From up and coming bands singing at local restaurants to popular artists performing annually at the Austin City Limits festival, it is no wonder Austin, Texas is known as the live music capital of the world. People from all over come to the city to experience this musical culture and feel the good vibes. However, there is one live music tradition that locals may consider on the list of Austin’s best kept secrets - Blues on the Green.
Hosted by KGSR radio, this 29 year old festival happens on one Wednesday evening of May, June, July, and August. It is held in Zilker Park, where a crowd of locals set up their picnic blankets to listen to a local band play their music. Food vendors set up tents around the park selling pizza, ice cream, kettle corn, and other delicious food. This event is perfect for a summer night with friends or family, to enjoy the locality of Austin and its people. I have been going to Blues for about 3 years now, and have never gotten tired of it. This is partially because I love coming up with new outfits to wear to it, but mainly because I have come to learn how to get the best experience. Here are a few of the best tips and tricks I have collected, so that the next time you’re in Austin, you are able to enjoy this great concert to the fullest.
1. Take the Bus or Uber
Don’t be the person who decides to drive their car up to Zilker Park. With Blues bringing in over 10,000 attendees, parking fills up FAST and can barely cover even a third of the crowd size. If you do miraculously find parking, it will likely be quite a walk from the concert or paid. Therefore, I recommend taking the local bus. The Austin Metro buses run until late at night and have stops all around Barton Springs Road, which runs along Zilker Park. I always ride the bus #803, since it starts at the Domain (where I park my car) and stops at almost all of the heavily trafficked spots of town, including UT campus. There is also the option of using Uber or Lyft, which is quick and easy since most drivers are already waiting outside of the park when the concert ends, ready to give rides.
2. Wear sunscreen and mosquito repellent
Texas heat and a festival, what could that mean? Minimal clothing and chacos. So, do yourself a favor and protect your skin. Put sunscreen on all over, especially your face and make sure to take it with you too. Most people spend about 2-3 hours in the area, so you will definitely be needing to re-apply. Also, spray some mosquito repellent on yourself. We may all feel like we are dying in the heat, but those darn mosquitoes are alive and well.
3. Get there early
Like I mentioned before, Blues brings in an insane amount of locals who love music, and will want to be right up in the front row. Arrive at Zilker park about an hour before the concert begins and you will be able to get a good spot on the grass near the stage. You will also be able to take advantage of golden hour for pictures of your cute outfit with the Austin skyline in the background. This tip is especially important for first-timers, so you can really enjoy the concert for its music. After going a few times, I now like to get to the park right when the concert is just about to start and sit further back, so that I can chat with my friends but still have the music in the background.
4. Bring snacks or take cash
After setting up your picnic blanket and sitting in the sun for a bit, you will definitely start feeling hungry. There is no restriction on bringing food, so pack some snacks and beers with you before heading out the door, so that you can eat and drink at the concert. Or, bring money to buy food from the local food vendor tents at the park. Most take credit cards, however I recommend having some cash on you just in case.
And lastly, have fun! It’s the middle of the work week and that is enough reason to celebrate . Grab some friends, drinks, and a blanket and head out there. Don’t be ashamed to get up and dance or sit back and relax. Let’s keep keeping Austin weird.
Deuces,
D