The nonprofit organization’s In the Park series brings Austinites together in neighborhood parks through five programs focused on fitness, play, art, film, and basketball.
Get outside, meet new friends, and learn something new at these 20+ free events happening now through May.
Fitness in the Park
Want to fill your schedule with fitness classes? Good Fight Fitness will coach full-body workouts at Dove Springs District Park. The donation-based classes will begin at 6 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday from Monday, March 3 to Wednesday, May 28.
Shake up your weekly routine by adding Playdates in the Park to your calendar.
Photo by HLK Fotos
Playdates in the Park
Creative Action, a local nonprofit established in 1997, will host playtime sessions for families to enjoy storytelling, arts + crafts, and music while mingling with other kiddos and parents. Special guests from BookSpring, Texas Book Festival, Austin Public Library, and Bright Littles will join some events.
Mardi Gras Celebration | 6 p.m. | The Volstead Lounge | Cost of purchase | At this Mardi party with DJ sets and hurricanes, the lucky person to find the baby in their king cake will win a free Hotel Vegas SXSW 2025 Key Tag.
“Being a Human Worker in 2030" | 6:15-7:45 p.m. | ACC Rio Grande, Bldg. #3000 | Free with RSVP | Bring your business card and be ready to network before this presentation and Q+A about AI in the workplace.
Wednesday, March 5
TLC’s Texas Nature LoterĂa | 5-9 p.m. | Easy Tiger - South Lamar | $5 | Gather your friends to play loterĂa and win prizes from local businesses in celebration of Amplify Austin Day.
Sound Bath with Highway Lights | 6-7 p.m. | Pease District Park | Free with RSVP | Ground yourself in the present at this immersive listening experience under the sycamore trees.
Thursday, March 6
“Naruto: The Symphonic Experience” | 7-9 p.m. | The Long Center | $49+ | Watch the anime sensation come to life through a film montage synchronized to a live orchestra performing the original score.
Friday, March 7
Cowboy Breakfast | 6-8 a.m. | Palmer Events Center | Free | Wake up and smell the bacon — this local tradition features a Texas-sized breakfast of pancakes, breakfast tacos, sausage on a stick, Jo’s Coffee, and much more.
Saturday, March 8
Jake Shane Live | 8 p.m. | ACL Live at The Moody Theater | $40+ | Don’t miss your chance to see the TikTok personality and podcast host on the iconic ATX stage.
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic will return to Austin in 2025 after two years out of state. The event will feature food, drinks, fireworks, and performances by Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, and more at Germania Insurance Amphitheater. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 7.
Festival
SXSW kicks off in three days and the SXSW Comedy Festival finally revealed its lineup. Check out the full schedule, which includes standup + improv shows, conversations, and live podcast recordings from comedians like Sam Jay, Sean Patton, Lisa Gilroy, Pete Lee, Punkie Johnson, and Godfrey.
Civic
Austin will require short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to collect and remit Hotel Occupancy Tax on behalf of users starting Tuesday, April 1. The new ordinance adopted by Austin City Council is part of an ongoing evaluation of short-term rental regulations — more changes are expected this summer.
Health
Austin Public Health announced the first reported case of measles in Travis County since 2019. Officials said no exposures are connected to the case, which involves an unvaccinated infant who was exposed on a vacation overseas. Learn more about measles and how to protect yourself.
Closing
Dan’s Hamburgers on Airport Boulevard will close this spring for six to eight months to complete “much needed” renovations, including adding a drive-thru lane. The Austin-based restaurant, which has served its signature burgers and fries since 1973, operates two other Austin locations + one in Buda. (Community Impact)
Community
Auditorium Shores is closed to the public while crews set up for Sips & Sounds Music Festival this weekend, Friday, March 7 through Saturday, March 8. Don’t fret, there are plenty of other public parks for you to picnic in until it reopens.
Edu
St. Edward’s University earned a research university designation from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. To receive the honor, a university must invest an average of $2.5 million yearly in research and development opportunities. The school will be reevaluated in 2028. (KVUE)
Sports
Which Longhorns performed the best at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine over the weekend? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Job
Do you have a passion for all things Northern Virginia, a knack for storytelling, and a drive to engage readers? We’re hiring over at our newest market. We are looking for a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at the NOVAtoday and lead the charge in crafting daily, hyper-local content. We’ve got the perks just for you: competitive salary, 401K with company match of 4%, and so much more. Apply now.
Travel
From SXSW to NASCAR, Austin’s Spring Festival season is here and bringing a tidal wave of travelers. Pro tip: The airport will be busier now through early April, so skip the stress, and arrive early (two and a half hours before domestic flights + three for international). Trust AUS, you’ll thank yourself later.*
Biz
Small business owners, employers, and hiring managers — if you’re struggling to find the right candidates, it’s time to try ATXtoday Job Board. Post your first job listing for free + get connected with top-quality local talent.
Category
Try This
đź’… If you please
Follow the neon, rainbow lights to The Pleasing Inn, a pop-up experience inspired by 1960s road trips. | Photo by ATXtoday
Does Harry Styles love ATX? It sure seems like it, because his brand Pleasing will soon bring a pop-up to South Congress Avenue for a second consecutive year.
The Pleasing Inn will take over the Austin Motel from Friday, March 7 to Sunday, March 23. The activation will stretch across three Poolside King Suites, and a unique experience awaits behind each door:
The Valet Service Suite will feature racks of Pleasing apparel, including limited edition items only available in Austin + a new oversized Pleasing tote.
The Salon Suite, dedicated to nails, beauty, and fragrance, will debut three new shades of the new Big Lip + Cheek Tint.
The Bell Hop Suite will boast an Instagrammable checkout experience. Psst — exclusive, surprise gifts will be available with purchase.
Shoppers can stop in from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Follow @pleasing for future updates.
The Buy
The Buy
A cast-iron smash burger press. Made from high-quality cast iron, this grill press uses pressure to improve flavor and texture, get restaurant-quality sear marks, and speed up cooking time of fish, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
City Editor Figi and I are going on a double date tonight with our partners — we’re seeing “Funny Girl” for the first time at Bass Concert Hall. Feeling spontaneous? It’s not too late to grab tickets to tonight’s show.
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