ATX-BAS: Impact 10/7/2025

From Bastrop city officials discussing the expansion of Wastewater Treatment No. 3 to the creation of new parkland, here's the latest government-related news impacting Bastrop County.

German Casino could be rebuilt: Bastrop is planning to rebuild the historic German Casino on the Convention and Exhibit Center grounds, according to city officials.

Bastrop to hire engineer for Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 4: The city of Bastrop is seeking a professional engineer who will act as the “engineer of record” for Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 4—a role that will help oversee design of the facility.

Bastrop sets aside 2 acres for park with ‘iconic art’: The city of Bastrop has established approximately 2.2 acres along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, near Emile Elementary School, as designated parkland.

Smokey Mo’s BBQ is weeks away from serving up smoked brisket and more for Bastrop residents when a new restaurant opens in the Burleson Crossing shopping center. 

The details: The location—which will offer dine-in, takeout, delivery and catering—will mark the 22nd in Texas. 

Construction began in late July and is estimated to cost $650,000, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

“Our target for opening is late October, early November,”  said Craig Haley, president of Smokey Mo’s BBQ.

Notable quote: “Expanding into Bastrop is a meaningful move as we continue scaling with purpose,” Haley said in a statement. “This community is growing fast, especially with its emergence as a tech hub east of Austin, and it aligns perfectly with our model.”

• 707 Hwy. 71 W., Ste. 124, Bastrop

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

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

Thousands of music fans will gather at Zilker Park for week two of the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Oct. 10-12.

What you need to know: Zilker Park is closed to public access Sept. 22-Oct. 19, with road closures nearby. Expect lane reductions or full closures on Stratford Drive, Barton Springs Road, Jessie Street, Azie Morton Road, Stephen F. Austin Drive, Veterans Drive, Rollingwood Drive, and eastbound Bee Cave Road. Limited or shuttle-only access will also be in effect on streets near the park.

The city’s transportation and public works department has an interactive street closure map to view road closure and lane reduction schedules. Parking will be restricted, with several Zilker lots closed through Oct. 19. Limited parking is available at Butler Shores, Riverside Drive, Veterans Drive, and Polo Field. Heavy congestion is expected near MoPac.

What else? Cyclists should anticipate dense pedestrian traffic. Barton Creek Greenbelt, Butler Hike and Bike Trail, and Barton Springs Pool—south gate only—remain open.