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We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Austin

Elissa Castles

Welcome to your City Cast Austin news quiz! From time to time, we’ll publish a quiz to test your newsletter prowess. We want to see how much you paid attention this week. 😉 Answer the following questions and your score will appear at the end. 

Test your Austin knowledge with these other trivia questions.

New World screwworms have been found in Texas this month. (Joel Angel Juarez/

Kelsey Bradshaw

Budget season is here, y’all. City Manager T.C. Broadnax is presenting a draft, $6.6 billion budget proposal to Austin City Council members 

, kicking off weeks of discussions on what the city should spend its money on over the next fiscal year.

Austin homeowners would have to fork over 

 if the budget is approved as is. This amount includes both a 3.5% increase in property taxes, and higher rates for electricity, water, trash, and drainage.

The city can only raise property taxes by 3.5% without asking for voter approval. Last year, the city’s measure to increase property taxes by 20% to cover its budget 

The budget beefs up some departments while trimming others.

A $16.8 million cut to the city’s social service portfolio has been proposed, which would affect contracts with organizations that provide things like 

. Other cuts include $170,000 from the Parks and Recreation Department’s 

, and $2.9 million from Travis County’s Sobering Center.

The budget also includes $6 million in overtime funding for the Austin Fire Department and a $504,000 

increase in the Austin Police Department’s recruitment budget

. Plus, Austin Animal Center would receive 

 at the shelter, and Austin Public Library would get five new staff positions.

The budget is due in mid-August and will go into effect on Oct. 1. Austin City Council members will discuss the budget over 

Public comment is allowed at the meetings by phone or in person. You can register online to speak 

, as well. The budget is split up into two volumes, which you can find 

A new budget will go into effect on Oct. 1. 

Austin’s 2026-2027 Budget Discussions Are Starting. Here’s What You Need To Know.

Austin’s Budget Discussions Are Starting. Here’s What You Need To Know.

What's being decided in Austin City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Austin City Council. 

Austin Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

 may not be running rampant in Austin right now, but reports of it elsewhere may be making you a little nervous to consume fresh fruits and vegetables. No worries! We’ve compiled our favorite cooked veggie dishes around town so you can keep getting your fiber in without fear of getting sick.

Green beans are arguably a pretty boring vegetable. That’s what makes 

 are good enough to eat on their own: They come piled high, have a great garlic taste, and are just soft enough. You’ll forget you’re even eating a vegetable!

Cauliflower and Carrots at LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue

cauliflower burnt ends and miso-glazed carrots

. Both dishes have us thinking that maybe the restaurant should be known for more than its meat! The carrots are charred over a live fire and are smokey, delicious, and thick. The cauliflower burnt ends are smoked and grilled, and are the perfect addition to whatever meat you choose.

Austin actually has a lot of spots for great, cooked brussel sprouts: 

. But Lucky Robot is where you should start filling out your brussel sprout passport. The sprouts come crisped with lemongrass soy and are crunchy, tangy, and salty. Our producer Elissa Castles calls them “can't-stop-eating 

Spicy Garlic Soy Edamame at Tso Chinese Takeout & Delivery

If you enjoy a little kick with your veggies, try the 

 at Tso Chinese Takeout & Delivery. The beans may technically be a vegetable, but they’re slathered in a tangy and slightly spicy sauce after being stir-fried, making them taste more like a treat!

Baked Spinach & Artichoke Dip at Murray’s Tavern

This selection may be a little light on the veggie and heavy on the cheese, but it combines spinach and artichokes so it counts! Murray’s Tavern does a great 

 that comes with parmesan and mozzarella cheese and is served with tortilla chips. You’ll be shocked at how fast you can scarf it down!

You can still get your veggies in without fear of cyclosporiasis.

5 Cooked Veggie Dishes To Try in Austin Right Now

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Austin. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Austin Food & Drink

Food & Drink

, a free, three-day music festival, starts Thursday and runs through Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:

Get Familiar With Red River Cultural District

The festival takes over Austin’s Red River Cultural District downtown, which runs along Red River Street from East 12th Street to East Seventh Street. You don’t need a ticket or a badge — just show up 

Thirteen venues in the area are participating in the festival:

Obviously yes, this festival is happening locally, but it’s local in another way. Dozens of Austin bands and artists are on the lineup, showcasing what the Live Music Capital of the World has to offer. Blakchyl, Libby and the Loveless, and Big Wy’s Brass Band are among the artists slated to play.

