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City Cast Austin

Find the best of everything that Austin has to offer. 

Kelsey Bradshaw

“The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson” is out 

 and the documentary does what true crime media should: It actually centers the victim.

Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson was an accomplished, 25-year-old cyclist visiting a friend in Austin in 2022 when she was fatally shot by a local cyclist, Kaitlin Armstrong. Armstrong was found guilty of first-degree murder in November 2023 and sentenced to 90 years in prison, a ruling that was 

recently upheld by Texas Third Court of Appeals

The case has the trappings of a true crime podcast or splashy TV show. Armstrong was released from police custody, took her sister’s passport, and made her way to Costa Rica, where she got a nose job and started teaching yoga. After she was found and brought back to Texas, she managed to escape police and even got 1 mile away before being apprehended again.

But despite the bizarre story, Wilson’s murder remained largely untouched, save for local reporting as the case unfolded, until now.

Director Marina Zenovich and Producer Evan Hayes never made a true crime film before this one, and it shows. While the documentary includes details on the case told through police recordings and emotional interviews, you come away from watching with Wilson top of mind. That’s unusual in a world where true crime media seems to focus on things like the looks of a killer or the goriness of an incident.

Watch the Documentary Trailer

“I love that you mentioned that the crime is the subplot (of the documentary), because that's really what we were trying to do. We were showing who she was, what she worked to become, how she was on the cusp of becoming,” 

The documentary also shows how important Wilson became to Austinites as well as the people investigating her murder. Several Austin prosecutors, police detectives, and others who worked on the case attended the movie’s premiere during South by Southwest last month.

Zenovich said you could feel how invested everyone was in doing right by Wilson while making the documentary.

“I felt that (the movie) had to premiere in Austin,” she said.

SXSW was also the first time Wilson’s parents and brother were in Austin since Armstrong’s trial ended. Matt, Wilson’s brother, told the crowd at the movie’s second screening that showing the documentary felt like closure for him.

The film is equal parts sad and beautiful, as timelines switch from the shooting back to Wilson’s life. You may finish the movie and feel compelled to embrace the Wilsons and you wouldn’t be alone in that. A few viewers were lined up after a SXSW screening to give Matt Wilson a hug. Whether you followed the case or not, the documentary is worth a watch.

“At the end of the day, that's what this movie is about. It's about family and community. It's about perseverance,” Hayes said.

Listen to City Cast Austin's interview with Zenovich and Hayes. 👇

"The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson" is out now on Netflix.

Netflix’s True Crime Documentary on an Austin Homicide Bucks the Status Quo

Austin’s Best

Austin's Best

It is unbelievable that March is not the busiest month in Austin. I know we just finished what felt like a never-ending month of festivals and live music, but April is going to be even bigger and fuller.

Urban Music & Cultural Fest is April 4 at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. The festival celebrates Austin’s music, art, food, and community. Tickets start at $78.

Dozens and dozens of comics will be performing downtown April 7-18 for this year’s Moontower Comedy Festival. The lineup includes Leslie Jones, Marc Maron, Kathy Griffin, and so many more. Badges start at $175, and one-day wristbands are $85.

ABC Kite Fest starts at 10 a.m. on April 11 in Zilker Park. The annual event is free to attend and includes a mini market, an off-leash area for dogs, and dozens of kites.

Pease Park is hosting Squirrel Fest, a celebration of spring, on April 11 starting at 4 p.m. The event is free to attend and includes games, food, drinks, and music.

The Statesman Capitol 10,000 race is on April 12 this year. The 10k race goes through downtown and includes live music. You still have time to register, too.

Head out to Pease Park on April 25 for Eeyore’s Birthday Party, which is free to attend. 

 and celebrates our city’s free spirit with drum circles, face painting, costumes, and vendors.

Austin Reggae Fest runs April 17-19 at Auditorium Shores. The lineup includes Stephen Marley, Original Koffee, and Iration, among others. Tickets start at $53.

