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🪁 Eyes to the skies
ABC Kite Fest isn’t just about kites anymore — expect a pet playground, concert for kids, and a VIP club. | Photo courtesy Austin Subaru
We’ve got a kite for sore eyes, because ABC Kite Fest will soon return to Zilker Park for its 98th year.
Bringing tens of thousands of residents together (as many as 50,000 in 2023 + 2024) for a wholesome afternoon of free fun, ABC Kite Fest is slated for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 11.
A time-honored tradition for Austinites young and old, the kite extravaganza was created by The Exchange Club of Austin in 1929.
Originally held at the former Lamar Park, the inaugural event was a competition where the Exchange Club gave out medals for the largest box kite, steadiest tailless kite, most artistic kite, smallest kite, and more.
The competition moved to Zilker Park in 1936 and was henceforth known as the Zilker Park Kite Tournament until ABC Home and Commercial Services began supporting the event in 2010.
The lot that houses the iconic Chili’s on 45th and Lamar is for sale. That Chili’s has a ground lease, meaning the properties can be sold together or separately, and no options to renew after 2029. (Austin Business Journal)
Traffic
The Texas Department of Transportation closed the flyovers connecting US Highway 290 and I-35 for repairs last night, following viral posts showing “cracks” in the roadway. Crews expected to reopen them in the early hours this morning. (KXAN)
Number
$8,172. That’s the median annual property tax bill in Austin — the No. 42 highest in the country. According to a study by SmartAsset, that figure represents ~4.7% of homeowner income, but don’t worry, because that’s a lower percentage than Dallas, San Antonio, Laredo, Pearland, El Paso, and Georgetown.
Edu
UT Austin and Texas State University are home to some of the best graduate schools in the country, according to a study from U.S. News & World. UT’s engineering, education, business, law, and nursing programs all made the top 20, while Texas State’s education program took up a spot at No. 144.
Outdoors
Birders, listen up. Keep your eyes peeled for Northern Yellow Warblers and Brown-headed Cowbirds flying in your neighborhood this month, as they’re currently migrating. If you’re looking to increase your birding knowledge, check out events with the Travis Audubon. (KXAN)
Community
Dripping Springs ISD is now taking applications for out-of-district transfer students to fill enrollment in grades K-6. View the application. (Community Impact)
Finance
In 2025, over half of Travis County homeowners didn’t protest their property taxes, leaving $122 million in savings on the table. Don’t let your money go to waste. Ownwell helps you protest with ease, saving clients an average of $744 annually. See how much you can save.*
Listen
Did you hear that? Most hearing aids have one processor. These bad boys have two, making speech clearer and crisper by processing speech and noise separately. No wonder 670,000+ customers love them.*
Learn
Motley Fool Money’s top-rated cash back card just got even better. For a limited time, earn a $250 bonus after spending just $500 in the first 3 months. Plus, earn unlimited cash back and pay 0% intro APR well into 2027. Learn more + apply.*
Editor’s Pick
🪴 Downtown greenery
Jupiter Supper Club’s owners were able to lease the tiny plot of land for $1 for the first year if they turned it into a garden. | Photo by ATXtoday
I witnessed the ribbon-cutting of Jupiter Supper Club‘s new urban garden on 8th Street yesterday. The miniature oasis is filled to the brim with herbs that are incorporated into Jupiter’s (mostly) plant-based dishes — it doesn’t get much more hyperlocal than that. Plus, the garden features a greenhouse and tons of pollinators.
The garden is closed to the public, but the sweet smells when you walk by are free.
The Buy Editor Emily here. Meet my dog Meredith. Like so many incredible pups, she’s a rescue.
Until recently, I didn’t know much about her breed, or how to best care for her. Thanks to Embark’s Breed + Health Dog DNA Test, that’s all changed. I’ve learned Meredith is a mix of American Pit Bull, Australian Cattle Dog, Dalmatian, and that she may be at higher risk for Intervertebral Disc Disease. Now I can take proactive steps to support her health — like keeping her on a balanced diet and opting for a harness over a collar to help reduce strain on her spine.
Try Embark for your dog, discover their unique DNA, and give them the best possible care.
I sipped an iced brown sugar miso latte from Desnudo as I walked to Jupiter’s garden, and it was delicious. Austin is home to so much good coffee — check out our guide to Keep Austin Caffeinated.
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