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SXSW Sydney is no more, as the organizers announced the festival will not return in 2026, citing a “changing global environment” and “prevailing market conditions.”
The festival drew 345,000+ attendees in 2025 and raised a cumulative economic impact of $276 million over its three years.
SXSW Sydney was the international festival’s first foray outside of Austin, followed by the launch of SXSW London (which is still scheduled to take place in 2026) last year. Scroll down to the News Notes section for an update on Austin’s festival.
How much could you save on property taxes? | Photo provided by Ownwell
$12 billion and counting. That’s how much Ownwell has helped homeowners save on property taxes, including 91,814 Austin area homeowners.
If you’re not sure if you’re overpaying, you’re not alone: Property taxes can be confusing, and protesting them is even trickier.Luckily, Ownwell is here to help you save money and headaches.
Ownwell’s team of local property tax experts manage every step of the property tax protest process, from paperwork and negotiations to appeal hearings.
Here’s how much Austin area residents saved on average when protesting property taxes last year:
These detours will be ready for you. | Graphic courtesy Austin Transportation and Public Works
Development
Plan your commute accordingly. The segment of East Cesar Chavez Street between Trinity and Red River streets will be closed starting today through Monday, Jan. 19 for construction of the Waterline tower. The map above shows suggested detours.
Traffic
Waymo expanded the service area for its driverless Ubers once again. The autonomous vehicles now cover 140 square miles, from The Domain to Shady Hollow and Tarrytown to Montopolis.
Closed
New York City-based Chinese restaurant RedFarm quietly closed its Downtown Austin location earlier this month. Owners of the restaurant, which opened in late 2023, did not mention a reason for its closure. (Austin Business Journal)
Festival
Speaking of SXSW, the Austin festival is ramping up its programming announcements. The Film & TV Festival opening film, “I Love Boosters” by Boots Riley, stars Keke Palmer and Demi Moore. Check out the lineup.
Sports
The Texas Volts are the Austin area’s newest professional sports team. The professional women’s softball team is set to start playing at the Dell Diamond in June as one of six inaugural teams in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. (Austin Business Journal)
Open
When one restaurant closes, another one opens. Ugly Dumpling, a dim sum and dumpling spot, is slated to open in The Arboretum later this month or early February. (Community Impact)
Listen
The Spurs are halfway through the season — what have been the highlights so far? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the San Antonio Spurs with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Wellness
Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*
Category
Travel and Outdoors
✈️ Get ready, jet set
AUS offers direct flights to almost 100 cities worldwide. | Photo via Tim Griffith
Another year, another opportunity for a vacation. That’s our mantra going into 2026.
There’s nothing quite like a layover-free flight to really maximize your vacation, so we found some that you can hop on at AUS.
Explore another city
Amsterdam | KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | Go from one capital city to another when you fly to the Netherlands, which is home to an elaborate canal system, the Van Gogh Museum, and Golden Age architecture.
Head to the Great White North
Montréal | Air Canada | Voulez-vous aller à Montréal? Say “bonjour” to the Paris of North America when you visit this charming city.
Hit the beach
Cancún | Multiple airlines | Soak up the Caribbean sea while lounging on this city’s beaches.
Make it a mountain getaway
Albuquerque | Southwest Airlines | Explore the Sandia Mountains in the Land of Enchantment’s biggest city.
⛳ This men’s fleece-lined quarter zip is the perfect base layer.
⛳ A pair of windproof and waterproof pushcart mitts to keep your hands warm + dry.
⛳ These men’s thermal golf pants that deliver lightweight insulation for under $50.
⛳ A handy golf cart heater that can run for almost six hours.
⛳ Bonus: If your course is closed for the season, this 4.8-star rated indoor golf simulator is calling your name.
I didn’t want to spoil too much of your matchbook finding journey in yesterday’s guide, but I have a ton to add to my collection. Pro tip: South Congress is possibly the best strip to add a bunch of matchbooks to your collection in one place.
