austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Austin

Kelsey Bradshaw

(Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman/

 in Austin, deviating from the national event that is held in June. Pride events will be on our events calendar all month long! The city’s biggest Pride event is 

 on Aug. 22 at Fiesta Gardens hosted by the Austin Pride Foundation. The event includes live music, performances, local vendors, food, drinks, and more.

The Rainey Street District is hosting a First Thursday event the evening of Aug. 6 that includes drink and food specials at bars and restaurants in the area. 

 and Daydreamer Coffee is selling wine for $5 off, for example.

Austin Pets Alive! is hosting its 15th annual Paddle for Puppies 

. The day starts at Rowing Dock and participants row or paddle on Lady Bird Lake. Proceeds from the event help puppies in the shelter’s Parvo ICU program.

Austin Independent School District students go back to class 

, which means you need to start watching for school speed zones again. Speeding in a school zone is punishable 

Austin City Council members will finalize the city’s budget 

. The budget will go into effect on Oct. 1. At stake is a rise in property taxes, millions of dollars in cuts to the city’s social service budget, and an increase in the Austin Police Department’s recruiting budget.

Your Guide to August 2026 in Austin

Find the best of everything that Austin has to offer. 

Austin’s Best

Austin's Best

No one likes this news less than me: Summer is waning. July is about to end and that means school is around the corner for Austin kids.

Austin Independent School District’s first day of classes is 

. Before that arrives though, H-E-B has a handful of deals and events for all you parents, guardians, teachers, and your students!

As a lover of school supplies, I am so jealous about this one! Teachers can get 20% off school supplies and other classroom items through Aug. 29 at H-E-B. Items include things like pens, pencils, notebooks, crayons, markers, disinfecting wipes, paper towels, and truly so much more. Teachers can save up to $50 with the coupon, 

Kid’s Day is on Aug. 1 at all H-E-B stores from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event includes food samples, activities and more. Every H-E-B will have different things to do during the day.

“Before school starts, come have one more day of summer fun at H-E-B,” the company said in a news release.

 because why am I envious of kids who get to hang out with a shopping bag mascot? H-E-Buddy will be 

at Manor Independent School District’s Back to School Bash

 on Aug. 8 delivering backpacks and other school supplies from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The popular mascot will also deliver school supplies on Aug. 22 at Round Rock Independent School District’s 

 at Cedar Ridge High School from 10 a.m. to noon.

AISD students return to class on Aug. 18. 

H-E-B Deals To Grab Before School Starts Again in Austin

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Austin. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Austin Food & Drink

Food & Drink

First things first: This is not a hate piece about “Dazed and Confused.” Alright, alright, alright? I love the movie that launched Matthew McConaughey’s career and gave us hits like: “You just gotta keep livin' man, L-I-V-I-N” and “It'd be a lot cooler if you did.”

and maybe a little cliche if I included the movie in this list. Everyone knows Austin for the Richard Linklater hit. Here’s five movies based, or sort of based, in Austin you might be a unfamiliar with:

 is a perfect film. The 2009 film is packed with stars: Elliot Page, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Lewis, Kristen Wiig, and Eve, among many others. Page plays teenager Bliss Cavendar, who is growing up in the fictional town of Bodeen, Texas and is sick of being a pageant girl. Cavendar runs into three women in Austin who are part of a roller derby team. Page’s character secretly joins the team and finds confidence, friends, and strength.

This list wouldn’t be complete without a love story. 

 stars Uma Thurman in her rightful place as president of the United States. Her son Alex, played by Taylor Zakhar Perez, meets a British prince named Henry, who is played by Nicholas Galitzine. It’s an enemies-to-lovers story, which is the best kind. Alex’s family’s vacation home is in Austin. I won’t give anymore away, but there’s secret service, hidden kisses, and Buckingham Palace!

