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🏗️ Breaking convention
The new Austin Convention Center will feature sweeping art installations, like this example of a colorful canopy walkway. | Rendering provided by the Austin Convention Center Department and LMN/Pag
$1.6 billion. That’s how much the brand new Austin Convention Center is expected to cost, and we have a first look at how it’s going to shape the future of Downtown Austin.
The Austin Convention Center Department and joint architects LMN + Page Southerland Page recently released renderings of the new building’s design, coming just in time for locals and visitors alike preparing to celebrate one final SXSW Festival in the old facility.
Let’s poke around the plans, aka “Unconventional ATX.”
The new blueprints will almost double the convention center’s size from 365,000 sqft to 620,000 sqft, encapsulating 550,000 sqft inside and 70,000 sqft outside.
Indoor-outdoor connection was a major focus in the design, which includes plenty of windows to maximize natural light, open-air terraces, and easy access to outdoor plazas. The project is poised to be the world’s first zero-carbon-certified convention center, to be determined by the International Living Futures Institute.
Dine In, Give Back | Wednesday, Feb. 26-Friday, Feb. 28 | 5-11 p.m. | Canje | Cost of purchase | Nosh on a special menu in honor of Black History Month and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Huston-Tillotson University.
Wine Wednesdays | Times vary | The VORTEX | Cost of purchase | Enjoy half-priced wine by the glass, wine bottles, and retail wine to-go at this weekly event with wine reps and tastings.
Thursday, Feb. 27
PAACK | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Saxon Pub | Free | This five-piece supergroup of women from local bands is a staple at this pub.
“Ordinary Days” | Thursday, Feb. 27-Saturday, March 1 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Penfold Theatre, Round Rock | $19+ | Catch this musical about finding taxis, fulfillment, and love in the city that never sleeps.
Friday, Feb. 28
Anastasia Hera and Friends | 8 p.m. | The ABGB | Free | KUT’s artist of the month will perform at the beloved venue, celebrating her new album “Way Outside.”
Saturday, March 1
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” in Concert | Times vary | Bass Concert Hall | $50+ | Feel like you’re enrolling in your second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry while you tune into this concert.
Friday, March 7
Sips & Sounds Music Festival | Friday, March 7-Saturday, March 8 | Times vary | Auditorium Shores | $60+ | Dance the day away with chart-topping musicians like Benson Boone, Halsey, Khalid, AJR, Suki Waterhouse, and more.
Old-school fun meets craft cocktails and great company? We’re listening.
Presented by Pins Mechanical Co.
Pins Mechanical Co. offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends retro charm with a modern way of gathering and building community. | Photo provided by Pins Mechanical Co.
Your new favorite social destination has entered the chat.
Oversized yard games like Giant Lite Brite, Jenga, and Connect Four
We can’t wait to experience this social destination with our besties.
Photo provided by Pins Mechanical Co.
Did we mention this will be their largest location to date?
Expect three bars serving craft cocktails, zero and low-proof beverages, and a curated selection of local draft beers. While food isn’t served, guests can bring their own or grab a bite from rotating food trucks nearby.
The venue also includes a mezzanine for private events, a central courtyard, and expansive patios with fire pits — transforming the former St. Elmo Public Market into a vibrant gathering place.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center released its 2025 wildflower forecast + announced Gregg’s mistflower, a periwinkle perennial, as the “Wildflower of the Year.” The center predicted a sparser blossom of bluebonnets and Texas paintbrush due to fall droughts, but later-in-the-season flowers could show up stronger.
Concert
The Hill Country Galleria’s Saturday Night Concert Series will return this weekend with a performance from Texas native Jackson Wendell. Catch a show 6-8 p.m. on Saturdays from March 1 through March 29 — other performers include Bob Schneider and a SXSW Down Under Showcase.
Outdoors
On Saturday, Austin Animal Control officers rescued a barred owl froma local park. The team transported the injured owl to the Austin Wildlife Rescue + wants to remind anyone who crosses paths with sick wildlife to call 311. Fun fact: Barred owl hoots sound like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”
Tech
Leave the phishes in the sea. As TxTag toll bill text scams continue to circulate, the Texas Department of Transportation + federal agencies need your help tracking them. Report suspicious TxTag texts to the customer service line at 1-888-468-9824. (KXAN)
Sports
Longhorn football assistant coach Terry Joseph is going to The Big Easy to coach the New Orleans Saints, and Duane Akina will return to take his place. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Travel
Trade your routine for a midweek escape to Lake Charles — where sunsets, seafood, and a little luck at the tables await. Explore the Boudin Trail, sip craft cocktails, and spot gators along the Creole Nature Trail. Plan your trip.*
Shop
Mood’s Rapid Onset THC Gummies take effect in as little as five minutes — no lighter, lingering smells, or coughing required. Get 20% off with code FIRST20.*†
Category
Business
🛍️ Let’s get down to (small) business
Calling all small business owners. This spring, we’re celebrating the impact you have on our city. | Photo by ATXtoday
Here at ATXtoday, you may already know we’re big on celebrating local, especially our city’s small businesses. This is why a week dedicated to highlighting the heart of our communities is right up our alley.
Enter: Small Business Week — a national initiative that acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of small businesses — that we’ll be celebrating from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10.
We want to join in on the celebrations by highlighting some of the best small businesses in our city and offer a little something special for our readers, too.
This is where we need your help.
If you own a local small business or know someone who does, celebrate Small Business Week with us by filling out a form about your business. We’ll be selecting businesses to feature in our newsletter throughout the week.
Bonus: As an optional choice, you can offer a fun deal or discount, a limited-edition menu item, or host a special event during the week for our readers to enjoy.
Complete the form by Sunday, March 16 and we’ll include it in our interactive map and coverage for Small Business Week. Psst: There’s no charge to participate.
The Buy
The Buy
A Diamond Dazzle Stick — aka, a travel-sized diamond cleaner pen that keeps jewelry sparkling on the go. Keep it in your purse for quick touch-ups so your rings will gleam. Bonus: It’s got 30,000+ five-star reviews.
Last night, I had dinner at Lee’s Kitchen and Cocktails: a family-owned, casual Asian fusion restaurant in West Lake Hills. We ordered the spring rolls, jumbo garlic prawns, and spicy wontons. I’ll definitely return for the brunch service.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio.
The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.
†Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by 6AM City. It is commonly advised to read a company’s terms & conditions and instructions for use before trying new products.
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