Shows start around 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and closer to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and run past 1 a.m.

In addition to some homegrown music, you’ll also have your pick of local food vendors including Ditty Dog, Jo’s Coffee, and Hoboken Pie. Food specials, like 10% off all food at Stubb’s BBQ, are available during the festival.

If music and food isn’t enough, a night market featuring Austin creatives is happening on Saturday.

I applaud you Type B people who can just go with the flow, but for an event like this, I prefer to go in with as much information as possible. Peruse the 

 and map out who you want to see and where. Leave a gap or two in your schedule for exploring, too!

Hot Summer Nights Is Here. Your Guide to Austin’s Free Music Festival.

Find the best of everything that Austin has to offer. 

Austin’s Best

Austin's Best

Austin’s Govalle neighborhood is one of the best parts of the city. It’s in East Austin and has enough to do and eat and drink that you could spend weeks getting through it all.

 is the best place in town to get fresh produce. The market is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and every time I’ve popped in, I’ve been greeted with bright and beautiful fruits and vegetables at nice prices.

 is a French restaurant that will have you feeling transported. It’s cozy and dark inside, has a nice outdoor area, and the food is delicious. I especially recommend getting to Justine’s during the winter months — the restaurant does up the decor in a new theme every year.

. It’s wonderful for a birthday party, a happy hour hang, or a first date. The restaurant does a $15 happy meal special on Wednesdays that includes a burger, fries, and mini cocktail. If burgers aren’t your jam, try whatever pasta is on the menu and thank me later.

Whether you need a place to work, swim, drink, or gather with a bunch of friends, 

 is the spot for you. The venue is perfect if you want to start your day with coffee and emails and end it in a pool with a cocktail.

 is such a treat. The truck is located on a lot that includes 

, making for a perfect one-two punch of great coffee and tasty tacos. Try to avoid Flitch on weekends if you can — it can get packed!

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been to a birthday party at 

! I assume every single one of you has your hand up! It’s a classic Austin birthday spot and for good reason: It’s huge, the pizzas are yummy, and lots of beer and frozen drinks are available.

Land of pink cups and dangerous margaritas, 

 serves up fried quesadillas and lots of colorful decor. This restaurant is a hot-button topic among Austinites, though. Some think it lives up to the hype and others don’t. Try it and let us know which side you land on!

Mochi donuts, soft serve, macarons, and taiyaki are all on the menu at 

, the cutest dessert shop around. New ice cream and mochi flavors come out every month, so keep your eyes peeled for their latest creations.

 always comes in handy when you’re trying to figure out where to go for a night out with friends. The restaurant has really good wings and lots of frozens, plus a patio with plenty of misters for these hot Austin nights.

, which is home to three art galleries, artist studios, and other creative offices. Stop in to Sa-Tén for a curry bowl or chicken katsu. Japanese cheesecake bread is also on the menu 👀

If you’ve been looking to try your hand at rock climbing without a rope, 

 is a really fantastic place to start. Day passes are $25 and shoes are available to rent. Go see what you’re made of!

Govalle is full of great food and fun things to do.

What To Do in Austin’s Govalle Neighborhood

Everything to know about Austin neighborhoods: What to do, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Austin Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

 number of run clubs, but you don’t have to love pounding the pavement to enjoy a free workout in this city.

Lots of free community fitness classes happen every week in Austin. Here’s a few to try:

YTX Austin is putting on free yoga classes at Republic Square Park on Tuesday nights through Aug. 11. The class is an hour long and starts at 6:30 p.m. The event runs until 9 p.m. and includes live music, a cold plunge, vendors, and raffles. 

Austin Parks Foundation is hosting free yoga classes at Zilker Park on Friday mornings through Sept. 4. The class starts at 7 a.m. and runs for an hour before ending with a jump into Barton Springs Pool. 

 and bring your own mat, water, and towel.

