The inside of Walton’s Fancy and Staple is charming as ever. | Photo via Dani Parsons
Hollywood is where many celebrities live, work, and play. But sometimes, the stars look to Austin to take on another role — in the restaurant world, that is.
We’ve rounded up a few local restaurants powered by celebrity chefs + other big names in showbiz. Lights. Camera. Action. Eat.
Walton’s Fancy and Staple
This charming brick bakery, deli + flower shop is owned by Miss Congeniality herself, Academy Award-winning actress Sandra Bullock.
Franklin Barbecue
James Beard Award-winning chef and New York Times bestselling author Aaron Franklin owns this beloved restaurant alongside his wife, Stacy Franklin.
Arlo Grey
“Top Chef” winner, host, and cookbook author Kristen Kish is the chef/partner of this chic downtown restaurant at the LINE Austin hotel.
Austinites are invited to explore a full lineup of craft cocktails, from bold new flavors to timeless favorites like the Austin Mule. This Tasting Room Classic is made with:
Deep Eddy Cranberry
A splash of lime juice
Bubbly ginger beer
And a minty finish
It’s a must-try for any occasion (especially this weekend).
With the new Austin Convention Center under construction, SXSW 2026 is going to be more spread out than ever. The festival announced its slate of venues, which includes many of the surrounding hotels, Brazos Hall, 800 Congress, and The Paramount Theater.
List
Chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Beverage Director Arjav Ezekiel of lauded local restaurant Birdie’s were named on the Time100 Next list. The award-winning couple was recognized by Grant Achatz, but Austinites Glen Powell and Whitney Wolfe Herd also nominated some rising stars.
Trending
Some Swifties are speculating that Taylor Swift will appear as a guest during Sabrina Carpenter’s ACL set on Saturday. The theory comes from a timecard schedule from Swift showing a “standby” alert at the same time Carpenter will hit the stage.
Concert
Twice, a K-Pop band heavily featured in the movie “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” will bring its 2026 World Tour to Austin next spring. Tickets for the “This Is For” tour will go on sale at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9.
Try This
You might want to touch grass after a weekend full of live music. The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum will offer free admission for everyone today through Sunday, Oct. 5 and free admission to all ACL wristband-holders now through Thursday, Oct. 9.
Weather
Austinites are may be in for a dry winter with La Niña approaching. The phenomenon — likely beginning this month or next — also typically leads to warmer temperatures in Central Texas. (Austin American-Statesman)
Sports
The New York Jets are looking to break a four-game losing streak when they face off against the Cowboys this weekend, but The Boys are grappling with injuries on the offensive line. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Shop
Crafters, you need(le) to hear this. Shuttered retailer Joann is sort of back. Michael’s bought Joann and will launch The Knit & Sew Shop, a co-branded “shop-in-shop,” across its 1,300+ stores. Cutting tables for fabric sales by the yard are planned for 650 stores by mid-October. Find your local Michael’s.
Festival
For true coffee lovers, every day feels like World Coffee Day. But a full weekend of coffee-centric fun with like-minded enthusiasts? That’s rare. From live roasting demos to free global coffee samples, Mozart’s World Coffee Fest is a must-do for espresso lovers. RSVP.*
Read
Tired of the political drama? We get it. Cut through the noise and subscribe to The Tangle’s free newsletter for balanced, nonpartisan reporting on major political stories.*
Biz
If you’re wondering how you’re going to find someone stellar to fill your job opening, we can help. With our Job Board, you can post your listing for free and score a new employee in your community. It’s quick and easy — try it.
Category
Events
🎉 No wristband? No problem.
ACL Festival season is a mindset, and you don’t need to attend to partake. | Photo by Nathan Zucker for ACL Festival
Wristbands for this year’s ACL Festival are mostly sold out, but if you don’t have tickets for the 2025 edition, don’t fret. There are ways to enjoy ACL without ever setting foot in Zilker Park.
Get ready, avoid driving near the Zilker and Bouldin Creek neighborhoods, and consider these events for your weekend.
ACL Fest Nights | If you’re only interested in seeing an artist or two on the lineup, you may be able to catch them at an aftershow. Big names like John Summit, MARINA, Passion Pit, and DJO will perform outside the festival. Don’t wait to grab tickets because they’re selling out fast. Psst — you can also enter to win tickets.
Stream Weekend One | Hulu will have a select lineup of performers streaming live so folks at home can enjoy, but beware, you can only stream weekend one.
Scroll our events calendar | If ACL Festival isn’t your bag, there are still plenty of events taking place over both weekends.
The Buy
Your favorite Nordstrom fall fashion essential. Sometimes, just one great new piece can update what’s already in your closet from last year. We’re eyeing:
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.
Austinites, today is the big day, and I’ll be on the ACL grounds giving out friendship bracelets to new subscribers. To celebrate, here’s a photo of me at the festival in 2023, when I first gave out bracelets. Look how happy I was.
