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Explore downtown Austin, get rewarded

Turn your amateur photography skills into a chance to win gift cards to local shops + restaurants or a downtown staycation package.

August 21, 2025 • 
Bethany Osborn
Sponsored by
A gif of two images, one of a man holding a drink in a colorful cup sitting in front of a bar, and one of a cocktail on fire in a tiki cup.

When was the last time a selfie scored you a free cocktail?

Photo by Eric Duong

Table of Contents
📸 Zoom in on the details

Picture this: You’re spending a night in downtown Austin, enjoying local shops and restaurants — and it’s all free thanks to a few quick pics you snapped on your phone.

The Downtown Austin Alliance’s Soak Up Summer photo scavenger hunt invites Austinites to take photos of participating local businesses near the Convention Center and submit them to the XOXO Downtown Austin App for a chance to win prizes.

📸 Zoom in on the details

  • Text ATX SUMMER to 512-890-3099 or scan the QR codes at participating businesses to submit your photos — no app download required.
  • Visit three businesses for a chance to win a gift card, or five businesses for a chance to win the staycation.
  • Submit by Friday, Sept. 12.

While you’re at it, use the app to:

  • View a map of public art
  • Schedule parking
  • See construction updates
  • And find unique events like market pop-ups, art exhibits, and happy hours

Snap to it.

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