Southwest Austin residents can check out a mix of events expected to happen in January and February. Community members can find free live music performances and yoga experiences. This list is not comprehensive. Event details are subject to change.

Red River Cultural District Free Week
The annual Red River Cultural District live music series will return at downtown venues such as Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, Mohawk and Flamingo Cantina.

• Jan. 9-10, performance times vary
• Free
• Multiple venues across downtown Austin

• Jan. 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Free (UT faculty, staff and students and children under 2 years old); $12-$15 (military); $13-$16 (college student); $9-$12(ages 3-17); $15-$18 (adult); $12-$15 (seniors ages 65 and up)
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin

A city of Austin pilot program aimed at making left turns safer is showing strong early results, according to a new report from the city’s Vision Zero program. The study found a 46% drop in left-turn crashes involving pedestrians and an 82% reduction in related crash costs.

Explained: The pilot tested low-cost, “quick-build” safety changes at 16 signalized intersections in 2024. These improvements were designed to slow turning vehicles, improve turning angles and make driver behavior more predictable. City staff tracked turning speeds, angles and crash outcomes throughout the pilot.

Between 2020 and 2024, Austin recorded 204 crashes involving left-turning vehicles and pedestrians at signalized intersections, accounting for about 13% of all pedestrian crashes. The new treatments reduced injury crashes involving pedestrians by 46% and cut crashes involving other vulnerable road users by 32%.

Of note: The city estimates the community is saving about $3 million annually in emergency response, medical and related costs. Officials will continue monitoring the intersections and may expand the program citywide if results hold.

Southwest Austin has seen a mix of changes to its business and dining scene in recent months with several new additions to come. Community members can stop by a new bar or order from a recently launched location of an Austin-area sandwich shop. This list is not comprehensive.

Cheba Hut
The third location of this Austin-area sandwich shop, helmed by franchisee Joe DeMaioribus, is now offering signature sub sandwiches, cocktails and other “munchies” in Easton Park, near Circuit of The Americas.

• Opened Nov. 21
• 7101 E. William Cannon Drive, Austin

• Relocating February
• 310 E. St. Elmo Road, Austin

From State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness results to a new education facility, check out 10 of the top Dripping Springs ISD stories that affected students, families and community members in 2025.

1. Unofficial results show around 70% voter approval for $400 million Dripping Springs ISD bond: Proposition A and Proposition B on the ballot won 69.96% and 71.95% of voter approval, respectively, according to unofficial results from Hays and Travis Counties, meaning the $400 million bond package for Dripping Springs ISD gained voter approval.

2. Dripping Springs ISD eyeing $3 million budget shortfall: DSISD’s $3.07 million shortfall for FY 2025-26 comes from expenditures including instruction; transportation; maintenance and operations; child nutrition; curriculum and instructional staff development; and more.

3. Unofficial results show Olivia Barnard, Tricia Quintero re-elected in Dripping Springs ISD board race: Barnard won 3,720, or 38.73% of the vote, while Quintero won 3,103, or 32.31% of the vote. Ron Jones won 2,781, or 28.96% of the votes. The two candidates with the most votes win seats on the board.