Join Austin Parks and Recreation at two special events that celebrate Austin's unique holiday tradition and honor the legacy of black sports. Both events are free and open to the public. Come socialize, play and reflect with us.

Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 

Come to Zilker Park on Sunday, November 30, for the annual Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and enjoy local entertainment, food vendors, and live music. The evening begins at 5:15 p.m. with a performance by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble, followed by the of…

Artists between the ages of 5 and 10 years old, it's not too late to participate in the Annual Zilker Holiday Tree Art Contest! Winners get to help light the Zilker Tree. The top three selected artwork winners in the Junior and Senior categories will be publicly recognized in the tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

We're accepting art contest entries through Saturday, November 1, 2025.

For contest details and more information, visit AustinTexas.Gov/ZilkerHolidayTree.

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We’re excited to share several updates across Austin Parks and Recreation! From new park amenities to improved recreation access, here’s what’s happening this week and beyond.

Golf ATX Weekend Tee Times Move to Online-Only October 27

Starting Monday, October 27, weekend tee time reservations for Golf ATX courses will move to an online-only system. The change helps meet the high demand for our popular public courses.

Golfers can book weekend tee times beginning at 8 p.m. on Mondays for the upcoming Saturday and Sunday using a registered Gol…

Austin Parks and Recreation received an Award of Excellence recognizing the Davis White Northeast Neighborhood Park Playscape Replacement Project from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) at the 2025 Savvy Awards during a ceremony at the Planet Hollywood Hotel in Las Vegas on September 4, 2025. The Savvy Awards, presented in conjunction with 3CMA’s Annual Conference, honor outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing and community engagement.

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Austin Parks Foundation in partnership with Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment and Austin Parks and Recreation came together at Highland Neighborhood Park, 401 W. St. Johns Ave., to celebrate a new pedestrian bridge connecting the park to nearby trails, as well as help dedicate "The Gathering Place," a new Art in Public Places sculpture by artist Samara Barks on the morning of Monday, September 8, 2025. 

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Knowing how to identify and avoid poison ivy is essential for staying safe while enjoying Austin's parks and trails. 

What Is Poison Ivy?

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a native perennial plant that can grow as a vine, shrub, or ground cover. It typically features clusters of three leaflets with smooth, wavy, or serrated edges. While the saying “leaves of three, let it be” is a helpful rule of thumb, not every three-leaflet plant is poison ivy, so careful identification is key.

Why It Matt…

On June 7, the Givens District Park Pool reopens to the public for future generations to enjoy. New amenities include lap lane pool, zero-entry activity pool (toddler pool), spray ground features, diving board, bathhouses, family restroom, training/party room, picnic pads with shade structures, and aquatic office space. For more information about the project, visit AustinTexas.gov/GivensPool.

Givens District Park is located east of Downtown Austin. This historically African American co…

In Episode 6 of Latchkey Legends, Recreation Programs Specialist Santanu Rahman talks with Dr. Fred L. McGhee, an Anthropologist, Historian, Teacher, Activist, and Public Servant, about life as a Gen Xer.

Latchkey Legends is a Varsity Generation Podcast project that features Gen Xers, people born between 1965 and 1980. Many Gen Xers have turned 50 or are in their 50's, and as such, are qualified to be part of Varsity Generation programs! But Gen Xers have a unique take on the world that is a little different from the Baby Boomers. In this podcast project, hosted by…

There is a gap between what public funding can provide for our parks and what Austinites deserve. Fortunately, Austin Parks and Recreation has partnerships that help bridge that gap. Many community groups, nonprofits, and other organizations share our goals and values. When Austin Parks and Recreation teams up with these park advocates, we can do more for Austin parks. 

Community PARKnerships grows and supports these park partnerships, or PARKnerships. Our fiscal year…

In Episode 5 of Latchkey Legends, Recreation Programs Specialist Santanu Rahman talks with Buzz Moran, a multimedia sound engineer in Austin, about life as a Gen Xer. 

Latchkey Legends is a Varsity Generation Podcast project that features Gen Xers, people born between 1965 and 1980. Many Gen Xers have turned 50 or are in their 50's, and as such, are qualified to be part of Varsity Generation programs! But Gen Xers have a unique take on the world that is a little different from the Baby Boomers. In this podcast project, hosted by Santanu Rahman, a Gen Xer Recreation Programs…