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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An LED Butterfly sculpture suspended from the ceiling in a dark room. Red and blue bean bags are on the floor and people look up at the sculpture.
Culture
Balloon Museum will open an exhibit in Austin this summer
The “Let’s Fly – Art Has No Limits” exhibit will set up shop to showcase work from 19 international artists in Austin all summer.
June 10, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline in front of a red and purple sky.
Live
How well do you know Austin trivia?
We’re bringing you 35 fun facts about the Capital City, so you’ll want to quiz yourself whether you’re a trivia fiend or local enthusiast.
June 6, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
barton springs pool on a summer day with a green lawn full of people laying on towels
Culture
50 ways to cool off in Austin
From historic pools and lazy rivers to lakeside parks and splash pads, here’s where you can dive in and cool down around the Capital City this summer.
June 5, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Downtown Austin from the east, featuring train tracks running through a busy street, lined with trees and vegetation in the foreground. Modern high-rise buildings with glass and steel facades dominate the skyline, interspersed with older, low-rise structures. Cars navigate the streets below, and traffic lights and street signs add to the busy, bustling atmosphere. Clear skies with light clouds above the city.
Culture
If Downtown is Austin’s living room, what does that make the rest of town?
Mayor Kirk Watson calls Downtown “Austin’s living room,” so we’re speculating on what that means for the rest of the city.
June 2, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A map of Austin with orange squares showing Zilker Park, the Austin Convention Center, The Long Center, and the Texas Capitol.
Real Estate
How well do you know the map of Austin?
We’ve got a game for you — test your knowledge of how well you know Austin venues by the address alone.
May 29, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_ATXTVFestival
Culture
Your guide to the 2025 ATX TV Festival
Don’t touch that dial. Some of the most iconic TV productions are coming to Austin for a weekend of binge-watching, star-spotting, and tons of fun.
May 27, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A warm-toned photo of the Pennybacker Bridge looking South.
Travel and Outdoors
The zodiac signs as Austin landmarks
Combine your big three — or even add a loved one’s signs — for a tiny tour of Austin.
May 24, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The pond at Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park in Allandale, with a bench set to the right side.
Real Estate
How much it could cost to rent in Austin based on the neighborhood
Trying to move neighborhoods? We looked at 15 different neighborhoods around Austin to compare cost of rent to the local average.
May 21, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A plane flying over Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at dusk.
Travel and Outdoors
Fly away on one of these nonstop flights out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
You’ll never have to deal with a layover again, because these are just a few of ABIA’s nonstop flights, which will take you to over 100 cities in the US and abroad.
May 21, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The capitol building, as seen from the grounds
Events
Memorial Day remembrance events in Austin
Here are three events Austinites could attend to remember fallen service members.
May 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A massive structure covered in vines with a round red sign that reads "XXX Pearl."
Travel and Outdoors
How to spend a day in San Antonio, according to an Austinite
Get ready to plan your next day trip and let City Editor Figi take you through some of her favorite spots from a recent trip to the historic Alamo City.
May 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A rectangular pool is surrounded by wooden decking and lounge chairs shaded by white umbrellas, nestled beneath mature trees and bordered by red brick walls. In the background, a mid-century modern style building with a red and gray patterned facade rises above the scene, casting shadows across the quiet, shaded courtyard.
Travel and Outdoors
Austin hotels offering summertime pool passes
Beat the heat by taking a dip in some of Austin’s swankiest hotel pools, indulging in poolside snacks, and sunbathing.
May 19, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Light streaming through trees at Mueller Lake Park during golden hour. A couple is having a picnic on the far left side.
Travel and Outdoors
Help us guess how many 100º days Austin will have in 2025
Austin could be in for a hot year, but how does that translate to days over 100º? We want guesses from our readers.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A tiny, house-shaped box full of books.
City
Where to find a Little Free Library near you
We’ve got all the tricks in the book to find these miniature bibliotecas.
May 12, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Four people wearing red bandanas and western-style outfits pose together outdoors at a Texas-themed event, with a crowd and event signage visible in the background.
Culture
Big state, big screen: 7 questions with Chase Musslewhite and Grant Wood of Media for Texas
The two movie makers are on a mission to bring Hollywood to Austin by advocating for better film incentives in their home state.
May 9, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up photo of Matthew McConaughey dressed in burnt orange, holding up the hook'em hand signal.
City
Oh, the places you’ll go: Famous alumni from local universities
The tassel was worth the hassle — these local universities have impressive alumni rosters.
