We’ll be sending you our newsletter for the next five days, but if you’re not feeling it after that, we’ll call it quits — no action required. If you like what you see, click any link in this email, and each morning, we’ll keep sending the most relevant news, events, and updates from around Austin. Our newsletters are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time.
🕳️ A tail of Texas tradition
Local bands often perform at Armadillo Day. | Photo by @dougmoreland
While most Americans look toward Pennsylvania for weather predictions come February 2, Texans are known to look to the Hill Country, at a nine-banded armadillo named Bee Cave Bob.
Texas’ Armadillo Day isn’t quite as old as the 139-year-Groundhog Day, but it does boast some uniquely Texan charm.
It all takes place at the “West Pole,” a ranch in Bee Cave.
Bob’s job is largely the same as Punxatawney Phil’s. Bob’s handler Ralph Fisher brings the guest of honor to the West Pole, and when the time is right, he emerges. If Bob enjoys his time in the sun, it’s an early spring. If he turns back toward the darkness, buckle up for six more weeks of winter.
Because everything’s bigger in Texas, Bob likes to bring a little more fortune-telling into the mix. Legend goes that the direction he walks can foresee the political climate of the year, as well.
2026 ATX Open | Saturday, Feb. 21-Sunday, March 1 | 9 a.m. | Westwood Country Club | Austin’s premier women’s tennis tournament returns February 21-March 1, at Westwood Country Club. The ATX Open delivers world-class WTA 250 action right here in Texas. Tickets are on sale now.*
Groundhog Day, so if you want a second opinion to Bee Cave Bob, Punxsutawney Phil will emerge and predict whether or not we’ll see an early spring, a tradition dating back 139 years. Whatever Phil says, we’ve got plenty of Capital City events lined up for February. Just check the forecast first.
Watch
Do not try this at home. Storied rock climber Alex Honnold recently climbed the tallest skyscraper in Taiwan without ropes or a harness, and Netflix livestreamed the event. If he ever came to ATX, we wonder which of our most iconic landmarks he would scale.
Mansion Monday
When you think of a private island, you probably imagine palm trees, gently lapping waves, and a favorable UV index. That’s not exactly the case with this isolated piece of land in northeastern Maine. It’s a little easier to travel tothe pool at this recently listed West Lake Hills home. (Realtor.com)
It can be tough to find time to work out. Good news — a new study suggests that a couple of 30-45 minute sessions per week could be enough to make “very good gains.” If you’ve got the time, see which of Austin’s gyms would suit your schedule. (NPR)
On This Day
Irish novelist and poet James Joyce was born on this day, February 2, 1882. As he once wisely said, “life is too short to read a bad book.” Find a good one instead at with our list of Austin-based authors.
Sports
Certain players at the Senior Bowl could become some of the newest Dallas Cowboys. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of Nourish patients pay out of pocket to talk to a dietitian covered by their insurance. You could be covered, too — check your coverage + get matched with a dietitian who can cut through the food noise and build you a plan to thrive.*
Jobs
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, our Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles + watch the applications roll in.
Editor’s Pick
The main yoga room can hold as many as 100 people. | Photo by ATXtoday
Take a deep breath. If that felt good, a yoga class would probably feel even better.
Present Practice, a new yoga and Pilates studio in Downtown Austin, is now open. The studio is founded by Morgan O’Hare, who used to attend classes in the very same space before taking it over.
The studio hosts 14 classes per day and is expected to open Tiger’s Nest Café inside in the near future.
}})
