03.15.2024

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Today’s Forecast

🌒 Eclipse safety cheat sheet

Austin, Travis County prepare safety measures ahead of April’s total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun as it passes between the sun and earth. | Photo by Dave Pape/dpape, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

More than a million travelers are estimated to head to Texas for April’s total solar eclipse. Central Texas lies right within the path of totality, so there’s a good chance Austin will be a major hub for that tourism.

Facing a potential onslaught of visitors for the event on Monday, April 8, the City of Austin is prepping for the eclipse much like it would for a major music festival.

This includes staffing up Austin Police, Austin Fire Department, and Austin-Travis County emergency services to be on hand in case of need. Travis County also joined several other Texas counties in issuing a disaster declaration, which allows the county to:

Require gatherings with 50+ guests to submit information
Access additional emergency resources and other items, like tow trucks
Control and coordinate traffic

So, what does this all mean for you? We’re glad you asked.

A road blocker on the side of the road with the Austin skyline in the background — Issuing a disaster declaration allows Travis County to require information about certain eclipse gatherings and access additional emergency resources.
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Photo by ATXtoday

Plan ahead

Whether you’re planning to watch the astronomical event from your own front yard or join in on one of the 25+ solar eclipse parties taking place in Central Texas, it’s good to have a plan in place.

If you’re traveling for the event, keep abreast on street closures and traffic reports. The city also encourages residents to have a communication plan in case cell towers become overloaded, and to stock up on gas, water, snacks, and first aid.

Safety first

TxDOT encourages Texans to prepare for crowded roads, keep their headlights on, and watch out for distracted drivers peering skyward during the total solar eclipse.

Speaking of, remember that it’s dangerous to look at an eclipse with your bare eyes. Find a list of safe eclipse glasses suppliers from the American Astronomical Society, or get free eclipse glasses locally, while supplies last, from:

City of Austin recreation centers, senior centers, and the Austin Nature & Science Center | Available now
All Warby Parker store locations | Starting Monday, April 1
Austin Public Library locations | Starting Thursday, April 4

Events

Friday, March 15

Marshall Funhouse | Friday, March 15 | 12-11:59 p.m. | Parish, 501 Brushy St., Austin | Free | The Black Angels, X Ambassadors, and Octopus Project will perform at this SXSW pop-up.
Venardos Circus | Now-Sunday, March 17 | Times vary | Buck’s Backyard, 1750 FM 1626, Buda | $30-$60 | Enjoy the 10th anniversary of this Broadway-style, animal-free circus in a classic red and white-striped tent.

Saturday, March 16

Capital City Go-Go vs. Austin Spurs | Saturday, March 16 | 4 p.m. | The Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $25-$250 | The Austin G-League team will play against the Go-Go, the Washington Wizards’ G-League affiliate.
Philadelphia Union vs. Austin FC | Saturday, March 16 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Q2 Stadium, 10414 McKalla Pl., Austin | $59-$122 | Don your verde and get ready to cheer for El Tree.

Sunday, March 17

Barre in the Park | Sunday, March 17 | 9 a.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co., 3901 Promontory Point Dr., Austin | Free | Enjoy a guided barre class, followed by a craft brew.
GoldenGaia Vendor Market + Holistic Fair | Sunday, March 17 | 11 a.m. | Casa de Luz Village, 1701 Toomey Rd., Austin | Free | Dig into an organic, vegan meal from Casa de Lux before shopping from this lineup of holistic vendors and artisans.

Plan Ahead

David Spade | Friday, March 22 | 8 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $50-$110 | The comedian is known for starring in “Joe Dirt,” “Just Shoot Me,” and “Nothing Personal.”

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Try This

Catch the final ride at Rodeo Austin

Don’t miss the chance to experience the excitement of Austin’s annual Fair & Rodeo. | Photo provided by Rodeo Austin

Last call, 512: Rodeo Austin concludes next Saturday, March 23 (read: you only have eight more days to experience The Capital City’s annual Fair & Rodeo).

In case you haven’t already been, here’s what to expect at the family-friendly event:

A series of attractions and entertainment, including live music from artists like Jake Owen and Flatland Cavalry (performing next week)
Leading ProRodeo competitions
And livestock shows

Take a peek at what not to miss and grab tickets below.

Come along for the ride

News Notes

Shop

Music Lane may be home to a Birkenstock store by August, according to state filings. The shopping center also just opened a pop-up by French fashion company Sézane, which is expected to last about six months. (Austin Business Journal)

Opening

A Japanese multipurpose store with goods ranging from art supplies and organization tools to toys and knick-knacks will open its second Austin location at 5400 Brodie Lane in Sunset Valley next month. Daiso will offer free goodie bags to some customers on Saturday, April 6 + Sunday, April 7. (CultureMap Austin)

Travel

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will update its signage to be more clear for travelers as the airport continues to expand. Among other changes, the signs will be better lit, have consistent terminology, plus larger symbols and arrows. (KXAN)

Biz

Caldwell County approved financial incentives for the first phase of a potentially $4 billion data center east of Austin. The first phase involves three two-story buildings, each with a 48-megawatt capacity and valued at $450 million. (Austin Business Journal)

Cause

Austin Animal Center launched the Finder to Foster program, which allows community members who find a lost pet to register them in the center’s database in hopes of helping connect them with their owner. Animals found within the county are eligible — read the requirements.

Now Open

A new P. Terry’s burger stand is now open at 2425 E. 7th St. in east Austin. The opening marks the Austin-based chain’s 32nd store in Central Texas. (CBS Austin)

Sports

What does TCU basketball have to do to make a run this postseason? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the TCU Horned Frogs with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Plan Ahead

Mark your calendars, Austin: NASCAR is returning to Circuit of The Americas next weekend, featuring races, live performances, and family-friendly activities. Here are a few things to know before you go, including camping availability, permitted + prohibited items, and parking options.*

Finance

Pro tip: Consolidate debt to lower your payments. Pay off credit cards, medical debt, and more. Calculate your monthly payments.*

Job

Passionate about storytelling + news, and have some serious Dallas pride? DALtoday (a new daily newsletter celebrating Dallas) is hiring a City Editor to plan, write, edit, and publish the most relevant and engaging daily content about our city. See details + apply.

Business

Outdoor Voices’ 50% closing sales

Austin-based Outdoor Voices to close all store locations nationwide

People stand in line outside of Outdoor Voices.

Outdoor Voice’s South Congress storefront had lines down the block on Thursday afternoon. | Photo by ATXtoday

Outdoor Voices, an Austin-based athletic clothing brand, announced it will close all 16 of its retail stores in the US in favor of a fully online approach.

This includes the Austin location at 1204 S. Congress Ave., which had a line stretched down the block on Thursday afternoon.

The athleisure brand — which sells clothing for men and women, plus accessories — was founded 10 years ago by Ty Haney, who parted ways with the business in 2020. That year, the company’s valuation fell to $40 million, compared to its peak at $110 million in 2018.

All Outdoor Voices locations will offer products at least at a 50% discount until permanently closing shop this Sunday, March 17. You might want to get there early — we heard some people waited 40+ minutes to get inside.

The Buy

The Buy 3.15.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The ultimate car vacuum kit, which plugs right into your car’s 12v aux outlet. The mini vacuum + parts come in a compact case, so you can easily and neatly store them in your trunk.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
London

From the editor

City Editor Figi and I have been having so much fun at SXSW, and we’re sad to say goodbye to the festival later today.

If you want to see highlights from the the amazing panels and pop-ups we’ve been partaking in, take a look at our Instagram, and pay special attention to the “Local Events” highlight.

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