It’s Time for Your Post-Work Wind-Down:
The Best After-Work Activities in Austin, Texas
from Austin Insiders
Natural Escapes: Hidden Gems of Austin Parks
For those looking to enjoy the great outdoors, Austin has plenty of parks and lakes to explore. Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake, can get a little crowded after work on the weekdays, but there are many parks that offer a wide range of recreational activities. So whether you’re looking to get some exercise, take a stroll, or simply soak up some sun, here are our top pics: “The Stacies” in Travis Heights, Pease Park near Pemberton or Mayfield Park in Tarrytown.
Little Stacy and Big Stacy Parks in Travis Heights
Little Stacy Park is a small, family-friendly park with a playground, picnic tables, and a wading pool that is open during the summer months. It also has a short hiking trail that loops around the park and is great for families with young children. Additionally, the park is home to several large oak trees that provide shade on hot summer days.
Big Stacy Park is a larger park located just a few blocks south of Little Stacy Park. It has a playground, picnic areas, and several hiking trails that wind through the park’s wooded areas. The park also has a large swimming pool that is open during the summer months, as well as several volleyball courts and a basketball court.
Both Little Stacy Park and Big Stacy Park are connected by a trail that runs along Blunn Creek and provides access to several other parks and neighborhoods in the area. The trail is popular with hikers, joggers, and bikers and offers scenic views of the creek and surrounding greenbelt.
The Lamar Footbridge
Pease Park
Pease Park is a beautiful green space located in the heart of Austin, Texas bordered by the Clarksville and Pemberton Heights neighborhoods and West Campus, west of University of Texas’s 40 acres.
One of the main attractions of Pease Park is its network of hiking and biking trails. These trails wind through the park’s scenic terrain, offering views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an intense workout, Pease Park’s trails will get you there. There are also several informal sport fields, including sand volleyball courts, and a frisbee golf course.
Pease Park also boasts a newer area known as Kingsbury Commons. It features a number of recreational amenities designed for families, kids and kids-at-heart. These include a playground, a splash pad, a treehouse hammock structure, and a large area with picnic tables. Whether you’re looking to play a game of soccer, toss a frisbee, or simply relax in the sun, Pease Park has something for everyone.
Mayfield Park
Mayfield Park is a picturesque park located just south of Camp Mabry, and is known for its stunning gardens and historic cottage. The park covers 21 acres and is situated alongside the scenic shores of Lake Austin, offering visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty.
One of the most notable features at the entrance of Mayfield Park is its beautifully landscaped gardens, including a stunning lily and koi pond and a variety of exotic plants and flowers. The gardens are meticulously maintained, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and reflection. In addition to native wildlife, a flock of peacocks calls Mayfield Park home. You’ll hear their calls as you park your car, and see them do their territorial feathered displays near the 1870’s stone cottage at the entrance to the park.
Beyond its gardens and historic cottage, Mayfield Park also offers a network of hiking trails that lead down to the edge of Lake Austin. Easy for unskilled hikers to traverse, you can take a snack down with you to the water’s edge. Just leave no trace behind after you are done enjoying your peace and quiet in the beautiful natural setting.
Find Your Rhythm in Austin’s Music Scene
Austin is often referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” and for good reason. With a diverse range of musical styles, from country to jazz, blues, and rock, there is something for everyone. Yes, you could enjoy some of the more popular venues like Antone’s, The Continental Club, and Austin City Limits Moody Theater, but you will find most larger venues are focused on later night offerings. If you are looking for the best after-work or happy hour timed performances, you can check out the Austin Chronicle’s daily listings.Some of the Haymaker’s team favorites for after-worked timed performances include The Elephant Room and The Saxon Pub.
The Elephant Room
In the heart of downtown on Congress Avenue, lies a cozy underground club, perfect for beating the heat and chilling after work. The Elephant Room is a must-visit destination for jazz lovers that has been a staple of the local jazz scene for over 25 years. With live music every night of the week, including performances starting at 6 perfect for a post-work chill out, you can catch both established and up-and-coming musicians and a diverse range of jazz styles.
The Saxon Pub
Another must-visit Austin music scene staple is The Saxon Pub on South Lamar. With a casual atmosphere and intimate setting, the venue features a mix of local and national acts across a variety of genres, from blues and rock to country and Americana. The six-o-clock time shows are perfect for enjoying music and a drink after work.
Austin’s Congress Avenue, Paramount and State Theaters
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