Rounding Up in Austin The 2023 Lonestar Round Up Delivers
Austin, Texas, is known for many things; the South by Southwest Festival, Austin City Limits, Texas barbeque and breakfast tacos, and of course, it’s the capitol of the Lonestar state. One more thing to add to that list, at least for one weekend in April, is it’s the epicenter of customs and hot rodding thanks to the Lonestar Round Up.
For the past two decades, the Lonestar Round Up has pulled rodders from across the country, to assemble in Austin for a weekend of non-stop hot rodding fun. The show, which was started and still hosted by the Kontinentals Car Club, welcomes ’63 and older cars and trucks to celebrate the hot rodding culture in Texas style.
When the Kontinentals first gathered on a high school football field 20 years ago to spend a day cruising and hanging with friends, little did they know it would grow into a two-day fueled adventure bringing thousands of like-minded enthusiasts together.
Though the show is centered around the cars and trucks, there’s always a showing of outstanding Texas music and great eats. Once the day at the farigrounds is over, it’s time to fuel up because it’s time to cruise the city as there’s more to see and listen to. South Congress Street is packed with local eats and cool venues such as the Continental Club, Jo’s Coffee, C-Boys and more to catch more live music. Grab a pie at Home Slice or a scoop at Amy’s Ice Cream and watch the cars cruise by or head over to Austin Speed Shop or to Top Notch Burger. There is no shortage of breweries, food trucks and cool hangouts for an evening chill.
If you still have anything left in the tank come Sunday morning, there’s a mellow cruise through the hill country before reality sets in and you need to head home. Plan on April 20-21 the for next year’s Lonestar Round Up – but be sure to get there a day or two early to be a part of the early cruises and BBQ get-together’s.
2023 Lonestar Round Up Photo Extra!
Photos by Todd Ryden