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Program / Schedule
•Open Mike
•Story Wall / Scrapbook /
Heart-to-Heart Table
Brochure (download)
Host City
Austin, Texas, is...
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Austin is live music, high tech, Texas politics, the University of Texas, and the Story Circle Network, of course—plus a whole lot more!
Austin is Beautiful, Naturally
With a river running through it and a mild climate, Austin prides itself on natural beauty. Greenbelts, waterways and pockets of undeveloped land create a unique greenscape. Town Lake, the southernmost in a series of seven manmade lakes along the Lower Colorado River, is right in the middle of town, with some 10 miles of hike-and-bike trails along its shores.
Austin is Rich, Historically
Originally a Tonkawa Indian buffalo-hunting ground, Austin was originally named Waterloo for all its springs and creeks. Now more than a million people live in the city renamed to honor Stephen F. Austin, who helped make Texas a state. The city's historical importance comes alive in such places as Bremond Block, an area of stately 19th century mansions; the antebellum Governor's Mansion; and more than 220 other landmarks. The splendid new Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum chronicles the colorful history of Texas.
Austin is Appealing, Culturally
With 20 museums, nearly three dozen galleries, 35 theater companies, and professional ballet and symphony, Austin is a cultural mecca. The University of Texas libraries are only a short taxi-ride from our hotel, and the campus offers fine cultural programs.
Austin is Diverse, Ethnically
The Hispanic influence has brought Tex-Mex cuisine and festive celebrations. In clubs all over town, music-lovers listen to the African-American community's musical contribution of jazz and the blues. A French connection is honored at the old French Legation, built during the Republic of Texas era. And Austin is the gateway to the Texas Hill Country, where thousands of German immigrants settled in the 19th century, leaving a legacy of food, music and unique architectural styles.
Austin is Alive, Musically
You can enjoy live performance at more than 100 music venues on any given evening, Many of those venues are clustered downtown along Sixth Street and in the Warehouse District. And all over the world, viewers tune in weekly to Austin City Limits, PBS's longest running series. Tours of the studio on the University of Texas campus are available each Friday.
And Austin is Lovely, especially in February!
It may be snowing and blowing a gale up north, but Austin's February average temperature is 62 degrees, with less than an inch of rain during the average month. The daffodils, iris, and forsythias are all in bloom, and around town, the native redbuds and Mexican plums are glorious.We hope you'll plan to spend several days in Austin, enjoying not just the conference, but also our city's famous Texas hospitality!