This photo shows what Peter Pan Mini Golf looked like in the 1960s. | Photo provided by Margaret Dismukes
There’s a lot of chatter in our city about “new Austin” + “old Austin” — where to find them, how they mingle, and when they clash.
In an era of new development, we’re here to present two options for activities in Austin: one that’s been around for decades and another that’s newer on the scene.
New — Holey Moley Golf Club made its debut in east Austin in 2024 and boasts much more than just indoor mini golf. Think: a robust food + drink menu, karaoke, and an outdoor patio.
Eat a sandwich
City Editor Morgan ordered the Knuckle Sandwich, Not Boring Turkey, and red pepper pasta salad.
Photo by ATXtoday
Old — Open since 1909, Avenue B Grocery is regarded as Austin’s oldest continuously operated grocery store and serves up fresh deli sandwiches.
New — Knuckle Sandwich’s new concept at The Far Out Lounge serves inventive sandwiches alongside a menu of sides, snacks, and desserts. A must-order from the bar is a shot of horseradish-infused Ketel One Vodka with a bump of caviar.
“Best in Show” Backyard Dog Show | 6:30 p.m. | The Volstead | Cost of purchase | Give a round of a-paws to these trick-performing pups with pop-up vendors, drink deals, and activities.
“Summertime” | Friday, May 16-Saturday, May 17 | 8 p.m. | The Long Center | $69+ | This Austin Symphony Orchestra performance features a blend of contemporary + classic works that capture the essence of summer.
Saturday, May 17
54th Annual Austin Bonsai Society Show & Sale | Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden | Free with admission | Discover the ancient art of bonsai by exploring an exhibit, speaking with experts, and shopping for tiny trees.
Paws For A Cause 2025 | 4-8 p.m. | Central Machine Works | Cost of purchase | Support Addicus’ Legacy Dog Rescue at this dog-friendly event with live music, raffles, and food and drinks for purchase.
Everlong: Foo Fighters Tribute | 9 p.m. | Speakeasy | $19+ | “Learn to Fly,” or at least learn the lyrics to sing along with this Foo Fighters tribute act.
Sunday, May 18
Pop-Up: AAPI Heritage Month Market | 11 a.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co. | Cost of purchase | The collaboration market with Kaiju Cut & Sew features 10+ vendors, food specials, and a pop-up mahjong workshop.
Sazon Latin Food Market | 4-10 p.m. | The Fieldhouse at the Crossover, Leander | Cost of purchase | Come hungry and browse food from Latin vendors representing the Caribbean and Central + South America.
Construction on the Broadmoor Station, a new commuter rail station near The Domain, is scheduled to begin this winter and wrap by late 2027. The CapMetro project was originally expected to cost $24 million, but after years of delays, the estimate has risen to $49.3 million. (KUT)
Ranked
Austin is the No. 13 largest US city by population, but it’s the slowest-growing major city in Texas, according to US Census Bureau data. The Capital City was ranked No. 10 in recent years, but only gained about 11 new residents each day within the latest 12-month period. (Austin Business Journal)
Development
A new skyscraper in Downtown Austin is nearly complete. 415 Colorado, a 47-story mixed-use tower, is expected to wrap construction later this summer. It’ll be home to 328 apartments, several offices, and retail, including a new Swedish Hill bakery set to open this fall. (Austin Business Journal)
Edu
Crews are preparing to pour the foundation for Travis Early College High School’s new campus — a $250 million project including new buildings, athletic fields, and parking lots. Meanwhile, Austin ISD broke ground on two modernization projects this week at Anderson High School and Northeast Early College High School. (KXAN)
Concert
No store does more. The new South Congress H-E-B will introduce a free monthly concert series dubbed “True Texas Tunes.” Stop by from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, May 17 to hear performances by Marcia Ball’s Boogie Trinity with Floyd Domino and Nick Connolly. (Austin American-Statesman)
Real Estate
Former “Queer Eye” star Bobby Berk designed and styled two model homes in Georgetown’s Wolf Ranch Community, and they’re now open for tours. The Emmy Award-winning designer also created a “BB Edit” collection, which gives homebuyers 10 templates to choose from. (CultureMap Austin)
List
Speaking of buying a home... the Austin area ranked No. 10 on SmartAsset’s recent list of the top 10 metro areas with the lowest homeownership rates. According to the study, Austin’s homeownership rate in Q1 of 2025 was 57.7%, and the typical home value this year is $449,181.
Sports
It’s a Texas-sized showdown. Who will take this weekend’s series, the Rangers or the Astros? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Drink
Lattes, and pastries, and lakefront views, oh my. These are just a few of the things one will find while enjoying a visit to Mozart’s. Nestled on the shores of Lake Austin, this establishment has been a local favorite since 1993. Explore the menu + upcoming events and plan your visit.*
Wellness
Improve gut health + boost natural production of GLP-1 (the same hormone Ozempic mimics for weight loss) with Bioma’s 3-in-1 formula. Get an extra 10% off with code 6AM10.*
Number
48 million. That’s how many Americans hear so poorly that their quality of life suffers — think: missing out on convos, concerts, and un-captioned movies. Fortunately, this hearing aid changes the game. Try out its dual processing technology for yourself with a free 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Category
Culture
How well do you know Austin trivia?
Catch us telling these facts to anyone who will listen. | Photo by @austindotcom
Gotcha. We’re here for the deep cuts, and there are plenty of interesting factoids to go around.
We put together a list of Austin’s history, oddest characteristics, and more. Maybe you’ve lived here your whole life and know some of this, or maybe you’ll learn something new.
Either way, these 28 interesting facts will have you winning “Jeopardy!” in no time.
The Austin area is the sole home to the Barton Springs salamander, an endangered species that dwells in the Barton Springs portion of the Edwards Aquifer. Likewise, the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler only nests in juniper-oak woodlands found in Central Texas.
Austin might have been home to one of the nation’s first serial killers — colloquially known as the “Servant Girl Annihilator.”
While the exact origin of the humble breakfast taco is unknown, most sources trace the invention of the phrase “breakfast taco” to Austin.
Two of these fun facts are true. Which one is the lie?
A. Austin’s Capitol building stands 14 ft taller than the US Capitol. B. Austin’s oldest festival is Eeyore’s Birthday Party, which has been held for nearly a century. C. At 298 square miles, Austin is only about five square miles smaller than New York City.
A shower scrubber mat. It’s made with 500 soft silicone bristles that remove dirt and dead skin. Bonus: It easily attaches to the floor or wall of your shower with non-slip suction cups.
Aw, shucks — I have one more weekend event for you. Texas Indie OysterFest will take place from 12 to 6 p.m. this Sunday, May 18 at The Far Out Lounge.
Six Texas oyster farmers will team up with chefs from Austin and San Antonio restaurants for shucking demonstrations, tastings, and competitions. Be sure to order that horseradish-infused vodka shot.
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