Through the years, Austin has continued to develop and thrive while simultaneously changing its image. Historically, it was home to the Texas State Capitol building, making the city synonymous with the Government. Austin was then considered to be a hot spot for business and technology when a splurge of companies set up offices in the 1980s. Based on this recent history, you might not think Austin has much to offer, but if you dig a little deeper you can see it’s a city that knows how to enjoy itself when works finished.

Austin’s new era of development has been influenced by a booming entertainment industry. Music is the city’s claim to fame. The city’s lively music scene led to Austin receiving the title ‘Live music capitol of the world’. It also has more music venues per capita than any other city in the country.

Its main music event in the year, South By Southwest, is a prime example of the city's thriving music scene. What started out as a small festival now attracts around 2,000 musicians from around the globe. More than 90 venues are used around the city which means there’s plenty of options to choose from. With so many venues, you are never too far from a live performance. You could go from venue to venue or stay in the same club the whole night.

The festival has always been popular. In its first year of inception, it gained more attendees than estimated. One reason why it remains popular is the wide range of music on offer. Many genres can be heard so you could attend a punk concert one night and a blues gig the next night. The festival also features a mix of well-known artists and smaller indie bands. This attracts people from all walks of life, giving you an opportunity to meet fellow music fans from different countries.

If you wanted a break from the music scene, the festival also offers a film and interactive section too. The film festival focuses on up and coming directing talent while the interactive section is a hub for people to share their creative ideas on technology.

Due to the popularity of South By Southwest, it’s best to book your flights in advance. Also, with so many visitors to the city, finding hotels in Austin with rooms available when you arrive can be tricky. Staying outside of the city would mean missing out on the atmosphere in the heart of the city and should be avoided if possible. Also, walking is the main way to get around the festival, so remember to bring comfortable shoes.

Sean Burke writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.