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Things to do in Austin this weekend
Here's what's on deck for the rest of your weekend.๐ Check out hundreds of Lego creations at Brick Rodeo, Friday through Sunday at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.๐ต Listen to Sarah McLachlan on her "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" tour Friday at the Moody Amphitheater. Tickets start at $33.๐ชฉ Dance to your favorite artist's favorite artist at The Ballroom on Friday at 10:30pm, featuring music from Chappell Roan, boygenius, Reneรฉ Rapp, and more. Tickets start at $15.๐ Compete in East Side Pies' monthly ping pong tournament from 1:30pm to 4pm on Sunday with a full afternoon of matches for all skill levels. Free entry.๐จ Experience the culture of lowriding at the Bullock Museum with free admission Sunday to the "Carros y Cultura: Lowriding Legacies in Texas" special exhibition. Family-friendly activities run from 10am to 2pm.๐ฆ Lean into summer with a screening of "Jaws" at the Paramount's annual summer classic film series on Sunday. Tickets are $12, and the show starts at 3pm.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
Where to watch fireworks in Austin
Austin's premier Fourth of July event โ the Austin Symphony Orchestra's concert and fireworks celebration โ kicks off at 4pm tomorrow at Auditorium Shores.State of play: The free, family-friendly event includes musical acts from 5pm to 8pm.The orchestra performs at 8:45pm, and fireworks begin at 9:30pm to close out the night.Yes, but: There are plenty of other fireworks shows and events in the Austin area tomorrow.Pflugerville's "Red, White and Boom" show begins at 9pm from the field next to the Typhoon Texas waterpark.Hill Country Galleria's festival runs from 4pm to 10pm in Bee Cave, featuring live music, water games, face painting, and a fireworks show.Round Rock's parade begins at 8:30am, and the day continues with pepper-eating contests, pig races, music, and fireworks at Old Settlers Park.Taylor's festival begins with a parade at 9am. Events continue around town throughout the day, concluding with a sunset fireworks show at Bull Branch Park.Buda's "Red, White and Buda" event kicks off with a bike parade at 9am and festivities continue from 4pm to 10pm.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
City rakes in parking fees on South Congress
The conversion of the trendy South Congress strip to paid parking has led to more than $1 million in revenue for the city in its first nine months of operation, per data obtained by Axios through state open records laws.Why it matters: As Austin continues to expand paid parking outside of downtown, the city is collecting more money from those parking spots for pedestrian projects and other improvements.Flashback: The city introduced paid parking in the area last fall as part of a broader solution to the area's parking challenges, which included merchants complaining that spots weren't opening fast enough for...
Construction begins on Longhorn Dam pedestrian-bike bridge in East Austin
Construction kicks off Monday on a key bridge across East Austin.Why it matters: Expect detours and traffic as the city remakes Longhorn Dam on the eastern end of Lady Bird Lake.Catch up quick: That part of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail has long made for a nervy crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists โ and it's been a high crash area for drivers to boot.The new "wishbone"-shaped pedestrian-and-bicycle bridge will span just under a half-mile with connections to the hike-and-bike trail.The project also will update the pedestrian underpass running underneath South Pleasant Valley Road, adding lights...
Driven by demand to see Messi, Copa Amรฉrica prices soar
Ticket prices to the 2024 Copa Amรฉrica tournament, which includes games in Austin on Sunday and next Tuesday, are up 59% compared to 2016, according to data from Vivid Seats.Why it matters: Experts say prices are driven by demand to see soccer icon โ and Inter Miami star โ Lionel Messi, who is playing for his native Argentina.By the numbers: As of this week, tickets to see Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champions, have been going for an average of $414.The average price of a ticket for the 2016 event was $143. This week, it was $227.The average price for...
Where to find Austin vacation rentals during Pride
Some of the country's biggest LGBTQ+ events are happening this month โ and Austin's Pride parade comes later this summer โ but finding welcoming accommodations isn't always easy.State of play: In an effort to solve those concerns, Matthieu Jost founded San Francisco-based Misterb&b โ an Airbnb-style short-term rental platform advertised as a safe option for queer people.Jost said he started the site in 2014 after he and his partner were harassed while traveling abroad.The other side: To build trust on its platform, Airbnb has rolled out more safety features in recent years including ID verification for hosts and guests, and...
SXSW drops U.S. Army sponsorship after boycott
South by Southwest will no longer partner with the U.S. Army and weapons manufacturing companies after pro-Palestinian boycotts roiled this year's festival.Why it matters: The decision comes after 80 artists withdrew from the 2024 festival, citing SXSW's ties to defense contractor RTX Corporation and its U.S. Army sponsorship.What they're saying: "After careful consideration, we are revising our sponsorship model," the event festival's online FAQ reads. "As a result, the US Army, and companies who engage in weapons manufacturing, will not be sponsors of SXSW 2025."State of play: SXSW brings tens of thousands of visitors to Austin each March for nine...
