06.22.2023

Today’s Forecast

97º | Partly cloudy | 22% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:29 a.m. | Sunset 8:35 p.m.

💦 In the splash zone

Entering the splash zone: The history of Austin Aqua Festival

The National Water Ski Kite Flying Champonships on July 30-31, 1970. The championship was held on Austin's Town Lake during the Austin Aqua Festival, a 10 day celebration featuring water sports. The contestants must fly a slalom course marked by distinctive water geysers, an innovation of the Austin Ski and Boat Club. The Hotel Gondolier is visible in the background as the competitor is pulled behind a speed boat in the air with skis and a kite

Early activities included motorcycle and boat racing, kite flying competitions, and beauty contests. | Photo via the Austin History Center PICA-00111

Long before Austin City Limits Music Festival and SXSW, a different local event captured the hearts of Austinites: the Austin Aqua Festival.

Beginning in 1962, the festival was an attempt for the Austin Chamber of Commerce to drum up tourism during the hot Texas summer. With parades and live music galore, Austin Aqua Festival was the city’s first major festival and centered around water-based activities.

Not-so-humble beginnings

Between Town Lake and the City of Austin Power Plant, the festival took place at Festival Beach. Like ACL Fest’s iconic wristbands, tickets for the weeklong fest took the unique form of collectible “Skipper Pins,” which were purchased for $1-$3 (about $10-$30 today, adjusting for inflation).

Visitors — around 250,000 at the festival’s peak — came from around the nation to enjoy:

Elaborate parades
Controversial speed boat racing
A kite flying championship
Beauty contests
Nightly concerts
Rubber duck races
A North Austin vs. South Austin tug of war over the lake

In 1966, Aqua Fest hosted the world premiere of “Batman” along the shores of Town Lake, complete with a visit from Adam West himself, and a Thunderbirds performance.

Group portrait of six women in bathing suits standing in and in front of a convertible parked beside the water, circa 1966. This image was taken during Aqua Festival. — The Austin Aqua Fest took many forms over its 36-year history, transforming from a civic festival to a music festival.
|
Photo via the Austin History Center PICA-15991

Where did it go?

Now with ample room for entertainment, Aqua Fest began to focus more on live music and hired Ringo Starr and Dolly Parton to perform in 1992. Hiring big names cost a premium, which drove ticket prices up and attendance down, and the festival took a $300,000 loss that year.

It was anything but smooth sailing after that — the festival sold a record low 44,000 tickets and lost more than $700,000 the following year.

Aqua Fest continued to sink, relying on volunteer support until its bank account ran dry in 1998.

Do you have a favorite historical tidbit about Austin? Send it our way and you might see it in an upcoming newsletter.

Will it ever return?

Asked

Did you ever attend Austin Aqua Fest?

A. Yes
B. No

Splash from the past

Events

Thursday, June 22

“Matilda Jr. The Musical” | Now-Saturday, June 24 | Times vary | Brentwood Christian School: Worley Barton Theater, 11908 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin | $16 | Enjoy the story of Matilda, a little girl with psychokinetic powers, as told by actors ages 8-18.
Take My Hand | Thursday, June 22 | 6-9 p.m. | Carpenter Coffee Bar, 400 Josephine St., Austin | $40 | Enjoy a 15-minute reading at this palmistry residency with Sister Palm.

Friday, June 23

Behind The Tanks Brewery Tour | Friday, June 23 | 4-5 p.m. | Blue Owl Brewing, 2400 E. Cesar Chavez St., Ste. #300, Austin | $30 | Get a tour behind the tanks and try special beer batches with Blue Owl Brewer Jeff Young.
Glow Show with Joey Z | Friday, June 23 | 8-9 p.m. | Fallout Theater, 616 Lavaca St., Austin | $20 | Austin-based entertainer Joey Z hosts this comedy show in a glowy, trippy room.

Saturday, June 24

Greater Austin Comic Con 2023 | Saturday, June 24-Sunday, June 25 | 10 a.m. | H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park | $15-$40 | Spend two days celebrating all things pop culture, entertainment, vendors, gaming competitions, and cosplay contests.
Houston Dynamo FC vs. Austin FC | Saturday, June 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Q2 Stadium, 10414 McKalla Pl., Austin | $61-$81 | Cheer on El Tree at this home game.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Concert

Empire Control Room and Garage will celebrate its 10-year anniversary with A Decade of Empire, a monthlong talent showcase with a star-studded set list. Starting in August, the series will include performances from Empire alumni Robert Glasper, Whitney, and Fred Armisen. Get tickets.

Closing

Blue Starlite Urban Drive-In will close its Mueller location, located at 2015 E. M. Franklin Ave., ahead of a to-be-announced move this summer. The drive-in will remain open to the public today and tomorrow and Thursday, June 29-Saturday, July 1 for guests to squeeze in a final movie. (KVUE)

Outdoors

It is migration season for 28 species of Texas turtles. It is common to see turtles crossing the road during this time of year, so the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reminds residents to keep their eyes on the road and help turtles in danger, if it’s safe to do so. (KUT)

Weather

After several Excessive Heat Warnings in the past week, and more on the horizon, Travis County officials met yesterday to remind locals of heat safety preparedness. Remember to stay hydrated, avoid being outside for long periods of time, and familiarize yourself with symptoms of heat stroke. (Community Impact Austin)

Civic

Austin Water conducted a drill as part of its emergency preparedness program at the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant on Wednesday. Officials say it was an opportunity to practice emergency protocols and avoid water contamination. (KXAN)

Try This

100-degree heat got you down? When the thermostat hits triple digits, you can seek relief at Doc’s Backyard Grill, which offers $2 margaritas, and Radio Coffee and Beer, which offers 50% off draft beers and frozen mango chile margaritas. (Eater Austin)

Asked

Recently, we asked you to get creative + make Austin into a unique flavor of ice cream using one to three locally procured ingredients. What flavor are you crafting up? Share it with us and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.

Drink

A crushable summer beverage that won’t leave you with a hangover the next day? Try Ritual Zero Proof’s All Day Margarita made with alcohol-free tequila.*

City

🐶 Puppy love

MUTTS Canine Cantina opens haven for both pups and their owners

Founders Lisa and Laura sit underneath a sign that reads "I love you so mutts" with their three dogs.

The full park will be free to visit on opening weekend. | Photo courtesy of MUTTS Canine Cantina® Austin

Every dog has its day, especially after a day at MUTTS Canine Cantina.

Led by twin sister duo Lisa Ladewig and Laura Ladewig Landers (and their furry friends), the new concept offers something for both dogs and their owners: an off-leash park for pups, plus a bar and grill for the humans.

The new doggy haven, located at 9825 N. Lake Creek Pkwy., will officially open to the public on Thursday, July 13. Here’s what’s in store:

A 1.6-acre park
A K9 splash pad
Automated dog bath stations
Bark Rangers™ to keep the park clean and safe
Fire pits and private cabanas, which offer bottle service
Dog treats like PUPsicles and doggy hot dogs

Humans can enjoy the facility for free. Day passes providing access to the full dog facilities run $10 on weekdays, $15 on weekends, and guests can opt in to receive a discounted annual rate of $250 during opening weekend.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Figi

From the editor

Austin Aqua Festival ended the year after I was born, so unfortunately, I never got to experience its aquatic majesty. However, I have attended San Marcos’ Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest on many occasions, which I’m guessing is the next best thing.

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