A continuous off-street trail now runs from Waterloo Park to Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, and the park that makes it possible is finally open. Waterloo Greenway Phase II, known as The Confluence, opened June 6, 2026, covering 13 acres along Waller Creek between 4th Street and the lake. The $91.5 million project planted 1,600 new trees and 200,000 native plants, put an 800-foot boardwalk directly in Waller Creek, and installed three lattice bridges and Austin's first downtown biofiltration pond, which treats stormwater from 26.2 surrounding acres. This is not just a pretty park addition. It is connected infrastructure that changes how residents can move through their own city on foot. For trail runners, families, and anyone who values green space in the urban core, the Confluence is a genuine addition to real Austin. Phase III extends the greenway north from 4th to 12th Street and is next on the horizon. Visit the Waterloo Greenway website for trail maps and upcoming community programming.

Austin’s hair salons capture the city’s artistic energy, offering unique styles that unite Texas charm with the latest international trends.

If you’re seeking top-tier salons for balayage, precision cutting, extensions, or dramatic color transformations, this 2025 guide highlights Austin’s finest — featuring updated info on services, rates, specialties, and locations.

Selections are based on 2025 award winners, expert votes, glowing Yelp reviews, and trusted industry recommendations, ensuring you find salons with consistent, high-quality results.

From locals to newcomers, Austin’s diverse salons welcome all, providing everything from deluxe treatments to sustainable, eco-conscious beauty.

Find your new favorite spot and book with confidence in Austin’s ever-evolving salon scene.

Lady Bird Lake comes alive every summer weekend as Party Island transforms the water near Lou Neff Point into Austin’s favorite floating hangout.

Hundreds of locals gather on paddleboards, kayaks, and bright floats, anchoring around the sandbar where Barton Creek meets the lake.

Born from spontaneous fun during the pandemic, this tradition feels like a giant family reunion on the water.

Friends crank up music from floating speakers, share cold drinks, and play games right on the water’s edge.

Even dogs and grills join the scene, while vibrant swimsuits and makeshift DJ booths set the party’s playful tone.

Austin rules keep things safe: swimming is off-limits due to currents and algae, and no motorized boats are allowed.

Bring your own board or rent one locally, and you’ll blend right in.

As dusk settles, Party Island’s joyful energy lingers — a quirky local ritual of friendship, warmth, and unforgettable Austin vibes.

On a bright Austin day, music lovers gathered at Waterloo Records to celebrate its grand re-opening after an extensive remodel.

Since 1982, this iconic shop has been the heart of Austin’s music scene, drawing crowds with its vast collection and legendary in-store performances.

Founder John Kunz welcomed fans back with a grin as the revitalized store debuted fresh features, including a spacious listening area, cozy hangouts, and a new stage for live shows.

The August 31 event kicked off with free coffee, donuts, and a festival atmosphere, as local musicians filled the space with live tunes and fans explored bins of classic and new vinyl.

Waterloo’s comeback reflects Austin’s enduring music spirit.

For anyone craving that unmistakable crackle of a real record, Waterloo at 600A North Lamar Boulevard remains the city’s vibrant music hub.

Riley, a musician from California's foggy coast, followed her passion for music to Austin with little more than her guitar and big dreams.

Drawn instantly to the city’s famed live music scene, she found herself performing everywhere from cozy South Congress corners to the iconic ACL Live stage.

She reveled in the University of Texas’s electric student energy. Vibrant street art and creative campus events fueled her inspiration each day.

Naturally, Austin’s green spaces became her retreat, with serene swims at Barton Springs and tranquil hikes along Barton Creek’s lush trails.

Riley embraced Austin’s magical festivals, from the innovative buzz of SXSW to the quirky dances of Bat Fest, making each tradition her own.

The city’s tech pulse spurred her entrepreneurial side gigs, networking at Tesla’s Gigafactory and brainstorming in local coworking cafes.

With every sunny patio, eclectic food truck, and spontaneous adventure, Austin offered Riley the perfect mix of creativity, community, and possibility.

Austin pulses with a unique energy, blending creativity, natural beauty, and a contagious spirit that captures every visitor.

Begin your day on calm lake waters at dawn, with soft city light reflecting as you paddle, inviting a sense of peace.

Morning brings bold flavors with a breakfast taco from a lively food truck, infusing your routine with pure joy.

Venture through downtown, where the streets vibrate with live music — guitar riffs and passionate vocals creating an atmosphere that’s both legendary and electric.

Nature beckons with lush trails and refreshing springs, offering a cool dip that melts away worries and sparks delight.

Climb for sunset views, where golden light sets the city aglow and inspires awe.

Art museums and festive crowds fill your evening with creativity and discovery.

Austin’s blend of quirky charm, inspiring adventure, and soulful connection stays with you, drawing you back again and again.

Austin stands as Texas’s vibrant capital, fusing live music, tech innovation, and a spirited culture that pulls in dreamers from all walks of life.

The city’s character is shaped by a remarkable mix of homegrown and adopted icons.

Angelina Eberly protected Austin’s status as capital in 1842 by firing a cannon to keep state archives from being secreted away.

Former Governor Ann Richards championed education and women’s rights, leaving a legacy of sharp wit and strong leadership.

Fashion designer Tom Ford, born in Austin, brought global renown to brands like Gucci and became a celebrated filmmaker.

Clifford Antone’s legendary blues club supported music icons, cementing Austin’s “Live Music Capital” reputation.