“Chef” is the most rewatchable movie around. Starring Jon Favreau as a disgraced chef, 

 takes us behind the scenes of cheffing, long before “The Bear” did it. Favreau’s character purchases a food truck to redeem himself and takes it across the country, including a stop in Austin with a cameo from Aaron Franklin. If you love close up shots of food being chopped, a man becoming a better father, and Sofia Vergara, this is the movie for you. Bonus: It premiered at South by Southwest!

I love “Zombieland.” The 2009 movie stars Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, and Abigail Breslin. The four meet up after a virus that turns people into zombies spreads and together they travel across the U.S., fighting off the creatures while looking for a safe place to stay. I included this movie on the list because Eisenberg’s character, Columbus, is attending college in Austin when the zombie apocalypse starts. 

 is goofy, plenty gory, fun, and heartfelt.

‘The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl’

“The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl”

 came out in 2005 and was directed by Robert Rodriguez. The movie follows a boy named Max who lives in Austin and writes in a dream journal. His journal comes to life, leading to the adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl, two superheroes who have to defeat villains Mr. Electric, played by George Lopez, and Minus. The movie is creative, fun, and a little silly.

It's too hot out to not be inside watching movies, y'all.

5 Movies Set in Austin That Aren’t ‘Dazed and Confused’

 you can use? And the rates aren’t bad, either. Here’s the scoop:

 for Monday through Thursday open at 9 a.m. a week in advance and on the Monday before at 8 p.m. for Saturdays and Sundays. Monday through Friday tee time reservations can be made in person when a course’s pro shop opens and 30 minutes before the first tee time by calling the course you’re interested in.

Two exceptions to this reservation system are the Hancock Golf Course and Grey Rock Golf Club. Hancock operates 

. The course has a pay station that golfers must use to pay a green fee before playing.

, just not through the city’s reservation system.

The Roy Kizer Course and Jimmy Clay Golf Course are in Bluff Springs in Southeast Austin. A regular round at both ranges from 

. Both courses offer 18 holes, making the venues a 36-hole complex.

The Lions Municipal Course, also known as MUNY, is located in Tarrytown near the intersection of Enfield Road and Exposition Boulevard. The 18-hole course is open seven days a week and 

a regular round ranges from $35 to $44 depending on the day.

The Hancock Golf Course is open seven days a week in Austin’s Hancock neighborhood. The course is located just south of the Commodore Perry Estate. A regular round of golf 

If you live in the East MLK area, the Morris Williams Course is for you. The 18-hole course is open seven days a week and a regular round 

 where you can order margaritas, snacks, tacos, and more.

Grey Rock is near Circle C Ranch in Southwest Austin and is the most expensive of the bunch. A round of 18 holes on the course 

is $90 during the week and $105 Friday through Sunday

Where to Golf on the Cheap in Austin

 due to heavy rainfall in recent days. Here’s what you need to know:

The National Weather Service has recorded 4.17 inches of rainfall at Camp Mabry, the city’s main weather station, so far this month. Normally by July 19, the area records just 1.30 inches of rain.

Additionally, heavy rain in the Hill Country caused flooding, which pushed runoff from the Highland Lakes into Lake Travis, 

Lake Travis is considered full when it reaches 681 feet above sea level and as of Monday, the lake was 

The Lower Colorado River Authority opened two floodgates at Mansfield Dam on Lake Travis. The lake was built to capture floodwaters and hold them until they can be safely released downstream.

“The Highland Lakes system is operating as designed, moving water through the lakes in an orderly manner,” said John Hofmann, LCRA’s executive vice president of water.

 at Wirtz Dam on Lake LBJ and Starcke Dam on Lake Marble Falls.

The opening of the floodgates at Mansfield Dam caused 

fast water flow and an increase of debris

 in the waters beneath the dam, which include Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and the Colorado River below Longhorn Dam. Recreational activities on those waterways are banned through 5 p.m. today.

