Fun Things to do in Austin – March 2026

Fun Things to do in Austin – March 2026

SXSW, Bluebonnets in Bloom and Volunteering at local parks | March Newsletter links

Happy March!

Ready for a fun mix of events, classes and places to visit in Austin, Texas in 2026?

Check out some links below for inspiration.

MARCH PLACES TO VISIT – Bluebonnet Edition

Bluebonnets are due to arrive at the end of March. Check out my latest blog post Where to Find Bluebonnets in Austin with my Top 10 spots.

SXSW Festival

If you’re in town for Spring Break, take advantage of the multitude of SXSW Events happening March 12th-March 18th.

And if you don’t have a badge, free events include:

Congress Avenue Block Party March 12th-March 18th for complimentary drinks, food and sponsor swag.

Flatstock Poster Show March 13th at the Austin Marriott Downtown to get some new art for your walls.

Community Concert at Lady Bird Lake on March 15th.

Or check out Do512 for their listing of more free events that festival week.

You can also check RSVP ATX for their list of free and unofficial SXSW events and shows.

MARCH EVENTS

Eat a free Cowboy Breakfast at the Long Center on March 6th to kick off the Rodeo.

Then visit the Austin Fair & Rodeo from March 13th-March 28th. Enjoy carnival rides, concerts, bull riding and more.

Wear white and throw color packets at the Khush Fest Austin Color Festival on March 14th at Republic Square.

Bike through Downtown Austin for their 5th annual Arts & Parks Tour on March 14th.

Dress up Renaissance-style and visit the Sherwood Forest Faire all month long.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th at one of the many pubs in town. Or go to Volente Beach for their 3-day festival weekend of green beer, duck races and beer olympics.

See bluebonnets at Bluem at Muleshoe Bend Park on March 21st.

Enjoy wildflowers and music at Tuesday Twilights on March 24th or 31st at the Wildflower Center.

Listen to brass bands at Honk! ATX March 27th-March 29th at various locations.

MARCH CLASSES

Sign up for a Full Moon Sound bath class at the Rowing Dock with ATX Yoga Girl on March 3rd.

Make tea cup candles at Captain Quack’s Bakery on March 10th.

Learn about eco-dyes and printing at Buzz Mill Coffee on March 12th.

Sip & Solder a Pet Paw stained glass ornament at Austin Beerworks.

Learn how to swing dance Thursday nights in March at the Mansion on San Gabriel Street.

Throw on the wheel at the outdoor donation-based pottery class in a dome at Pot Daddy (various dates)

MARCH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Here are some ways to help and give back in March.

Donate during Amplify Austin Days March 4th-5th.

Help clean up your local park during It’s My Park Day on March 7th.

Pick up and spread mushroom blocks to improve local soil (multiple dates in March)

Dig in with the Green Corn Project to plant local gardens on weekend mornings in March.

Sign up with Austin Wildlife Rescue in March to help with their daily operations in Elgin. “Must be comfortable handling bugs for feedings

MARCH PHOTO SESSIONS

If you’d like to book Senior or Family Photos this Spring (perhaps in the wildflowers), reach out and let me know.

Check back in early April for the next monthly list of fun items to do around Austin.

Sign up to get my newsletter delivered to your inbox. 

 

stephanie friedman headshot

Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

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Where to Find Bluebonnets in Austin

Where to Find Bluebonnets in Austin

Best Places for Bluebonnets in Austin | Spring Locations

field of bluebonnets in austin

Bluebonnet Season is a magical time in Central Texas lasting from late March to early April. If you want to take photos in the flowers – check out my recommended Spring-time patches below.

Reminder: the blooms change from year to year – so subscribe to the Wildflower Center updates or follow the Texas Wildflower Report for the latest news.

 

Where are my favorite bluebonnet fields in and around Austin?

brushy creek state park

Bluebonnets at Brushy Creek Lake Park

1) Brushy Creek Lake Park

Located in Cedar Park (about 20 minutes from Central Austin), this 90-acre park has nature trails, lake views and lots of Spring wildflowers.

