Ahh, the smell of fresh paint. Today we’re excited to share some updates to our newsletter design. We hope these changes will help us deliver an even better reader experience — but as with most remodels, we may experience a few hiccups along the way. If your email doesn’t look quite right or if you have feedback on ways we can continue to improve, please drop us a line. Bonus points for including the type of device and software/platform you’re reading our newsletter on.
👻 Got ghosted?
Sometimes it takes a while to find your fellow pumpkin head. | Photo by COLAtoday
For Valentine’s Day, we mapped out where love blossomed in Austin, thanks to reader-submitted stories of proposals, friendships, and heartfelt moments.
But... what about those chilling date tales that still haunt you? You know, like the time you got ghosted, or when you thought you’d met “the one” but ended up with a nightmarish story that your friends still cackle about.
Well, gather ‘round, ghouls and gals of Austin. Turn off the lights, and cue the ominous thunder — it’s time to share your fright night date stories — just in time for Halloween. From eerie encounters to freaky first dates, we want to hear it all.
Here are the rules
This is meant to be commiserative and fairly light-hearted. Now’s the time to unburden yourselves of embarrassing date nights and those cringe moments you’ll never forget.
Keep your stories PG-rated.
Don’t use real names. Keep everyone anonymous; even your identity will be kept a mystery.
For bonus points, use some classic Halloween character names like “Charlie Brown,” “Casper,” “Frankenstein,” “Wednesday,” “Carrie,” “Sabrina”… etc. You get the picture.
Share your local horror dating stories with us + your story may be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
Asked
Asked
Ready to share your local horror date stories?
Was your date more of a trick than a treat? Were you haunted by awkward silences? Give us all the gory details.
Night Music Market | 6-10 p.m. | The Buzz Mill | Cost of purchase | Shop for gifts and goodies from local vendors while you sip drink specials and listen to live music by Lyoness.
Creativity on Tap | 7-10 p.m. | Nomadic Beerworks | Cost of purchase | See live art demonstrations, listen to a live DJ set, shop vintage clothing, and sip the brewery’s newly released IPA.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Drag-O-Ween | 2:30 p.m. | Dear Austin | $12 | Eat brunch bites from East Side King and sip themed cocktails while you watch a drag show featuring local queen Malibu Imported.
Colorado Rapids vs. Austin FC | 8 p.m. | Q2 Stadium | $52+ | It’s your last chance to cheer on the Verde and Black this season, so show your support for our local football club.
Sunday, Oct. 20
1st Annual Barktoberfest | 3-7 p.m. | RADIO / EAST | $10+ | Watch a costume contest for dogs at this event benefiting Night Owl Therapy, Witty Bimbo, and Hoots for Help.
Full Moon Austin Witches Market | 6-10 p.m. | The Far Out Lounge and Stage | $5 | Peruse eclectic items with a beer in-hand at this all-ages + pet-friendly market.
The secret to making new friends? This dinner reservation.
Presented by Timeleft
“My first dinner was so successful because I met some incredible people,” One Timeleft user said. “We did nothing but share good stories and laugh. The promise to replicate that first experience enticed me to attend the second dinner, then the third, and so on. | Photos courtesy of Timeleft; GIF by 6AM City
Are you brave enough to dine with a group of strangers? Trust us, it’s not scary — it’s actually fun and rewarding, thanks to Timeleft.
Here’s how it works:
Simply, download the app + take a quick personality test.
Choose a Wednesday and book your seat.
Timeleft takes care of the rest, you just show up.
Enjoy lively conversations and make some amazing new connections.
You never know who you might meet over dinner. Book your seat and find out.
Drivers, start your engines. Formula One is back in Austin this weekend, bringing hundreds of thousands of fans to the Circuit of the Americas. Get the lowdown on driver standings, track updates, live performances, and more. (Austin American-Statesman)
Travel
As we buckle up for a busy weekend in the Capital City, officials are once again asking passengers to prepare for potential record-breaking passenger traffic at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. If you’re traveling, use our guide to AUS to prepare.
Community
Postpone your barbecue plans. A Parks Burning Restriction is currently in effect, prohibiting the building of fires and grilling in all of the City of Austin’s parks, greenbelts, and preserves. Officials said the restriction will be lifted when weather conditions are more favorable.
Biz
Intel plans to lay off 251 Austin-based employees next month, according to a notice from the Texas Workforce Commission. With over 2,000 employees located in Austin, about 10% of the tech company’s local workforce will be affected. (Austin Business Journal)
Answered
Last week, we showed you the proposed designs for a revamped Congress Avenue and asked how you felt about them. Over half of you said you love the idea of pedestrian-friendly plazas, and ~25% weren’t excited about the potential change. It’s not too late to share your opinion with us.
Listen
Sports experts are predicting a Longhorn win against the Georgia Bulldogs tomorrow — but only time will tell. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Staying hydrated is easy (and delicious) with NativePath’s Hydrate drink mix. Each serving includes essential amino acids + electrolytes that foster optimal hydration with zero added sugar.*
Finance
If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. Experts identified these top credit cards for anyone looking to pay down debt with no interest until 2026.*
Category
Biz
🎉 Cheers to three years
Let’s celebrate all the stories we’ve shared over the past year. | Graphic by ATXtoday
Today is ATXtoday’s birthday, and we’re celebrating three years of delivering hyperlocal, positive news to inboxes in Austin. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun.
In honor of the occasion, we’re sharing the stories we’re most proud of producing in the last year, from quizzing you on the Capital City’s map to drinking colorful cocktails at local bars.
Let’s toss the confetti, blow out the candles, and dig into some of our favorite stories.
These best-selling flameless floating candles. Transform your living room or entryway with a touch of October magic, thanks to these candles that appear to be floating in midair.
ATXtoday and I are birthday twins — how fun is that? I’m celebrating with cake and a dance party tonight, but here are more ways to spend a birthday in Austin + where to snag birthday freebies.