Did you know the Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers free fitness classes for adults every week? You have tons of workouts to choose from, including Zumba, pickleball, water aerobics, line dancing, and strength training. — 

November Project is a worldwide fitness organization that has a chapter in Austin. Meet the group at Waterloo Park on Wednesdays at 6 a.m. or at Butler Metro Park on Fridays at 6 a.m. for a free, 45-minute workout. Everyone is welcome and 

Free Workout Classes To Try in Austin This Summer

Get to know the natural side of Austin: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Austin Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

Temperatures will near triple digits on Saturday with a high of 99 degrees expected during the day. Skies will be clear and mostly sunny, 

. At night, temperatures will dip to a low near 77 degrees and skies will be partly cloudy. Saturday will be a classic summer day in Austin!

The annual, free summer musical put on by Zilker Theatre Productions makes me feel lucky to live in Austin. Starting July 10, 

you can see a production of “Singin’ in the Rain”

 on Thursdays through Sundays at Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater. Shows start at 8:15 p.m. and you can set up a blanket or camping chair for watching. You can pack a picnic, too!

July is prime hot dog season in Austin. Yes, of course, I’m sure you’re enjoying a dog year-round, but there’s just something about July.

Maybe it’s Jennifer Coolidge’s delivery of 

“You look like the Fourth of July! It makes me want a hot dog real bad”

 in “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde.” Or maybe it’s because 

, a totally real holiday, falls on July 15. Either way, here’s 

If that’s not enough, you could always go to 

Fourth of July gets all the publicity, but Austinites know the premiere July event in town is 

Hot Summer Nights, a free, three-day music festival

 downtown. The festival runs July 16-18 and takes place in the Red River Cultural District and features dozens of local musicians, eats, and vendors. All you have to do is show up!

One More Chance for ‘Jaws’ on the Water

I get excited about this event every summer. Volente Beach does two showings of “Jaws” where attendees watch from tubes in Lake Travis with scuba divers lurking below, reading to grab a limb or two. 

The final such event for the summer is on July 18

Your Guide to July 2026 in Austin

With fireworks expected this weekend for the Fourth of July, I’m here with some helpful tips on keeping your pet safe during all the holiday fun.

Whether you have a scaredy guy like my Malcolm or an animal that sleeps through fireworks, here’s what you need to know:

 around the Fourth of July due to fireworks. The loud sounds can scare animals and cause them to run away.

“Animals — dogs and cats — can hear and feel the fireworks four times further than a human can," Dr. Michael Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 

Put a collar with an ID tag on your pets ahead of fireworks and make sure 

Take them outside for a bathroom break before nightfall.

Make sure your pet gets exercise during the day 

Set up a cozy spot for your animal away from windows.

 turning on the TV or some music to help reduce stress.

 to take dogs for the Fourth of July. Getting dogs out of the shelter gives them a break from a shelter environment, which only gets louder with the stress of fireworks. Fostering at this time also frees up space in the shelter for the increase in intake that comes with the holiday. The center needs fosters to be able to take dogs for at least two weeks.

Austin Pets Alive! is also looking for fosters and adopters as their shelter is near where the city’s fireworks celebration is. The shelter is offering 

If you find an animal this weekend, don’t panic! 

 walking around your neighborhood to see if you can run into the animal’s owner — it’s possible they just got out during fireworks.

Your next step if that doesn’t yield results is to take the animal to a vet, local fire station, or pet supply store and check to see if they have a microchip. You can also file a found pet report with Austin 311.

Make use of Nextdoor or found pet groups on Facebook, too, by posting photos of the lost animal.

The Fourth of July can be scary for pets.

How To Prep Your Pets for Fourth of July Fireworks

Life Hacks

Tips and tricks for living your best Austin life, by locals, for locals.

Austin Life Hacks

It’s summertime and you live in the Live Music Capital of the World, of course I have a list of five free concerts happening this summer!

Here’s where to catch some live, free tunes:

Try Austin’s Oldest Outdoor Concert Series

The Pan Am Hillside Summer Concert Series is celebrating its 66th year this summer, making it the oldest outdoor concert series in Austin. 