Austin Blues Festival is April 25-26 at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. The lineup includes Jimmy Vaughn & Friends, Parliament Funkadelic, Eric Johnson, and George Clinton. Tickets start at $89.

Your Guide to April 2026 in Austin

South by Southwest 2026 has come and gone, and before the city completely reverts back to normal, we’re sharing our favorite moments from this year’s fest!

Charley Crockett’s Show at Stubb’s BBQ

“This was the main event for me, and the artist I was most excited to see at SXSW. Crockett played to a pretty packed crowd of fans on Wednesday night. He performed a mix of old and new songs and had some talented openers, including Presley Haile and Nicky Diamonds.”

Getting Stuck in an Elevator With Andrew Scott

“I made my way to the Omni Hotel downtown to see actor Andrew Scott (

) talk about the characters he's played so far in his career. After the talk, my friend and I hung around for a bit and then made our way to the same elevator Scott stepped into.

The attendant pressed the button for the ground level, and as the elevator made its way down, it suddenly stopped, midfloor. She announced we were stuck and quickly called for help. I'm not one for tight spaces with little air flow, so I focused on not spiraling and scanning the space to see if anyone else was feeling the panic. That's when someone said, "Isn't it Friday the 13th?" It was. Of course it was. So there we all were, trapped in an elevator between the second and third floor of the Omni Hotel with Scott, making small talk, cracking jokes, and pretending this was all normal.

There was something surreal and weirdly perfect about it all. After about 20 minutes, the elevator lurched back into motion again and everyone got off unscathed. Twenty minutes of low-grade horror and unexpected delight will probably go down in history as my favorite SXSW moment yet.”

“The best thing I saw at SXSW was unplanned, sponsored by Sam’s Club, and involved hot dogs. On Friday, I was about to bike home when I saw a notification on my SXSW Go app about a performance and Q&A with Ashe.

I ‘discovered’ Ashe myself at last year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival, when I stumbled upon her band The Favors with best friend Finneas. Ashe has a mesmerizing Marilyn Monroe-esque stage presence, silk gown wafting in the breeze and all.

At SXSW, Ashe performed solo, with a guitar accompaniment, in a small room of people enjoying 

. Her voice was so smooth, and she hit all the high notes despite suffering from allergies (who amongst us isn’t these days?). After she sang, Ashe did a short Q&A with Sam’s Club, but hung around long afterwards to talk to fans and take pictures. This is my favorite part — that festival-goers can interact like regular people with incredible musicians and stars like Ashe. I asked her what she loved about Austin.

‘Walking while I’m on tour is what grounds me,” she said. “I just love walking or running on the trail around the river.”

Laughing With Chris Fleming and Eric André

 this SXSW, my favorite event was the conversation between comedians Chris Fleming and Eric André on the second-to-last day of the festival. Laughing for an hour straight was the best way to close out SXSW. 

, the comedians could barely stay on topic, which was supposed to be a deep dive into Fleming’s work. No matter. I’d listen to these two literally read the phone book.

Iliza Shlesinger’s Hilarious Texas-Based Movie

When comedian Iliza Shlesinger said her movie “Chasing Summer” was a love letter to growing up in suburban Texas and millennial nostalgia, I knew I was in the right seat.

The next two-ish hours were perfectly awkward, cringey, and hilarious, just like Shlesinger’s comedy style. In the film, the protagonist is a disaster response guru who gets dumped by her boyfriend and moves back home with her parents. Things go very badly, and it’s a blast to watch.

Although the movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, Shlesinger said it truly belonged at SXSW. There’s no release date yet, but fingers crossed it gets picked up soon.

