Laura Figi.jpg

Laura Figi

Senior Newsletter Editor

Laura Figi has called Austin home for more than 12 years and has been known to say it’s her “favorite city in the world.” A proud graduate of Texas State University, she’s been working in local news since 2020. When she’s not working and learning about the community, you can find her at the local thrift shop, spending time with her two cats, or listening to live music.

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A slime green graphic with the word "austin" in black in the middle, in the same font as "brat."
Culture
How to have a “brat” summer in ATX
Thanks to Charli XCX’s hit pop album, we’re here to decode why “brat” is all over the airwaves, internet, and right outside your front door.
August 9, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A large outdoor gathering is shown with people sitting on blankets and low chairs, facing a large projection screen displaying the words "Front Festival." The event takes place at night under tall trees, with the screen and a speaker illuminated by lights. The atmosphere is relaxed and communal, as attendees enjoy the event in a natural, open-air setting.
Arts
The 2024 Front Festival will take over iconic venues later this month
Put on by nonprofit Future Front Texas, the festival celebrates women and LGBTQ+ makers in Texas with markets, concerts, screenings, and pool parties.
August 9, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A serene and luxurious lakeside property. In the foreground, there's a beautifully designed pool with a natural stone waterfall feature and adjacent hot tub. Several lounge chairs are arranged around the pool. Beyond the pool, there is a large, well-manicured lawn leading to the lake, a basketball court, and a boathouse with an upper deck stands at the water's edge. The lake is calm and surrounded by lush, green trees and hills, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting. The sky is clear and blue, enhancing the overall idyllic atmosphere.
Real Estate
Homes with amenities to channel your inner Olympian
Live like a world-class athlete at one of these three homes with Olympics-adjacent amenities that are on the market now here in Austin.
August 7, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A man is playing an electric guitar on stage. He is wearing sunglasses and a dark green short-sleeved shirt. Behind him are American and Texas flags, and a sign that reads, "Biggest Little Stage in South Austin GIDDY UPS." There are also various musical equipment and instruments on the stage, including a drum set and amplifiers.
Business
Three Austin venues announce closures — for now
Don’t lose hope, these three venues may soon reopen, but it’s time to bid them farewell in the meantime.
August 5, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_jeopardy_still
History
How well do you know Austin trivia?
Contestants, we’re playing “Jeopardy!”
August 1, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Kayaks and paddleboards dot Lady Bird Lake in Austin, with trees on either side of the water.
Culture
Unsanctioned Olympic events that Austin would dominate
If these sports were approved by the International Olympic Committee, Bat City residents would surely take home the gold.
July 31, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
An indoor mini-golf course with various creatively designed holes and pathways. In the foreground, there's a small table with a drink and a golf scorecard. The mini-golf course features colorful and artistic elements, including graffiti-style decorations and unique structures like bridges and tunnels. Several people are seen playing mini-golf, adding to the lively atmosphere. The background includes a well-lit area with more mini-golf holes and a bar where people are gathered, enhancing the social and recreational ambiance of the space.
Culture
Play mini-golf at these six Austin-area courses
Need an indoor activity or a way to get the kids out of the house? These local mini-golf courses are a putt above the rest.
July 30, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Two dishes from overhead
Food
Local restaurants deserving of a Michelin star, according to Austinites
Any Michelin Guide Inspectors reading? We’ve rounded up a few of the restaurants Austinites think deserve a star.
July 30, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Creation of the Animals by Jesus Polanco
Culture
Art From the Streets brings gallery to the Central Library
Peruse two-dimensional pieces created by 40 unhoused or at-risk artists for free until Sunday, Sept. 29.
July 26, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Two hands cheersing with beer glasses that say "Independence Brewing" in front of a waving American Flag.
Sports
Where to watch the Summer Olympics in Austin
Don’t watch the games without something good to drink, a big screen to tune into, and the company of your fellow Austinites.
July 26, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The Matt's El Rancho sign
Food
Matt’s El Rancho co-owner named Restaurateur of the Year
The Texas Restaurant Awards recognized a handful of foodservice industry favorites in the Austin area.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
FTW-Blackland Distillery Cocktail
Culture
37 spirits made by Texas-based companies
Whether you’re on the hunt for whiskey, tequila, gin, rum, or something entirely different, we’ve found a Texas-owned spirit to sip.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Austin 75 Ranchwater and Still BOA Still Austin Bourbon.jpg
Culture
37 spirits made by Texas-based companies
Whether you’re on the hunt for whiskey, tequila, gin, rum, or something entirely different, we’ve found a Texas-owned spirit to sip.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A purple and white boba tea in front of a neon sign.
Food
