Let’s explore what you need to know about these new events and local places where you can try the sports.
Breaking
Breaking (aka breakdancing) is making its Olympic debut after a resounding success in the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hip-hop yourself over to one of these spots to try it.
Breakdance Austin | Fit for both advanced dancers and beginners, these classes will teach you everything from footwork and tricks to the history and culture of breakdancing.
Hope 4 Hip Hop Academy | Geared towards children, training is specific to Olympic judging and competition categories.
Sport Climbing
Similar to skateboarding, sport climbing made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games, it’s also here for the long haul. Here’s where you can harness your inner climber locally.
Crux Climbing Center | You don’t need a reservation to reach new heights at this gym founded by Austin climbers. Psst — you can get a day pass for $12 when the temperature is above 100 degrees.
Mesa Rim Climbing Center | This 50,000-sqft venue has it all: climbing walls, yoga programs, a fitness center, training areas, saunas, and more.
A photo of the uniforms that Olympians will wear while competing in surfing at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
Surfing debuted at the Tokyo Games and is back to catch more waves at the Paris 2024 Olympics. We may not have an ocean in Bat City, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn to surf.
ATX Wakesurf | Book a boat rental or be taught by an expert in a private lesson.
Lake Lessons| Operating since 2000, these instructors guarantee they’ll get an inexperienced wakesurfer up during the first lesson.
Albuquerque Isotopes vs. Round Rock Express | Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28 | Times vary | Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock | $14-$34 | Root for the home team and stay for the fireworks at this minor league ballgame.
“Legally Blonde: The Musical” | Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28 | 8:15-10:35 p.m. | Beverly Sheffield Hillside Theatre in Zilker Park, 2206 William Barton Dr., Austin | Free | Follow Elle Woods as she charms her way into Harvard Law School to get her ex-boyfriend back.
Saturday, July 27
Vino Vinyasa | Saturday, July 27 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Four Seasons Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin | $30 | Bring your own mat to unwind with yoga and wine on the lawn overlooking Lady Bird Lake.
Free Furniture Market | Saturday, July 27-Sunday, July 28 | 8 p.m. | University of Texas at Austin, 110 Inner Campus Dr., Austin | Free | Anyone can pick up free furniture on a first-come, first-served basis at this market.
Class: Blacksmith Knife | Saturday, July 27-Sunday, July 28 | Times vary | Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr., Austin | $200 | Forge your own blacksmith-style knife over the course of two days.
Sunday, July 28
Sun Chaser Social | Sunday, July 28 | 1-5 p.m. | W Austin’s WET Deck, 200 Lavaca St., Austin | $45 | This poolside party features DJ sets, special cocktails, chef-curated bites, and more.
“The Man Who Fell to Earth” | Sunday, July 28 | 7 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $12 | See David Bowie on the big screen in this surreal sci-fi film.
Ling Wu Asian Restaurant at the Grove opens today at 2625 Perseverance Dr. — the fifth restaurant in the city by Austin chef Ling Qi Wu. The eatery will focus on Chinese and dim sum dishes, which draw inspiration from the flavors of Beijing. (Eater Austin)
Transit
On the first day of school for Austin ISD, 7,300 single-day bus passes will be available to families at no cost. CapMetro donated the free fares to help remove transportation barriers for parents and children, and they can be acquired via referrals.
Environment
Is it a bat, is it a grackle? It may actually be a Purple Martin. The birds are North America’s largest species of swallow, and there are thousands of them in Austin right now. Travis Audubon is hosting watch parties this weekend — see them in flight. (KXAN)
Shop
Austin brand Feels So Good celebrated the grand opening of its new retail store yesterday at 1008 E. 6th St. The business specializes in screen printing but offers much more — think records, vintage items, handmade and upcycled clothing, and home goods.
Job
The Downtown Austin Alliance is seeking a new CEO. Dewitt Peart, who has held the role since 2015, is retiring early next year — prompting the nonprofit organization to conduct a national search for its next leader. Applicants have until Friday, Aug. 23 to submit a resume. (Austin Business Journal)
Eat
Austin-based dessert company Tiny Pies is celebrating the launch of its newest product, the Pie Freeze®, by giving them away for free today at both locations. Served in a collectible cup, the sweet treat is your choice of pie mixed into vanilla custard.
Olympics
The 2024 Summer Olympics are happening now in Paris, France. Keep up with Team USA and some of our favorite local athletesvia KVUE. The opening ceremony begins today at 12:30 p.m. CT. (KVUE)
Sports
The Houston Rockets’ preseason schedule was released, so what can fans expect at media day and training camp? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Houston Rockets with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Drink Up
How refreshing. Drink Up Week runs through today — our annual celebration of Austin’s drink culture. Local businesses are offering buzzy deals likea special $5 Drink Up Week cocktail at Cover 3 Anderson, so treat yourself and toast to our town’s vibrant bevvy scene.
2024’s “it card” is here. Not only does it offer a $200 bonus, but also unlimited 1.5% cash back and 0% intro APR until 2025. (Annual fee? We don’t know her.)*
Morgan prefers her cocktails to be fruity, colorful, and frozen. | Photos by ATXtoday
Hi readers, Morgan’s on the mic. To end Drink Up Week on a high note, I’m sharing my top three drinks in the city by day and night.
Day
Favorite Pizza, 801 W. 6th St. | Originally named “Favorite Slush,” the Outfielder (a frozen Aperol cocktail) is always a refreshing complement to a pepperoni slice.
Hold Out Brewing, 1208 W. 4th St. | I swoon over the Liquid Television — it’s a hazy IPA described as “candied tropical fog.”
JuiceLand, multiple locations | I alternate between the Clementine and the Berry Godmother.
Night
Anthem, 91 Rainey St., Ste. #120 | The Tex-Asian pub serves a strong Mai Tai in a Chinese takeout box.
De Nada Cantina, 4715 E. Cesar Chavez St. | There’s no better way to get a party started than with the classic frozen.
Numero28, 452 W. 2nd St. | Enjoying an espresso martini with a scoop of gelato on the patio is the ultimate nightcap.
A foldable lap desk — it’s great for those who work from home, college students heading back to school, or anyone looking to read, write, or stream while they sip coffee in bed (read: us).
Sorry for the shortage of caffeine in the list of my favorite drinks. Truth be told, I’m an iced-vanilla-latte-anywhere-I-go kinda girl. If you need your fix, here are 33 coffee shops to try in Austin.
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