Adventure brief
Friday Night Music Cruise on Lake Travis
Set sail on a scenic pontoon ride across Lake Travis every Friday night. Enjoy live music, food, and drink specials at top lakeside spots with friends under the Texas stars.
Celebrate your Friday nights in style with the Friday Night Music Cruise on Lake Travis, hosted by Tide Up Boat Rentals. This unique five-hour adventure takes you on a scenic pontoon boat ride across the beautiful waters of Lake Travis to two popular local hotspots, Shack 512 and Beachside Billy's. Along the way, you'll capture breathtaking views of the Austin skyline and scenic hill country surroundings.
At each stop, enjoy delicious food, refreshing drink specials, and live music that makes for an energetic atmosphere perfect for unwinding with friends or meeting new people. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking to kick off the weekend with a memorable night, the cruise combines the best of Texas summer evenings – fresh air, good tunes, and scenic boat cruising. The relaxed vibe aboard the pontoon and the vibrant waterfront venues make this a summer favorite, showcasing Lake Travis as a prime destination for fun and music lovers alike.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Arrive Early for Boardingessential
Make sure to arrive 15 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process and get a good seat on the pontoon boat.
- 02Stay Hydrated and Use Sunscreeninfo
Evening sun on the water can still be strong, so protect your skin and keep a water bottle handy.
- 03Bring a Light Jacketinfo
Lake breezes can get cool after sunset, so a lightweight jacket or sweater is advised.
- 04Respect Venue Ruleswarning
Each stop has its own policies for food, drink, and noise – follow these to ensure a great experience for everyone.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from strong sun exposure during pre-sunset cruising hours.
summerEssentialLight Jacket or Sweater
Keeps you warm against cool breezes on the open lake after sundown.
fallEssentialComfortable Footwear
Allows easy movement on and off the pontoon and at lakeside stops.
EssentialWater Bottle
Stays hydrated throughout the cruise, especially on warm evenings.
EssentialLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Sunset Picnic Cove for quiet views, Emerald Point Park for a peaceful lakeside walk
Local fauna
Great Blue Heron, Texas Spiny Softshell Turtle
Historic heritage
Lake Travis was formed in the 1940s by the Mansfield Dam and has since become a major recreational hub in the Austin area.
Mindful exploration
Tide Up Boat Rentals promotes responsible boating practices to protect Lake Travis' water quality and habitat for native wildlife.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Pontoon boat deck, Dock at Shack 512, Beachside Billy's shoreline
- Subjects
- Reflections on water, Live music performances, Hill Country sunsets
- Best times
- Sunset, Golden hour, Twilight
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Do I need to bring my own food and drinks?
No, food and drink specials are available at Shack 512 and Beachside Billy's during the stops.
Is this cruise suitable for children?
The cruise is designed for adults and 21+ guests, due to alcohol served and live music venues.
What happens if there is bad weather?
In case of severe weather, trips may be rescheduled or canceled with notification and options for rescheduling.
Where do we board the pontoon boat?
Boarding takes place at the Tide Up Boat Rentals dock located on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas.
Are life jackets provided on the cruise?
Yes, life jackets are available and required by law for all passengers on the boat.
Can I bring my own music or DJ equipment?
No, music is provided live at the venues; outside equipment or music is not allowed on the boat.