Lake Travis Is Experiencing Some Closures

Travis County Judge Andy Brown issued an order banning recreational use on Lake Travis 

“Recent flooding has caused debris and hazards to collect along the Pedernales River and throughout Lake Travis. Because of this threat, it was imperative for Travis County to limit use of Lake Travis between mile marker 27 to 37,” Brown said.

To find the current status of a Travis County park, 

The lake is at capacity for the first time since 2019.

Lake Travis Is at Capacity. Here’s What That Means.

Get to know the natural side of Austin: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Austin Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

 may not be running rampant in Austin right now, but reports of it elsewhere may be making you a little nervous to consume fresh fruits and vegetables. No worries! We’ve compiled our favorite cooked veggie dishes around town so you can keep getting your fiber in without fear of getting sick.

Green beans are arguably a pretty boring vegetable. That’s what makes 

 are good enough to eat on their own: They come piled high, have a great garlic taste, and are just soft enough. You’ll forget you’re even eating a vegetable!

Cauliflower and Carrots at LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue

cauliflower burnt ends and miso-glazed carrots

. Both dishes have us thinking that maybe the restaurant should be known for more than its meat! The carrots are charred over a live fire and are smokey, delicious, and thick. The cauliflower burnt ends are smoked and grilled, and are the perfect addition to whatever meat you choose.

Austin actually has a lot of spots for great, cooked brussel sprouts: 

. But Lucky Robot is where you should start filling out your brussel sprout passport. The sprouts come crisped with lemongrass soy and are crunchy, tangy, and salty. Our producer Elissa Castles calls them “can't-stop-eating 

Spicy Garlic Soy Edamame at Tso Chinese Takeout & Delivery

If you enjoy a little kick with your veggies, try the 

 at Tso Chinese Takeout & Delivery. The beans may technically be a vegetable, but they’re slathered in a tangy and slightly spicy sauce after being stir-fried, making them taste more like a treat!

Baked Spinach & Artichoke Dip at Murray’s Tavern

This selection may be a little light on the veggie and heavy on the cheese, but it combines spinach and artichokes so it counts! Murray’s Tavern does a great 

 that comes with parmesan and mozzarella cheese and is served with tortilla chips. You’ll be shocked at how fast you can scarf it down!

You can still get your veggies in without fear of cyclosporiasis.

5 Cooked Veggie Dishes To Try in Austin Right Now

, a free, three-day music festival, starts Thursday and runs through Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:

Get Familiar With Red River Cultural District

The festival takes over Austin’s Red River Cultural District downtown, which runs along Red River Street from East 12th Street to East Seventh Street. You don’t need a ticket or a badge — just show up 

Thirteen venues in the area are participating in the festival:

Obviously yes, this festival is happening locally, but it’s local in another way. Dozens of Austin bands and artists are on the lineup, showcasing what the Live Music Capital of the World has to offer. Blakchyl, Libby and the Loveless, and Big Wy’s Brass Band are among the artists slated to play.

Shows start around 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and closer to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and run past 1 a.m.

In addition to some homegrown music, you’ll also have your pick of local food vendors including Ditty Dog, Jo’s Coffee, and Hoboken Pie. Food specials, like 10% off all food at Stubb’s BBQ, are available during the festival.

If music and food isn’t enough, a night market featuring Austin creatives is happening on Saturday.

I applaud you Type B people who can just go with the flow, but for an event like this, I prefer to go in with as much information as possible. Peruse the 

 and map out who you want to see and where. Leave a gap or two in your schedule for exploring, too!

Hot Summer Nights Is Here. Your Guide to Austin’s Free Music Festival.

Austin’s Govalle neighborhood is one of the best parts of the city. It’s in East Austin and has enough to do and eat and drink that you could spend weeks getting through it all.

 is the best place in town to get fresh produce. The market is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and every time I’ve popped in, I’ve been greeted with bright and beautiful fruits and vegetables at nice prices.

 is a French restaurant that will have you feeling transported. It’s cozy and dark inside, has a nice outdoor area, and the food is delicious. I especially recommend getting to Justine’s during the winter months — the restaurant does up the decor in a new theme every year.