The Best of SXSW 2026

It’s been days of squishing into cramped seats at Paramount Theatre and eating too many Alamo Drafthouse meals. But the work was worth it.

 movies at South by Southwest 2026, here’s the five you’ve absolutely got to see once they’re out in the world:

Wonderfully deranged and delightfully surreal is the best description for Boots Riley’s “I Love Boosters.” The movie stars the effervescent Keke Palmer as a booster, someone who steals high-end clothes to resell them. Whatever you think this movie is, I can promise you’re wrong. Riley said the movie is his best work and he’s not wrong. It’s got otherworldly characters (literally), delicious costumes, great wigs, Demi Moore, Naomi Ackie, and it’s an anti-capitalist flick, to boot. The soundtrack is killer, too. The movie 

What can go wrong when a couple convenes at their family cabin with a secret mission to kill the other? Everything, it turns out. “Over Your Dead Body” stars Samara Weaving and Jason Segel as a couple who are 

over each other that murder is the only option and what ensues is so gloriously gory and just plain fun. Support from Juliette Lewis and Timothy Olyphant, both the cherry on top of whatever they’re in, make this horror-comedy situation even more enjoyable. The movie 

I’ll admit it. I didn’t know too much about singer-songwriter Noah Kahan before seeing the premier of his documentary “Noah Kahan: Out of Body.” But it didn’t matter. The documentary captures you from the moment it starts. Kahan could have a career in comedy if the music thing somehow fizzles out — I was laughing from the start. The documentary lets viewers into his world, following his meteoric rise to fame as he works on a new album and moves home to Vermont. On the way, Kahan shares his challenges with depression and body image issues in a truly intimate way that made this writer a fan for life. The documentary streams 

Oh, did you say you were looking to belly laugh for 90 minutes straight? Try “Seekers of Infinite Love.” The movie follows siblings Zach, Kayla, and Wes, played by John Reynolds, Hannah Einbinder, and Griffin Gluck, respectively, as they drive across the U.S. to save their sister Scarlett, played by Justine Lupe, from a cult. Also on the drive is Rick, an emotional cult deprogrammer played by Justin Theroux. Every actor does line readings you never thought possible and are able to bounce between heartfelt and hilarious. 

 for a release date because there’s no way “Seekers of Infinite Love” won’t get picked up!

“Kill Me” keeps you guessing until its final moment…and then also on your walk to your car and on the drive home from the theater. The movie follows Jimmy, played by Charlie Day, who thinks someone tried to kill him and staged it as a suicide. Allison Williams is Margot, the 9-1-1 operator who answers Jimmy's call for help. The pair investigate the mystery as the movie asks viewers over and over who they believe. I loved seeing Day take on something more dramatic while keeping his comedic flair and Williams is lovely as Margot. This is another one to 

5 Movies That Premiered at SXSW 2026 You Absolutely Must See

Much has been made about South by Southwest’s future this year as attendees experience the 2026 fest without a convention center.

Organizers have had to officially state that no, the festival is not ending; and yes, 

, wondered what on earth SXSW would look like without a central hub. But SXSW without a convention center has been, well, fine.

 and a new, revamped convention center is expected to open in 2029. To make up for the loss, SXSW introduced clubhouses for each track of the festival as if to say, “Here’s three little convention centers where you can gather.” The Film and TV clubhouse is located across the street from Paramount Theatre, for example, and attendees can pop in and out of the spaces.

Badge pickup is spread out this year, too, at different hotels around downtown. This only made my Day One trek easier — I grabbed my badge right around the corner from the movie line I needed to be in.

Where smaller panels and other events are held isn’t all that different from previous festivals, but bigger keynote talks, like this year’s with Steven Spielberg, have been moved to hotel ballrooms instead of the convention center’s biggest rooms.

Your Guide to SXSW 2026

A friend volunteering for the festival this year told me some attendees were confused about what to do in between sessions, asking where the expo center and Flatstock were located while picking up their badges. And while those two events, which usually occupied huge spaces on the first floor of the convention center, have been moved to two separate hotels, it’s only good that more people are getting pushed out into our city.

Take the festival’s block party — Congress Avenue is closed to traffic between West 10th Street and West Seventh Street through Thursday at 11 a.m. The party includes free drinks, snacks, and swag, and offers itself up as a great meeting point or hanging around point like the convention center used to. It should have always been part of SXSW. Being in the center of Austin is fun, too.

