We’re proud to share the city with these movers and shakers. | Photos by ATXtoday, Bryan Bedder/Sportico, Gaby Deimeke, the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Scott Flathouse, and Cory Muelles; Graphics by ATXtoday
Another year has come and gone, and we spent 2024 getting to know the folks with which we share the city.
The Capital City is full of entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, academics, and more. Here are nine we especially loved chatting with over the last 365 days.
Dr. Richard Rhodes | The 2024 Austinite of the Year is the longest-serving chancellor and CEO of Austin Community College and has a long history of working in higher education.
Adam Walker of Me Nd Adam | Being part of this local band isn’t just about the music for Walker — it’s also about spreading good cheer through an annual charity fundraiser: Keep Austin Cheer’d.
At just nine years old, Harris earned $1,500 running a lemonade stand — a spark that ignited a lifetime of entrepreneurial ambition.
Photo by Bryan Bedder/Sportico
Fran Harris | A new professional sports team could be in Austin’s future, especially if former WNBA player and Longhorn Harris has to do with it.
The Austin Flea Holiday Happy Hour Pop-Up Market | 5 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co. | Cost of purchase | Shop for holiday gifts at this local market with jewelry, artwork, textiles, home goods, and more.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” | Thursday, Dec. 19-Saturday, Dec. 28 | Times vary | Penfold Theatre, Round Rock | $19+ | See the timeless tale unfold in a full-scale, live production.
Friday, Dec. 20
Celtic Christmas | Friday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Mozart’s Coffee Roasters | $75 | Your ticket to the Irish ensemble performance includes deep-fried potato pancakes, Irish cream cake, and hot cocoa with Bailey’s Irish Cream.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Haunted History Ghost Tour | Saturday, Dec. 21 | Times vary | Driskill Hotel | $28 | Step inside one of Austin’s most historic buildings and learn about the spirits that walk among you.
Wednesday, Jan. 1
The First Sip Brunch | 6 a.m.-2 p.m. | Fifth Street Diner | Cost of purchase | Start your new year with an indulgent brunch, complete a “Green Eggs ‘N’ Ham” Benedict and mimosas.
🏐 Grab tickets to LOVB Austin Volleyball’s inaugural season
Presented by League One Volleyball
Get ready to cheer on LOVB Austin in 2025. | Photo courtesy of League One Volleyball
LOVB First Serve is heading to Austin on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to get your tickets for a night filled with excitement and volleyball action. Don’t wait — tickets (starting at $25) are limited.
Secure your spot and be a part of this exciting inaugural event.
See you at the H-E-B Center for an unforgettable night with LOVB Austin Volleyball.
A-list actors Jon Hamm, Henry Winkler, and Carrie Coon will bring a taste of Hollywood to the Capital City for the ATX TV Festival in May. The “Mad Men” and “Barry” actors will participate in panels and teach a live acting class — badges are on sale now starting at $150.
Ranked
Austin is the Capital City in more ways than one. A new report from TeachMe.To gave Bat City the title of America’s Pickleball Capital of the year, thanks to its 100+ pickleball facilities and 15,000-20,000 pickleball players. Next in line was New York City, followed by Dallas and San Francisco.
List
Music Lane’s Equipment Room is one of Bon Appétit’s 11 best new bars of the year. The only Texas-based bar on the list, the listening lounge was recognized for its unique cocktails with “panache,” 1,200 vinyls to spin, and themed two-sided menu.
Watch
“Spy Kids” and “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” — aka two of the most famous movies filmed in and around Austin — have been added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry. They were among 23 other newly added titles, including “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Dirty Dancing.”
Opening
Fogueira Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse is now in its soft opening period at The Domain. The restaurant, which is known for its parmesan-coated pork tenderloin, will host an official grand opening after the holidays. (Community Impact)
Stat
Trips on Austin’s micro-mobility options, like electric scooters, declined by 9-14% in the last six months. Since May, the number of devices citywide decreased from 8,700 to 6,700, which also led to fewer reports of “clutter” on sidewalks. (KXAN)
Sports
The 2025 Longhorn football schedule is here, featuring games against Ohio State, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Wellness
Treat the wellness lover in your life (or yourself) to Miraval Austin this holiday season. Choose a Day Pass, plan a group retreat, or grab a gift card to experience the ultimate post-holiday reset in a luxurious setting right in our backyard. Trust us — this is one memorable gift.*
Health
Discover the Horizon IX, where German precision meets hearing innovation. With two processors, it separates speech from noise, delivering crystal-clear sound for effortless listening. (Plus: It’s virtually invisible — and already loved by 425,000+ customers.) Find out if you qualify for a 45-day trial.*
Last call. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
Shop
Psst — Need a quick gift? Cloud socks are luxe, buttery-soft socks that cradle feet in plush comfort. You’re getting these for yourself, right?*
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Feel Good
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Has ATXtoday made an impact on your life this year? Did you find that life-changing concert in our Events section? Or use our City Guides to find recommendations on how to spend the perfect day with your family? Or impress your dinner guests with all the details of that new development in town?
If that was you, we couldn’t be more honored to be a part of your life. Would you be willing to show some love for our team?
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