Going to a show at Antone’s could help you win prizes to keep the party going this summer. | Photo by Jim Antich
There’s a new way to explore the Capital City this summer through the Downtown Austin Alliance’s new XOXO Downtown Austin App.
The app allows visitors to view a map of public art, explore a calendar of events, book parking ahead of time, get construction updates, and volunteer your time to improving Downtown.
The launch comes alongside the Downtown Austin Alliance’s Soak Up Summer photo scavenger hunt, which invites Austinites to submit photos of participating businesses until Friday, Sept. 12. Submit photos from three or more businesses via the app to be entered to win gift cards and a Downtown staycation package.
Participating businesses include:
Antone’s Nightclub
Arriba Abajo
Fifth Street Diner
Revolución
and more
Download the app by texting “ATX” to 512-890-3099.
Events
Events
Wednesday, July 23
“Car Wash” | 7:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | $12 | Hear the GRAMMY-winning soundtrack album while this comedy plays on the big screen.
2025 MLS All-Star Game | 8 p.m. | Q2 Stadium | $212+ | The biggest soccer event in North America will bring the best of the MLS and Liga MX in a head-to-head match.
Thursday, July 24
“Mary Poppins” | Thursday, July 24-Sunday, Aug. 10 | Times vary | McCullough Theatre | $54+ | Showings for this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical will be over before you know it, so grab tickets while you can.
Shuffle It Up | Thursday, July 24, Thursday, Aug. 28 | 6-9 p.m. | Austin Motel | Cost of purchase | If you’re single and ready to mingle, head to this mixer with shuffleboard, cornhole, and Pride-themed drink specials.
Friday, July 25
Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake | 7-11 p.m. | The Moody Center | $49+ | The pair of Christian musicians will share one of the biggest stages in town with Josiah Queen.
Tuesday, July 29
Jessie Murph | Tuesday, July 29-Wednesday, July 30 | 8 p.m. | ACL Live at The Moody Theater | $45+ | The Alabama-raised singer-songwriter’s “Worldwide Hysteria Tour” will also bring Jorjiana to her genre-bending stage.
An iconic, now-shuttered Austin restaurant will return in a new way. A Little Shady, a concept by Shady Grove co-owner Rusty Zagst, could open in Kyle as early as February. The new restaurant will feature a 4,200-sqft covered patio and has a Friday, Aug. 1 start date. (Austin Business Journal)
Trending
You can take home a piece of Chili’s at 45th Street and Lamar thanks to a new partnership with Tecovas. The oft-memed franchise helped create “Booth Boots” and a “Booth Belt,” made using material from the seats at Chili’s. The accessories go on sale online at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29. (Austin American-Statesman)
Award
The Moody Center was named the Arena of the Year by the Academy of Country Music Awards this month. The venue beat out the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TD Garden in Boston, Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, and Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.
Cause
Austin Arena Company, LLC — which operates the Moody Center — announced its Central Texas Strong online auction to raise money for flood relief in the Hill Country. From now through Monday, Aug. 4, folks can bid on 100+ unique items in support of several nonprofits.
Number
$60 million. That’s how much The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has raised for the communities impacted by flooding. The donations were dispersed between 35 nonprofits, including $2 million allocated to small businesses.
Outdoors
Recent flooding has caused an influx of mosquitoes, and they may be more drawn to individuals with an O blood type. The wet weather may also cause mosquito season to last longer, so take precautions not to get bitten when you go outside. (Austin American-Statesman)
Sports
Jerry Jones’ annual training camp press conference landed on some tense conversations about Trevon Diggs and Micah Parsons. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Eat
Something bold is firing up at Omni Barton Creek. The inaugural SMOKE: A Celebration of Fire & Flavor premieres August 1–2 with a VIP dinner led by chefs Kevin Lee and Evan LeRoy, a barbecue showdown, curated beverage pairings, and live music set in the scenic Hill Country. Get tickets.*
Community
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on the ATXtoday Job Board + get connected with local candidates quickly and efficiently. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
Category
Food
🍹 Agave up your worries
Celebrating National Tequila Day with a margarita and a screening of “Dazed and Confused” makes for a very Austin evening. | Photo courtesy Swim Club
As The Champs once said, “Tequila.” Thursday, July 24 is National Tequila Day, and there’s no shortage of the agave-based spirit in Austin.
If you’re planning to observe the holiday, try these specials coming to local bars and restaurants.
“Viva Tequila!” at Azul Rooftop
The celebration lasts from 12 to 10 p.m. at this rooftop party with pool access, a live DJ from 4 to 9 p.m., and specialty tequila flights and mixed drinks. Tickets run $24.
The Roosevelt Room
Sip a margarita for $9, a mezcal margarita for $10, and 50% off tequila pours all night.
Swim Club
Jump in the pool for a free swim at 7 p.m. and a floating screening of Matthew McConaughey’s debut film, “Dazed and Confused,” at 8:30 p.m. while you sip a cocktail made with Pantalones Tequila.
The Buy
Teva’s original universal sandal, now 50% off on Nordstrom Rack. A cushioned footbed + adjustable canvas straps make this a hikeable, wadeable, walkable sandal that will see you through all of your outdoor summer adventures.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Hot Summer Nights begins on Thursday, July 24. The free festival will bring 100+ local musicians to stages in the Red River Cultural District for three days. If you don’t know who you want to see, allow me to recommend Bruce, Foxtales, Jane Leo, and The Tiarras.
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