City Cast Austin
🤔 Was SXSW a success?
March 23, 2026 · Kelsey Bradshaw
☺️ Happy Monday! I have some news for ya: Austin is apparently the second-happiest city in Texas. This is according to one of those random studies, but hey, I’ll take it!
What's CITY Talking About
City’s New Website Is Costing Millions
The city budgeted more than $2 million for its new website, spending $1.48 million on the redesign and keeping $1.04 million on hand for the next two years to deal with updates or issues. The website had not been updated since 2012. [KUT]
Was SXSW 2026 a Success?
New ownership, a demolished convention center, a condensed schedule, and other changes made this year’s South by Southwest a make-it-or-break-it year. So, how did it go? It depends on who you ask. [City Cast Austin 🎧]
Austin Gas Prices Are up Due to Iran War
Gas prices in Austin rose by $1 between February and March as global oil supplies face disruption over the war in Iran. The average gas price in the area is $3.67 per gallon for unleaded gas. [KXAN]
AISD To Celebrate Dolores Huerta
Austin Independent School District will honor Dolores Huerta on its staff and student holiday on March 31 instead of her organizing partner Cesar Chavez after sexual allegations against Chavez were reported by the New York Times. [Austin American-Statesman]
Sponsored Content
Shaping Austin’s Future, Together
Austin is our home. It’s where we’re raising families, building communities, championing causes, and working towards a community where everyone can thrive. Austin Community Foundation invites you to Austin in Common on April 14— an evening to connect, celebrate, and invest in a brighter future for the city we call home.
The event features storytelling by Danielle Walker, Kerry Rupp, and Daniel Lubetzky. Miles Bloxson returns as event emcee. Plus delightful local food and music!
Tickets available at austinincommon.org.
Where Is This?
Congratulations to Aimee D. for guessing last week’s “Where Is This?” correctly! This photo was taken outside of the former Cenote location near the intersection of East Cesar Chavez and Medina streets.
Developers tore down more of the building than they said they would and the city had to stop construction earlier this month.
This week’s photo:
Do you know where this photo was taken? Click the button below to submit your guess for a chance to be featured in next Monday’s newsletter!
Sponsored Content
Recycle Plastic Bags and Styrofoam Right
Did you know plastic bags and Styrofoam can’t be recycled in your blue cart? They can tangle and damage recycling equipment, ending up in landfills. The good news is that there are easy options to recycle these items properly in Austin. Visit AustinTexas.gov/recycling to learn more.
What To Do
Monday, March 23
- 🍂 "Gilmore Girls" Trivia at Shooters Billiards
- 🎤 Mondays with Ernest Campos at Hole in the Wall
- 📚 The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan at Austin Public Library Milwood Branch
- 🧘 Trigger Point Yin at Lizard Yoga
- 🤠 BRONCO 2: Queer Linedance Workshop at Sagebrush
Tuesday, March 24
- ♥️ Beef Baby Presents: Meat Cute. Raw Romance. Cooked On Stage. at Fallout Theater
- 😆 The Drop In: Stand-Up Comedy Show! at Sunset Strip Comedy & Entertainment
- 📚 Passover Storytime with Rabbi Gail at BookPeople
- 🐦 Early Birds in the Garden at Zilker Botanical Garden
- 🌇 Tuesday Twilights at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Wednesday, March 25
- 🎥 “Everything Everywhere All At Once” at Paramount Theatre
- 🧘 Toddler Yoga at Pease Park
- 💬 In Conversation: Sable Elyse Smith, Boots Riley, and Rizvana Bradley at The Moody Rooftop at the Jones Center
- 🎤 Rainbow Kitten Surprise at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park
- 📚 Y'all Means All Book Club: “Go Luck Yourself” at BookPeople Cafe
- 🌴 “Survivor” Social at Central Machine Works
😦 Y’all. Archeologists at the Alamo in San Antonio uncovered a fully intact cannonball that they believe dates back to the original battle in 1836.
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