Many have wondered how the festival’s tendency for stumbling upon something cool would fare in this brave new world of clubhouses and no convention centers. But I don’t think that tendency was born out of having one space for congregating. That’s all Austin.

Spreading the festival throughout the city feels like SXSW is becoming the event that matches its growing city. Of course, more streets should be closed off. Of course, a free shuttle for attendees should exist! And absolutely, it should take over more space downtown.

SXSW’s survival is not dependent on a convention center. Instead, 

. Sponsors changed, topics shifted, and attendance dropped. The festival, much like the city it inhabits, is more tech-focused these days. Whether it continues for another 40 years is up to the festival itself and the programming provided, not some building.

Is this a hot take? Do you agree? Email us with your thoughts 

Convention center thoughts!

Is SXSW fine without a convention center?

The festival looks a bit different this year. 

SXSW Is Actually Fine Without a Convention Center

 is right around the corner and I bet you’re looking for a pub to celebrate in. Grab your green garb and try one of the following:

Kelly’s Irish Pub, 519 W. Oltorf St., will have live music starting at noon on March 17. A pop-up bar is being added to the patio for the day and you can expect “Guiness and even more Guiness,” 

 Tickets are $20 at the door. The bar is also hosting St. Patrick’s Day events on Sunday and Monday.

The Dead Rabbit and Murray’s Tavern are teaming up with Nickel City to shuttle St. Patrick’s Day celebrators to each of the bars. The shuttle, called the Paddy Wagon, runs March 14 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on St. Patrick’s Day from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

B.D. Riley's Irish Pub, 1905 Aldrich St., opens at 10 a.m. March 17 for a day of live music, Irish food, Guinness, dancers, bagpipes, and more. The bar is also celebrating on March 14 and opens at 8:30 a.m. Both days are 

Foxy’s Proper Pub, 201 Brazos St., will have green beer, a live harpist, DJs, and drink specials on St. Patrick’s Day. Guinness 

6 Pubs To Visit on St. Patrick’s Day in Austin

South by Southwest is here! The seven-day festival kicks off today and we must not waste anymore time!

 or partially closed during the festival this year.

Congress Avenue is closed between West 10th Street and West Seventh Street through March 19 at 11 a.m.

Parts of West Ninth Street between Colorado Street and Brazos Street close after midnight on Friday through March 15 at noon.

Red River Street will close between Fifth Street and 10th Street after midnight on Friday through March 19 at 3 a.m.

Sixth Street between Brazos Street and Interstate 35 is closed starting Thursday at 7 p.m. through March 19 at 3 a.m.

If you’re not doing SXSW this year, it’s best to avoid downtown until it’s over. 

, the festival is spread out more than ever through downtown.

Waiting in long lines is part of SXSW, and bringing a book to read is way better than twiddling your thumbs or staring at your phone. You could also bring a small craft to do. I’m planning on 

SXSW isn’t just for those who can afford a badge, 

. You can still experience all the fun with just a few tips and tricks. Start with this 

. The too-long-didn’t-read version is: Be a social media hawk and search for free parties to attend, make friends at the fest, and walk around and see what you can discover!

How To Do SXSW for Free

You absolutely do not need to and should not drive to SXSW. Save yourself the time it would take to find a parking space (which would be too expensive anyway) and try one of the following:

CapMetro has 75 bike stations to rent an electric or pedal-assist bike. Rides are $2.50 plus a quarter a minute. You can also 

SXSW is offering a free shuttle to attendees this year. It runs between most of the venues. Routes, a map, and more information 

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is going to be a pain during SXSW, whether or not your travel is related to the festival. Arrive earlier than you think you should, as the airport is going to be packed with people flying in and out for the festival. The government is also still in a partial shutdown, 

Your Guide to SXSW 2026 in Austin

The 2026-27 Broadway season in Austin is Texas Performing Arts’ biggest ever, with 11 shows.

 and start at $290 for a seven-show package. All performances will be at Bass Concert Hall.

