Have you ever looked at a local spot and thought, “This place deserves to be commemorated?” Our city is full of legendary locations — many of which are indicated by historical markers. Historical markers reveal significant places, streets, neighborhoods, buildings, businesses, and cultural events from the past or present. Think: Austin’s many moontowers, Barton Springs Pool, and the Driskill Hotel.
But not all significant areas get the attention they deserve. What about the Chuy’s on Barton Springs Road, where everyone goes after ACL Festival? Or Daniel Johnston’s “Jeremiah the Innocent” mural, which is so beloved it was saved from demolition? Or even the Willie Nelson statue — sure, it’s only been up for ~12 years — in front of ACL Live? We want to put these places on the map — literally.
We’re putting your unofficial historical locations on the map.
Map via Proxi
Rules + details
Submit your historic place for a chance to be featured nationwide on our historical marker map. Our favorite submissions will then be featured in our newsletter, where we’ll put it to a vote. Who knows? Maybe it will receive an official historical marker.
Submissions are open through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Finalists will be selected by our team and announced in our newsletter. These finalists will then go head-to-head in a vote for our readers’ favorite. The winner will be announced later in December. No promises that it will get an actual historical marker, but it will be one in our hearts.
Want to know more about official historical markers around town? Check out Texas’ Historical Marker Database.
“Harry Potter": A Forbidden Forest Experience | 5:45-11:45 p.m. | McKinney Roughs Nature Park, Cedar Creek | $45 | Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins are invited to take a spell-binding adventure through an immersive, illuminated forest.
“Waiting for the Bus” | 7-9 p.m. | Ground Floor Theatre | $25+ | See a theatrical production about the disability rights movement by award-winning playwright James Burnside.
Friday, Nov. 15
Razorback Roast Kickoff | 6-10 p.m. | Sign Bar | $13+ | Enjoy a “hog roast” with pulled pork sandwiches + more food specials before the Longhorns take on the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Texas Legends vs. Austin Spurs | 7 p.m. | H-E-B Center, Cedar Park | $12+ | Grab some friends to cheer on our local NBA G League pros + enjoy $3 drinks.
Saturday, Nov. 16
29th Annual Texas Book Festival | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Downtown Austin | $0+ | Join fellow bookworms on a two-day literary adventure with book signings, author talks, cooking demonstrations, and more.
Texas Craft Brewers Festival | 12-6:30 p.m. | Fiesta Gardens | $55+ | Sip beer from 80 craft breweries at the largest celebration of its kind in Texas.
Check out holiday-themed floats and an appearance from Santa at the parade. | Photo via Visit Conroe
Weekend getaway, anyone?
Kick off the holiday festivities with a trip to Conroe (~three hours away) for the Toby Powell Conroe Christmas Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Heritage Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is working to expand MoPac Expressway from southbound Cesar Chavez Street to Slaughter Lane, a project that has been delayed for almost a decade. The agency is currently asking for feedback from Austinites — submit your thoughts. (KXAN)
Opening
An “elevated community bathhouse” is coming to town next fall. Located at Pleasant Valley Road and Cesar Chavez Street, Bathe Austin will feature a dry sauna, several pools, a salt cave, a sound lounge, a steam room, specialty treatments, and an elixir lounge. (Austin Monthly)
Holiday
Longhorn Lights, UT Austin’s official holiday display, will illuminate for the second year ever, starting on Thursday, Nov. 19 through Wednesday, January 1. The free display lights up 24 Heritage Oak trees from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly to the tune of the Longhorn Band.
Festival
After a period of financial uncertainty, Red River Cultural District confirmed that Free Week will return in early January after securing funding from Austin City Council. The annual free festival showcases dozens of local musicians across ~20 venues Downtown.
Number
$510,000. That’s the median cost for a house in Travis County — which is nearly the same as this time last year. If you’re looking for a home in the area but don’t love that price tag, consider looking in Williamson County, where the median price is $420,000, or Hays County, with a median price of $359,000.
Civic
Austin Energy and Capital Delivery Services will begin work on an underground electrical duct bank — akaa protective system for cables — on Rainey Street next month. Phase one is expected to be complete within a month, but requires moving a water line and adding new manholes. (KXAN)
Pets
Every dog has its day, especially at The Mighty Texas Dog Walk & Expo. The 24th annual event will try and beat the world record for biggest pajama party with dogs this year. Bring your dog for a one-mile walk, free pet portraits, vendors, and more this Saturday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Camp Mabry.
Sports
The Longhorns will face off against the Arkansas Razorbacks (for the 80th time) this Saturday, Nov. 16 — what are the keys to beating this rival? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Eat
Are you brave enough to dine with a group of strangers on Wednesday night? Trust us, it’s not scary — it’s actually fun and rewarding, thanks to Timeleft. Simply, download the app, book a seat, and make some new connections. You never know who you might meet over dinner. Reserve your spot.*
Finance
High interest rates are a major concern, and paying down debt is a top priority for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Visit the grand opening celebration for BOGO coffee from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., free ice cream for the first 50 kids, and 50% off frozen drinks from 3 to 6 p.m. | Photo courtesy of Brandon Hill
There’s a stellar new attraction moving into the former Austin Eastciders Taproom space.
Stargazer — an all-day cafe concept serving up creative coffee drinks, cocktails, and local treats — officially opens at 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15 at 979 Springdale Rd., Ste. #130.
Here are a few stars of the show:
Cinnabomb: a coffee drink with coconut and cinnamon
Lunar Landing: a cocktail with mezcal and pineapple
Louie Louie Satsuma: a THC bevvy with agave and thyme
Stargazer will also feature plenty of bites from fellow local businesses like:
Bonus: get a bite from food trucks Santo Patio and Dipping Springs Tender Co. or order pizza from Bambino next door.
The space will have timed specials during opening day, like BOGO coffee + 50% off frozen drinks. The space will be open “7 a.m. to late” seven days a week.
The Buy
The Buy
Thanksgiving Day is two weeks away. Shop essentials to liven up gatherings + make dinner a success:
Longtime readers might remember that I am a big fan of Earl Grey tea — I drink it every morning. I recently had an Earl Grey macaron from Bakery Lorraine that was heavenly and it might be my new favorite cafe in town.
