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.
🪩 As Luck would have it
At the end of the night, guests can listen to Willie Nelson perform in front of just 300 people. | Photo by ATXtoday
In the words of Willie Nelson, “you’re either in Luck or you’re out of Luck.” If you’re fortunate enough to attend an event at the legendary country musician’s ranch, you’re definitely in Luck.
Your friendly ATXtoday editors got the chance to attend Luck Present’s annual Potluck — a family-style dinner served by local and visiting chefs for just 300 guests — which supports sustainable food practices through Farm Aid and The Texas Food and Wine Alliance.
Before Luck Reunion takes place this evening, we wanted to tell you about our Potluck experience.
Inside the chapel is a stage for performers during Luck Reunion, so it’s unlikely to see it this empty unless you attend Potluck. | Photo by ATXtoday
Figi here. We arrived early to explore the grounds and peek inside the chapel, which was too crowded for us to get inside last year.
Morgan here. Luck Ranch has become my personal slice of paradise, so I’m excited to share a few of my favorite sights on Willie’s land. Wandering the property, cheeky hand-painted signs never fail to make me smile. A forbidden staircase bears a sign that reads “No, not even you.” Every corner feels deliberately playful yet heartfelt.
📱 The best downtown events + free parking, all in one app
Presented by Downtown Austin Alliance
Psst...When you subscribe to XOXO Downtown Austin via text, you’ll access giveaways and be the first to know about pop-up live performances. | Photos provided by the Downtown Austin Alliance
We like to think we know a little something about the best things to do in our city. So take our word for it — if you want to become the ultimate insider yourself, download the XOXO Downtown Austin app by texting ATX LIVE to 512-890-3099.
🗓️ The local’s guide to festival season
The XOXO Downtown Austin app provides a rundown of all the festivals happening this spring, plus details about free guided tours of the city’s art and parks. There’s even a full calendar of downtown events you can peruse and filter based on your interests (like “family friendly,” “live music,” or “fitness + wellness”).
🚗 Free parking
The app also provides access to free parking. You can get two hours validated from March 18-April 30 when you shop at 35+ participating businesses. Just pull up the LIVE! From Downtown feature on the app.
Download to start planning your next downtown adventure.
Cedar Park-based Firefly Aerospace is planning another mission to the moon, as announced by the company’s CEO and vice president of engineering in a SXSW session, following a successful rocket launch earlier this month. Firefly became the first commercial company to land on the moon last year. (Austin American-Statesman)
Outdoors
Barton Springs Nursery opened its Design Studio & Showroom, a gift shop and landscape services showroom, on North Lamar Boulevard last week. See photos of the inside, which is meant to be a comfortable gathering place. (CultureMap)
Number
$82,446. That’s how much spending power a $100,000 salary has in Austin after taxes and cost of living. That’s $1,841 more spending power than the same salary had in ATX last year. (CultureMap)
Ranked
Austin is the No. 7 best large US metro for AI-enhanced jobs, according to a study by CoworkingCafe. Dallas was the only Texas city to rank higher at No. 5, but Austin boasts a higher average salary at $130,439.
Development
Reagan Sports Club, a 44,000-sqft indoor sports facility, is expected to open in Leander in 2028. Plans for the club include space for soccer, volleyball, basketball, yoga, pickleball, taekwondo, and more. (Community Impact)
Shop
Blue Genie Art Bazaar’s May Market will open at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 1, just in time for Mother’s Day gifting. The market will be open Friday-Sunday through the end of the month, plus Memorial Day, with booths from 200+ artisans.
Plan Ahead
What do hot air balloons, family-friendly activities, and Easter egg drops have in common? They’re all part of this highly anticipated event returning to Horseshoe Bay Resort Friday, April 3 to Sunday, April 5. Learn more and reserve your pass to watch the sky come alive this Easter Weekend.*
Eat
When dinner turns into a staring contest with your fridge, Forkful meals save the night. They’re fully prepared and ready in minutes — with zero seed oils and high-quality proteins. Use code CMD50 to take 50% off your first order.*
Tech
If your computer overheats with a few tabs open or sounds ready for liftoff, the problem might not be your device — it’s likely your antivirus. Many big-name brands are bulky + full of pop-ups. Webroot’s antivirus protection uses 33 times less space and scans up to six times faster. Get protected.*
The best Easter eggs and decorations on sale ahead of the holiday. We recently shopped online party supply store Oriental Trading, and it’s got Easter covered — especially if you’re hosting an event on a budget. Check out our faves + use code BCFREESHIP for free shipping on any order:
Every time I’ve seen Willie Nelson take the stage, the waterworks begin. I keep trying to look at this picture from last night, but when I open it, the screen gets blurry. I’m not sure why.
}})
}})
