We can’t wait to spot some bluebonnets. | Photo by ATXtoday
Local blooms are about to sprout all over Central Texas.
Native plants are naturally adapted to the local climate, provide sustenance to native wildlife, and save water by thriving on normal rainfall. Plus, they’re more visually diverse than, say, lawn grass.
Consider planting some Central Texas flora this spring. We’ll get you started.
Blackfoot daisy
Growing tips: These petite white flowers are sturdy and do very well in rock gardens, but need well-draining soil to thrive.
Black-eyed Susan
Growing tips: Black-eyed Susan can become aggressive without competition, so consider planting it alongside other plants on this list.
Prairie verbena
Growing tips: Prairie verbena is common in open grassy areas around the state and prefers well-draining soil including sand, loam, clay, and limestone.
Texas bluebonnet
Growing tips: While bluebonnets only bloom their signature flower heads in spring and summer, they also form rosettes in the winter.
Waterloo Records Last Day Parties | Now-Friday, March 14 | Times vary | Waterloo Records | Free with RSVP | See Charley Crockett, Sofie Royer, Mon Rovia, and more as you celebrate Waterloo’s final days at their iconic location.
Trivia Night | 7-9 p.m. | The VORTEX | Cost of purchase | Join Geeks Who Drink for a night of friendly competition, handcrafted cocktails, and pasta from Patrizi’s.
Wednesday, March 12
Sonic Guild Love Your Music Fest | 12-7 p.m. | GSD&M Backyard | Free with RSVP | Jam out with local musicians like Foxtales, BLK ODYSSY, Skateland, and more while you enjoy bites + bevs.
“Dancing with the Stars": Live! | 7:30 p.m. | Bass Concert Hall | $60+ | Enter the ballroom and get up close with the dancers at this all-new show.
Thursday, March 13
Koe Wetzel | 7 p.m. | Moody Amphitheater | $55+ | Here’s “Something to Talk About” — the country singer-songwriter will serenade fans under the stars.
Friday, March 14
Rodeo Austin | Friday, March 14-Saturday, March 29 | Times vary | Travis County Exposition Center | $30+ | Don your cowboy boots and buckle up for a night of carnival rides, bull riding, BBQ, dancing, and live music.
Saturday, March 15
St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival | Saturday, March 15-Monday, March 17 | Times vary | Jack & Ginger’s | Cost of purchase | Drink green beer, eat crawfish + BBQ, listen to bagpipe performances, and watch the Leprechaun Olympics.
Cast your vote for our ATXtoday’s Best competition. | Graphic by 6AM City
We crunched the numbers and compiled your official ATXtoday’s Best nominees.
Now comes the fun part: voting. Now through Friday, April 25, you can vote for your number one spot in each category. From kid-friendly venues to best places to golf, there are plenty of options to brag on your favorite biz. You can vote from your mobile or desktop.
Hold tight. Winners will be announced Monday, May 5.
A locally focused grocery store and market called Radius Butcher and Grocery will open on Wednesday, March 12 in the former Salt & Time space in east Austin. The shop will offer seasonal produce, Texas-raised meat, and Gulf-caught seafood.
Coming Soon
Another Jo’s Coffee is in the works for West Campus, according to permit filings, at the same address as student apartment complex Union on 24th. Construction is expected to begin on Tuesday, April 1, marking the mini-chain’s eighth Austin location. (KXAN)
Travel
Delta Air Lines will end nonstop service between Austin and Harlingen this summer after only eight months in operation. The last flight between the Capital City and the Lower Rio Grande Valley city will be on Saturday, June 7, and the airline will ramp up service to Midland/Odessa the next day. (KXAN)
Announced
Italian restaurant Poeta is moving out of its East 11th Street location. The restaurant will take over the Swoop House space, located near Govalle, and reopen in the next few weeks.
Number
$60,995 to $183,002. That’s how much you need to earn annually to be considered “middle class” in Austin, according to a study from SmartAsset. Austin had the No. 18 highest threshold for middle class income in the country, but Plano was the highest in Texas with an income floor of $72,389.
Community
The Zilker Eagle is back to running on a 10 a.m. to 6 p.m daily schedule. The mini train had been on a reduced schedule for the winter season. Psst — rides are free on the first Friday of every month, thanks to the Bill Wood Foundation.
Sports
Who are the four Houston Texans legends that define the team’s legacy? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Houston Texans with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Coming Soon
Out for 2025: The hassle of picking a place to hang with the crew. In for 2025: This new social destination opening this spring in the St. Elmo District, offering nostalgic games, craft beers, and old-school fun.*
Tech
HP Instant Ink smart printers automatically monitor ink levels and send new cartridges directly to your door before you run out. Get a $10 welcome credit.*
Announced
We’re excited to introduce a new way to reach our readers — a limited-time digital display bundle + branded content bundle. Each bundle saves you 20% and includes at least three newsletter placements.
Community
We crunched the numbers and compiled your official ATXtoday’s Best nominees. Now comes the fun part: voting. Now through Friday, April 25 you can vote for your favorites in each category. Winners will be announced Monday, May 5.
Category
Festival
🎉 Don’t stop the party
SXSW runs until Saturday, March 15. | Photo by Tico Mendoza
Festival season is well underway in Austin, and even if you don’t want to spend big bucks, there’s always something to do.
That’s where we come in — here’s our list of free things to do at SXSW.
By the way, if you do have a badge, don’t miss our guide to every local artist performing.
Rolling Stone Future of Music Showcase | Tuesday, March 11-Friday, March 14 | Free with RSVP
Benson Boone, Megan Moroney, Ivan Cornejo, and Rema headline this showcase of up-and-coming talent in Downtown Austin.
BMI Howdy Texas | Tuesday, March 11 | Free
This all-ages showcase includes live performances from Smooth Nature, Sydney Wright, Travis Bolt, Anastasia Hera, and many more artists.
Sportico House | Tuesday, March 11-Wednesday, March 12 | Free with RSVP
Hear from speakers like Steve Sarkisian, Colt McCoy, Gabby Thomas, Andy Loughnane, and more at this house focused on sports.
Festival season doesn’t stop after SXSW — Rodeo Austin, Luck Reunion, and the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas also occur this month — so plan accordingly.
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