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, free to use, but expect crowds on Spring weekends.
Wildflower Center bluebonnet photo

Wildflower Center bluebonnets

2) Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center 

Located in South Austin with over 900 native plant varieties. Several fields of bluebonnets are grown across their gardens and meadows.

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, but professional photography has a location cost of $100 (M-F) or $250 (after hours / weekends)
If there’s a “sure thing” for bluebonnet season, it’s the Wildflower Center in southwest Austin.
mckinney falls state park bluebonnet senior photo session

McKinney Falls State Park bluebonnets

3) McKinney Falls State Park

Located in Southest Austin, the Upper Falls area has a nice patch of bluebonnets. Reservations are recommended.

5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, but you need to pay for a day pass at the park. $6/adults. 12 years old and younger are free.
balcones district park bluebonnet session

Bluebonnet Photo Session at Balcones District Park

4) Balcones District Park

Located in North Austin, there is a field near Duval Rd. as well as one near the playground on Amherst Drive.

12017 Amherst Dr, Austin, TX 78759

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.

commons ford ranch spring photo session

Commons Ford Ranch Spring wildflowers

5) Commons Ford Ranch

Located in Southwest Austin, this 215 acre park has multiple fields of wildflowers. You can also explore their boat dock and rustic barn.

614 N. Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.

Northwest District Park

Northwest District Park bluebonnet patch

6) Northwest District Park

Located in Central Austin, this 31 acre park has a field of blubonnets near the bridge that backs up to Shoal Creek. You can also sometimes find flowers near the parking lot by the pool.

7000 Ardath St. Austin, TX 78757

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.

7) Circle C Ranch Park

Located in South Austin, this park is home to trails, soccer fields and a disc golf course. I recommend parking off the Slaughter Lane entrance.

6301 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78739

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.

8) St. Edward’s University

Located in South Austin, their best field is located on the corner of St. Edwards and University Loop Drive.

3001 S. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park. You may have to pay to park on campus.

Lady Bird Lake Trail bluebonnets

Bluebonnet Patch at Lady Bird Lake

9) Lady Bird Lake Trails

Located in South Austin, the trail around the water often has a mix of wilflowers including bluebonnets. I’ve found good patches by the Austin High School baseball fields.

AHS Baseball Fields

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park. You may have to pay to park nearby.

Old Settlers Park bluebonnets

Old Settlers Park bluebonnet field

10) Old Settler’s Park

Located in Round Rock, this 670 acre park is home to multiple sports fields as well as the Dell Diamond and the Rock ‘N’ River water park.

3300 E. Palm Valley, Round Rock, TX 78665

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.

 

Other Hill Country Bluebonnet Spots outside of Austin:

muleshoe bend rec area bluebonnet fields

Bluebonnet Field at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

1) Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

Located 40 miles from Austin in Spicewood, this park is on Lake Travis. It’s known for huge fields of bluebonnets each Spring. They even have their own Bluebonnet Festival called Bluem in March.

2820 Mule Shoe Bend Drive, Co Rd 414, Spicewood, TX 78669

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, but there is a park entrance fee to pay ($5/adults, kids 12 and under are free).

2) Wildseed Farms

Located an hour and a half from Austin, this Fredericksburg farm has gardens to explore as well as a vinyard on site.

100 Legacy Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, personal photography is allowed. Ask permission first for professional photo sessions. Their site also says they do charge an entrance fee during peak bloom times.

3) Pace Bend Park

Located in Spicewood, this 1,368 acre Park has over nine miles of Lake Travis shoreline. You can find some great bluebonnet patches as well as impressive limestone cliffs.

2805 Pace Bend Road, Spicewood, TX 78669

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park. You will need to pay an entrance fee. $5/adult, kids 12 and under are free. CASH only.

