Austin in February  is your sweet spot for the city: cooler weather, fewer tourists, and a calendar full of festivals and shows. Make the most of it by pairing daytime adventures, great food, and world-class comedy like a night at Esther’s Follies.

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Why February in Austin Is Sneaky-Good

February doesn’t have the SXSW madness or summer crowds, and that’s exactly why locals love it. Mild days (typically around the 60s) let you explore without melting, and lodging or restaurant reservations are easier to snag. Plus, many annual events cluster around late winter – from chili cook-offs to a major tennis tournament and Black History Monthcelebrations.

Bottom line: February offers the energy of Austin without the lines. Bring a light jacket and be ready to laugh, eat and wander.

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Major Festivals & Events (February 2026)

Austin’s February calendar is loaded. Here’s a curated list with dates and why you should care:

• Jo’s Chili Cook-Off (Feb 1) – Taste chili from top local restaurants and amateurs at Jo’s Coffee on South Congress. Live music and a laid-back vibe make it a locals’ favorite.
• Black History Month (all month) – City-wide events honor African American history and culture. Visit the Carver Museum’s exhibits or catch a jazz night in East Austin.
• Carnaval Brasileiro (Feb 7) – One of the largest Brazilian Carnival parties outside Brazil. Expect samba, costumes and wild abandon at Speakeasy.
• Austin Marathon & Half Marathon (Feb 15) – Cheering is encouraged for this run through downtown. Many bars host watch parties on Congress Avenue.
• OUTsider Festival (Feb 18–22) – Progressive arts festival bringing film, performance, visual arts and music to The VORTEX.
• ATX Open (Feb 21–Mar 1) – Women’s tennis tournament at Westwood Country Club; watch top WTA players compete.
• NASCAR at COTA (Feb 27–Mar 1) – Racing weekend at Circuit of The Americas with NASCAR Cup Series and IMSA events.

Looking for more? February roundups typically include Candlelight tribute concerts, Broadway touring shows at Bass Concert Hall, and quirky events like the Austin Humane Society’s Puppy Bowl.

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The Comedy Capital of Texas

February is prime time for comedy in Austin. Yes, we’re the Live Music Capital – but we’re quickly becoming a laugh factory, too.

Must-See: Esther’s Follies on Sixth Street

The long-running revue blends political satire, musical numbers and magic tricks. It updates weekly, roasts everyone and still sells out after nearly 50 years. Perfect for dates, friend groups or solo travelers wanting authentic Austin weirdness.

Other Comedy Clubs Worth Your Time

• Cap City Comedy Club – Legendary club reopened at The Domain, hosting touring comedians and local talent since 1986.
• Comedy Mothership – Joe Rogan’s club where big-name comedians pop in; tickets sell out fast.
• Sunset Strip – Speakeasy-style sister venue to the Mothership; easier to get tickets.
• Creek and The Cave – East side hub for open mics and rising stars.
• Vulcan Gas Company – Hybrid live music and comedy club drawing Kill Tony alumni.
• Velveeta Room – Sixth Street’s oldest comedy club next to Esther’s.

Pro-Tip: Austin comedy shows often ban phones; arrive early, grab a drink, and prepare to live in the moment.

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Romantic & Cozy Restaurants (Real Recommendations)

Forget vague “cozy spots.” Here are actual restaurants to book:

• Lenoir – 30-seat bistro serving “hot-weather foods.” Its lantern-lit patio oozes romance and the farm-to-table menu features wild boar pastrami and blue-corn hushpuppies.
• Launderette – Funky East Austin spot in a former laundromat with American dishes. Share snacks like house-made burrata and the sticky pork ribs.
• Dai Due – Rustic charcuterie and local meats with a shaded terrace; highlights include the charcuterie board and pork chop.
• Fixe Southern House – Sophisticated Southern menu with soft lighting; order the biscuits, lobster and crawfish pot pie.
• Suerte – Modern Mexican with fresh tortillas; try the suadero tacos or mushroom tlayuda.
• Uchiko – Chic sushi restaurant; signature dishes include Yokai Berry (salmon with yuzu) and shiitake nigiri.
• Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum – Elegant dim sum house where carts circulate with steamed buns and dumplings.
• Olamaie – Michelin-starred Southern fare in a historic house; known for biscuits and seasonal cocktails.
• Birdie’s – Casual yet polished bistro in Chestnut; known for tartare, pasta and a natural wine list.
• Prélude – Luxe cocktail bar with chandelier-lit rooms and a back lawn view of downtown.
• Hestia – Live-fire cooking with a Michelin star; expect smoked mushrooms and crab tart.

Book ahead for Valentine’s weekend – Austin’s date spots fill up fast.

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Outdoor Adventures & Parks

Austin’s mild February weather invites you outside.

Paddleboard or Kayak Lady Bird Lake

Rent paddleboards or kayaks near Zilker Park; the lake offers skyline views and a 10-mile hike-and-bike trail.

