Hot Headlines

New owner for Chuy's leads the week's 5 most-read stories in Austin

Chuy's enchiladas with rice and refried beans.

Photo courtesy of Chuy's

Editor's note: A lot happened this week, so here's your chance to get caught up. Read on for the week's most popular headlines. Looking for the best things to do this weekend? Find that list here.

1. Austin's beloved Tex-Mex chain Chuy's gets acquired by a new owner.The chain has been acquired by Darden Restaurants, Inc., which also owns Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, and more.

2. Austin's bustling Rainey Street gets new 2-acre park and trailhead. A playscape and children's drama stage anchor the new amenities. Rather than an attention-grabbing playground, this playscape blends into the nature around it.

3. Yellowstone's Cole Hauser trots ranch-inspired bourbon into Texas.The Lazy K Bar Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a 92 proof bourbon aged for eight years in Kentucky and bottled in Bozeman, Montana, is now available for purchase in Texas.

4. Austin's favorite taco chain takes top honors on USA Today 10-best list. Torchy's Tacos has landed in the runner-up position on USA Today's 10Best fast casual restaurants list. Torchy's made the list in 2023, too, when it came in at No. 4.

5. Austin is back on top as the No. 1 city for millennials. After slipping out of the top five for the first time in 2023, Austin has redeemed itself and reclaimed its position as the No. 1 magnet city for millennials on the move in 2024.

Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 7 things to do in Austin this weekend

Photo courtesy of Cirque Italia

Experience Paranormal Cirque at Barton Creek Square this weekend.

Greet the New Year with a stacked social calendar to keep you resolved to stay entertained. Enjoy a sultry and imaginative evening at Paranormal Cirque, or get a final festive fix with a cruise through the Light Park. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.

Photo courtesy of Cirque Italia

Experience Paranormal Cirque at Barton Creek Square this weekend.

Friday, January 3

Paranormal Cirque
Cirque Italia’s annual production for a mature audience takes over Barton Creek Square. Paranormal Cirque is a unique production that mixes elements of circus, theater, and cabaret to create a sultry horror story that’s sure to entertain. Following opening weekend, shows are scheduled through January 16.

The Light Park
Cruise through a mile of dazzling holiday lights at the Dell Diamond. This drive-thru experience features displays made with millions of lights, all synchronized to a mix of festive tunes by DJ Polar Ice. Additional highlights include the longest light tunnel in the world and a variety of family-friendly installations inspired by the season. Tickets are available now. The Light Park is open through January 13, 2025.

Saturday, January 4

Brad Henderson: Magic, Mystery, & More
Start the year with an evening of magic at the Penfold Theatre Company. Brad Henderson will perform a 60-minute presentation showcasing his talents as a leading magician, mind reader, and hypnotist. This show is suitable for all ages.

Broadway in Austin presents Come From Away
The true story of a small town that welcomed stranded 9/11 passengers comes to life on stage at Bass Concert Hall. Audiences will experience how uneasiness transformed into enduring friendships during a harrowing moment in American history. Tickets for all shows are available now.

Pioneer Farms presents Raw Evidence, Real Ghosts on the Farm
Settle in for a spooky night on the farm with the ghost stories to match. Guests to Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms will experience an immersive paranormal investigation featuring spirits' activity as documented at the historic site. Tickets and a schedule of the monthly events are available.

Sunday, January 5

Blanton Museum of Art presents Native America: In Translation closing day
The wide-ranging work of nine Indigenous artists is on display for the final day at the Blanton Museum of Art. Themes of identity, heritage, and land rights are explored in this exhibition, showcasing photography, video, and other media. The exhibition includes works by artists such as Kimowan Metchewais, Martine Gutierrez, and Alan Michelson.

ACL Live presents Sarah Silverman: Postmortem
Comedian and television personality Sarah Silverman performs live as part of her current touring show at Austin City Limits Live. Silverman is a two-time Emmy Award winner and is known for her hosting role on her weekly podcast, The Sarah Silverman Podcast and TBS’ Stupid Pet Tricks. A select number of tickets are available.

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