Catch us telling these facts to anyone who will listen. | Photo by @austindotcom
Did you know Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World?
Nah, just kidding. If you know us, you know we’re here for the deep cuts — and there are plenty of interesting factoids to go around.
As connoisseurs of the quirky and unconventional, we put together a list of Austin’s history, oddest characteristics, and more. Maybe you’ve lived here your whole life and know some of this, or maybe you’ll learn something new.
Either way, test your local knowledge with these 27 interesting facts.
Ever wondered why so many places around town use the name Waterloo? The city was named Waterloo up until March 1839, when it was renamed after Stephen F. Austin. Back then, Austin only had ~856 residents.
The statue on top of the Capitol building is named the “Goddess of Liberty” and she’s... a little weird-looking. Her features are intentionally exaggerated to create a trick of the eye that makes her look proportional from the ground.
As of 2024, the city of Austin is the 11th most populous city in the US, ranking smaller than Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
Austin is home to a ton of celebrities. You already know about Matthew McConaughey and Willie Nelson, but did you know Emma Stone, James Van Der Beek, Jensen Ackles, Woody Harrelson, Glen Powell, Jonathan Van Ness, Chris Harrison, and Dan Rather have properties in Austin?
Round Rock is named after (you guessed it) an actual rock. It’s a round-ish, table-shaped rock that you can see for yourself in Brushy Creek, and you can still see the wagon wheel tracks etched in from days of yore.
Austin’s oldest festival is the ABC Kite Fest, which has been held for nearly a century. It started at the former Lamar Park and moved to Zilker Park in 1936.
Why was Austin given the nickname “Violet Crown City”?
A. It was named after the Violet Crown Cinema B. The hills turn purple at sunset during the winter C. Downtown Austin’s buildings form a crown from above D. The former king of Austin used to wear a violet crown
Pumpkin Parade | 10:30 a.m. | Lake Travis Community Library | Free | Begin the Halloween celebrations early at this themed parade with trick-or-treating.
2024 Halloween Havoc | 7 p.m. | The Ballroom at Spider House | $12+ | Listen to a lineup of local bands and compete in a costume contest for a cash prize.
Halloween Emo Night | 7-11:30 p.m. | Texas Saké Company | $5+ | Grab tickets for this Halloween bash, which include a drink, access to discounted food specials, and admission to the costume contest.
Friday, Nov. 1
Día de los Muertos | 6 p.m. | Waterloo Park | Free | See community altars, live music and dance performances, and cultural activations at this annual event.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Fossil Fest | Saturday, Nov. 2-Sunday, Nov. 3 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Old Settler’s Heritage Association, Round Rock | $3 | Learn about prehistoric life, identify fossils, and engage in kid-friendly activities.
Houston-based restaurant Dish Society will soon have a second restaurant in Austin. Opening in early 2025 at 1600 S. 1st St., the new Dish Society will offer a full bar, an expansive outdoor patio, and classic American food made with 75% of ingredients sourced from within the state.
Closed
Wu Chow closed its location at North Lamar Boulevard earlier this month. Its parent company, Chameleon Hospitality, was acquired by an unnamed private equity group, but its other two restaurants (Wu Chow Downtown and Swift’s Attic) will remain open. (Eater Austin)
Regional
Saturday will be the last sunset after 6 p.m. for the rest of the year in Austin, with daylight savings time coming up on Sunday, Nov. 3. After that, the sun will begin to set around 5:30 p.m. until late January, but sunsets after 7:30 p.m. will return in early March. (KXAN)
Ranked
Terry Black’s Barbecue, Paperboy, and Canje are the top three restaurants in Austin, according to Yelp’s “Top Places to Eat in Austin” list. Other notable eateries include KG BBQ, Bird Bird Biscuit, Cuantos Tacos, Hestia, and 43 more.
Sports
Is it still possible for the Cowboys to make the playoffs from where they stand? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Wellness
Did you know? You can get a medical marijuana prescription online by following three simple steps. See if you qualify + get connected to treatment options with help from Texas Original, a Texas-based licensed medical cannabis dispensary.*†
Job
We’re looking for a rising star media seller to be our Sales Executive in charge of National Brand Partnerships with a primary focus on sports newsletters. Apply to join the 6AM City team.
Tech
Don’t let password vulnerabilities put your personal data at risk. Protect your online accounts with Keeper Security. New customers can sign up starting at $1.50 per month.*
†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. Texas Original advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions, consult a physician before trying products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume products before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ATXtoday.
Category
Weather
🔥 It’s hot to go
The sun sets over houses and the Colorado River from Mount Bonnell. | Photo via @jason_kautz
At the beginning of the summer, we asked our readers to guess how many days over 100º Austin would have this year. Since we’re (hopefully) comfortably out of triple-digit territory, we’re ready to share who was closest.
Summer 2024 was a relatively mild one in Austin, counting 32 days over 100º, according to data from Camp Mabry. For context, summer 2023 saw 80 triple-digit days, which amounts to 22% of the year.
Austin officially hit 100º for the first time on Thursday, June 27 this year. The most recent triple-digit day was on Sunday, Oct. 13. The hottest day of the year was on Wednesday, Aug. 21, measuring 109º.
Readers Tana T. and Nathan F. were closest, guessing 31 days. Congrats, y’all.
It’s possible we’ll see another 100º day this year, but it’s unlikely. The last triple-digit day of the year typically happens no later than October 2, except this year.
The Buy
The Buy
A three-pack of NIVEA’s cocoa butter in-shower body lotion — apply, rinse, and go to moisturize dry skin without adding another step to your routine.
Well Austinites, another October has come and gone, which is bittersweet for me because it’s my favorite month. Tonight, I’m planning to don a giant squid hat and give out full-size candy bars to the trick-or-treaters in my neighborhood.
