More than 6.6 million sqft of space is under construction in Downtown Austin. | Photo by ATXtoday
Downtown Austin is entering a new era — and it’s one defined by cranes, concrete, and billions in investment.
The Downtown Austin Alliance’s State of Downtown 2025 report is here, offering a data-rich snapshot of the Capital City’s urban core. Allow us to break it down for you.
Development
Downtown Austin’s transformation is anchored by massive projects, including a highway reconstruction, the revitalization of a historic entertainment strip, and a reimagined convention center.
Mayor Kirk Watson often refers to Downtown as “Austin’s living room,” and right now, it’s being remodeled.
Rendering provided by the Austin Convention Center Department and LMN/Page
Office market
Downtown properties once dominated by tech companies are now drawing a more diverse tenant base, with law firms, financial institutions, and professional service providers leading the surge in demand.
Tourism
40.2 million. That’s how many out-of-towners visited Downtown in 2024, largely thanks to events like SXSW and ACL Festival.
Approximately 450,000 people attended ACL Festival in 2024.
Photo by Chad Wadsworth
Residential market
Like the rest of Austin, Downtown is experiencing a dip in rental prices, which is driven by an increased supply of new units. More than 1,400 new residential units are expected to be completed in 2025.
Shuffle It Up | 6-9 p.m. | Austin Motel | Free with RSVP | If you’re single and ready to mingle, head to this mixer with shuffleboard, cornhole, and Pride-themed drink specials.
Grassy Thursdays | 6-9 p.m. | St. Elmo Brewing Company | Cost of purchase | It’s bluegrass night at the brewery, so visit for a live performance from Sylvan River Band + food truck eats.
Caamp | 7:30 p.m. | Moody Amphitheater | $60+ | The band behind hits like “Vagabond” will be joined by special guest Blind Pilot.
Friday, May 30
ILLfest Music and Street Art Festival | Friday, May 30-Sunday, June 1 | 3-11 p.m. | Travis County Exposition Center | $119+ | More than 40 artists will perform at this fest with interactive art activations, a 360º stage, and a vendor market.
Listening Room at The Loren | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Cafe at The Loren | Free with RSVP | Cast Iron Shoes and Dan Hochman will perform a free concert while drinks and light bites will be available for purchase.
Saturday, May 31
Pinthouse Plant Swap | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Pinthouse Brewing - Ben White | Cost of purchase | Trade and take home new-to-you plants at this swap with a repotting station + local vendors.
“Severed” | 7 p.m. | Hideout Theatre | $17+ | “Severance” lovers won’t want to miss this fan fiction improv show.
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James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Qui plans to close East Side King‘s brick-and-mortar on Saturday, June 7 and open Roselle Pizzeria — a New York-style pizza + pasta shop — in its place in September. East Side King’s food truck at Cosmic Pickle will close on Saturday, May 31. (Austin American-Statesman)
Outdoors
Keep your cool. Barton Springs Pool will not begin closing an hour earlier than usual, despite a sign posted over the weekend that said otherwise. City officials said the sign was posted before the change was approved, and the pool’s hours will not be adjusted at this time. (KUT)
Closing
Your last day to grab a slice at Allday Pizza’s food truck at Daydreamer is Saturday, May 31. The pizza purveyor — known for its viral pickle pie — announced the closure on Instagram, stating the shift is needed to fully focus on its brick-and-mortar locations in Hyde Park and Tarrytown.
Biz
Terry Black’s Barbecue plans to expand beyond the Lone Star State. The beloved barbecue joint will open a new restaurant in Nashville (hey, NASHtoday) to join its five existing sites in Texas. Co-owner Mike Black said the company is also eyeing new locations in Houston and San Antonio. (Austin Business Journal)
Ranked
Home sweet Austin. The Capital City ranked No. 9 on ConsumerAffairs’ list of US cities with the most new homes. The study assessed the number of building permits issued + new-construction home sales.
Pets
Austin Pets Alive! will host Puppy Party Adoption Events from 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 31 at its Cesar Chavez and Tarrytown shelters. Anyone is welcome, whether you’re looking to adopt, foster, or just snuggle up with precious pups.
Sports
Some think the SEC (and the Longhorns) might leave the NCAA if postseason demands aren’t met. Could that actually happen? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Try This
Looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to explore Lake Austin? Hop aboard a donut boat and take a smooth, quiet ride through the lake’s scenic no-wake zone — perfect for date nights, family hangs, or chill mornings with coffee from Mozart’s. Book your self-captained donut boat + enjoy a one-of-a-kind lake day.*
Number
3. That’s how many steps it takes to see if you qualify for a medical cannabis prescription in the Lone Star State. Not sure if you qualify? Learn what conditions qualify under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, and see how Texas Original can help you throughout the process.†‡*
Dubbed “a Texan perspective on the modern French bistro,” the new restaurant’s menu features starters like oysters charentaise, main courses like grilled trout, and a daily selection of charcoal-cooked cuts.
Boozy beverages
Curated by acclaimed sommelier Richard Hargreave, Le Calamar’s wine list boasts French, Mexican, and Texas bottles from independent growers. Cocktails fall into three main categories: martinis, Manhattans, and mezcals.
Happy hour
Enjoy $10 martinis, $3 St. Elmo Carl’s, and daily specials + bar snacks from 4 to 5:30 p.m. daily. The late-night happy hour features the same deals from 10 to 11 p.m. on Thursdays and from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday-Saturday.
The Buy
A rechargeable handheld fan to keep you cool all summer long. With a battery life of up to 14 hours and three adjustable speeds, it’s our favorite hack to keep from overheating in warm weather.
City Editor Figi and I are planning a summer trip to San Marcos to float the river. Want to nominate a nearby town for us to visit and write about? Drop us a line.
‡Texas CUP License No. 0005. Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. Texas Original advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions. Patients must consult a physician and receive a prescription to purchase medical cannabis products. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ATXtoday.
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