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    Please contact me if you’d like to book your own Family or Senior Portrait session among the bluebonnets. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

    stephanie friedman headshot

    Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

    During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

    Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

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    Fun Things to Do in Austin – February 2026

    Fun Things to Do in Austin – February 2026

    Bottle Feed Baby Animals, Love Mural Tour and Where to Buy King Cakes 

    Happy February! Ready for a fun mix of events, classes and places to visit in Austin, Texas in 2026?

    Check out some links below for inspiration.

    GALENTINE’S DAY

    Celebrate the Season of Love with your friends at high tea at Unicornverse or Austin English Tea Company.

    Attend an evening of crafts and cocktails with ATX Art Nights “Hearts & Crafts” at Quack’s.

    Get a free Tarot Card reading, drink cocktails and get permanent jewelry at the St. Elmo’s Galentine’s Party.

    20 cats you could adopt, drinks, popcorn and a Galentine’s Movie Night at Purr-fecto Cat Lounge in South Austin on Feb. 13th.

    FEBRUARY EVENTS

    Bottle feed baby animals starting Feb. 7th at Sweet Eats Farm in Georgetown.

    Cheer on the puppies at the 19th Annual Puppy Bowl at the AHS Shelter on Feb. 7th.

    Do-Re-Mi your way through a production of the Sound of Music at Bass Concert Hall (various dates in February)

    Watch the 100 Year Tour of the Harlem Globetrotters at the HEB Center in Cedar Park on Feb. 8th

    1-2-3 at a Country Waltz dance night at Pease Park with J Wagner on Feb. 14th.

    Head to San Marcos for their Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 14th. Or buy a king cake in town to celebrate.

    See Early Era Collective celebrate Black History Month with “Say That Again,” a dance and spoken word performance at the Dougherty Arts Center (various dates in late February)

    FEBRUARY CLASSES

    Sign up for a Pottery Date Night at Broad Studios (sold out for Feb, but take a look at March+ dates)

    Craft a signature perfume scent with ATX Aroma at Swim Club in downtown Austin (various dates)

    DIY a chocolate box with Crafternoon ATX on Feb. 7th.

    Increase your joy with a puppy yoga class at Casa de Luz.

    Paint watercolors for the Lunar New Year at Hold Out Brewing on Feb. 14th

    FEBRUARY COMMUNITY WORK

    With the state of the world, it’s always a good idea to be involved in your community. Here are some ways to help and give back in February.

    Sign up to be a phonebank/textbank advocate with Raices to make migrant justice a priority.

    Support the Central Texas Food Bank and volunteer in their kitchen, farm or warehouse.

    Eat Cheese, Benefit Flood Relief at Antonelli’s Cheese Shop on S. Lamar Feb. 17th.

    Plant trees with Tree Folks on Feb. 28th.

    Volunteer at an urban farm with Farmshare Austin.

    Need more volunteering ideas? Check out the definitive guide at Volunteer ATX.

    FEBRUARY PLACES TO VISIT

    HOPE Outdoor Gallery to spray paint your initials in a heart with your loved one

    Go on a Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt to find all the love-themed murals around Austin.

    Catch a flick in Buda at Doc’s Drive-in Movie Theater.

    FEBRUARY PHOTO SESSIONS

    If you’d like to book family photos or a senior photo session this month, reach out and let me know.

    I’ll be back in touch in March for the next monthly list of fun items to do around Austin.

    Sign up to get my newsletter delivered to your inbox. 

     

    stephanie friedman headshot

    Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

    During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

    Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

    More From This Category

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    read more

    Fun Things to do in Austin – January 2026

    Fun Things to do in Austin – January 2026

    Cold Plunge, Dolly Parton and 1,000 Hours Outside | Austin Family Photographer

    Happy New Year! Ready for a fun mix of events, classes and places to visit in Austin, Texas in 2026?

    Check out some links below for inspiration.

