Hooves are once again kicking up dirt at the Mayfest Park Rodeo Arena, as open ride days return following a nearly month-long closure. 

The details: Open ride days, which are free and hosted through the Bastrop Parks and Recreation Department, will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month, according to the city of Bastrop. 

Some background: The city of Bastrop closed the Mayfest Park Rodeo Arena on Nov. 20 in an effort to help curb an equine herpesvirus-1 outbreak—which originated in early November at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco—per recommendations from the Equine Disease Communication Center, or EDCC. 

Michael Muniz has turned a practical idea into a new business with Zenith Trek—an outdoor camping supply brand aimed at keeping campers warm and comfortable. 

In a nutshell: Muniz called the Comfy Feet Sleeping Bag, which was designed and developed in Bastrop, Zenith Trek’s flagship product.

He touted several of the Comfy Feet Sleeping Bag’s features, including: 

• Ripstop fabric that’s water- and wind-resistant
• Double-filled hollow-core insulation
• Expanded footbox 
• Integrated hood

• Launched in October

Check out the top trending stories in the Austin metro Jan. 5-8. 

1. City of Bee Cave reaches settlement agreement with West Austin Business Park developers

2. Bastrop Starbucks takes coffee break through late January

3. Georgetown’s largest development projects moving forward in 2026

4. The new Old Settlers Park: Round Rock makes progress on $259M expansion

5. Construction on a new Chipotle Mexican Grill expected to begin in Leander this year

6. Mercado Libertad now open in Liberty Hill

Coca-Cola’s Sips & Sounds Music Festival is returning to Austin on March 13-14 with a range of featured artists, including Christina Aguilera and Calvin Harris.

The two-day event will showcase performances from 16 different artists.

The details: Community members can find two-day and one-day general admission tickets in addition to two-day and one-day general admission plus tickets.

Event-goers can look forward to immersive activations throughout the festival and local food vendors.

What to expect: Performing artists include Flipturn, Grouplove, The Two Lips, Foster The People, Jade LeMac, Aidan Bissett and more.

• Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin