Downtown Austin

10/22/2026

🏎️ F1 in Downtown Austin 🏎️

We might not be THAT close to COTA, but downtown is full of F1 events and pop-ups right now. We are excited to welcome everyone to Austin for F1! 🏅

Now Through October 24
- Austin Fan Zone by the Atassian Williams F1 Team at 800 Congress
- Mini Race Weekend Takeover at Always Something
- Big Racing Tasting Menu at Fairmount Austin

Keep an eye out for the FP3 driving around downtown Austin throughout the entire F1 weekend 👀

October 22
- Chase B at Camp on West - F1 Weekend at 10pm

October 23
- The Weekend Edit, Austin Race Edition at Thompson Hotel, thru 10/24
- Race Weekend Wellness Pit Stop at Fairmont Austin - 10am
- Tom & Collins Race Weekend Party at The Baths at 8pm
- Unofficial Formula 1 Kick-Off Party at Bar Hacienda at 9pm
- F1 Race Weekend with Julian Fijma at Camp on West at 9:30pm
- Grand Prix Weekend at Powder Room, thru 10/25

October 24
- Club Fast Grand Prix: Sunset Sprint at Vanta Athletics at 6pm
- Sports Illustrated Circuit Series at 304 E 3rd St at 8:30pm
- Drake’s DJ Maneesh on the Beat at Camp on West at 9pm

October 25
- Afterglow: Redbull’s F1 Afterparty at The Baths at 10pm

We’ve also seen an exciting-looking Mercedes Pop-Up at the corner of 4th and Congress, among others! Have fun! 🏎️

10/22/2026

Downtown Density Bonus Program, Phase II Update 🏙️

Now is the time to weigh in on Downtown development. The City of Austin is in the second phase of updating the Downtown Density Bonus Program. The current update considers program requirements, development incentives and community benefits.

Learn about the proposed changes, ask questions or share your comments today!

Amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify the Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) program regulations including height allowances gatekeeper requirements community benefits and parking standards.

10/21/2026

Help Shape the Future of Downtown!

Imagine Austin is a community-informed roadmap used to help guide decision-making on land use, housing, transportation and environmental stewardship over a 30-year period. Originally adopted in 2012, the City of Austin is leading an update to the plan to better align our evolving city with clearer, more actionable goals and priorities.

Austin Planning is hosting in-person open houses on October 21, 24 and 28 and one virtual open house on October 29 to gather community input on the update to the comprehensive plan. Give feedback to ensure the plan reflects Austin’s diverse communities and supports long-term goals.

The Imagine Austin Update English | Español | 简体中文 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | 한국어 | Français | ह न्द Join us! Austin Planning is hosting five open houses in October to gather community input on the update to Imagine Austin. These will introduce the place type categor...

10/21/2026

10/20/2026

After its launch at VIBE last year, Con Mucho Amor returns for its second year, this time at the MACC on November 6! 💃

This queer-centered quinceañera creates an opportunity to celebrate a traditional coming-of-age ceremony in an inclusive way. Organizer Bobby Pudrido was one of five applicants selected to create an activation for our VIBE pilot last September. The five activations brought vacant storefronts to life for two days of fun!

Join Con Mucho Amor for an incredible night full of tradition, live music, history, dancing and community on November 6 from 7pm to 11pm at the MACC! 🕺

10/20/2026

The city launched its Austin Economic Development Policy Feedback Survey on October 16. The Downtown Austin Alliance encourages you to take a few minutes to complete the survey as we continue to advocate for resources that strengthen central Austin's economic competitiveness.

In addition to the survey, there will be several community engagement forums. Save the date for January 14 and February 4!

Austin Economic Development is seeking input from Austinites businesses workers entrepreneurs and community partners to help inform changes to the City s Economic Development Policy. English | Español

10/19/2026

Space conversions could be key to improving Austin's density!

According to a TDLR permit filed at the end of September, EXL Wellness is building out a new fitness facility and wellness center in a former office space. The projected scope of the renovations covers 5,520 sq. ft. and includes $250,000 in space improvements. EXL plans to open on December 1!

Learn more about EXL Wellness here:

Training, recovery and aesthetics at 1300 Guadalupe, Austin. Membership, personal training and the recovery floor.

10/17/2026

Austin Public Library turns 100 today! 🥳 📚

Celebrate 100 years of art, culture, connection, learning and possibility with a party at the Central Library 10am to 5pm and discover what is in store for the future of our libraries at the APL Centennial!

According to the Urban Libraries Council, the role of public libraries extends far beyond the books, they:

- serve as a common for innovation and civic engagement
- host job trainings
- address local issues
- serve as shelter during extreme weather
- are free, public gathering spaces
- act as teaching centers
+ more!

Thank you for serving the Austin community in all that you do 🧡

- XOXO Downtown Austin

10/16/2026

Mexic-Arte Museum’s 43rd Annual Viva La Vida Festival and Parade is Austin’s longest-running Día de los Mu***os event. This year’s parade takes over 6th Street and Congress Avenue on October 24!

The free, family-friendly festivities begin with the Grand Procession at noon and continue until 6pm. Get ready to enjoy:

🦋 Mariposa Plaza
🎨 Art Activities
🥑 Traditional Foods
🌻 Local Artists & Vendors
🚗 Low-Rider Exhibition
💃 Live Performances
& more

🚧 Expect road closures throughout the day on
- 6th Street from I35 to Congress
- Congress Avenue from 6th to 2nd
- 4th Street from Brazos to Colorado
- Red River Street from 7th to 5th

Mexic-Arte Museum

10/15/2026

“It seems like if you can plant your flag in the hospitality scene here, then everyone nationwide recognizes what you’ve done.”

A new Persian restaurant is coming to two floors of the 44 East Ave building on Rainey. This partnership between executive chef Mojdeh Eghbal and celebrity chef Paul Qui will add the rich element of Iranian cuisine to Austin's dining scene!

Learn about Chistā here:

The chef introduces a twist to traditional Persian cooking but doesn’t stray far from the core ingredients.