Hot Headlines
Beer garden drive-thru, Austin's soaring cost of living, and more top stories
Editor's note: This gloomy weather isn't going to quell our holiday spirit. As we prepare for another indoor weekend (an Austinite's least favorite kind) let's take a look at the hot stories and fresh takes that got everyone's attention this week.
1. Cost to 'live comfortably' in Austin spiked more than any other U.S. city. A new report found that between 2017 and 2018, the price to live "comfortably" in Austin increased by a higher dollar amount than anywhere else in the country. (By more than $18,000 no less.)
2. Long-awaited Easy Tiger beer garden roars into Central Austin with brunch and drive-thru. Years (and years) after it was first announced, Easy Tiger, the beloved beer garden/bakery has finally opened in Central Austin's The Linc development. Expect all the goodies that make the downtown a dining destination plus, yup, a drive-thru.
3. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema picks popular Austin suburb for area's newest theater. Cedar Park will be home to Austin's seventh Alamo Drafthouse. The new theater will also feature the city's first Big Show theater, a concept "that utilizes a gigantic screen and top-of-the-line presentation technology."
4. Gourmet Austin deli shutters after landlord dispute, plus more food news. The latest edition of all things Austin food includes a shutter, an opening, and very, very sweet comeback.
5. Troubled Austin chain rescued by elite California restaurant group. Patrons of Vert's Kabap/Noon Mediterranean have watched for years as the homegrown chain struggled with rapid expansion and bankruptcy. Now, there may be new hope for the company.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri