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.

Support Good Local News
A fake press release that reads "CatMetro, for immediate release, April 1, 2025. Breaking meows: the CapMetro Cats are Taking Over. Transit Authority Unexpectedly Transfers Control." followed by gibberish and "treatz please."
Culture
Our favorite April Fools’ jokes from Austin businesses
In case you missed it, local businesses trolled Austinites with some silly jokes in honor of the prankster holiday.
April 1, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
FTW-bluebonnets-downtown-skyline-sunset
Culture
Why there are bluebonnets along the highway in Texas
The Lone Star State was the first state in the union to begin planting wildflowers along highways, which has more benefits than just making Texas beautiful.
March 28, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A spaceman kite floating facing down in front of a sky filled with dozens of other kites.
Events
A brief history of Austin’s ABC Kite Fest
The ABC Kite Fest — originally called the Kite Tournament — has been an Austin staple for almost a century, providing free fun for kids and adults alike.
March 28, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A black-and-white photograph of Jim Hunt and Ann Richards from 1992. Jim Hunt, wearing a dark suit and patterned tie, is smiling and appears to be mid-laugh. Ann Richards is dressed in a polka-dot blouse with a leather jacket, large earrings, and her signature voluminous hairstyle, with a confident expression. The background is slightly blurred, suggesting an event or gathering.
City
5 important women who shaped Austin history
From Texas’ most recent woman governor, to the first Black woman elected to the Texas Senate, to the woman who protected Austin’s status as state capital, the city is full of amazing women.
March 24, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A turquoise wall at ONETACO features a framed photo of Guy Fieri on the left and a stencil-style graffiti portrait of him in blue and yellow on the right. The graffiti includes his signature, the phrase "Guy Fieri was here," and the Food Network logo. Below the artwork is a red-walled hallway lined with framed sports jerseys.
Food
11 hot spots where celebrities like to eat and party in Austin
We know Austin has an exquisite culinary scene, and apparently celebrities do too, because they’re all over town visiting the city’s famous restaurants and hidden gems.
March 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Willie Nelson statue in downtown Austin.
Culture
PBS will premiere an “Austin City Limits” special to celebrate 50 years on TV
Get ready to tune in to dozens of the most prominent musicians from the past 50 years with this special broadcast in celebration of music history.
March 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A selection of colorful salads, protein bowls, bao, and cookies from Golden Boy on a white marbled table.
Food
Fareground food hall announces three new restaurant additions
Visitors can try new restaurants serving menus with sushi, bao, burgers, and more while mixing and matching dishes from the surrounding cafeteria.
March 18, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The exterior of the Austin Convention Center with a brick facade, large windows, and a digital sign displaying information about SXSW Flatstock. Trees line the sidewalk, and orange traffic cones are placed along the street. A person stands near the curb, and a white shuttle bus is parked nearby.
City
Remembering the history of the Austin Convention Center
Join us in bidding adieu to the Austin Convention Center, which will be demolished next month to make way for a bigger facility for our growing city.
March 18, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A large, curved SXSW display inside a convention center, decorated with colorful illustrations of a mirror, abstract shapes, and musical notes. The sign includes "SXSW EDU" in bold letters. Attendees walk around, some carrying bags or backpacks. An escalator in the background leads to an upper level, and large windows reveal the cityscape and food trucks outside.
Events
SXSW 2026 will be shorter with a streamlined music festival
The festival of arts, culture, and learning will look different next year as it undergoes displacement from the Austin Convention Center.
March 16, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A large group of musicians and performers, including Willie Nelson, on stage under bright lights, with a neon sign reading "Luck" in the background. Some artists are seated playing guitars, while others stand with brass instruments, singing or engaging with the audience. The crowd in the foreground raises hands and takes photos.
Culture
Inside Luck Reunion, Willie Nelson’s Americana music festival
The annual celebration of live music and cosmic cowboy vibes is known to sell out quickly, and for good reason.
March 14, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_TysonsTacos
Live
30 tacos to try in ATX
Decide where to get tacos from stands, to casual eats, to 24/7 restaurants, to upscale eateries, there’s always a place to get a bite in Austin.
March 12, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Black-eyed Susan
Travel and Outdoors
Become an expert on native flowers
Keep local love growing this spring with local plants.
March 10, 2025
 · 
Dayten Rose
A green view of a footbridge
City
Get to know Austin’s sister cities
Learn some fun facts about Austin’s sister and friendship cities.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A packed crowd at Stubb’s outdoor music venue in Austin, with fans raising their hands and phones toward the stage. The arched canopy above the stage is illuminated with red and pink visuals, while bright stage lights highlight the performing band. A second-level balcony overlooking the scene is filled with spectators, and surrounding trees are lit with blue and purple lighting.
Culture
33 SXSW events that don’t require a badge
SXSW isn’t just for badgeholders — there are dozens of free events that are open to everyone.
March 4, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Three modular, grey homes rendered on a street in front of clear blue skies and surrounded by greenery.
Real Estate
ICON debuts 3D-printed home plans in Mueller
The 3D-printing construction company plans to break ground on 12 homes in the east Austin neighborhood this year.
March 4, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The interior of Hill Country Weavers displays an array of colorful yarns organized on shelves and racks. A mannequin in the center wears a hand-knit multicolored cardigan. Skeins of yarn in various textures and hues fill cubbies, baskets, and display stands. A sign above the shelves reads "Our Happy Place," and natural light streams in through the windows.
