City Cast Austin
↙️ SXSW just got sold
August 31, 2026 · Jessica Pupovac
🦕 Hi, again! It’s Jessica Pupovac. Kelsey will be back tomorrow. I want to wish an especially good morning to the city of Austin communications officer who created this post on the prehistoric creatures that once roamed Austin. Thanks for the education (but not so much the nightmares)!
What's CITY Talking About
California Company Now Owns SXSW
Penske Media Corp., which previously had a 50% stake in the South by Southwest Conference and Festival, now has full ownership. The Los Angeles-based company said SXSW’s headquarters will remain in Austin. [Austin American-Statesman]
Austin City Council Fast-Tracks Data Center Rules
City council members have directed the city manager to update Austin's land code in a way that would allow them to regulate, or potentially ban, large-scale data centers. The city's existing codes lack any specific land use designation for data centers. [KXAN]
Austin Becomes 'Safe Harbor' For Banned Books
Austin has officially been designated as a “Book Safe Harbor," by Austin City Council members, who underscored support for intellectual freedom. The move comes after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposed new mechanisms to punish public schools that keep certain books on their shelves. [Fox 7 Austin]
Creek Show Announces New Location
Creek Show will take place at The Confluence this year but will still feature glowing, ephemeral installations from local artists that interact with the natural environment. The show runs from Nov. 13 through Nov. 21 and ticket sales will benefit the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. [CultureMap Austin]
What To Do
Monday, Aug. 31
- 🎥 "Speed Racer" at Bullock Museum IMAX Theatre
- 🪡 Embroidery 101 at Austin Public Library Yarborough Branch
- 🤠 Neon Rainbows' Queer Two-Step Night at Sagebrush
- 🪕 Bluegrass Night at Radio Coffee & Beer (South)
- 💗 Austin Singles Monthly Speed Dating at The Pub (Triangle)
- 🍿 Muppet Treaure Island at Hyperreal Film Club
Tuesday, Sep. 1
- 📚 Elizabeth Chiles: "Time Being" at First Light Books
- 🐍 Radio Roof Snake Trivia at Radio/East
- 🐇 Adult "Hoppy" Hour at Austin Public Library Terrazas Branch
- 🏋️ Get FIT: Fall Series at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- 🎲 Board Game Night at Brew and Brew
Wednesday, Sep. 2
- 📚 America in 50 Books at First Light Books
- 🎶 Ella Reid at Meanwhile Brewing Company
- 🌱 Plant Swap at Austin Public Library Terrazas Branch
- 🧑🌾 Dripping Springs Farmers Market at Dripping Springs Ranch Park
- 🎥 "Strangers With Candy" at Hyperreal Film Club
🍕 I can’t stop thinking about brisket pizza after reading this glowing review of North Austin’s new Outlaw Pizza, a pizza-meets-barbecue wonderland created by the duo behind CM Smokehouse. May we all find our way to some tasty, smokey deliciousness real soon!
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