Filmmaker Richard Linklater’s indie movies captured Austin’s quirky spirit for the world.

Tennis champion Andy Roddick inspired local youth through his foundation after his Grand Slam victories.

Beloved eccentric Leslie Cochran embodied the city’s “Keep Austin Weird” mantra, championing individuality and compassion.

These figures inspire pride and ongoing creativity, keeping Austin’s energy legendary.

This September, Austin welcomes Grá Mór, a bold new café concept from the team behind Dead Rabbit pub, blending Irish warmth with a modern twist.

Co-founder Jack McGarry envisions it as a ‘third space’ — neither just coffeehouse nor bar — where creative non-alcoholic drinks stand side by side with classic favorites.

With customizable coffees, CBD sodas, smoothies, and traditional scones, Grá Mór responds to Gen-Z’s craving for social options beyond alcohol.

McGarry, a recovering alcoholic, insists these crafted alternatives deserve equal care, aiming to foster inclusivity and connection.

The café’s Irish name, meaning “big love”, encourages guests to leave heartfelt notes, echoing a cherished New York tradition.

Opening September 3, Grá Mór is set to become Austin’s new gathering place, celebrating community, memorable moments, and Ireland’s evolving spirit.

The Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) is launching a transformative partnership with Victory+ to stream state championship games and coaching clinics live across Texas.

Beginning this fall, fans statewide can catch football, basketball, volleyball, and track finals live on Victory+, plus access on-demand replays at any time.

THSCA’s annual coaching symposium will also go online, with exclusive workshops and keynote sessions for registered attendees.

Victory+ will handle advanced broadcast production, utilizing mobile crews and multi-camera setups, while THSCA oversees highlights, halftime programs, and interviews.

Executive Director Joe Martin says the initiative builds bridges between rural and urban schools, spotlighting athletes and coaches statewide.

Victory+ CEO Mark Reyes adds that new pay-per-view and free, ad-supported streams will boost school revenue and support THSCA’s mission.

Special streaming codes for members and a public preview are set for late August, signaling a new era in Texas high school sports coverage.

Texas Beach Volleyball has clinched the 2025 AVCA Team Academic Award, highlighting the program’s commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the court.

This marks the third straight year the Longhorns have earned the esteemed honor by maintaining a team GPA above 3.3.

Eight team members, including Macey Butler, Chloe Charles, and Katie Hashman, were also named to the CCSA All-Academic Team, representing a variety of demanding majors.

The team’s ability to shine academically while pursuing a rigorous athletic schedule showcases a culture of holistic student development.

On the sand, Texas captured the CCSA Championship in its debut season and reached the NCAA Tournament as the No. 7 seed.

Coach Metzger received CCSA Coach of the Year honors, furthering the program’s stellar reputation and setting a powerful example for student-athletes statewide.

AMLI North Park has opened as the newest luxury apartment addition in Austin’s lively Mueller neighborhood, just three miles from downtown.

This 12-story community features stylish studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, blending modern design with practical features.

Set within walking distance of popular retail shops, cafes, and grocers, AMLI North Park reflects Mueller’s focus on sustainability and connectivity.

Residents benefit from easy access to bus lines and bike paths, supporting smooth, eco-friendly commutes throughout Austin.

The property aims for LEED Gold® certification, boasting energy-smart appliances, water-saving fixtures, and smart thermostats for reduced utility costs and a smaller environmental impact.

Upscale amenities await, including a resort-style pool with private cabanas, a high-end fitness center, co-working spaces, conference rooms, a podcast studio, and dedicated pet facilities.

This unique blend of modern comfort and green living makes AMLI North Park a standout choice for Austin renters seeking a vibrant community lifestyle.

The University of Texas track and field program has reached an impressive academic achievement, with 25 student-athletes earning spots on the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team for 2025.

To qualify, athletes maintained at least a 3.25 GPA and met demanding performance standards.

The men’s team achieved a collective GPA of 3.31, while the women’s team excelled with a program-best 3.49 GPA.

Standouts like Nina Ndubuisi made history by capturing Texas’s first-ever SEC track and field title, setting a 25-year shot put record with an 18.91-meter throw.

Kendrick Smallwood broke the Texas record in the 110-meter hurdles, clocking a new personal best of 13.13 seconds.

Student-athletes balanced intense training with coursework in areas such as engineering and business, aided by structured study halls and academic support.

This recognition reflects Texas’s dedication to fostering both athletic and academic excellence.

Avride, an Austin-based startup, has launched trials of its autonomous vehicles, advancing from sidewalk robots to cutting-edge self-driving cars.

This week, electric SUVs outfitted with sophisticated sensors and AI systems have been seen cruising through downtown Austin and North Austin neighborhoods, always accompanied by safety drivers gathering crucial data.

These pilots are collecting insights about traffic flow, pedestrian habits, and signal timing, all to bolster the performance and safety of the vehicles.

This urban trial is essential for tackling challenges like rush-hour congestion and unpredictable Texas weather.

Avride aims to scale up to 100 autonomous vehicles in Austin by year’s end, with ambitions to expand robotaxi offerings throughout Texas.

Encouraged by supportive state regulations, local officials see Austin as fertile ground for advancing self-driving tech.

As Avride’s distinctive sensor-equipped cars become more common, Austin residents could soon witness a new era in smart, driverless urban transport.