“This season represents everything I love about Broadway—bold new shows, beloved favorites, and stories that speak to everyone,” said Bob Bursey, Texas Performing Arts’ executive and artistic director.

“Mrs. Doubtfire,” based on the Robin Williams classic, runs 

. The show follows an out-of-work dad who pretends to be a nanny to stay close to his kids.

“Waitress” tells the story of pie-maker Jenna as she tries to bake her way out of a bad marriage and follow her dreams. The show runs 

“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical”

“A Beautiful Noise” follows the life of singer Neil Diamond. The show runs 

“Buena Vista Social Club™” is set in the 1950s through the 1990s and follows the lives of four musicians living in Havana. The show runs 

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” considered one of the greatest musicals of all time, runs 

. The show follows a disfigured musical genius who lures in a young singer and falls in love with her.

. The musical is based on the life of Alicia Keys and follows the story of a 17-year-old girl named Alie.

“Beetlejuice” is based on the 1998 movie of the same name and is about a girl who meets a demon after her mother dies. The show runs 

Based on the book of the same name, “Water for Elephants” follows a young man who joins a traveling circus. The show runs 

“Death Becomes Her” is based on the 1992 cult classic film starring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn. The show, which is about two frenemies who drink a potion to stay young, runs 

“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” focuses on Harry Potter’s son Albus and the son of Draco Malfoy. The show runs 

“The Book of Mormon” is a hilarious show that follows a pair of Mormon missionaries in Uganda. The show runs 

Tickets for the new season are now on sale. 

Biggest Ever Broadway Season in Austin Includes ‘Death Becomes Her,’ ‘The Phantom of the Opera’

Austinites are coming together following a shooting at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on Sunday that left three dead and more than a dozen injured. Here’s how you can pitch in:

 O positive and O negative blood donations. You can schedule an appointment 

. Dozens of We Are Blood locations are available to choose from!

GoFundMe pages have been set up for 19-year-old Ryder Harrington, who was killed in the shooting; and 21-year-old Rodolfo “Rudy” Garza Jr., who is in the intensive care unit with a gunshot wound. The fundraiser for Harrington has 

Marfa Lights Bar, which neighbors Buford’s on West Sixth Street, is donating 

 on Friday to victim families. The bar opens at 4 p.m.

JABS, a burger restaurant at Fareground downtown, is donating 

 to Night Owl Therapy, which has been providing mental health services to Austin’s nightlife and hospitality community.

 to raise money for victim families and families of people affected by the shooting. 

How To Help After Buford’s Shooting in Downtown Austin

March in Austin will remind you how great it is to live here. The city comes to life as spring weather, festivals, and big events take over. Here’s what you need to know:

Election Day for the Texas primaries is nearly here! If you didn’t vote during Early Voting, March 3 is your last chance to make your voice heard. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 

 that has a “Vote here/aqui” sign out front.

Your Guide to the March 3 Primaries in Texas

South by Southwest runs March 12-18 this year in downtown Austin. The festival is three days shorter than in 2025, and will be operating without the help of a convention center this year. That means downtown will likely be more crowded than usual as festival goers spread out. Interested in being one of those festival goers? You still have time 

Sips & Sounds Is Bringing Christina Aguilera to Auditorium Shores

Sips & Sounds Music Festival runs March 13-14 in Auditorium Shores and the lineup includes Christina Aguilera, Calvin Harris, Major Lazer, and Foster the People. Friday GA tickets are still available and 

 at the Travis County Exposition Center, near Walter E. Long Lake in East Austin. Tanya Tucker, Flatland Cavalry, and Eli Young Band, are on the rodeo’s music lineup this year. 

MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas is March 27-29 at Circuit of the Americas in Del Valle. The event is the premiere motorcycling racing championship in the world. 