Business
Austin-based alternatives to Joann Fabric and Crafts
As the big box store prepares to close all of its US locations, we’re sharing where you can get your craft supplies and keep your dollars in the community.
February 28, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A lively outdoor concert at the Moody Amphitheater in Waterloo Park. The stage is set up with various lighting and sound equipment, and a large screen displays a close-up of Big Freedia singing. The crowd is gathered on the lawn and in the seating area, enjoying the event. The atmosphere appears festive with people standing, talking, and taking photos. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the scene at the Austin Blues Festival.
Culture
How to see a concert for free at Moody Amphitheater
One hundred lucky winners will be able to see each show at Moody Amphitheater for free due to a partnership with C3 Presents and Live Nation.
February 28, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A glowing SXSW logo behind three white chairs with microphones sitting on top.
Events
Your ultimate guide to SXSW 2025
Get ready for a nine-day, citywide party Austinites, because SXSW is just around the corner and we’re getting excited.
February 26, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A rendering of the new Austin Convention Center showcases a spacious outdoor walkway with people walking, socializing, and engaging with a food truck. A large, colorful canopy with intricate patterns and abstract designs stretches overhead. The surrounding area features lush greenery, modern architecture with glass and stone elements, and a backdrop of high-rise buildings under a bright sky.
City
Take a first look at the new Austin Convention Center
Peek into the future of the $1.6 billion project, which is slated to begin just after SXSW, and transform the future of Downtown Austin.
February 25, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees lining the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail./
Culture
Stacking up: How Austin ranks from one to 10 in studies
From the best state capital to live, to the best nightlife, to best places to get coffee, Austin is well-represented in these studies.
February 24, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up of the wooden cabin with a damaged front door and three historical markers on the front.
City
The Henry Green Madison Cabin will be disassembled for restoration
The historic home to the first Black Austin City Council member will receive approximately $495,000 worth of improvements.
February 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Piper Stege Nelson in a blue button-up shirt smiles while seated in a well-lit space with plants and wooden furniture. Behind her, a neon sign reads "I Live Here I Give Here," and shelves with decorative items are visible in the background.
City
6 questions with I Live Here I Give Here Executive Director Piper Stege Nelson
Amplify Austin Day gives residents a seamless way to support their community in a way they’re passionate about during this 24-hour event.
February 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The band Grouplove onstage, lit from behind with a bright purple light.
Events
Every local artist performing at SXSW 2025
More than 100 local musicians will show up to represent the Live Music Capital of the World, and we’ve rounded them up in one easy-to-use guide for you.
February 18, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
An outdoor bar and seating area in the evening, filled with people enjoying drinks and conversation. The setting features long wooden picnic tables under string lights and a large ceiling fan. The bar area is partially enclosed with a wooden slatted design and illuminated by round hanging lights. In the background, a building with purple lighting and a sign that reads 'COSMIC' adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
Culture
Figi’s faves: perfect places to visit in Austin
These locales have been vetted by your friendly neighborhood city editor, so you can sure you’re going to have a good time.
February 14, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Ben Duong dribbling a Wilson basketball while wearing a green San Antonio Spurs hoodie, black shorts, and black sneakers. He is positioned in an athletic stance on a grassy field with the Austin skyline and a bridge in the background. The sky is bright blue with scattered clouds.
Sports
Austin runner Ben Duong hopes to break another Guinness World Record
The local athlete broke the record for the fastest half marathon while dribbling a basketball last year and now, he’s back for the full marathon.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Gary Clark Jr. wearing Austin FC’s "The Heartbeat Kit" jersey, a green and black Adidas design with YETI sponsorship. He stands against a wall decorated with framed soccer photographs, leaning on a wooden ledge with candles, under moody green lighting.
Sports
Austin FC debuts “The Heartbeat Kit” jerseys
Its announcement video features tons of local celebrities, including Matthew McConaughey, Gary Clark Jr., Ray Benson, and many more.
February 12, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Four cocktails on a wooden table with a blurred outdoor bar setting in the background. From left to right: a large orange cocktail in a wine glass with a black straw and a beaded charm, a layered purple and yellow drink in a short glass with a black straw, a pale yellow martini with a sugar rim and a lemon twist garnish, and a copper mug filled with ice.
Events
No boys, just joy: where to spend Galentine’s Day in ATX
Show some love to your gals and pals at these local events, complete with Swiftie trivia, jewelry-making, shopping, and sipping.
February 10, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
CHIEFS SUPER BOWL
Sports
14 Texans to watch during Super Bowl LIX
Keep an eye out for former Longhorns Charles Omenihu, Xavier Worthy, and Moro Ojomo, plus Pflugerville’s Samaje Perine.
February 6, 2025
 · 
Kate Mazade
An outdoor Barbie-themed roller-skating rink with people skating under string lights at dusk. The space features vibrant pink, orange, and teal decor, with a large "Barbie" sign on a colorful backdrop. A mix of skaters in casual and retro-inspired outfits glide across the lavender-colored rink, while others relax near palm plants and seating areas. A skate rental station and a sunset-themed mural are visible in the background.
Events
Paint the town pink at the Malibu Barbie Cafe pop-up
The Malibu Barbie Cafe will stop in Austin for two months starting in early April, bringing a skate rink, restaurant, and Barbiecore activities.
February 6, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Matthew McConaughey wears a plaid red suit in front of a wall for the Washington Commanders.
Sports
A brief history of Austin celebrity Super Bowl commercial appearances
As you watch Super Bowl LIX, keep watch for a few familiar, local faces that will make a cameo during the commercials.
February 4, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Load More