. It’s wonderful for a birthday party, a happy hour hang, or a first date. The restaurant does a $15 happy meal special on Wednesdays that includes a burger, fries, and mini cocktail. If burgers aren’t your jam, try whatever pasta is on the menu and thank me later.

Whether you need a place to work, swim, drink, or gather with a bunch of friends, 

 is the spot for you. The venue is perfect if you want to start your day with coffee and emails and end it in a pool with a cocktail.

 is such a treat. The truck is located on a lot that includes 

, making for a perfect one-two punch of great coffee and tasty tacos. Try to avoid Flitch on weekends if you can — it can get packed!

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been to a birthday party at 

! I assume every single one of you has your hand up! It’s a classic Austin birthday spot and for good reason: It’s huge, the pizzas are yummy, and lots of beer and frozen drinks are available.

Land of pink cups and dangerous margaritas, 

 serves up fried quesadillas and lots of colorful decor. This restaurant is a hot-button topic among Austinites, though. Some think it lives up to the hype and others don’t. Try it and let us know which side you land on!

Mochi donuts, soft serve, macarons, and taiyaki are all on the menu at 

, the cutest dessert shop around. New ice cream and mochi flavors come out every month, so keep your eyes peeled for their latest creations.

 always comes in handy when you’re trying to figure out where to go for a night out with friends. The restaurant has really good wings and lots of frozens, plus a patio with plenty of misters for these hot Austin nights.

, which is home to three art galleries, artist studios, and other creative offices. Stop in to Sa-Tén for a curry bowl or chicken katsu. Japanese cheesecake bread is also on the menu 👀

If you’ve been looking to try your hand at rock climbing without a rope, 

 is a really fantastic place to start. Day passes are $25 and shoes are available to rent. Go see what you’re made of!

Govalle is full of great food and fun things to do.

What To Do in Austin’s Govalle Neighborhood

Everything to know about Austin neighborhoods: What to do, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Austin Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Austin Trivia: How Much Do You Know About Local Civics?

What's being decided in Austin City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Austin City Council. 

Austin Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

The city of Austin is asking for feedback on renaming Cesar Chavez Street following sexual assault accusations made against the labor leader 

The street runs east from MoPac Boulevard (Loop 1) to U.S. 183. Previously named Water Avenue and then First Street, it was renamed for Chavez after 

. El Concilio Mexican-American Landowners de East Austin, a local nonprofit, originally organized a call to rename First Street to honor Chavez. Now, the group is among several Austinites who want the street changed back to its original name or renamed completely.

 for residents to take about the possible renaming. The survey includes questions about a person’s relationship to Cesar Chavez Street and what factors the city should consider in renaming it.

Two names the city is considering because of their historic ties to the road are La Primera Street and First Street. You can also submit your own ideas for what the street should be named, with a couple of rules:

Cannot contain numbers, complicated words, or unconventional spellings

No offensive, libelous, derogatory or copyrighted words can be used

Only characters of the standard English alphabet are allowed

Updating the current street signs and highway signs, and notifying impacted businesses and residents would cost between roughly $413,700 and $1,223,700, 

In addition to the survey, the city is hosting 

 to gather community feedback on the renaming:

Aug. 11 at 5 p.m. at Austin Public Library’s Central Library

Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. at Sanchez Elementary School

Austin Wants Your Feedback on Cesar Chavez Street

Becky Fogel

More than 1,300 students living within the Austin Independent School District’s boundaries have received education savings accounts, or 

, in 2025 to give families taxpayer money to help pay for private school or homeschooling.

Here’s the latest on what it could mean for AISD:

, 4,896 students living within AISD’s boundaries applied for the program. The state has awarded funding to 1,334 of those applicants, so far.

