The Best Summer Activities To Do in Austin, Texas [2024]

Ah, summer in Austin, Texas – where the sun shines as brightly as a handyman's freshly polished toolkit and the locals are as warm as an overheated soldering iron. Having spent seven splendid years as a handyman in Austin – trading the British drizzle for the Texas sizzle – I'm still finding new events and places to explore.

Whether it's heading out of the city and into Texas's gorgeous countryside or sinking an ice-cold beer somewhere in the city, the Lone Star State's capital has something for everyone. So, here's a handyman's guide to Austin, TX.

Go Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake

First on the agenda is kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, which flows through downtown Austin. As any local can reliably tell you, it is the go-to spot for everything watersports-related. Paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks spend the sultry summer days splashing around the deep blue stretch of water.

Paddling through the water, you'll feel as if you're gliding over a giant, shimmering mirror, reflecting Austin's skyline and the vibrant nature surrounding it. It's pretty incredible!

Sip an Ice Cold Beer at Jester King Brewery

Okay, as a Brit abroad, I can't help but find the best beers. For my money, it's hard to beat the farmhouse beer from Jester King Brewery – a 41-acre brewery and farm located in the breathtaking Texas Hill Country.

Take a tour of the brewery or just sit in the shady beer garden, pole barn, or courtyard. The laid-back atmosphere, combined with a pint of their finest ale, is just the right formula for cooling down and loosening up, much like a well-oiled hinge.

Head Up Mount Bonnell

For those who prefer their leisure activities with a side of breathtaking views, Mount Bonnell is a must-visit. The climb might remind you of ascending a ladder to repair a gutter, but the panoramic view at the top is incomparably better than any rooftop vista.

Remember to pack yourself a picnic as you'll get a little hungry after the hike. Oh, and the nearby Mayfield Park and Nature Reserve is also worth the visit – if only for the lush gardens and kaleidoscopic peacocks.

Chill Out at a Music Festival

Country. Rock. Hip-hop. Whatever music is your jam, there's a music festival somewhere in Austin for you. The Fourth of July Fireworks & Symphony is a fun day of patriotic music and spectacular fireworks; Hot Summer Nights (in the Red River Culture District) is a three-day arts and music festival featuring local bands and restaurants, while the Oblivion Access Music Festival plays underground music in downtown venues. 

Plus, there are loads more smaller festivals and music events dotted throughout the city over the summer months. Just keep your eyes peeled.

Bike Ride Over the Boardwalk

The boardwalk provides one of the best views of the Austin skyline. Rent a bike or bring along your own and explore the 3-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake. The breeze, the sights, and the gentle hum of the city provide a perfect backdrop for some introspective musings or casual banter.

If you get the chance, cycle over to Congress Avenue Bridge – it's near the trail – and you can watch as thousands of bats emerge every night. It's surreal to see the dark clouds rise up into the night sky.

So, there you have it, a handyman's guide to summer in Austin, Texas. Whether you're wielding a wrench or a paddle, there's an abundance of activities to keep you entertained and engaged.

But if you need anything fixed, repaired, or constructed, please get in touch. My Austin handyman services are available throughout the local region, including Westlake, Old Enfield, Bryker Woods, South River City, Zilker, Bouldin Creek, Rosedale, Barton Creek, Downtown Austin and Allandale. Give us a call today!