Carrie Underwood has a whopping 25 CMT Music Awards, the most in history. | Gif via Giphy
Maybe you heard, but the Moody Center is going to be seeing a little more bling this spring — the CMT Music Awards are coming to town.
After more than two decades in Nashville, the awards ceremony is headed to the Lone Star State on Sunday, April 2, a change Moody Center officials said is roughly two years in the making.
The event is one of the three biggest country music awards in the US, and the only one decided entirely by fan votes.
Singer Kelsea Ballernini will return for the third year in a row as co-host. Fittingly, she made the announcement at the Moody Center last week during country superstar Carrie Underwood’s performance. Underwood has a whopping 25 CMTs, the most in history — she’ll also be performing at the event in April.
But if you thought this was just a music awards show, you have another think coming. Producers have teased a weeklong event featuring live music from prominent artists at venues across the city. The ticket sign-up site currently promises access to private tapings and “one-of-a kind events and experiences around Austin.”
So, is Austin taking over Nashville’s crown as country music capital? It’s hard to say, but it’s worth noting that until very recently, the three largest country music awards all took place in Nashville — now, two are being hosted in Texas. (The ACM Awards is moving to Frisco next year, airing on Thurs., May 11. The CMA Awards are still hosted in Nashville.)
Either way, this is big news for Austin — more than 5.8 million peopletuned in to the CMT Awards last year.
The show starts Sunday, April 2 at 7 p.m. Tickets aren’t on sale yet, but you can sign up here to stay in the loop, or stream the awards on CBS and Paramount+.
St. Lucia - Utopia Tour 2022 | Monday, Nov. 7 | 8 p.m. | Emo’s Austin, 2015 E. Riverside Dr. | $29.50 | The South African artist’s newest album “Utopia” was released last month.
Tuesday, Nov. 8
Chris Rock | Tuesday, Nov. 8 | 8 p.m. | Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr. | $79.50+ | The comedian is stopping in Austin for one night on his “Ego Death” world tour.
Hoobastank & Lit | Tuesday, Nov. 8 | 5-10 p.m. | Haute Spot Venue, 1501 E. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park | $30+ | “The Reason” for attending this Tuesday night concert? The chance to jam out to two decade’s worth of hits, of course.
Wednesday, Nov. 9
Dogbreth | Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 8 p.m. | Mohawk Austin, 912 Red River St. | $14 | The Arizona-based band is set to be joined by David Israel, Space Tan, and Kali Yuga.
Thursday, Nov. 10
Straight No Chaser | Thursday, Nov. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd. | $12.50+ | This a capella group has sold more than 1.5 million concert tickets and 2 million albums.
We have amonthly 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.
The 60-year-old Broken Spoke dance hall will soon be recognized as a historic landmark. Owners said the official marker will be unveiled during a celebration on Wednesday, April 12. (CBS Austin)
The Austin City Councilapproved a financing mechanism for the proposed Colony Park development, moving it one step closer to becoming a reality. The project could bring 1,900+ affordable homes, plus retail and office space to East Austin.🏗 (Austin Monitor)
Development
The highly anticipated Buc-ee’s travel center opening in Luling is set to break ground on Wednesday, Nov. 16. The location at 10070 Hwy. I-10 is set to become the largest Buc-ee’s in the country.🦫 (KXAN)
Sports
Texas football defeated Kansas State 34-27 on Saturday, bringing the Longhorns back into the Associated Press Top 25 at No. 18. Read a game recap online. 🏈 (KXAN + CBS Austin)
Speaking of Longhorn football, popular ESPN show “College GameDay” announced it would return to Austin for a second time this season for the UT vs. TCU game. The Horned Frogs are currently ranked No. 4, and will take on UT on Sat., Nov. 12 — get tickets now. (KXAN)
Plan Ahead
No “Misery Business” here — pop-punk band Paramore is coming to the Moody Center in July, accompanied by Foals & The Linda Lindas. Register for presale tickets here, or wait until tickets go on sale on Friday, Nov. 11. 🎸
Coming Soon
Upscale California restaurant Boa Steakhousewill soon open in the former Gloria’s Latin Cuisine location at 300 W. 6th St. The popular chain, which is known for its ambiance and high-quality meats, is expected to open in the spring. 🍽 (Austin Business Journal)
Festival
The sixth annual Austin Mac & Cheese Festival begins this Sunday, Nov. 13 — and this year, it’s pitting grilled cheeses against mac-and-cheeses. Get tickets to see which chefs take home the cheesy crown. 🧀
Travel
Picture this: It’s a regular Monday at the office. You’re skimming your inbox for the fifteenth time when suddenly, an email arrives: ⛵Malta — $400-$500s. With a flash of your credit card, you’ve booked sunny skies + crystal blue waters for this year’s summer vacation. Good thing you got those Scott’s Cheap Flights notifications.*
Real Estate
On the heels of launching in 50+ markets across the country, Opendoor recently announced their expansion into two new cities (that just happen to be home to our sister markets): Charleston, SC + Richmond, VA. 🏡 *
Shop
Thinking about what you’re going to wear to all those holiday parties and already feeling stressed? We’ve been there. Rent the Runway is our No. 1 hack to make getting dressed something we actually look forward toinstead of dreading. Bonus: Use code 6AMXRTR for 40% off two months of a membership or one-time rental. 👗 *
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The Austin Studio Tour takes place in art galleries, shops, and pop-up experiences across the city. | Photo by ATXtoday
The annual Austin Studio Tour, a free celebration of the Capital City’s artists and creators, is officially underway. Here’s what to know about the three-week long event.
What: Hundreds of studio spaces, venues, and “temporary art experiences” are opening their doors to the public — for free. Expect galleries, shopping, and pop-ups.
When: The event takes place over three weekends, the first one being this past weekend. But don’t worry — you can still catch both the west side and east side tours, depending on when you participate:
West and East: Saturday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Nov. 13
East only: Saturday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Nov. 20
Who: The tour includes pieces from520+ local artists whospecialize in painting, mixed media, sculpture, digital works, ceramics, you name it.See the full list of participants.
Where: The studio tour takes place across the entire city — check out this interactive map to find locations near you.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by London.
Editor’s pick: The Austin Studio Tour is one of my favorite annual events in ATX — last year, I went to both the East and West tours.
If you’re checking out the east side tour, I’d recommend starting on one end of Cesar Chavez Street and working your way down — it’s one of the easiest ways I’ve found to hit a lot of galleries at once. 🖼
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