Travel and Outdoors

Downtown Austin skyline at night with buildings illuminated against the dark sky.

Celebrating Libra season is written in the stars. | Photo via Envy Valery

The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of dark skies over Texas. ⭐️

As the holiday season draws nearer, Austin is breaking out its annual light displays, like the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s Field of Light, the upcoming Austin Water Lantern Festival, and the Trail of Lights.

But even without twinkles from those light displays, you still wouldn’t be able to see the stars over Austin. This story was inspired by one of our Instagram followers, so give us a follow and your story might be next. 👀

You aren’t able to spot stars in the sky in most major cities in the US due to a phenomenon called light pollution, which is the brightening of the sky caused by streetlights and other man-made light sources. Over time, light pollution can disrupt circadian rhythms for plants, animals and humans.

However, once you stray from “The Edge of Night” — a section along I-35 so bright it can be seen from space — there are several communities committed to preventing light pollution. Here’s where you can still see stars.

Dripping Springs became an International Dark Sky Community in 2014 — the first city in Texas and sixth in the world to do so. A bit closer to home, the River Hills neighborhood in Westlake has had dark skies since 2017. The City of Fredericksburg joined the roster in 2020.

To qualify, the city must shield all light sources downward and away from the sky, control light wavelength + temperatures, and regulate light emission. It’s Dark Sky status means the stars still shine big and bright at night.

If you’re willing to get out of the city, Central Texas-area parks like the Lost Creek Development, Enchanted Rock, and South Llano River State Park all have visible stars.

You can help reduce light pollution from home by observing the Travis Audubon’s Lights Out hours.

Click here to view a full list of dark sky areas in the Lone Star State.

Use the links below to share this free newsletter with family and friends who love learning about our city.

EVENTS

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Today

Soul Man Sam | Mon., Sept. 19 | 8 p.m. | Antone’s Nightclub | $37 | Join this seasoned R&B artist for a night of Memphis-inspired music. 🎙

Tuesday

Barns Courtney | Tues., Sept. 20 | 7 p.m. | Emo’s Austin | $38+ | This English singer-songwriter is stopping in town on his “Out with the Old” tour.
Broadway in Austin: “Hadestown” | Tues., Sept. 20-Sun., Sept. 25 | Times vary | Bass Concert Hall | See the eight-time Tony Award-winning love story by Anaïs Chavkin live on stage. 🎭

Wednesday

Trainual Playbook 2022 | Wed., Sept. 21-Thurs., Sept. 22 | 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Small business owners are invited to this virtual conference ft. a lineup of entrepreneurial speakers, including Chris Ronzio (CEO of Trainual) and Allyson + Wes Felix (co-founders of Saysh).*

Thursday

Crooked Colours | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 6 p.m. | Historic Scoot Inn | $41 | This Australian alternative dance group will be joined by SWIMM. 🎶

Plan Ahead

Amy Schumer | Sat., Oct. 22 | 7 p.m. | ACL Live at the Moody Theatre*

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*

100+ MORE EVENTS

DRINK

Too busy for your Jo’s Coffee pit stop? Try this.

Super Coffee is available in three flavors: Cinnamon Roll, Caramel Waffle, and Blueberry Muffin. | Photo provided by Super Coffee

Real talk, ATX: A lot of us are go, go, go all of the time. If you’ve ever wished you could get your protein smoothie + caffeine fix at the same time, then Super Coffee might be exactly what you need.

Super Coffee uses all-natural ingredients, including:

Monk fruit (sweetens without processed sugar)
10 grams of protein (powers your day)
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It’s a real “two birds, one stone” kind of thing. ☕ *

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News Notes

Weather

96º | Partly cloudy | 9% chance of rain ⛅️

Development

After unanimous approval from the Austin Planning Commission, 155 new homes will be built in Southeast Austin, near Circuit of the Americas. The new subdivision has been dubbed “the eastern crescent.” 🏘 (Austin Business Journal)

Community

South Congress hangout the Crow Bar burned down in the early hours on Sunday morning, causing “extensive damage” alongside a handful of fires set in the area. (Austin American-Statesman)

Sports

The Texas Longhorns won 41-20 against the University of Texas at San Antonio on Saturday, and rose to No. 19 on the USA Today Coaches Poll. (KXAN)
The bad news: The match between Austin FC and Nashville SC ended in a 1-all draw. The good news: The team announced they will officially hold a playoff match at Q2 Stadium. ⚽️ (KXAN)
On that note, Austin FC midfielder Owen Wolff is headed abroad for the Slovenia Nations Cup, where the United States Men’s Youth National Team will play Malta on Sept. 21, Croatia on Sept. 23, and Scotland on Sept. 27.

Health

St. David’s North Austin Medical Center and Donate Life America announced its first living kidney donor. The new donor registry program allows any adult already on the deceased donor list to also register as a living kidney donor. (KVUE)

Opening

Fairmont Austin added a new speakeasy-esque space — Room 725 Champagne & Caviar — to give guests a luxurious experience. Inside, guests can order bubbly by the glass + bottle, cigars, caviar, craft cocktails, and live music. 🥂 (CultureMap Austin)
The House — formerly Russian House — could be taking over the space of Sala & Betty on 5201 Airport Blvd., according to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission permitting under the name ATX Grill RH. (Eater Austin)
City Council has concluded its revision of the urban renewal plan for Central East Austin, giving the go-ahead for the new developments that serve alcohol. (Austin Monitor)

Food

It’s fall, y’all, and Blue Bell ice cream is celebrating with a new flavor: Salted Caramel Brownie, a mix of classic vanilla with a caramel stripe and brownie chunks. Get this limited-edition flavor while it lasts. 🍨 (KVUE)

Arts

An Instagram post showing Sloke One painting Torchy.

The mural was done the traditional way, “after hours.” | Photo via Torchy’s

Torchy’s wants you to support your local artist while supporting your local “queso dealer.” 🫕

Late last Thursday night, Torchy’s on 1822 S. Congress Ave. unveiled a new mural designed by Austin-based graffiti artist and muralist Sloke One.

Sloke One, whose real name is Nathan Nordstrom, has been doing graffiti in the city since the 1990s. He does fine art and commercial work too — you might have seen his work without even knowing it.

Did you know: Sloke One once sold a painting to Austin Mayor Steve Adler.

The new mural depicts its mascot, Torchy, holding a can of spray paint next to to the phrase “Support your local queso dealer!!”

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Figi.

Editor’s pick: I’m very excited to try Blue Bell’s new ice cream flavor, so let’s see if it can top my favorite: Southern Blackberry Cobbler. What’s your go-to Blue Bell concoction? Let me know.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We’ve got 32 volunteer opportunities to look through.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Dayten Rose, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea, Josh Kranzberg | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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