    NEW YEARS DAY

    Dive into 2026 with the Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs Pool. Brrr! If you prefer to cold plunge any other day of the year – check out these chilly options.

    Get out in nature with a First Day Hike at various State Parks. Some locations offer guided hikes; some are self-guided.

    Eat some black-eyed peas and greens for luck and money.

    JANUARY EVENTS

    You could see Hot Wheels Monster Trucks “Glow-N-Fire” at the Moody Center January 9th and 10th. Vroom, vroom.

    Shop for new-to-you collectibles at the City-Wide Vintage Sale on January 10th and 11th. And perhaps wear your vintage finds to your next photo session.

    Give suggestions to the performers during the Improvised Shakespeare Company performance starting on January 16th.

    Buy some new shoes at the SOLED OUT Sneaker Convention on January 17th.

    Run into the new year at the Spurs Austin Half Marathon (formally the 3M Half Marathon) on January 18th.

    There’s the MLK March, Festival and Food Drive kicking off at the State Capitol on January 19th.

    Figure out whodunnit at the Agatha Christie “Murder on the Orient Express” show at Zach Scott Theater starting January 22nd.

    Dolly Parton’s birthday is January 19th. Put on “9 to 5” or play her greatest hits and make your family and friends eat some themed baked goods.

    JANUARY CLASSES

    Design your dream life with a Vision Board Workshop on January 5th at Make at Rosie.

    Get Crafty: Spa Night Edition at the Howson Branch Library and make some bath salts and scrubs on January 6th.

    Make savory and sweet crepes at Central Market North Lamar on January 11th.

    Jolene! Jolene! Celebrate Dolly Parton’s birthday on January 17th with a Oh Dolly Junk Journal Craft Night class at Figment Creative.

    Forge Horseshoe Hearts on January 28th at the blacksmith smithy at Pioneer Farms. Make a date night of it.

    JANUARY CHALLENGE

    For the past three years, I’ve done the Spend 1000 hours outside yearly challenge – and have not accomplished it yet. (I usually manage to get about 2/3s of the way there).

    But hope springs eternal (is this the year we take up camping?) – and I plan to try again.

    JANUARY PLACES TO VISIT

    Fortlandia at the Wildflower Center is up until Feb. 1st, 2026.

    Check out the eight different installations in the family garden before they go away.

    JANUARY PHOTO SESSIONS

    If you’d like to book a family photos or a senior photo session this month, reach out and let me know.

    I’ll be back in touch in February for the next monthly list of fun items to do around Austin.

     Sign up to get my newsletter delivered to your inbox. 

     

    stephanie friedman headshot

    Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

    During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.

    Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

    More From This Category

    High School Senior Year Checklist – March

    High School Senior Year Checklist – March

    High School Senior Year To Do List | Austin, Texas Happy Spring! High School Seniors (and your Parents): See below for your March To Do List to keep on top of your college applications and a reminder to keep an eye on your School Calendar for events and traditions....

    read more

    We Love Austin – Bingo Card

    We Love Austin – Bingo Card

    Bingo Card – Austin Edition

    we love austin bingo card illustration

    I love Austin, and I’ve lived here for over 20 years. I’m sharing a Bingo card game of my top places, activities and events that I think make Austin so special and unique.

    Save this list for the next time you have out-of-town visitors to entertain or want ideas for your own staycation. 

    Also keep this list in mind when trying to decide on a location for your next photo session. And if you have must-experience Austin suggestions to add to this list – please let me know.

    PS. Did you get a BINGO?

    I’ve experienced all of these except two?

    (Can you guess which ones?)

    It’s Formula One and going to a live ACL music taping. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Interested in booking a photo session with me?

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    High School Senior Year Checklist – March

    High School Senior Year Checklist – March

    High School Senior Year To Do List | Austin, Texas Happy Spring! High School Seniors (and your Parents): See below for your March To Do List to keep on top of your college applications and a reminder to keep an eye on your School Calendar for events and traditions....

    read more