☹️ Valhalla is closing

The Latest on Austin’s New Convention Center

It’s been over a year since the Austin Convention Center was demolished to make way for a revamped building. Here’s what’s been happening lately:

• Furniture is coming. Austin City Council members awarded a roughly $20 million contract to be split by three companies to purchase furniture, fixtures, and other equipment for the new convention center. The building’s 2029 planned opening would have been delayed if the contracts weren’t approved last month. [Austin Business Journal]
• Trusses are happening. Tons of steel have been dropped off at the building’s construction site to build trusses, and the photos are pretty cool! Trusses are part of the building’s framework. [Austin Convention Center]
• The center is already getting booking requests. Data from 2025 shows that the city has received at least 93 booking requests for the convention center between 2029 and 2039. Only a few of the requests are considered to be definite. [Austin Free Press]
• A look back. The convention center was demolished last April. The incoming building, which is costing about $1.6 billion, will be 620,000 square feet, making it the country’s 35th largest convention center when it opens. [City Cast Austin]

Valhalla Is Closing

After 17 years on Red River Street, Valhalla has announced plans to close after the new owners sold the building. The bar will have its final day on Oct. 26. [CultureMap Austin]

State Used Insurance Increase To Buy Flock Cams

A Texas agency used $30 million from increased auto insurance fees to place 3,200 Flock cameras across the state, according to an investigation by The Texas Tribune. The funding came from a 2023 law that raised Texans’ insurance by $1 to stop catalytic converter theft. [The Texas Tribune]

Austin Film Festival’s Lineup Is Out

Movies featuring Pedro Pascal, Olivia Wilde, Manny Jacinto, and more are on the lineup for this year’s Austin Film Festival. The festival runs Oct. 29 through Nov. 5 at various theaters. [Tribeza]

Where To Watch Longhorns Football

Longhorns football starts on Saturday with a home game against Texas State University, and that obviously means you need a new sports bar guide. Start here! [Eater Austin]