The Paramount’s adjacent theater, The State Theatre, was built in 1935 and was the first theater in Austin specifically meant to show films. | Photo via Rachel Parker
We’ve all been there: someone’s trying to give you directions by describing 10 lefts, 20 rights, and a jumble of cardinal directions. Isn’t it easier to just point out a landmark?
Not only are these local icons easy to remember, but they’ll also get you where you need to go in a jiffy.
The Paramount Theatre
This historic theater has entertained Austinites for over 100 years, opening as the Majestic Theatre in 1915. These days, The Paramount is as busy as ever, hosting films festivals, movie premieres at SXSW, and concerts.
The Oasis
This restaurant and event venue calls itself “The Sunset Capital of Texas,” and for good reason: it’s known for its breathtaking views over Lake Travis and live music on the terrace. Once you’re done eating, explore the rest of the complex for bars and local shops galore.
Test out your square dancing moves at one of Austin’s most famous honky tonks.
Photo by @sunshine.standards
The Broken Spoke
Head on down to this honky-tonk hangout (which has been standing since 1964) for a $10 two-steppin’ lesson.
Al Di Meola | Now-Wednesday, Jan. 29 | 8 p.m. | The State Theatre | $30+ | The internationally recognized guitar virtuoso will bring his sonically diverse music to the stage.
FronteraFest 2025 Short Fringe | Now-Friday, Feb. 7 | Times vary | Hyde Park Theatre | $22 | Catch a bill of four or five 25-minute or less plays Tuesday-Friday throughout the festival.
Wednesday, Jan. 29
Fortlandia Designer Info Session | 9 a.m. | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center | Free with RSVP | Think you have what it takes to design a structure for Fortlandia? Find out at this info session.
Hans Zimmer | 7:30 p.m. | The Moody Center | $350+ | This Grammy- and Oscar-winning composer will bring his talent to the stage.
Sunday, Feb. 2
Improvised Jane Austen | 6 p.m. | Fallout Theater | $10 | The improv comedy group performs in the style of the “Sense and Sensibility” author, with a lot of humor in the mix.
Monday, Feb. 3
Justin Timberlake | 7:30 p.m. | The Moody Center | $55+ | The “Suit & Tie” singer will bring the “Forget Tomorrow” world tour to the Capital City.
Don’t let this show be “The One That Got Away.” Katy Perry’s “Lifetimes” tour is coming to the Moody Center on Tuesday, May 20. Join the presale list or get tickets starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 31.
Regional
A little birdie told us that San Marcos is now one of 11 Texas Bird Cities. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Audubon Society of Texas honored the city, which is ~30 minutes south of Austin, due to its conservation efforts through habitat protection, sustainability, and education.
Sports
The Texas women’s basketball team reclaimed their spot in the AP top five after wins against Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Maryland within the last week. The team will host Missouri on Thursday, Jan. 30 — head to our events section to get tickets.(KXAN)
Eat
ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson is signing on as Whataburger’s newest brand ambassador. To celebrate, folks can grab a free honey butter chicken biscuit — Wilson’s favorite — from 6 to 11 a.m. this morning.
Try This
Need something special for your Valentine? Austin-based shop Flowersmith dyes orchids by hand using a water-marbling process, giving them uniquely painted petals. Valentine’s sale prices start at $45 — check out our interview with the founder.
Announced
New York-based Breads Bakery will begin its residency at Cafe at The Loren starting Saturday, Feb. 1 through Monday, March 31. The bakery, known for its chocolate babka, will serve pastries and a limited-edition Valentine’s Day treat called roselach.
Listen
With Quinn Ewers in the NFL Draft, Arch Manning is stepping into the starting quarterback role at UT Austin. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Sports
The countdown is on, Austin. The 2025 ATX Open returns to Westwood Country Club Saturday, Feb. 22-Sunday, March 2. Watch 32 top players compete for the singles title, 16 teams face off in doubles, and enjoy a week packed with fun events. Plan your visit + buy tix.*
Real Estate
Experience the pinnacle of luxury living at Atten Hill, located in the heart of Texas’ picturesque Hill Country. Horseshoe Bay’s newest luxury community offers breathtaking views and year-round resort living in Texas’ only resort city. Explore high-end amenities + owner’s perks, and find your dream home.*
Category
Outdoors
🌳 Park that thought
The lawn outside the Elisabet Ney Museum is left untouched, which is the way Ney herself preferred to keep it. | Photo courtesy Austin Parks Foundation
$600,000. That’s how much money Austin Parks Foundation awarded to parks for outdoor improvement across the city through their ACL Music Festival Grants Program
APF awards grants in two ways: Neighborhood Grants of $500-$5,000 are used for small-scale projects, and Community Impact Grants of $5,000+ are used for transformational projects.
Let’s take a look into how some of those funds will be spent:
Roy G. Guerrero Metropolitan Park in east Austin will use $550,000 to build a new basketball court and shade structure at the end of Grove Boulevard. It’s expected to be complete at the end of 2025.
The Clarksville Community Garden will utilize $26,900 to fund the creation of the Haskell House Heritage Garden with interpretive signage, plus invasive bamboo removal.
The Elisabet Ney Museum is in the midst of its comprehensive restoration, which was funded with $25,000.
All of my high school dances took place at The Oasis’s Starlight Terrace, which always surprises my friends who aren’t from here. Looking at the sunset over the lake on The Oasis terrace is definitely a must-do for any local or visitor.
}})
