We're not going to brag, but—well, yeah, we're going to brag. Austinites are awesome at a lot of things, even when it goes beyond shoving breakfast tacos in our mouths. What things, you might ask? Check it:
1. Taking care of animals
For six years, Austin has been the largest no-kill city in the U.S.; the average save rate for all of our shelters lies between 95% and 97%. Cue the Sarah McLachlan song.
2. Festivals
We host so many incredible festivals each year: ACL, Sound on Sound, SXSW, Levitation, Fusebox, Austin Television Festival, Euphoria...
3. Outdoor movies
There's something magical about watching Labyrinth or Pee Wee’s Big Adventure with a couple thousand people as Austin’s skyline twinkles in the background.
4. Live music
No matter your preferred musical genre, there is always something happening at live music venues around town (the ones on Red River do not disappoint).
5. BBQ
Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue, Micklethwait, LeRoy and Lewis, Freedman’s—our BBQ game is on point.
6. Food trucks
You can find the most surprising and unique food from our huge network of food trucks, from new Texas-inspired Peruvian Killa Wasi to vegan munchies-worthy Arlo’s to comforting Northern Thai from DEE DEE.
7. Keep it casual
Don’t expect to see stiletto heels, tight dresses or ties. We’re known for our easy breezy style.
8. Eating local
It can sometimes seem a little over the top (just like a very well-known Portlandia skit), but it’s nice to know that what’s on your plate supports our local ecosystem.
9. Letting our voices be heard
When something wack happens at the capital, you can be sure that Austinites will show up in droves. And our sign-making skills are pretty dope, too.
10. Happy hour
Patios, margaritas, chips, salsa—the ultimate reward for staring at a computer for eight hours is hitting up one of our exceptional happy hour options.
11. Health and fitness
From running on the hike-and-bike trail to trying unique fitness classes (hello, plyometrics on a paddleboard), we're pretty dedicated to our health (and bod). Though we do simultaneously obsess about two-billion calorie ice cream tacos...
12. Ignoring infrastructure issues
If you drive a car, you know what we're talking about. We see you, MoPac.
13. Brunch
You'll find us at one of Austin's multiple brunch spots on the weekend, pounding mimosas like it's our job.
14. Keeping cool
Our summers last forever, and we’ll be damned if we’re going to let heat keep us inside. We have so many fantastic natural watering holes and can be found there most every weekend from March to November.
15. Drinking local
We have our pick of breweries like Hops & Grain, Austin Beerworks, Zilker Brewing, Blue Owl, Independence Brewing Co., Jester King...why would you even bother with anything else?
16. Networking
Aka chatting about your capabilities over a cheese plate and free drinks.
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