The Cesar Chavez Street to 4th Street Cap could be home to outdoor fitness areas, an active play canopy, and more recreational amenities. | Rendering courtesy City of Austin
$104 million. That’s how much the city of Austin will commit to funding structural elements that could support potential caps and stitches over a sunken I-35.
Austin City Council approved a scaled-back version of the original cap-and-stitch plan yesterday. The vote came after weeks of discussion and just ahead of a deadline issued by the Texas Department of Transportation, which is leading the I-35 Capital Express Central Project.
A cap over I-35 between 4th Street and 7th Street would include dining areas, lawns, a sculpture garden, venue space, a skating area, and more.
Rendering courtesy City of Austin
It’s still unclear whether the actual cap structures — which could feature amenities such as parks, sports courts, food kiosks, sculpture gardens, and more — will be built on top of the support columns that the Austin City Council voted to fund. The Council now has until November of 2026 to make that decision.
In the meantime, the approved funds will be allocated toward the roadway elements necessary to support several key projects in Our Future 35’s vision plan.
Astro Hour: Gemini Season Launch Party | 5 p.m. | The Volstead Lounge | Cost of purchase | Celebrate Gemini season with themed cocktails, flash tattoos, tooth gems, and readings by Laura Cowan of 6th House Astro.
Saturday, May 24
Tie Dye Class | 1-2 p.m. | Pinthouse Brewing - Ben White | $31 | Your ticket includes one beer, a workshop on tie-dye techniques, and your one-of-a-kind shirt to take home.
Here Be Monsters | Saturday, May 24-Sunday, May 25 | 6:30-11:30 p.m. | Radio/East | $30+ | The third annual, two-day festival will feature 20-minute performances by 20 indie-classical acts.
Honky Tonk Party | 3 p.m. | St. Elmo Brewing Company - Springdale | Cost of purchase | Wear your favorite Western attire to take two-step lessons, shop a vendor market, and dance to a live performance by Dallas Extras.
Chief Cleopatra | 7:30 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co. | Free | The Austin-based musician has graced the ACL Festival stage, so don’t miss your chance to see her show.
Lime will introduce new vehicles called LimeGliders today in Austin. The Capital City is one of the first cities in the world to see these seated, scooter-style rides hit the streets, and Lime plans to deploy up to 500 gliders throughout the city in the coming weeks.
Outdoors
The Austin Police Department’s personal watercraft ban on Lake Austin will take effect at sunset tonight and remain in place until sunrise on Tuesday, May 27. Non-motorized devices, such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, are still allowed for use over the long weekend.
Number
$315 million. That’s how much the Moody Center has generated in gross ticket sales (not including UT Austin events) since opening in 2022. It’s one of the busiest venues on the planet — the 15,000-seat arena ranked No. 8 worldwide in ticket sales in 2024. (Austin Business Journal)
Arts
The city of Austin launched a new community initiative called The Creative Reset, which aims to bolster the Capital City’s creative ecosystem and enhance public art programs. Take a public survey, join a focus group, or attend a listening session to get involved in the year-long project.
Plan Ahead
Arrr you ready? The Eleanor will transform into a pirate’s paradise when Shipwreck’d, an immersive pop-up experience, takes over the cocktail bar Tuesday, July 1-Saturday, Aug. 2. Expect a treasure trove of specialty drinks + maritime decor, and be sure to dress to the theme for 10% off your order.
Try This
Want to watch a movie while floating on Lake Travis? Alamo Drafthouse’s “Jaws” On The Water series features four film screenings at Volente Beach Resort and Waterpark. Tickets start at $42 if you bring your own float. Psst — scuba divers will be lurking in the water to sneak up on viewers. (CultureMap Austin)
Sports
SEC powerhouses are considering a shift to a nine-game conference schedule — but what would the implications be? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the SEC with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Drink
What’s that sound? Cannonballs, grill sizzles, and cocktails being shaken to ice-cold perfection — summer’s in full swing. This season, Deep Eddy Vodka is bringing the flavor with fresh takes on classic cocktails. Mix up these nine easy cocktails for your next cookout or pool party.*
Shop
Summer is almost here — and Hoka shoes deliver all-day comfort and support for any activity. Brad’s Deals has rounded up the best summer Hoka discounts from top retailers.*
Category
Concert
🎶 Music to our ears
Free concerts at The Drop-In are just as appealing to the eyes as they are to the ears. | Photo by ATXtoday
From symphony-serenaded picnics to garden gigs and skyline views, these free concert series around Austin will provide the soundtrack for your summer.
The Drop-In | Every Thursday through Aug. 14
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to watch live music performances on the world’s first 3D-printed stage. Food truck eats and boozy beverages will be available for purchase. Psst — sign up for the mailing list for ticket drops.
Listening Room at The Loren | Last Friday of every month
Head to Cafe at The Loren to hear up-and-coming artists perform while you enjoy drinks + light bites. RSVPs are encouraged.
Music Under the Star | Every Friday in June
This outdoor concert series at the Bullock Texas State History Museum will begin with a performance by folk-country artist Luke Bulla.
Looking for more free activities in ATX? Here are 25+ local adventures that won’t cost you a dime.
A great deal from Amazon’s Memorial Day sale. Note: Prices subject to change.
⭐ Get 27% off a portable charger and never lose battery again.
⭐ Shop 15% off Clinique Take The Day Off makeup remover, an oil-free, non-irritating formula.
⭐ Take 41% off an air fryer from the Instant Pot brand that’s rated 4.5 stars.
Dates for more free summer concerts are yet to be announced, including one of my favorites: Blues on the Green at Zilker Park. We’re also keeping an eye out for info on the 2025 Pan Am Hillside Concert Series, which is Capital City’s longest-running free concert series. Stay tuned.
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