Concerts are on Tuesdays throughout July from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 on the hillside next to Oswaldo A.B. Cantu Pan American Recreation Center. The concerts often feature Tejano music.

St. Elmo’s Brewing Co. puts on free bluegrass concerts every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at both its Springdale Road and St. Elmo Road locations. 

 happens every Thursday during the summer through Aug. 13. Grab a blanket and find a spot on the grass outside the Long Center near Auditorium Shores. Shows start at 8 p.m.

H-E-B offers free concerts at its Lake Austin and South Congress locations 

. At Lake Austin, shows are every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The South Congress store hosts concerts every third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hot Summer Nights Music Festival is coming up, y’all! 

The three-day, free festival runs July 16-18

 in the Red River Cultural District downtown. Dozens of local musicians are on the lineup, along with a vendor market and lots of food and drink specials.

They don't call us the "Live Music Capital of the World" for nothing!

5 Free Concerts Happening This Summer in Austin

Your Austin News Quiz

Explainers

What Austinites have been wondering. We break down why things in Austin are they way they are and how they work.

Austin, Explained

Trying to find a parking spot at Barton Springs Pool can be terrible. Whether you’re at the south lot off Azie Morton Road or in the smaller one on William Barton Drive, getting a spot on a busy weekend day often feels like a Sisyphean task as you wait behind a person with their blinker on or end up stuck in a traffic jam.

as a way to help reduce traffic congestion in the area

The city is running a free shuttle service around Zilker Park through Labor Day weekend so you can avoid parking headaches. The shuttle service operates Saturdays and Sundays and on holidays through Sept. 7, and includes four stops on its route: Stratford Lot, Barton Springs Pool, Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater and the Violet Crown Trail Head, and Zilker Botanical Garden.

You get two hours of free parking if you park in the Stratford Lot at 2228 Stratford Dr., 

. Otherwise, the cost is $3 per hour. The lot is the area covered in gravel near the intersection of Stratford Drive and Lou Neff Road. From there, you can get to 

. No pets or coolers are allowed on the shuttle.

The Loop runs noon to 6 p.m., and comes by every 20 minutes or so. During the Zilker Summer Musical July 10 through Aug. 16, the shuttle will run until performances end. This is the first year that the shuttle is taking riders to the hillside theater.

Getting to the city's most popular swimming pool doesn't have to be a headache!

How To Get to Barton Springs Pool Without Waiting for a Parking Spot

After weeks of tinkering, Austin Independent School District’s Board of Trustees approved an $887 million operating budget for the upcoming school year.

The district was facing a possible deficit of $181 million during budget discussions. But with millions of cuts and possible property sales, the district should have a balanced budget going into the 2026-27 school year.

The budget includes cutting a total of 580 positions, decreasing the district’s number of full-time employees from 10,392 to roughly 9,750. More than 360 staffers whose positions were cut have already found new roles within the district, 

The district is also discontinuing bus routes for several of its schools and the Alternative Learning Center to help the budget. Late activity buses at middle and high schools 

Classroom sizes will increase, the number of teacher planning days at some campuses will be reduced, the district is decreasing how much it contributes to staff health benefits, and some of the central office staff will have their salaries decreased by 2%.

The new budget ensures that each AISD campus will have at least 

 next year. This comes after outrage over a proposal that would have 

Counselors were also at risk during discussions, but the final budget gives every school a counselor. However, smaller campuses may end up with part-time assistant principals.

The District Is Expecting $60 Million in Revenue

 this year in an effort to bring down its budget deficit. What happens to those campuses next is up to the district — it can repurpose them or sell them off.

 by the end of the next fiscal year from selling some of the closed campuses. If the district succeeds, it will have a 

AISD Just Approved Its 2026-27 Budget. Here’s What You Need To Know.

May is Bike Month in Austin and one of the city’s premiere events is on Friday. Here’s what you need to know:

Fueling stations will be set up all over the city 

. Stations will run from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and include free drinks and snacks like coffee, tacos, and waffles. People participating in Bike to Work Day will be able to get free bike tune-ups as well.

Austin, Explained

Your Austin News Quiz

Elissa Castles

Test your Austin knowledge with these other trivia questions.

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Austin, Explained

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