Since its inception in 1915, The Paramount Theatre has established roots in Austin as a safe haven for community members from all walks of life and interests. While the theatre has seen many changes in physical attributes and ownership, its presence as a community staple has remained strong throughout the decades.

The impact: The theatre is home to various annual events including South by Southwest, Austin Film Festival, ATX Television Festival and Moontower Comedy Festival. In addition to these larger-scale events, community members can find all sorts of entertainment hosted at the theatre from live podcasts and comedy to special movie screenings and musical concerts.

With strong roots tied to a multitude of Austin communities, the space has become known as a hub for individuals of all backgrounds to find connection. CEO and executive director of Austin Theatre Alliance Jim Ritts said he’s come across people who call the theatre “Austin’s church” because of its reputation as a gathering place.

Wondering what’s behind recent lane changes or detours? Several road and pedestrian projects across Austin are reshaping local traffic and enhancing safety for all road users.

Ongoing
South Lamar Boulevard mobility program
Project: The city of Austin is adding mobility, safety and connectivity improvements along South Lamar Boulevard between Riverside Drive and Hwy. 290.
Update: Construction along roughly three miles of South Lamar Boulevard from Barton Springs Road to Hwy. 290 will see mobility improvements, including bike and pedestrian facilities, intermittent medians, intersection improvements and upgraded traffic signals.

• Timeline: Construction is expected to begin in early 2026.

• Timeline: 2025-2026

Check out these Austin-area holiday events in November and December, featuring an array of activities for the whole family. Community members can shop from local businesses at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, decorate holiday cookies, sit in on festive storytimes, watch various light shows and more. 

This list is not comprehensive and events are subject to change. 

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
The show based on the “Peanuts” special will feature a pay-what-you-wish weekend, markets and an ASL night.

• Nov. 7-Dec. 28, showtimes vary by date
• $21-$31
• 1421 W. Riverside Drive, Austin

Check out the top trending Community Impact stories in the Austin metro Dec. 1-4.

1. 11 new, coming soon traffic signals throughout Georgetown

2. Bakery and cafe Paris Baguette planned for Georgetown

3. Here's what's new and coming soon in downtown Georgetown

4. Pizza, pickleball and Port of Subs: 17 new business updates for Leander and Cedar Park

5. Round Rock officials to deliberate on potential Skybox data center Dec. 4

Green Pastures, a historic South Austin estate in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood, has expanded its offerings with the debut of The Inn at Green Pastures, a 63-room boutique hotel built to preserve the site’s iconic live oaks.

The details: The lodging is situated on a seven-acre wooded property, which was originally part of a 50-acre farm anchored by an 1895 Victorian home.

The Inn features nine suites named for the tree-lined surroundings; adjoining room options are also available. The property also boasts its long-established Mattie’s restaurant and the grounds’ well-known peacocks as well as its new cafe and bar,

Henry’s, which offers an all day menu—morning coffee, mid-day snacks and dinner, alongside a cocktail program that includes breakfast drinks, frozen spritzes and signature house cocktails.

Food highlights include hot smoked salmon on an everything bagel, a double-smash burger, grilled redfish and poolside small plates.

• 811 W. Live Oak Street, Austin

Texas can use its newly redrawn congressional map in the 2026 elections, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Dec. 4.

The background: State lawmakers approved the new congressional boundaries this summer, after President Donald Trump asked them to produce a new map in an attempt to help Republicans maintain a narrow majority in the U.S. House, Community Impact previously reported. Texas Republicans have said they hoped the map would help the GOP secure 30 of Texas’ 38 congressional seats, up from 25 Republican-held seats today.

What's happening: The Supreme Court's ruling overturns a Nov. 18 injunction from an El Paso federal court, which deemed Texas’ redistricting plan "racially gerrymandered” and directed officials to use a 2021 congressional map instead.

“The District Court improperly inserted itself into an active primary campaign, causing much confusion and upsetting the delicate federal-state balance in elections,” the Supreme Court said in the unsigned Dec. 4 order.

The order comes just four days before the Dec. 8 deadline for Texas candidates to file to run in the March primary elections.