08.21.2024

Today’s Forecast

🌆 Your (third) place or mine?

Deepen your sense of community by finding a third place in Austin

A vibrant park scene in the late afternoon with a large group of people gathered on a grassy field. In the background, the modern Austin skyline features a mix of unique and towering skyscrapers, including a building with a distinct, slanted design. People in the park are engaged in various activities, such as stretching, conversing, and walking, enjoying the warm, golden light of the setting sun. The atmosphere is lively and communal, with the clear blue sky adding to the open, welcoming ambiance.

Frequenting a third place helps you feel more connected to where you live and improves mental well-being. | Photo by ATXtoday

Do you have a third place in Austin? Take a moment to reflect.

Besides your home (first space) and workplace (second space), where do you go throughout the week? Whose faces do you see and who do you talk to when you go there? Do you look forward to going and feel welcome?

If you could easily picture faces in this space + answered “yes” to the ease of the gathering, congratulations, you’ve found a third place. If you couldn’t, that’s okay. We’ll give you some ideas for finding one.

The sociology

A bustling outdoor pool scene on a sunny day, with people of all ages lounging on colorful towels and blankets on a grassy area under the shade of tall trees. The large pool in the background is filled with swimmers enjoying the cool water. The area is lively, with groups of friends and families relaxing, chatting, and soaking up the sun. The lush greenery and the relaxed atmosphere create a vibrant summer day setting. — Deep Eddy Pool is open until 8 p.m. daily and only charges $5 for admission.
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Photo by ATXtoday

Ray Oldenburg, a sociologist who wrote about third places in his book, “The Great Good Place” shares that third places — public, informal gathering spaces that you frequent in your community (think: coffee shops, parks, libraries, churches, breweries, bookstores, salons... etc.) — are important for many reasons, but particularly for promoting social vitality + a sense of community.

The problem? Studies show that for many of us, since 2001, the internet is our third place. Plus, working remotely means your first and second place might be the same. Finally, third places can be pricey if you don’t know the affordable hot spots.

Luckily for us, Austin is home to countless third places with inexpensive offerings and friendly folks ready to mingle.

Editors’ picks

A frog with large, pink lips is graffitied on a metal garage with the words "how YOU doin'?" above it. To the left, a Facebook app is painted on the garage as well. Lush green trees and weeds grow on either side of the art. — If you’re also a Cosmic Saltillo regular, you may recognize this art on the street near its entrance.
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Photo by ATXtoday

City Editor Morgan here — a third place I’ve found in Austin is TruFusion South Austin. It’s a fitness studio with a diverse and robust schedule of group classes, and I’ve loved discovering my favorite workout methods and the instructors who help me feel my best.

City Editor Figi here. If there’s anywhere I would be considered a regular, it would be Cosmic Saltillo — it’s my top choice for meetings, work, and play. I also frequent my local YMCA for group exercise classes and The Hideout Theatre for some top-tier improv entertainment.

Find your third place

Events

Wednesday, Aug. 21

The String Revolution & California Guitar Trio | Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 7 p.m. | The 04 Center | $45-$75 | Lose yourself in the sounds of skilled guitarists who perform classic hits and original compositions.
Midrift | Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Empire Control Room & Garage | $20 | The shoegaze band from northern California will stop in Austin during their Texas tour.

Thursday, Aug. 22

“Gifts of Life” | Thursday, Aug. 22 | 6-9 p.m. | Bolm Arts | Free | Peruse colorful sculptures and playful ceramics at Austinite Kelsey Hasse’s solo show.
Summer Night City Stride | Thursday, Aug. 22 | 7-11 p.m. | The Westin Austin Downtown | Free-$20 | Join in on a run around Downtown, try on ASICS shoes, and drink signature cocktails.

Friday, Aug. 23

Uptown Sports Club x Meanwhile Brewing Co. Backyard BBQ Summer Series | Friday, Aug. 23 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Uptown Sports Club | $39 | This week’s event highlights Huckleberry food truck’s Davis Turner, who will serve up shrimp hot dogs with caviar.

