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Parks and Recreation

ATX_GoldenCheekedWarbler
Travel and Outdoors
Get outside in ATX for The Great Backyard Bird Count
The annual Great Backyard Bird Count attracts more than one million people nationwide to help record the bird population.
February 04, 2026 03:13 PM
 · 
Laura Figi
An illuminated sign for Creek Show in Austin, TX.
Culture
Experience Waterloo Greenway’s Creek Show
This annual event features eight illuminated installations and nightly music performances.
November 14, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A grey, cylindrical facility on a sidewalk with a photo of a rose on the door and a "restroom" sign next to the door.
City
Become privy to these privies: Austin’s modular public restroom
This Portland-made, free-to-use, stand-alone toilet is working to address common public bathroom concerns.
November 9, 2023
 · 
Brianna Williams
ATX_BuescherStatePark
Travel and Outdoors
Exploring winding trails at Buescher State Park
Buescher State Park offers opportunities to hike, bike, swim, and fish in Central Texas’ Lost Pines forest.
November 7, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
ATX_ItsMyParkDay
Travel and Outdoors
It’s My Park Day is this Saturday at parks across Austin
Volunteer for a cause — and get rewarded with some free treats — at this annual initiative to beautify Austin’s many green spaces.
November 2, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
Buford Tower in Downtown Austin, with the sun setting to the left.
City
Buford Tower repairs complete two years after fire damage
The historic fire drill tower in Downtown Austin has been restored with new windows and updates to its brick and concrete plinth.
October 30, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
An "I voted early" sticker on a finger in front of a green background.
City
Your guide to voting in the Nov. 7 general election
We’re breaking down what’s on the ballot for the general election in Travis County, so you can cast your ballot on or before Tuesday, Nov. 7.
October 25, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
A sign reading "Watch for Water on Road"
Weather
Why Central Texas is known as ‘Flash Flood Alley’
We’re talking about how Austin earned the nickname Flash Flood Alley and became the Flash Flood Capital of the US.
October 9, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
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Parks and Recreation
The life and times of Flo, Barton Springs’ most famous tree
Before the Austin community bids Flo adieu, let’s talk about why this tree means so much to locals.
October 3, 2023
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees lining the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail./
Culture
50+ expert tips from ATXtoday readers
Today, we’re putting someone extremely knowledgeable in the spotlight: you.
October 2, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
A closeup of loblolly pine trees, with blue sky in the background.
Travel and Outdoors
Smelling the “Lost Pines” at Bastrop State Park
As part of our journey to visit eight local state parks, we recently spent a morning east of Austin, in Bastrop’s loblolly pine forest.
September 26, 2023
 · 
London Gibson
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A close-up of food at Citizen Eatery
Live
Guide to vegan restaurants in Austin
Dig into delicious and nutritious plant-based fare in every corner of the Capital City.
January 16, 2026
 · 
London Gibson
A rendering of a lattice bridge above Waller Creek, surrounded by trees.
City
5 Major developments we’re watching in 2026
We see ribbon cuttings in Austin’s future, because the next decade has major projects that will change the shape of the city in store.
January 15, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A plane flying over Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at dusk.
Travel and Outdoors
Fly away on one of these nonstop flights out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
You’ll never have to deal with a layover again, because these are just a few of ABIA’s nonstop flights, which will take you to over 100 cities in the US and abroad.
January 14, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Matchbooks
Culture
Where to collect matchbooks in Austin
Dip your toes into “phillumeny,” aka the practice of collecting matchbooks, while you explore ATX and support local businesses at the same time.
January 13, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A group of eight people, including Mayor Kirk Watson, stands outdoors on a sunny day, holding an oversized ceremonial check for $8.4 million made out to “Austin’s Parks” from the Austin City Limits Music Festival and C3 Presents. The check is dated May 7, 2025. One person is dressed in a colorful hummingbird costume, and the group is posed on a paved path in a park-like setting with grass, trees, and utility poles in the background.
City
Austin Parks Foundation awards new round of ACL Festival grants
The slate of new grants goes toward projects including new bridge construction, shade structure creation, and trail repair.
January 12, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_WatersParkHistoricalMarker
Culture
Flashback Friday: Learn about the hundreds of historical markers in Austin
Let’s take a deeper dive into some of Austin’s historical markers, the significance they hold, and how long they’ve been standing.
January 8, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A view of Austin's skyline
Culture
How Austin ranked in studies during 2025
Austin made waves on dozens of studies, lists, and rankings, so we gathered some of the highest points the Capital City hit in 2025.
January 8, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Outdoor display of thrifted clothing and goods in front of the Treasure City Thrift store in Austin, Texas.
Play
Happy Hauling: swap meets, co-ops, vintage, and resale shops in Austin
Here’s the deal — the resale and vintage shopping scene is stellar in the Capital City. Here are 21 markets and shops to stop by on your secondhand journey.
January 7, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_LacheMovement
Wellness
Resources to hit your New Year’s resolutions in 2026
If you have a goal you’re trying to hit in 2026, we’re here to help you make that as easy as possible by connecting you to our guides.
January 6, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A spaceman kite floating facing down in front of a sky filled with dozens of other kites.
Play
Every Austin festival taking place in 2026
Save this page to plan your year’s worth of festivities.
January 6, 2026
 · 
London Gibson