Supernatural Convention Austin: A Local’s Guide to Must-See Sites
Can you believe it’s almost time for Creation Entertainment’s Supernatural convention in Austin, Texas?! Slated for August 16-18, 2024, this long-anticipated event is shaping up to be a busy weekend that stretches into the following week, with Radio Company’s August 19th and 20th concert dates at the Sagebrush. So how can you plan an itinerary that hits all the must-see places during your time in the Capital of the Lone Star State? Don’t worry, UT (University of Texas) Alum, Dripping Springs native, and all around Tex-pat (get it? Expat but from Texas) Sadie is here to help!
Six Locations with Supernatural Connections
San Jac Saloon
300 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Located on the main drag for late night partying, the “San Jac” Saloon is co-owned by Jared Padalecki! 6th Street is home to the truly wild revelry of Austin’s drinking crowd, and is akin to New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. However, San Jac is further East from many of these establishments and is located in a beautiful, historic building built in 1875. If you enjoy live country music, you’ll definitely want to swing by, as the bar has two venues for live acts!
Radio Coffee (and Beer)
4204 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Legend goes that Steve Carlson and Jensen Ackles used to meet at this coffee shop to work on songs together, and the shop eventually inspired the name of their band: Radio Company. Honestly, I just love this coffee shop for its excellent caffeinated options and plethora of food trucks out back to meet any kind of craving. They also have craft beer on tap if you’re ready to switch from a stimulant to a depressant. As an added treat, the convention overlaps with the Austin Flea Market held on Sunday, August 18th where you can find all sorts of vintage and local wares.
Lazarus
4803 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
Look, I just personally love this brewery, both for the beer they make and the vibes they curate. They earn bonus points in my book for making some of the tastiest breakfast tacos in the city and are easily one of my favorite patios to sit at and enjoy people (and dog!) watching. My ‘head cannon’ is that the brewery is named after the Supernatural episode (“Lazarus Rising”) that introduced everyone to our favorite angel Castiel (aka Misha Collins), but I don’t have any actual evidence to back this up. Guess I’ll have to “investigate” over a pint or two…
Stag
1423 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
This men’s clothing store is probably best known to con-goers and fans as the place where Jensen purchased his embroidered denim shirt (that I so badly want to steal). But this is genuinely a wonderful men’s apparel store with great western wear and some quirky accessories. It’s a bit on the pricier end, but so are most of the shops on South Congress (or SoCo, as locals call it). If you stop by, you can also walk a bit further down the street to Nashville’s Imogene + Willie outpost. Known for their selvedge denim and Richard Speight, Jr.’s love of their hats, I’ve bought several items from them that have lasted incredibly well. Bonus points if you go full western and stop into Tecovas boot shop nearby!
Broken Spoke
3201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
I haven’t asked Jared Padalecki this directly, but I believe this is the likely inspiration for the Sidestep bar in Walker. It’s a true Austin institution that has been around since 1964! Hop on into this Western Dancehall that will take you back in time. Check their website for dance lessons to learn Texas Two-Step or just mosey in and see who’s playing any given night. And when friends ask how your trip was to the Lone Star state, you can brag about all the cowboys you spent the night with, dancing away!
South Austin Beer Garden
10700 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748
While I know we were all sad to hear that Family Business Beer Company was closing the doors to its tap room, we won’t be left bereft of their Cosmic Cowboy IPA or Golden Age Pilsner. South Austin Beer Garden will be the brewery’s home-away-from-home while they finalize the location of the new tap room. As CEO Gino Graul stated in a recent instagram post, “we will be doing a meet and greet on August 15th and 16th with a full merch table for y’all.” Note: if you ask a local how to get to “Men-shaka road,” they will laugh at you. Locals call the road “man-shack” and no, I don’t know why.
Other Local Spots to Escape the Convention Crowd
If you’re sticking around town for the Monday or Tuesday night concert, or if you’re just looking to slip away from the convention for a little while, I have a few additional suggestions for you:
HEB
Multiple Locations
Yes, I know this is a grocery store. But it’s truly such an excellent one! Fresh, in-house made tortillas of the daily, freshest produce you’ll find, and really fair prices. If you want to go a bit fancier, try Central Market. They have an excellent restaurant attached to the store and the best wine & cheese selection.
Congress Bridge
Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX 78701
Head out onto the Congress Street bridge right as the sun sets for a truly magical site. Mexican Freetail Bats, who migrate to Austin every summer, nest under the bridge and all emerge together in an impressive display of coordination. Don’t worry, the bats aren’t interested in you and are one of the best natural pest/bug control methods we have.
Kerby Lane Cafe
3704 Kerbey Ln, Austin, TX 78731
This classic diner food spot has now become a chain, but nothing beats the original location’s vibe on the titular Kerby Lane. Regardless of time of day, you can order the specialty pancakes or other breakfast food. I’m also partial to the queso with a dollop of guac in the center.
El Arroyo
1624 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78703
Speaking of queso, this Mexican restaurant serves up some tasty TexMex dishes. If you happen to go on a Thursday night, they serve dollar margaritas all night long!
Toy Joy
403 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Locals, especially those who have lived in the city for a few decades, love to use the unofficial city motto: Keep Austin Weird. This toy store is a true example of this motto, and stocks all sorts of toys and treats you can’t find anywhere else! From the weird and hyper-local to their collection Hello Kitty merch, you never know what you might find.
Texas State Capitol
1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Free and open to the public (though you should check the website for the tour schedule), this state capitol building was actually a stand-in for the national capitol in the second Spy Kids movie! It’s a gorgeous building made with mostly local materials and a good place to escape the heat during summer wanderings in the city.
South Congress (SoCo)
1301 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
I already touched on this in my description of Stag, but honestly the whole street is worth exploring. Murals, restaurants, boutiques, and a local ice cream chain all have store fronts along this drag. As you’re crossing the street, take some time to look down the hill towards the Capitol and the rest of downtown Austin. It’s a classic view.
Article Images by Sadie and Nightsky.
Plan an epic Austin trip! Click for more Austin sightseeing and historical tips from Nightsky, Alice and SPNFamily!
Did we miss anything you think will make a perfect Supernatural weekend in Austin? Add your tips below in the comments!
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