A Texas-sized story time 📚

Camila read her new book live for thousands of children. | Photo by ATXtoday

Austin Independent School District students had an alright, alright, alright field trip.

Austin-based model, mother, and best-selling author Camila Alves McConaughey dropped by the Long Center to read her children’s book, “Just Try One Bite” on Fri., Sept. 30.

More than 2,000 AISD students listened to the event live, while an additional 100,000+ elementary students from around the state watched via livestream.

Mayor Steve Adler and Camila McConaughey exchanged a hug on stage. — Mayor Steve Adler, Camila McConaughey, and H-E-B Literacy Program Manager Christa Aldrich posed for a quick photo.

The read-along was part of H-E-B’s Read 3 program, which has been running for 10 years and aims to have Texas children reading at least three times per week. Camila was joined by Austin Mayor Steve Adler — who proclaimed Sept. 30 as “Texas Reading Day” — and her daughter, Vida.

Camila sits on a stool, holding her book, alongside kids on stage. — The children were invited to read passages to the crowd of their peers.

Each child was given a copy of the book, and a few were invited on stage to read a passage of the book to their peers.

The book reverses the roles of the family, with the children trying to get their their picky-eating parents to try healthy, whole foods while still enjoying dinnertime.

Camila told ATXtoday she was inspired to write the book to spark a conversation about a topic both parents and children alike struggle with at home.

“If we set our kids with the right foundation, most likely they’re going to have lifelong better habits,” Camila said. “It wasn’t about preaching one way or another, it’s just a matter of [having] the conversation. Giving the kids the power to really have ownership was why we did the reversed roles.”

Want to learn more about how to participate in a Read 3 event?

GET MORE INFO HERE

Spread the love of reading by using the links below to share this with your bookworm family and friends.

EVENTS

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Today

Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival | Mon., Oct. 3 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | 419 Founders Park Rd. | Free | Community Mondays open up the pumpkin patch admission-free for locals — featuring games, fall attractions, and activities for all ages. 🎃
Bluegrass Night | Mon., Oct. 3 | 7-10 p.m. | Radio Coffee & Beer, 4204 Manchaca Rd. | Free | The award-winning residency brings string players for some old-style bluegrass for all ages.

Tuesday

Kitty Cafe | Tue., Oct. 4 + Tue., Nov. 1 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Pflugerville Public Library | Free | Come socialize with adoptable felines from Pflugerville Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) and enjoy a cup of cocoa or coffee.

Wednesday

Austin Motel Freaky Floats | Wed., Oct. 5 - Wed., Oct. 26 | 5-10 p.m. | Austin Motel, 1220 S Congress Ave. | Dive into fall at Austin Motel’s infamous pool with your freakiest float for spooky moving screenings all October long. 🛟
University of Texas Volleyball vs. TCU | Wed., Oct. 5 | 7 p.m. | Gregory Gymnasium, 2101 Speedway | $12+ | Show your support for Longhorns volleyball at “Groovy Gregory Night.”

Thursday

University of Texas Soccer vs. Kansas State | Thurs., Oct. 6 | 7-9 p.m. | Mike A. Myers Stadium and Soccer Field | Free | It’s Longhorns vs. Wildcats at this home game.

Friday

Leander Bluegrass Festival | Fri., Oct. 7 - Sat., Oct. 8 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Mason Homestead, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. | Free | The 17th Annual Honda Leander Bluegrass Festival is bringing you food vendors + good vibes while listening to live music. 🪕

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

HOME

Step up your home decor game with 3 trending tips 🏠

Marlow’s sleep system is part of the Brooklinen family. | Photo provided by Marlow

Rattan furniture: Out. ❌
Statement walls: In. ✅

Try maximizing your curb appeal and home value with these 2022 home design + decor trends:

Statement walls are here to stay. Think: shiplap, subway tile, and bright accent walls.
Your guests (and the planet) will thank you when you incorporate outdoor spaces and eco-friendly landscaping.
Neutral exterior colors + natural finishes provide a welcoming curb appeal to any home. Gray, stained wood, and beige are frontrunners this year.*

MORE 2022 DO’S + DON'TS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

88º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain
Been sneezy lately? Ragweed pollen tends to peak in late September and can last until the end of November. Break out the allergy meds, Texas. (KXAN)

Development

The YMCA is adding a ninth Austin location to West Austin’s Four Points neighborhood. Located in The Trails at 620 shopping center, the new community center is slated to open in 2024.

Sports

While Austin FC lost 2-0 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sat., Oct. 1, the home team still secured the second seed in the Western Conference playoffs. (Austin American-Statesman)
Meanwhile, the Texas Longhorns took home a 38-20 win — and evened the all-time series score at 6-6 — against West Virginia on Saturday. With that win, the Longhorns have a winning record against each of the Big 12 Conference opponents. (KXAN)

Open

Hotel Granduca’s new restaurant and bar, Laurel, is now open + serving Italian coastal cuisine made with ingredients from the Hill Country. Helmed by Executive Chef Tommy Suddeth Jr., the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 🍽 (Austin Chronicle)
California-based boba tea company Teaspoon is opening a new location at the Arbor Walk at 10515 N Mopac Expy, serving up American flavors, slow-steeped teas, and organic ingredients. 🧋 (Community Impact)

Tech

The robots are coming... and they’re driving? Austin is now the third city — in addition to Las Vegas and Miami — to introduce autonomous Lyft rides. Riders have the choice to select the option in the app for the same price. (KVUE)

Today Is

Global Smoothie Day, so we’re celebrating with a Peachy Green smoothie from Juiceland. 🍹

Ranked

Austinites swear like sailors, according to a study from Preply. Austin ranked No. 7 out of 30 major cities, with the average resident using 21 swear words per day. Though citizens of Dallas-Fort Worth swear more, Houstonians swear about 25% less than Austinites.

Plan Ahead

Dine on a tasting menu + curated wine from The Domain’s restaurants, and dance the night away at the inaugural Starlight Soirée emceed by Madeline Hollern on Thurs., Oct. 20. ⭐️ (Austin Monthly)

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Culture

Find your new furry friend 🐾

Keep an eye out for adoption specials all month long. | Photo by @atxsocialpup

It’s National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month — are you ready to expand your family with a four-legged friend?

At these local events to clear the shelter crates, you could find puppy love at first sight. 🐶

Fall in Love with a Puppy | Mon., Oct. 3 | 12-6 p.m. | Austin Pets Alive!, 1156 W Cesar Chavez St. | Free | Have your pick of the litter with adoption fees waived when you adopt a puppy, meaning you pay between “zero to a zillion” dollars for today only.

Jo’s Puppy Party | Fri., Oct. 7 | 9-11 a.m. | Jo’s Coffee Red River | Free | Join Austin Humane Society for a barking good time complete with brews and adoptable puppies to help raise profits for the shelter.

Adoptober Fest | Sat., Oct. 15 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Austin Animal Center | Free | The second annual Adoptober Fest will allow you to pick the most fashion-forward puppy at the adoptable runway, plus catch vendors + special guests.

+ ONE MORE FOR CAT PEOPLE

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Figi.

Editor’s pick: It’s Mean Girls Day today, and even though it isn’t Wednesday, I give you permission to wear pink.

I’m still reeling from my brush with Camila McConaughey — Tell me who your dream Austin celebrity encounter would be.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Here’s your guide to voting in Austin.

Connect with us.

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

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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