Take in the Hill Country from the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail. | Photo by @tuckerridesbikes
SXSW 2025 begins tomorrow, and Austin locals tend to fall in one of two camps: those who dive headfirst into the festival frenzy and those who avoid Downtown at all costs.
If you relate to the latter, lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide with 15 routes and trails around the Austin area so you can trade the crowds for fresh air and outdoor adventures.
Greenbelt Twin Falls Trail | Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, because the falls are great spots for a mid-hike dip.
River Place Canyon Trail | Expect to get your heart pumping, because this trail has many elevation changes. The bright side? That means stunning views, too.
Walnut Creek Loop | Sit by the water — and let your pups take a splash — on this trail that runs along the Tar Branch of Walnut Creek.
Grand Reopening | 5-7 p.m. | Smokey Mo’s BBQ, Cedar Park | Cost of purchase | Enjoy $5 Sloppy Mo sandwiches, $2 bottled beers, and $1 fountain drinks, plus giveaways and face painting at the restaurant’s grand reopening.
Justice | 8 p.m. | The Moody Center | $55+ | Concertgoers are in for a disco dance party with this French electric music duo.
Friday, March 7
“NOCTURNE” | 7-8:30 p.m. | The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria | $30 | The museum will transform into an immersive, theatrical experience with transmissions from space and music from a percussion trio.
Saturday, March 8
Yoga with Jenna | 8 a.m. | Mañana Dos | Free with RSVP | Bring your yoga mat and find your zen during this beginner-friendly flow, then enjoy 20% off your coffee or tea.
Sunday, March 9
Zilker Sunday Social | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Carpenter Hotel | $25+ | Step into the sauna, recharge in the cold plunge, and enjoy bites + beverages at this wellness experience.
Crawfish Boil + Spring Cocktail Menu Release Party | 12-3 p.m. | Desert Door Distillery, Driftwood | $45 | Crack, peel, and eat mudbugs from Eastside Boilers while you try the new cocktails at the sotol distillery.
New hot spot alert. New York-based barMother’s Ruin will open its doors on East 6th Street on Friday, March 7, offering signature cocktails, beer, wine, daily brunch, and all-day eats like wings, fish tacos, smash burgers, and fried Twinkies.
Today Is
Amplify Austin Day, aka the largest day of giving in Central Texas. Find a cause you care about and make a donation to help reach the $10 million goal, and read our interview with I Live Here I Give Here Executive Director Piper Stege Nelson to learn more about the event’s impact in ATX.
Closing
Outer Heaven Disco Club will remain open through Saturday, April 26. The east Austin nightclub is set to close due to leasing woes, but was given an additional three weeks to operate. Go boogie while you still can.
Festival
Individual tickets and weekend passes are on sale now for Hot Luck Fest, happening Thursday, May 22-Sunday, May 25. Get ready for a four-day weekend featuring a street food extravaganza, open fire cooking demonstrations, and a day dedicated to brunch foods.
Traffic
Spring festival season is here, so prepare now for increased traffic in Downtown Austin and potential delays at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Use this mobility guide before hitting the roads, and arrive early at AUS if you’re traveling in the near future.
Civic
The city of Austin has a bit longer to decide whether or not caps and stitches will eventually cover parts of I-35 and create ~30 acres of new public spaces. The deadline to commit funding to the Texas Department of Transportation was extended to Saturday, May 31. (KXAN)
Sports
Rumors are still swirling about the Spurs potentially trading for Kevin Durant — but will they make a move? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the San Antonio Spurs 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 a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at NOVAtoday and craft 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.
Finance
Drum roll, dear readers... one of the best balance transfer cards is here. Say “see ya” to high-interest debt with 0% intro APR into 2026 (plus no annual fee, and cash back on your buys). Apply.*
Pets
Veterinary clinics are being pushed to focus on profit, resulting in higher bills. Pet insurance could help you offset some of these rising costs — with up to 90% reimbursement. Find plans starting at only $10/month.*
Wellness
Want thicker, fuller hair in just 3-6 months?† Through Hims & Hers, you can get access to personalized, clinically proven treatments all from the comfort of home. No office visits, no insurance hassles — just real results. Get started.*
†Based on separate individual studies of oral minoxidil and oral finasteride. Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.
Category
Try This
🏰 Hear ye, hear ye
Attendees are in for a good laugh at the “Washing Well Wenches” show, hosted by the village laundresses Daphne and Cookie. | Photo by ATXtoday
The gates of Sherwood Forest Faire, aka Austin’s nearest Renaissance festival, are open every weekend now through Sunday, April 20.
Set across 25 wooded acres in McDade — 35 miles east of Austin — the immersive festival transports visitors to a mystical era of knights, fairies, and fantastical creatures.
Grab tickets and don your finest garb to visit the medieval village. Here’s what to expect:
150+ shows each day include jousting, falconry, fire juggling, knife throwing, music + dance performances, comedy shows, sword fighting, and a castle siege.
170+ local artisans set up shop in over 100 permanent buildings on the property, offering handmade goods like pottery, armor, glassware, jewelry, and more. Live demonstrations from craftspeople like silversmiths occur daily.
30+ food and drink vendors serve everything from bangers and mash to chocolate-dipped worms and strawberry pickle lemonade to Thorin’s Viking Mead.
Psst — consider on-site camping for an overnight experience.
The Buy
The Buy
A pack of seamless underwear. These no-show thongs for women have a 4.4-star rating, are stretchy and comfortable, and won’t show underneath clothes.
Can you tell I love Sherwood Forest Faire? It’s truly one of the most magical experiences, and I look forward to eating the pineapple soft serve all year.
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