Harry Ransom Center’s “Live from New York: The Lorne Michaels Collection”
For fans of Lorne Michaels’ works, such as “Saturday Night Live” and “Mean Girls” (2024), the Ransoms Centers’ limited-time exhibition highlights Michaels’ life in the industry and his role in shaping society. Scripts, behind-the-scenes photos and iconic outfits worn by actors such as Rachel McAdams and Lindsay Lohan offer a unique look into the creation of some of the most well-known television and media.
Shop on South Congress Avenue
This eclectic neighborhood features boutiques, markets, restaurants and coffee shops that give visitors a taste of Austin culture. On Sundays, the SoCo Makers Market, open from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., hosts a wide variety of handmade artisan goods, clothes and furniture.
Museums
The Bullock State History Museum, located near the Texas Capitol, provides a great place to take an in-depth look at Texas’ history. On Oct. 18, it also opened the exhibition “T. rex: The Ultimate Predator,” where visitors encounter a life-sized model of an adult T. rex, along with several hatchlings and juveniles.
Closer to UT’s campus, the Blanton Museum of Art presents a vast collection of art, with exhibitions such as “Contemporary Project 15: Betsabeé Romero” and its newest addition, “Spirit & Splendor: El Greco, Velázquez, and the Hispanic Baroque.” For those more interested in science, the Texas Science & Natural History Museum showcases exhibits on paleontology and Texas wildlife.
Guad Vintage Market — 2932 Guadalupe St
The Guad Vintage Market, situated outside Pavement, offers the perfect spot for those seeking their next thrift find. Open from noon to 6 p.m. every Sunday, the market features live DJ music and vendors selling vintage clothing, jewelry and other artisanal goods.
Austin Zoo — 10808 Rawhide Trail
With the mission to conserve and educate, the Austin Zoo provides the ideal day-trip for animal lovers and families. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the zoo houses over 100 different species and hosts daily zookeeper chats discussing animals in depth. One-day tickets to the zoo range from $15.95 to $18.95.