Swim in Barton Springs Pool

This spring-fed pool stays 68–70°F year-round and is open most days. A brisk February dip is surprisingly refreshing.

Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt

Miles of trails and swimming holes like Twin Falls make the Greenbelt a beloved local getaway.

Explore New Parks

Waterloo Park’s 11 acres of lawn, boardwalks and an outdoor amphitheater offer skyline views. Pease Park’s treehouse and giant troll sculpture are Instagram gold.

Watch the Bats – Later in the Year

The world’s largest urban bat colony emerges from the Congress Avenue Bridge between mid-March and November. If you’re visiting in late February, check local bat reports before planning.

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Unique & Weird Austin Experiences

• Play Chicken Shit Bingo – Yes, really. On Sundays at Little Longhorn Saloon, buy a ticket and hope a chicken poops on your number.
• Peter Pan Mini Golf – BYOB putt-putt with quirky statues and a giant green T-rex.
• Hope Outdoor Gallery – Newly reopened eight-acre outdoor mural park near the airport; bring spray paint or watch local artists at work.
• Sistine Chapel Experience – Life-size projections of Michelangelo’s frescoes at a pop-up gallery.
• Candlelight Concerts – Candlelit tribute shows (Adele, Lana Del Rey) in intimate venues.

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Live Music & Nightlife

You can’t avoid music here – nor should you.

Iconic Venues

• The Continental Club – Open since 1955, this dive hosts blues, rock and rockabilly.
• The Broken Spoke – Proper honky-tonk where you can learn to two-step.
• Mohawk – Multi-level bar with indoor/outdoor stages.
• Paramount Theater – 1915 movie palace hosting concerts and film screenings.
• Antone’s – Historic blues club.
• Hole in the Wall – University-area dive bar with live bands.
• Donn’s Depot – Old train depot turned piano and dance bar.

Pair a night at these venues with a pre-show dinner at one of the restaurants above and a post-show laugh at Esther’s.

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Neighborhood Deep Dives & Hidden Gems

South Congress (SoCo)

SoCo’s boutiques, food trucks and iconic sign (“I Love You So Much” at Jo’s Coffee) make it perfect for strolling. Grab breakfast tacos at Veracruz All Natural, browse local designer Allen’s Boots, and watch the sunset from the South Congress Avenue Bridge.

East Austin

Home to Launderette, Suerte and Birdie’s, East Austin is a magnet for foodies and artists. Visit Canopy Austin – a cluster of studios and galleries in a former warehouse.

Downtown & Sixth Street

Sixth Street’s east side houses Esther’s Follies, Comedy Mothership and the Velveeta Room. West Sixth has hip lounges like Garage Bar. Explore the Central Library’s rooftop garden and the Tau Ceti mural on Brazos Street.

Rainey Street

Rainey’s historic bungalows have been converted into bars. Grab craft beer at Banger’s, cocktails at Half Step and finish with live DJ sets at Container Bar.

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Practical Tips for February Travelers

• Weather: Expect highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. Layers are key.
• Booking: Reserve comedy and restaurant tickets weeks in advance. Festivals may sell out.
• Getting Around: Downtown parking is a challenge; use rideshares, scooters or Capital Metro.
• Local Etiquette: Austinites line up early for breakfast tacos and barbecue. Don’t complain about the wait – use it to make friends.
• Stay Central: If possible, pick lodging near downtown, South Congress or East Austin. It reduces travel time and maximizes exploring.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is February a good time to visit Austin?

Absolutely. Mild weather and a packed events calendar make February ideal for visitors. You’ll enjoy chili cook-offs, marathons and festivals without the spring break chaos.

What are the top events in February 2026?

Highlight events include Jo’s Chili Cook-Off, Carnaval Brasileiro, the Austin Marathon, OUTsider Festival, the ATX Open tennis tournament and NASCAR at COTA. Check local listings for concerts, candlelight tributes and Broadway shows.

What should I pack?

Layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket. Evenings can be chilly, especially after patio dinners.

Where should I eat on Valentine’s Day?

Book a table at Olamaie for upscale Southern fare, Lenoir for an intimate patio with “hot-weather” cuisine, or Hestia for a Michelin-starred live-fire experience. Finish the night with a show at Esther’s.

Do locals actually go to Esther’s Follies?

Yes. Despite being on tourist-heavy Sixth Street, Esther’s Follies remains a beloved Austin institution. You’ll see locals there on date nights, birthdays and casual Thursdays.

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Do Austin Right in February

You came to Austin to experience something different. In February, the city is easier, cooler and still wonderfully weird. Eat well, paddle a lake, cheer at a marathon, explore a new art park and – above all – laugh yourself silly at Esther’s Follies.

🎟️ Get Your Tickets for This Weekend’s Show at Esther’s Follies