Austin ISD aims to convert schools into housing
Data: RentCafe; Note: Includes buildings with at least 50 units; Chart: Simran Parwani/AxiosYour next apartment could be inside an old school.Why it matters: As developers seek to repurpose empty space โ and cities like Austin work to find affordable housing solutions โ a mix of building types are on the table.Driving the news: Representatives from Austin ISD and developer NRP Group will go in front of the city's Planning Commission on Tuesday to seek rezoning approvals for the Anita Ferrales Coy Facility in East Austin.Rezoning the facility, which sits on 18 acres and hasn't operated as a school since 2012,...
An Austin news site with support of activists launches
This month marked the launch of the nonprofit Austin Free Press, an online news organization.Why it matters: The waning fortunes of once-dominant American newspapers has led to a rush of new news organizations aiming to connect people to their communities.Between the lines: One of the Free Press' founders is Bill Bunch, the executive director of the environmental group Save Our Springs Alliance and a perennial lightning rod in the fights over the development of Austin.Bunch has led a string of lawsuits lately against the city over open meetings act issues and tax subsidies for the development of the former...
Austin FC signs Ukrainian footballer to shore up its defense
Austin FC will welcome three new players next month, and the help can't come soon enough.Why it matters: The Verde and Black haven't been able to win consistently since charging to the Western Conference Finals in 2022.Austin FC is in eighth place in the Western Conference. They have won just one of their last six games.Driving the news: Ukrainian center back Oleksandr Svatok will join Austin FC as soon as next month, the team announced Monday.Austin signed the 29-year-old to a three-and-a-half-year guaranteed contract through the end of the 2027 season, with an option for 2028.Ghanaian winger Osman Bukari and...
Things to do in Austin this week
In need of some fun post-work plans? We've got you covered.๐ Listen to a conversation between Birdie's co-owner Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Kismet and Kismet Rotisserie co-owners Sarah Hymanson and Sara Kramer at 7pm Wednesday at First Light Books. Free to RSVP, and a $35 ticket includes a reserved seat and a copy of the new cookbook, "Kismet."Following the book talk, the Los Angeles-based chefs will take part in a two-night pop-up at Birdie's Friday and Saturday, featuring dishes inspired by the vegetable-forward cookbook.๐ Take the kids to the library Monday for a hands-on experience with snakes, turtles and lizards from...
Cabana Club to open in East Austin
A new day-to-night poolside bar and restaurant will open Friday on Austin's rapidly transforming East Seventh Street.Why it matters: Restaurants are finding new ways to tackle the heat in our increasingly hot summers, and the incoming Cabana Club is the latest business to get creative.Driving the news: Cabana Club at 5012 E. Seventh St. will feature a pool for guests 21 and older, with nine cabanas and umbrella seating options available by reservation or on a walk-in basis."Texas weather won't stand a chance against the shade, fans and heaters available throughout each season," per the news release.Zoom in: The pool...
How a computer chip company is poised to remake a Texas town
Taylor, a pretty community to Austin's northeast, is about to go very big.Why it matters: The pending opening of a $17 billion Samsung computer chip factory has thrust this Williamson County town, with its rutted roads and stately, semi-occupied old brick Main Street buildings, into a role as a key player in world geopolitics.Driving the news: In April, the Biden administration announced $6.4 billion in grants to Samsung to help the South Korean company expand production in the Austin area โ part of a national push to boost domestic chip manufacturing.The agreement covered Samsung's Austin chip fabrication plant and a...
Why Taylor makes a great daytrip from Austin
In recent years, the city has embraced its small-town feel, managing to preserve the pretty brick facades of its century-old heyday.Why it matters: Taylor is an easy day trip from Austin, and there's plenty to occupy you.โGo antiquing at the Vintique Collective.The place has vintage vinyl and old lace dresses up top and attractive toy engines and classy drinking glasses down below. Old drinking glasses for sales at the Vintique Collective. Photo: Asher Price/Axios๐ซ Relive your high school years at Old Taylor High, whose green lockers, auditorium and bathrooms will thrust you right back to teenagehood.Classrooms have been repurposed as an apothecary, book store, pinball arcade, bar and hair salon.โ Enjoy a coffee at Good Strangers, the kind of independent coffee shop with locally roasted beans that Austinites love to frequent.And grab whatever's on tap โ usually some yummy smoked meat โ from their collab with the innovative restaurant Mixtape.๐ Browse the new and used books at Curio Mrvosa.A hub for creatives, it hosts block-printing workshops and "writing the weird" get-togethers. Art and books on display at a Taylor bookstore. Photo: Asher Price/AxiosGet more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
Why a small Texas town has superb Korean food
With its boom in a creative class, Taylor now sports some of the best food east of I-35 โ much of it occupying various rooms of its repurposed old high school.Why it matters: You should head to Taylor, if only to experience excellent, homey Korean food in an old-school locker room.Start your day at Plowman's Kitchen, a southern-inflected diner occupying the old high school band hall.Our recommendation is the eggs Benedict โ served on lovely, fluffy, from-scratch biscuits.Pro tip: Sub the cheesy grits for the cottage fries.Go to lunch at Taylor Seoul Food, where the boys and girls locker rooms...