Plan Ahead

Glass Animals | Sunday, Sept. 22 | 7:45 p.m. | The Moody Center | $30-$155 | Best known for their hit “Heat Waves,” the pop band will bring their “Tour of Earth” with special guest Eyedress to ATX.

100+ more events

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Festival

The lineup for ACL Fest Nights is here, packed with shows by ACL Festival performers in venues across Austin. Grab tickets for Jungle, Kehlani, Foster The People, Remi Wolf, Still Woozy, and more artists at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 23.

Traffic

New data from Austin’s Vision Zero program estimates that traffic signal improvements have resulted in a 47%-72% decrease in injury or fatal crashes involving left-turning vehicles. The low-cost updates include timing adjustments, new signal heads + signage, the addition of flashing yellow arrows, and changes to protected lefts.

Arts

Ready to make your mark in ATX? The City of Austin is seeking its first artist in residence for the Cap and Stitch program, which will create new public spaces over the I-35 highway corridor. The artist will leverage community input to create a plan for integrating art and culture into the future gathering spots.

Pets

Adoptable animals at Austin Pets Alive! will have a better shot at finding their forever home, thanks to a $100,000 grant from PetSmart. The funds will go toward moving pets to different shelters across the US to increase their likelihood of being adopted. (KVUE)

Try This

James Beard award-winning chef Aaron Franklin is teaming up with a local restaurant to serve up a limited edition burger on select days in August and September. Head to Buddy’s Burger to try the Franklin Burger, which features Franklin Barbecue sauce + crispy fried onions. (Austin-American Statesman)

Listen

Longhorn running back CJ Baxter is out for the season due to a knee injury, so who will lead the team in rushing and receiving this year? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the SEC with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Sports

Hold onto your hats. It’s almost time for the most exciting eight seconds in sports as the Austin Gamblers host PBR Gambler Days presented by Tecovas from Aug. 23-25. Bonus: Shaboozey will perform at the Ford Fan Fest before the competition — oh my, good lord. Snag tickets (starting at $26).*

Finance

Finance experts call this card a cash rewards dream: unlimited cash rewards on purchases, $200 bonus after spending $500, long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers + more.*

Number

22%. That’s how much auto insurance rates have increased over the last year. Stop overpaying + find a better rate when you get a free, no-obligation quote from Savvy.*

Food

Round Top rolls in 🤝 Austin digs in

Round Top restaurant takes over Ellis’ kitchen in Downtown Austin

Two images rotate in a gif. The first image shows a grey cocktail in a glass surrounded by food like tacos and queso. The second image is seven colorful cocktails, each with a different citrus garnish or spice on top.

The restaurant is first-come, first-served, and will serve guests Wednesday-Saturday from 3-8:30 p.m. | Photos courtesy Fareground

A seasonal restaurant in Round Top (a town an hour and a half east of Austin) is moving into Ellis’ kitchen at Fareground through the end of 2024 — and could stick around for longer.

Y Comida opens within the Downtown Austin food hall, 111 Congress Ave., on Friday, Aug. 23. Here’s what you need to know about the culinary pop-up.

South Texas-inspired eats

Helmed by chef Nick Middleton — who’s had his hand in local eateries like Loro and Zeds — the menu boasts small plates inspired by Mexican, Cajun, and Texan flavors. Expect dishes like brisket confit tacos and duck carnitas tacos, and don’t skip the Mezcal Affogato for dessert.

Colorful cocktails

Foodies looking for a libation can peruse Ellis’ new cocktail menu, featuring agave drinks like La Playa Blanca, Pasado de Moda, Sandia Tajin, and Pepper Blossom.

The Buy

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More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Morgan

From the editor

What have you grown to love about Austin over time? Share your thoughts via an Instagram comment or write me — you may be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

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