A cap over I-35 between 4th Street and 7th Street would include dining areas, lawns, a sculpture garden, venue space, a skating area, and more. | Rendering courtesy City of Austin
It’s no secret that the Capital City has undergone drastic changes in the last several decades — but the years ahead are poised to bring a total transformation to central Austin.
In light of the I-35 Capital Express Central Project, local initiative Our Future 35 has been formulating a plan to create caps and stitches over the upcoming sunken highway. These areas would join east and west Austin with ~30 acres of new public space in the heart of the city, creating hubs for culture, arts, dining, and recreation.
Over the summer, Our Future 35 collected feedback from ~1,800 respondents to implement into its concepts. Let’s take a look at the proposed designs in its final vision plan, which will head to Austin City Council for approval on Thursday, Nov. 7.
4th Street to 7th Street Cap
Our Future 35 envisions this area as an epicenter for nightlife and events. The new land bridge would create a walkable link between 5th and 6th Streets and be home to several one to two story buildings. So far, it’s the only cap to receive funding.
In addition to several lawns, pop-up spaces, plazas, and outdoor dining spaces, proposed amenities include a dog park, sculpture garden, and an elongated walkway + skateway.
11th Street to 12th Street Cap
This cap would connect east Austin’s African American Cultural and Heritage District to Downtown Austin. The proposed design features new additions like a two-story cultural building, a civic plaza and demonstration space, a two-story small business incubator, and more.
Cesar Chavez Street to 4th Street Cap
This 5.3-acre cap would connect the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood to Downtown Austin by creating a new 3rd Street promenade for pedestrians and bicyclists with a food truck and pop-up space — but there’s much more in store.
Music on the Trail | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Rainey Street Trailhead | Free | Bring your quilt to unwind near the lake and listen to tunes by local band Brother Thunder.
Thursday, Oct. 3
Este’s Two-Year Anniversary Celebration | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 5-10 p.m. | Este | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the restaurant’s birthday with $2 oysters and “throwback menu specials,” aka popular dishes that have left the regular menu.
Texas Red Trivia | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 7-9 p.m. | Infamous Brewing Company | Free | Flex your wisdom for the chance to win pints, flights, koozies, and key chains.
30s Speed-Friending | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 7-9 p.m. | Austin Beerworks | $19 | Chat with folks using provided prompts to guide conversation and you may leave with a new bestie.
Friday, Oct. 4
Round Rock Arts Fest | Friday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 6 | Times vary | Centennial Plaza, Round Rock | Cost of purchase | Formerly called Chalk Walk, this annual event draws hundreds of artists, food vendors, musicians, and craftspeople to downtown Round Rock.
Saturday, Oct. 5
Oktoberfest Block Party | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | The Dogwood - Domain | Cost of purchase | Dress up yourself (and your dog) for costume contests, live music, stein hoisting, and a Dachshund race.
Find a serene escape and a taste of the modern Texas high life on 4,000 acres of enchanting countryside at this stunning Austin resort. | Photos courtesy of Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa; GIF by ATXtoday
Whether you want to relax by one of their stunning pools, improve your swing on the golf course, or indulge in a pampering spa day, the resort has it all.
Families can join in the excitement with fun-filled activities like making s’mores in their firepits facing the beautiful Hill Country, playing mini golf + lawn games, and enjoying a bouncy house.
Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge at Blind Salamander Kitchen + Bar, offering a delightful array of delectable dishes inspired by local flavors and international cuisines. From fresh seafood to succulent steaks, every bite is a celebration of taste and craftsmanship.
$1.2 billion. That’s how much dough PepsiCo Inc. plans to dish out to acquire Siete Foods, an Austin-based company known for its “better for you” tortillas, chips, cookies, and more. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025. (Austin Business Journal)
Opening
Austin Motel will launch its new, in-house cocktail bar tomorrow, Oct. 3. Dubbed an “old school cocktail oasis,” Rocky’s Bar will feature lounge areas, shuffleboard, alcoholic and nonalcoholic shaved ice, and libations like “The Hissy Fit” and “The Jungle Cat.”
Job
Roses are red, violets are blue... could the first Austin Poet Laureate be you? Applications are open now for the inaugural role, which includes acting as the official ambassador for the city’s literary arts and promoting poetry appreciation within the community.
Announced
The Travis County Commissioners Court deemed October 3 as Lions Muny Golf Course Day, honoring the city’s first public golf course that opened in 1924. It’s also the home of the Firecracker Open, the oldest amateur golf tournament in the Lone Star State.
Plan Ahead
Tickets are available now for the 60th annual Austin Trail of Lights, which will run from Tuesday, Dec. 10 through Monday, Dec. 23 in Zilker Park. There will be several free days for the holiday event, but tickets start at $8 or you can purchase platinum passes for an elevated experience.
Ranked
Austin is for lovers. The Capital City just ranked No. 5 on a recent list of the best US cities for dating. The study looked at criteria like number of singles, divorce rates, and quality of life. Got a hot date yourself? Try one of these date night ideas. (TimeOut)
Sports
Did you miss any of the highlights from Spurs Media Day 2024? We’ve got you covered. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the San Antonio Spurs with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Wellness
Upgrade your morning cup of joe when you switch to VitaCup’s Genius Coffee. It’s infused with vitamins and minerals that support all-day energy + focus. Try it in coffee pods.
Health
Stop missing out on the conversations that matter — try these stealthy, barely noticeable next-gen hearing aids. No wonder 400,000+ customers love them.*
Esther’s Follies opened in Austin in 1977 and has been a destination for magic, comedy, and oddities ever since. | Photo by @mrflip via Openverse
October is Legacy Business Month in Austin, which presents a unique opportunity for locals to visit ATX mainstays and take part in a month-long competition. Here’s how it works.
1. Pick up a passport
In order to play, you’ll need to grab a passport at Whole Earth Provision on North Lamar Boulevard or Zilker Taproom, where you can also attend a kick-off party on Thursday, Oct. 3.
2. Make purchases at legacy businesses
Every establishment on this year’s roster has been operating for 20+ years. Get your passport stamped at:
Antone’s Record Shop
Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant
BookWoman
The Continental Club
Esther’s Follies
Joe’s Bakery
The Little Longhorn Saloon
Nature’s Treasures
Scholz Garten
Zilker Park Boat Rentals
3. Try to win prizes
At the wrap party on Monday, Nov. 4 at Scholz Garten, players with the most stamps will be entered to win special awards. Learn more.
Pantene’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner — it can repair split ends + protect against future damage, helping you achieve strong, silky-smooth hair. Psst, it’s less than $20.
I’m really looking forward to seeing Still Woozy in concert tonight for ACL Fest Nights. If you haven’t heard his music, you can find it on this ACL Festival playlist I’ve had on repeat.
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