The Texas Capitol was completed in 1888, with 400 rooms and 192,374 sqft of indoor space. | Photo courtesy Austin History Center, Austin Public Library
As we enter another rotation around the sun, it’s hard not to wonder what our beloved city was like 100 years ago in 1925. Austin has come a long way, so let’s take a moment to step back in history.
UT Austin’s “Old Main” building was home to all of the school’s departments, an auditorium, a library, and a gym before it was demolished in 1933.
Photo via University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History; crediting Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.
UT Austin was marked on the map as Texas State University back in the day, while the modern-day Texas State University was called Southwest Texas State Teachers College. UT Austin was growing rapidly during the time, with 23 of the school’s buildings (including The Tower) built in the 1920s and 1930s.
What local history would you like to learn about? Send us a pitch.
Howdy Country Music Pop-Up | 4:20 p.m. | Allens Boots | Free | The Austin-based musician Lucas Hudgins will perform at this party hosted by the cannabis-infused seltzer brand Howdy.
Alex Lambert | 8 p.m. | ACL Live at 3TEN | $15+ | This Texas-born musician — who has written songs for Justin Bieber and Carly Rae Jepsen — will bring his talents to the ATX stage.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Beyond Booze Fest | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | Swift Fit Events | $15 | Taste non-alcoholic beverages, listen to an influencer panel, enjoy live music, and network with fellow Austinites at this alcohol-free festival.
Haunted History Ghost Tour | 8 p.m. | Driskill Hotel | $28 | Step inside one of Austin’s most historic buildings and learn about the spirits that walk among you.
Sunday, Jan. 26
Campfire | 11 a.m. | The JLA Studio at ZACH Theatre | $12 | Bring the little ones to an interactive, imaginary forest where you all sing and dance.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” | 12 p.m. | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema | $10+ | Harper Lee’s classic story returns to the silver screen, just like its 1962 release.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
Tuesday Trivia with Trivia512 | 8 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co. | Cost of purchase | Grab your brainiest friends and a brew for a battle of wits.
Wednesday, March 26
“Hamilton” | Wednesday, March 26-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Bass Concert Hall | $15 | Do not throw away your shot to see this instant classic on the stage.
Up your sleepy-time mocktail game with this fan-favorite brownie batter flavor. | Photo provided by Beam Organics
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It’s cheaper to rent in Austin than Dallas-Fort Worth, according to Zillow data. Austin has been the most expensive metro since 2015, but DFW took over by ~$20 on average as rental prices continue to decline in Austin. It’s still the second most expensive, followed by Houston and San Antonio. (KUT)
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So much space, too few tenants in place. Office vacancy is at an all-time high in Austin at an estimated 17.6-22.3% to start the year. Quick development and the rise of remote work both contribute as Google’s “sail tower”, Innovation Tower, and Sixth and Guadalupe all have space available for sublease. (Austin Business Journal)
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UT Austin’s Architecture & Planning Library will soon bear the name of John Chase: the school’s first Black architect. The name change is thanks to a $5 million gift to UT from Chase’s son, Tony, and daughter-in-law Dina Al-Sowayel.
Award
Austin resident and Black Pumas bandmate Adrian Quesada is being considered for an Oscar. His song, “Like a Bird,” was featured in the 2023 prison drama “Sing Sing,” which is nominated for “Best Adapted Screenplay.” Previously, Quesada has been nominated for eight GRAMMY Awards. (KVUE)
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14,000. That’s how many people attended Free Week in the Red River Cultural District earlier this month, according to the impact report. The direct local economic investment totaled $200,000 and folks saw 390+ musicians and 90+ bands.
Festival
Get psyched, because Austin Psych Fest returns to The Far Out Lounge and Stage’s backyard Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27. Tickets to see bands like Darkside, Los Mirlos, Black Mountain, and Kim Gordon are on sale now.
Sports
Let’s look back on the Longhorns’ last season — what were the best and biggest games for the team? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Job
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Travel
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Try This
☕️ Good things come to those au lait
From left to right, we ordered the chicken schnitzel, hummus dip trio, and avocado toast topped with an egg. | Photo by ATXtoday
Coffee shop and bar Freddo ATX has a fresh new look as renovations to the space have wrapped up.
Located inside the historic Walter Tips House on South Congress Avenue, the two-story Victorian shop and adjoining patio is the perfect place to work and play.
You can check it out for yourself at Freddo’s all-day anniversary party on Saturday, Jan. 25, which will feature free food + drink samples, all-day happy hour, raffle prizes, and live music from 12 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.
With a revamped food and drink menu, here’s what we recommend ordering:
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Freddo ATX was great and I will definitely be back, especially during happy hour. Another place I love to hit for happy hour is Péché — $6 cocktails and half-off snacks is the easiest way to get me in the door.
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