Tacodeli plans Texas takeover
Hometown hero Tacodeli, the 25-year-old casual taco chain, is rapidly expanding across the state.Why it matters: As the city sees its fair share of restaurant closures, Tacodeli stands out as a longtime local spot that continues to thrive.Driving the news: Tacodeli, founded by Robert Espinosa in 1999, will open its ninth Austin location next month on South Lamar, its first Fort Worth location this fall and a third Houston location in early 2025.The taqueria now has 14 locations across the state in Austin, Dallas, Plano and Houston.What they're saying: "We're really ramping up expansion in our 25th year," Espinosa told...
Things to do in Austin this weekend, June 20-23
Here's what's on tap this weekend.๐ฏ๏ธ Be part of East Austin Ghost's free community processional at Pan Am Park from 8:15-9:30pm Thursday.Attendees will walk down Cesar Chavez, through the Central East Austin neighborhood and conclude at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.๐ฟ Catch a double feature of "Weekend" and "Passages" Friday as part of the Paramount Theatre's Summer Classic Film Series. First movie begins at 7pm. $12.๐ฎ๐ณ Honor the cultural heritage of India at "Colors of Dance," presented by the School of Indian Percussion and Music at 6pm Saturday at Anderson High School. General admission starts at $20.๐ป Check out the Austin Chamber Music Festival with a performance by Peter Bay and the festival's chamber orchestra at 3pm Sunday. Tickets start at $25.๐ณ๏ธโ๐ Celebrate Pride Month at a yoga class set to disco tunes from 12-1pm Sunday at My Vinyasa Practice Highland. Donation-based admission.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
Whataburger is giving away iced coffee for the summer solstice
Thursday marks the summer solstice, and Whataburger is helping customers cool down with a free 16-ounce iced coffee.Driving the news: It's the longest day of the year, and officially the first day of summer, and the Texas fast food chain will make their iced coffee available from 6am-6pm at their locations across 15 states.Customers also can snag their free drink at the drive-thru and online through the Whataburger website or app.Zoom in: You can customize your coffee with one of the chain's three new flavors โ vanilla, caramel or mocha.Between the lines: Whataburger has ramped up its coffee game this year, rolling out new hot and iced brews last month.Dig deeper: You can watch our Axios Texas social host Greg Castillo try the new coffee drinks for the first time on Instagram. While you're there, make sure to follow the Axios Texas and Axios San Antonio accounts.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
Why red food is so common at Juneteenth celebrations
Juneteenth's food traditions are a way to bind generations in remembrance of trauma and celebration of emancipation.Zoom in: Red has become a key color for Juneteenth meals to celebrate resilience โ watermelon salad, red velvet cake and strawberry soda or hibiscus tea are common items at Juneteenth gatherings.What they're saying: "The practice of eating red foods โฆ may owe its existence to the enslaved Yoruba and Kongo brought to Texas in the 19th century," culinary historian Michael Twitty once observed in his Afroculinaria blog. "For both of these cultures the color red is the embodiment of spiritual power and transformation....
Austin pitmaster competes on Netflix
A pioneering Austin pitmaster is competing in a Netflix barbecue show.Why it matters: Barbecue bragging rights for Central Texas are at stake as our Kareem El-Ghayesh competes against chefs from across the country, including Houston, Louisiana, Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky.Plus, $50,000 for the winner.Catch up quick: An Egyptian emigre, El-Ghayesh has operated his unique KG BBQ trailer in East Austin for a couple years, reaching the semi-finalist stage for Best Texas Chef from the James Beard Awards in 2023.When we visited his trailer in 2022, we deemed it a "smorgasbord of yumminess."We loved the tender chicken kebab, marinated in sumac, garlic, thyme and honey, and the smoked brisket served with a pomegranate-infused barbecue sauce.Dig in: El-Ghayesh is competing against eight other barbecuers in Season 3 of "Barbecue Showdown," which premieres July 4.In previous seasons, competitors have been asked to barbecue non-traditional game meat, create dishes over an open flame or operate under time limits.๐ Stunning stat: Netflix claims "tens of thousands" applied to be on the show.What's next: Expect lots of mouth watering shots of big cuts of meat.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Austin.
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Axios Austin, anchored by Nicole Cobler and Asher Price, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
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