Austin Lifestyle News

A crowd of people walks down a city street in Austin, Texas. Banners for "SXSW2023" festival are visible hanging from lampposts, and the street is lined with bars, retail shops, theaters, and restaurants.

Culture

📱 The best downtown events + free parking, all in one app

The XOXO Downtown Austin app puts a curated events calendar and access to free parking straight in your pocket.

Sponsored by Downtown Austin Alliance

A view of the Austin bats flying over the lake

City

What you didn’t know about Austin’s bat colony

Whether you’re new to Austin and want in on the Bat City lore or you’re a longtime local with lots of curiosity, here’s how the winged creatures play a role in our city.

May 12, 2025

London Gibson

Four people wearing red bandanas and western-style outfits pose together outdoors at a Texas-themed event, with a crowd and event signage visible in the background.

Culture

Big state, big screen: 7 questions with Chase Musslewhite and Grant Wood of Media for Texas

The two movie makers are on a mission to bring Hollywood to Austin by advocating for better film incentives in their home state.

May 9, 2025

Laura Figi

A lively boutique clothing store filled with people shopping and socializing. The store has a bright, modern interior with racks of clothing along the walls, a central wooden counter, and hanging pastel lamps. Shoppers are dressed in casual, trendy outfits, and the atmosphere appears cheerful and welcoming.

Business

What makes Austin’s small business scene special?

We asked the question, and small business owners across Austin answered.

May 8, 2025

STAFF

A group of eight people, including Mayor Kirk Watson, stands outdoors on a sunny day, holding an oversized ceremonial check for $8.4 million made out to “Austin’s Parks” from the Austin City Limits Music Festival and C3 Presents. The check is dated May 7, 2025. One person is dressed in a colorful hummingbird costume, and the group is posed on a paved path in a park-like setting with grass, trees, and utility poles in the background.

City

ACL Festival debuts $8.4 million in funding for Austin Parks Foundation

ACL Festival generated $534.8 million in economic impact — its highest report yet — during the 2024 edition of the iconic live music event.

May 7, 2025

Laura Figi

A group of people enjoy a sunny day on a white and blue Centurion speedboat cruising across a lake. Some passengers are lounging, chatting, or raising their arms in celebration. The background features a shoreline with parked cars, boats, and lush green hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Business

Must-try experiences in Austin, according to small biz owners

We’re spreading the Small Business Week love with a spotlight on can’t-miss deals and experiences in the Capital City.

May 6, 2025

STAFF

A large, dense crowd of festival-goers gathers outdoors under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Tall, colorful vertical flags line the background, and trees are visible behind them. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with people wearing sunglasses, hats, and summer clothing.

Culture

Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, and Doja Cat will headline the 2025 ACL Festival

Plus, look forward to performances from Luke Combs, John Summit, The Strokes, and Doechii at this year’s festival.

May 6, 2025

Morgan O’Neal

Open-concept coworking space with people working at communal tables, lounge chairs, and leather sofas, surrounded by plants, books, and natural light from large windows.

Business

Exclusive: Switchyards will open first ‘neighborhood work club’ in Austin

The coveted workspace will release 250 memberships for its inaugural Austin location, opening early this summer.

May 6, 2025

Laura Figi

Two teams of high school students sit at tables on either side of a podium during a quiz competition, with a moderator standing at the podium. A large screen above displays the event name “High School Quiz Show Austin.” The teams represent the Liberal Arts and Science Academy and the Ann Richards School.

Culture

Austin PBS debuts new slate of local programming

The new Austin-made content will have you testing your trivia knowledge, learning about the community, and dancing to the beat of our town.

May 1, 2025

Laura Figi

Two hands hold up identical yellow cocktails in short, clear, textured glasses filled with ice. The drinks are garnished with dried orange wheels on the rim and have a chili-lime spice blend coating the upper glass edges. Each cocktail contains a brown paper straw. The hand on the left has dark red painted nails and wears multiple colorful beaded bracelets in pink, turquoise, and purple tones. The hand on the right has a pale pink manicure and wears a delicate silver chain bracelet. In the background, tall green ornamental grasses line a stone-paved outdoor area. A round wooden table and woven-back patio chairs are partially visible.

Food

Sip half-priced margaritas at 12 Austin spots during Margarita May

Austin bars and restaurants are teaming up for a month-long initiative featuring 50% off specialty margaritas + treasure hunts for Marg Bucks.

April 30, 2025

Morgan O’Neal

Aerial view of a music festival with groups of people gathered on a grassy field, sitting or walking among tall, colorful flags featuring various abstract designs, during golden hour lighting.

Culture

2025 ACL Festival lineup predicted by ATXtoday readers

Using our readers’ collective brainpower (and a little help from AI) we’ve rounded up guesses about who is going to appear on the ACL 2025 lineup.

April 29, 2025

Laura Figi