Travis Pillow, a spokesperson for the TEFA program, said roughly 30% of the awardees were enrolled in public school during the 2024-25 school year. The remaining recipients were either too young to enroll in school, previously attended a private school, or were homeschooled.

More than 200 private schools in the Austin area are approved to accept TEFA funds. There’s about 2,700 participating private schools statewide. You can search for eligible schools 

More Students Could Get Vouchers This Year

Most families, who had already been selected for the TEFA program, had until 

 to select a private school at which to use the money. Families that missed the deadline forfeited the funding, which will now be redirected to students on the program’s waitlist.

Pillow said families currently on the waitlist will find out by the end of the month if they’re going to receive TEFA funding.

“We are looking forward to that and getting that funding in those families’ hands as soon as possible so that they can start making their tuition payments, buying their textbooks, and other things they need to do to prepare for the upcoming school year,” Pillow said.

At this point, the state has approved applications for more than 

Any students AISD loses as a result of the TEFA program spells more trouble for the 

. The state’s school voucher program is launching as the district continues to struggle with declining enrollment. Fewer students means less state funding. Last year alone, 

An AISD spokesperson said the district ended the 2025-26 school year with 69,382 students. AISD’s budget for the upcoming school year was made based on the projection that student enrollment will likely drop to 68,188 students.

“Taking into consideration the rollout of the state’s new Education Freedom Accounts and factoring a potential decline into our multi-year planning is the only fiscally responsible approach to protecting district resources, ensuring stability, and building back our fund balance amidst ongoing state funding challenges,” the spokesperson told City Cast Austin.

The budget the AISD school board adopted last month includes 

 in cuts. The backdrop for the district’s funding and enrollment challenges is the ongoing possibility of 

 due to low accountability ratings for three campuses.

More than 200 private schools in the Austin area are eligible to accept state funding.

AISD May Lose Even More Students to Texas’ School Voucher Program

Amy Stansbury

We finally have a draft of the city’s budget for next year! On July 10, Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax released his 

 for 2026-27. City council members will now spend the next several weeks debating and making changes to that proposal before they vote on a final version on Aug. 12.

The city’s budget influences everything from how much you pay in property taxes, to the amount of money available for everything from parks to police. Other than voting, sharing your thoughts on the proposed budget is one of the most impactful ways to influence the future of our city.

This is one of the tightest budgets in recent memory, as the city faces fiscal pressures from the state’s 3.5% property tax cap, diminishing sales tax revenue, and federal funding cuts. To reduce expenses, the city manager has proposed several budget cuts and efficiency measures, most notably, to social service spending.

 The city has contracts with an array of different nonprofit organizations, which provide services out in the community, including homelessness services, violence prevention, and programs for kids. In the wake of the 

Local Civics

Austin Trivia: How Much Do You Know About Local Civics?

Kelsey Bradshaw

Share article

Local Civics

Austin Wants Your Feedback on Cesar Chavez Street

AISD May Lose Even More Students to Texas’ School Voucher Program

Austin’s New Budget Is Out. Here’s How Much It’ll Cost You.

Austin’s Budget Discussions Are Starting. Here’s What You Need To Know.

How Austin Health Officials Are Preparing As New World Screwworm Cases Rise in Texas

An Austinite’s Guide to the City’s Budget

Do You Need To Vote in Texas’ Runoff Election? Your Guide to May 26.

What To Know About Austin’s TRUST Act

The latest in Austin

Your Guide to August 2026 in Austin

H-E-B Deals To Grab Before School Starts Again in Austin

5 Movies Set in Austin That Aren’t ‘Dazed and Confused’

Where to Golf on the Cheap in Austin

Lake Travis Is at Capacity. Here’s What That Means.

5 Cooked Veggie Dishes To Try in Austin Right Now

Hot Summer Nights Is Here. Your Guide to Austin’s Free Music Festival.

What To Do in Austin’s Govalle Neighborhood