ATX-SBK: Impact 10/7/2025

Residents can guide the decisions that will shape the future of San Marcos.

The city of San Marcos is asking for community input to better understand what matters most to the community and to inform decisions about housing, transportation, education, recreation, civic participation and more, according to a news release from the city.

The specifics: There are two opportunities to participate, including:

• A mail-in survey: The city randomly selected some households to receive the survey by mail, which began Sept. 29. The survey can be returned by prepaid mail or by following instructions to complete it online.

• An online survey: Beginning Oct. 27, all residents can share feedback through the online survey, which city officials will share. The city stated it will be available in both English and Spanish and take about 15 minutes to complete. Responses are anonymous and confidential.

Tex-Mex and barbecue food truck Neon Armadillo is moving into its permanent space in the Texas Hill Country in November.

What to know: The restaurant will open in The Junction, a city center about four miles from Wimberley Square. With 30,000 square feet of entertainment, bar and dining space, the eatery is bringing a combination of family-style Tex-Mex barbecue and sustainability.

Ingredients will be sourced from local ranchers and farmers dedicated to regenerative, pasture-raised and organic practices, as stated in a news release.

On the menu: Diners can look forward to Force of Nature smoked brisket and tri-tip, smoked grass-fed lamb carnitas, al pastor-style pulled pork, guacamole, queso, salsa, potato salad and more. 

Diners looking to complete their meal with a drink can check out the restaurant’s bar program, which will highlight a curated spirits list focused on organic and sustainable brands such as Pantalones Tequila and Rosaluna Mezcal. Non-alcoholic options will include agua frescas and house-made sodas.

• 9595 RR 12, Wimberley

The first Discount Tire in Buda may be coming soon. The nearest Discount Tire locations are currently in Kyle and South Austin.

What to expect: The shop will sell tires and wheels, windshield wiper blades and other car accessories. It will also offer tire inspections, flat repairs, wheel alignments and other automotive maintenance services, according to the website.

The details: Construction on the new building is estimated to be completed by June 2027, according to the filing.  

• 16624 I-35, Buda

Austin and neighboring cities are hosting various fall events featuring pumpkins, mazes, bounce houses and haunted houses. 

Round Rock Pumpkin Festival
The fourth annual pumpkin festival will bring all things fall to Round Rock, including farm animals and feeding, a barrel train, pumpkin painting, a bouncy house and funnel cake. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Austin Pets Alive and the Old Settlers Association.

• Oct. 3-Nov. 1
• Free (admission for teachers, military and first responders), $10 (ages 3 and up)
• Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock

• Sept. 27-Oct. 25
• $40-$50
• Old West Market, 14219 Littig Road, Manor