City Editor Figi’s favorite drinks in ATX
If you want to drink like ATXtoday City Editor Laura Figi, here’s your chance to tour some of her mainstays in town.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A huge sculpture of the olympic rings in front of the paris stadium.
Sports
Dreaming of gold: Olympians with ties to Austin and Texas competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics
The Capital City is well-represented on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics — these are some locals to watch.
July 18, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Four different flavors of custard lined up on a wooden counter, topped with waffles and various toppings.
Food
Local treats to try on National Ice Cream Day
We’ve found a few National Ice Cream Day specials in Austin for you to try, so you can celebrate with a delicious sweet treat in-hand.
July 18, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
Food
Austin will soon be a Michelin Guide city
The Michelin Guide is expanding to Texas cities — including Austin, San Antonio, and Houston — with plans to award restaurants with stars later this year.
July 16, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A rendering of the interior with curvy textured walls, concrete floorings and an open kitchen + dining plan.
Real Estate
New slate of 3D-printed ICON homes coming to Wimberley
Available in four floorplans, the new homes are scheduled to break ground this summer as ICON’s most luxurious and largest to date.
July 16, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A view of moveable logs and steps for kids to play in front of a large oak tree.
Travel and Outdoors
Rainey Street Trailhead opens at the tip of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
The new park area has something for all Austinites — young and old — with play areas, seating, a dock, and access to the rest of the trail.
July 12, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The Guest House exterior awning, with the restaurant's logo, starry lights, plants, and upscale decor.
Sports
NFL Players will wait tables for Celebrity Waiter Night at The Guest House
The high-profile restaurant will bring in A-list football players to serve and socialize in support of the Fair Catch Foundation.
July 10, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A rendering of a lattice bridge above Waller Creek, surrounded by trees.
Travel and Outdoors
Expect detours on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and Bike Trail during The Confluence construction
With construction for The Confluence continuing along Waller Creek, trail users should expect route disruptions for the next several months.
July 10, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A screened-in porch covered in plants, with plenty of chairs, a bench, wooden floors and views of Downtown facing south.
Real Estate
Hot Home: enjoy city life from this Castle Hill oasis
Located in the heart of Old West Austin, Lou Lambert’s luxurious two-bedroom Castle Hill home is on the market for $1,650,000 now.
July 8, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up of a Mahjong mat with the wall of tiles pushed out and several tiles face-up in the center.
Culture
Try This: learn how to play mahjong from Mahj with Claire
Get your head in the game (or learn how to play) with a challenging mahjong match, hosted by Austinite and instructor Claire Ryan.
July 2, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Watermelon slices, lime slices, and three frozen drinks topped with mint dispersed all around a wooden table with a coaster reading "Upstairs at Caroline."
Food
Happy hours that will have you wishing for a heatwave
You can save some cash when the thermometer peaks with these six summertime specials celebrating Austin’s hot weather.
July 2, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A room with a coordinated clothing rack, mannquin, white ottoman, and a huge mirror.
Business
Saks Fifth Avenue opens The Fifth Avenue Club Austin at Commodore Perry Estate
The luxury styling club is the third in Texas, offering showcases, luxury styling services, and free consultations.
June 28, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
Chief Cleopatra wearing a black sparkly dress with the microphone to her mouth.
Culture
Chief Cleopatra will take the stage at ACL Music Festival for the first time this year
Meet the ACL first-timer and five-time SXSW alumna, a Texas native who has been performing R&B and genre-bending music for years.
June 28, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A photo of the Austin skyline with purple flowers in the foreground.
Travel and Outdoors
How hot will summer 2024 be in Austin?
We want you — our readers — to guess how many days will surpass 100º this summer as the first triple-digit day of the year approaches.
June 26, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_DeepEddyPoolsummer
Travel and Outdoors
Swim into this history of Deep Eddy Pool
We’re diving into the deep end of history about Texas’ oldest swimming pool, which has been keeping Austinites cool for over a century.
June 24, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A veranda reading "Casa de Luz" shrouded by greenery.
Food
Local vegan staple Casa de Luz will open a new location in east Austin
Casa de Luz Este will have a similar focus to its sister kitchen and open inside mixed-use wellness development Casa Este.
June 24, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
a hand holding a phone with timeleft's app open, which shows the seat confirmation, the group and the restaurant
Culture
Go to dinner with strangers in Austin with Timeleft
Ditch the phone screen for an evening and meet up with locals like you for a fun-filled social experience.
June 21, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
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