May 8, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A group of eight people, including Mayor Kirk Watson, stands outdoors on a sunny day, holding an oversized ceremonial check for $8.4 million made out to “Austin’s Parks” from the Austin City Limits Music Festival and C3 Presents. The check is dated May 7, 2025. One person is dressed in a colorful hummingbird costume, and the group is posed on a paved path in a park-like setting with grass, trees, and utility poles in the background.
City
ACL Festival debuts $8.4 million in funding for Austin Parks Foundation
ACL Festival generated $534.8 million in economic impact — its highest report yet — during the 2024 edition of the iconic live music event.
May 7, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Open-concept coworking space with people working at communal tables, lounge chairs, and leather sofas, surrounded by plants, books, and natural light from large windows.
Business
Exclusive: Switchyards will open first ‘neighborhood work club’ in Austin
The coveted workspace will release 250 memberships for its inaugural Austin location, opening early this summer.
May 6, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A banquet hall set for an event with round tables covered in white linens, each adorned with tiered trays of food, glassware, and floral garnishes, surrounded by beige chairs and tall columns under warm lighting with purple uplighting accents.
Events
Treat mom with these eats + experiences in ATX on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 11, and we’re ready to celebrate all the mother figures who call Austin home.
May 5, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A person pours melted wax into a candle mold during a candle-making workshop at Slow North. Amber glass bottles labeled with various scents, including cinnamon, are arranged on a table nearby.
Business
Small Business Week has arrived in Austin
Join us at ATXtoday in celebrating small businesses from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10.
May 1, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Two teams of high school students sit at tables on either side of a podium during a quiz competition, with a moderator standing at the podium. A large screen above displays the event name “High School Quiz Show Austin.” The teams represent the Liberal Arts and Science Academy and the Ann Richards School.
Culture
Austin PBS debuts new slate of local programming
The new Austin-made content will have you testing your trivia knowledge, learning about the community, and dancing to the beat of our town.
May 1, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Este Seafood Platter (Credit_ Cedric Angeles).jpg
Food
Keep it in the family: Get to know Austin’s sister restaurants
No sibling rivalry here — these five restaurant families are well-known and well-loved in Austin.
April 29, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Aerial view of a music festival with groups of people gathered on a grassy field, sitting or walking among tall, colorful flags featuring various abstract designs, during golden hour lighting.
Culture
2025 ACL Festival lineup predicted by ATXtoday readers
Using our readers’ collective brainpower (and a little help from AI) we’ve rounded up guesses about who is going to appear on the ACL 2025 lineup.
April 29, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A museum display featuring the Gutenberg Bible, with two large volumes showcased in a glass case—one closed and one open to reveal printed pages. Behind the case is a curved dark wood-paneled wall with multiple spotlights and informational text panels explaining the history and significance of the Gutenberg Bible.
Culture
5 objects in town that are older than Austin
Although 188 years might seem like a long time, it is relatively young for a city, so let’s take a look at some objects you can see in Austin that are older than the Capital City.
April 25, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up of Willie Nelson performing
Culture
92 facts about Willie Nelson for his 92nd birthday
Celebrate the Red Headed Stranger’s birthday with a brief history of his legendary life.
April 25, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A few gifts overlaid on a patchwork background, including a Carharrt lunch box and a jewelry dish.
Sponsored
What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.
Sponsored by
The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
City
Inside the 2024 State of the Environment Report
This snapshot into the state of Austin’s wildlife, plantlife, and air quality shows how initiatives have improved conditions year-over-year.
April 23, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A circular, fish-eye-looking mural with common ATX buildings and characters.
Play
16 of the most iconic murals around Austin
Check out this guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.
April 23, 2025
 · 
Sara Frazier
An aerial view of a large music festival crowd gathered in front of a brightly lit stage in a city park at dusk, with the Austin, Texas skyline visible in the background. The stage displays visuals of Chappell Roan and large text, while surrounding tents and vendor booths are visible among the crowd.
Culture
Help us predict the 2025 ACL Festival lineup
ACL Festival will return to Zilker Park the weekends of Friday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 5 + Friday, Oct. 10-Sunday, Oct. 12 — help us guess who will be there.
April 21, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Glass jars of laundry powder on a shelf.
Wellness
Your guide to shopping sustainably in Austin
Bust out your glass jars, we’re going to the refillery.
April 21, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
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