Plans to transform Austin’s iconic Sixth Street take shape with three design options
Sixth Street, long known as Austin’s nightlife hub, is in the middle of big changes.
What's happened? For years, the stretch was closed to cars on busy weekends, letting crowds spill into the roadway. But since late 2024, the city has been testing a safety pilot that reopened the street to vehicles while moving pedestrians to wider sidewalks. Temporary fencing gave way to sturdier concrete barriers this summer, marking the start of a more permanent initiative.
The update: Now, city leaders are asking residents to help shape Sixth Street’s future. As part of the city’s Great Streets program, officials are considering three design alternatives for the nine-block stretch west of I-35. Each option would keep traffic one-way westbound while expanding pedestrian space, adding trees and upgrading sidewalks. The main differences involve whether bike and scooter lanes are included and how curb access is managed for drop-offs, deliveries and parking.
A public survey is open, with final design work expected to begin in 2026 and construction as early as 2027.
First Light Books to host 2nd annual neighborhood block party
First Light Books, a cafe-bookstore located in Hyde Park, will host its second annual neighborhood block party Sept. 27.
The event: The First Light Block Party will bring together author readings, live music and kids' activities from inside the store to the outdoor courtyard and transformed north parking lot. It is free for the public to attend.
Food and drink vendors like Zee's Weiner System, Austin Oyster Co. and St. Elmo Brewing Company will also offer pop-ups at the event. Festivities will run from noon to 9 p.m.
The history: Last year, First Light's inaugural block party celebrated the one-year anniversary of the store's opening in the former Hyde Park Post Office. Since August 2023, First Light has provided coffee, wine, literary selections, author events, book clubs and children's read-alongs to the Hyde Park neighborhood and beyond.
ACC to host Austin chapter of NASA Space App Challenge, RiverHacks
Austin Community College’s RiverHacks hackathon will coincide with NASA’s third annual International Space App Challenge, where teams can participate in open data challenges and network with space leaders and experts.
The gist: The ACC Center for Government and Civic Services is collaborating with The Space Workforce Incubator for Texas to host the RiverHacks hackathon and the Austin portion of the NASA International Space Apps Challenge, Oct. 4-5 at the Rio Grande campus.
The global event encourages participants to leverage free, open data from NASA and their international space agency partners to create innovative solutions for Earth- and space-related challenges.
Open data may include:
Satellite imagery
Climate and weather records
Planetary data
Astronomical data
Earth observation data
Teams can choose from 18 challenges, created by NASA subject matter experts, to build solutions such as apps, data visualizations or prototypes.
Texas to overhaul STAAR, launch 3 new exams in 2027
The Texas Education Agency will begin transitioning to a new standardized testing system after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law Sept. 17 to replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness with three shorter exams.
The overview: Through the 2026-27 school year, Texas public school students in third through 12th grade will continue taking the STAAR each spring. Beginning in fall 2027, students will take three tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year under House Bill 8, the new law.
Students’ results will be released within 48 hours after each new test is administered. STAAR scores are currently released about six weeks after a test ends, according to the TEA.
The debate: Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, said the new system will reduce test-related anxiety; give students and teachers feedback throughout the school year; and increase legislative oversight of Texas’ assessment and accountability systems. Critics of the plan said it would increase the amount of time students spend taking exams and essentially create “another STAAR test” developed by the TEA.
FOODIE FRIDAY Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Austin area.
Eggman ATX has brought its New York-style breakfast sandwiches to another location in Austin, opening up a second food truck in the Mueller Hangar mobile food vender collective.
Founded by Queens native Richard Tavetian, Eggman brings a familiar favorite breakfast option from the East Coast down south.
The menu features a collection of “egg-slingin’ good” options such as the Bodega Classic with its two fried eggs, smoked center cut bacon, cheese and choice of sauce on a roll.
