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MotoGP bets on Austin to grow its U.S. audience

The three-day race weekend runs Friday through Sunday at COTA.

News

MotoGP&#x27;s only U.S. race returns to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin" data-vars-content-id="13f9a9c2-6856-41b2-a214-808ccf9b184c" data-vars-headline="MotoGP bets on Austin to grow its U.S. audience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin" target="_self">Austin</a> this weekend, putting the city at the center of the racing series&#x27; bid to grow in America.Why it matters: Circuit of the Americas serves as MotoGP&#x27;s lone foothold in the U.S., making Austin a test case for whether <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="another European motorsport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/17/formula-1-austin-women-fans" data-vars-content-id="13f9a9c2-6856-41b2-a214-808ccf9b184c" data-vars-headline="MotoGP bets on Austin to grow its U.S. audience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/17/formula-1-austin-women-fans" target="_self">another European motorsport</a> can break through with American fans.

Austin exploring mask ban for law enforcement

"No More Secret Police," says an Austin city council memo.

Targeting mask-wearing by federal immigration agents, Austin city officials are considering banning facial coverings among all law enforcement.Why it matters: Austin could soon join a host of cities and states that are prohibiting the coverings, as part of a wider clash between federal and local governments over policing, privacy and civil rights.

Texas basketball faces a big moment

Texas men's basketball is a Cinderella — and the women have been dominant.

Sports

For the first time since 2004, the University of Texas men&#x27;s and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s basketball teams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/30/texas-women-basketball" data-vars-content-id="ebbbf9c6-1d78-4297-bc61-bf16538451b0" data-vars-headline="Texas basketball faces a big moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/01/30/texas-women-basketball" target="_self">women&#x27;s basketball teams</a> are playing in the Sweet 16 in the same year.Why it matters: The squads come to the crucial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="post-season moment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/07/texas-march-madness-money" data-vars-content-id="ebbbf9c6-1d78-4297-bc61-bf16538451b0" data-vars-headline="Texas basketball faces a big moment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/07/texas-march-madness-money" target="_self">post-season moment</a> very differently, each compelling in its own way.

Texas women's hoops riding "off the chart" chemistry to Final Four

Led by Madison Booker and Rori Harmon, the Longhorns are looking to win a national championship.

The University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s basketball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/26/texas-basketball-ncaa-tournament" data-vars-content-id="5ab01d55-8c66-43d1-9ef3-0db4c0e6ea20" data-vars-headline="Texas women&#x27;s hoops riding &quot;off the chart&quot; chemistry to Final Four" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/26/texas-basketball-ncaa-tournament" target="_self">women&#x27;s basketball team</a> is playing in its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second consecutive Final Four" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/02/12/texas-womens-basketball-madison-booker" data-vars-content-id="5ab01d55-8c66-43d1-9ef3-0db4c0e6ea20" data-vars-headline="Texas women&#x27;s hoops riding &quot;off the chart&quot; chemistry to Final Four" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/02/12/texas-womens-basketball-madison-booker" target="_self">second consecutive Final Four</a> — but this year, they&#x27;ve arrived in dominating fashion.Why it matters: After winning their four tournament games by an average of 35.5 points, the 35-3 Longhorns are two victories away from nabbing their first championship since 1986.

Austin's independent venues feel the squeeze

Even with their outsized economic and cultural impact, it's a tough time for indie music venues.

Austin&#x27;s independently owned venues anchor its music scene, but rising insurance costs and rents have many operators focused on survival over success.Why it matters: Independent venues aren&#x27;t just cultural touchstones that develop artists and support the city&#x27;s major festivals. They&#x27;re economic engines that underpin a multibillion-dollar state industry and Austin&#x27;s tourism economy.

Spotify: Austin's top songs of 2025

Kendrick Lamar's "luther (with sza)" took the top spot.

Culture

Kendrick Lamar&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Luther" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" data-vars-content-id="ebe6bf30-29fa-46f0-baf4-1495af208a6f" data-vars-headline="Spotify: Austin&#x27;s top songs of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/45J4avUb9Ni0bnETYaYFVJ" target="_blank">Luther</a>&quot; (with SZA) was the most-streamed song on Spotify in Austin this year.Why it matters: Austin&#x27;s Wrapped shows a more Spanish-language tilt with Bad Bunny&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DtMF" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/track/3sK8wGT43QFpWrvNQsrQya?si=aa214c82321c4990" data-vars-content-id="ebe6bf30-29fa-46f0-baf4-1495af208a6f" data-vars-headline="Spotify: Austin&#x27;s top songs of 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3sK8wGT43QFpWrvNQsrQya?si=aa214c82321c4990" target="_blank">DtMF</a>&quot; landing in the No. 2 spot.

What to know before going to ACL Music Festival

Getting to the fest, what to bring and more.

Austin City Limits Music Festival returns Friday, with performances from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local artists to big names" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aclfestival.com/lineup" data-vars-content-id="edf89090-a879-4c30-802d-acb6a871fd4d" data-vars-headline="What to know before going to ACL Music Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aclfestival.com/lineup" target="_blank">local artists to big names</a> like Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier and The Killers.Why it matters: The festival takes over Zilker Park for two weekends each year and brings thousands of music fans to Austin.

Hot Summer Nights festival returns to Austin

Over 150 artists will perform across 18 venues in the Red River district.

Hot Summer Nights, the three-day music and arts festival, returns to the Red River Cultural District on Thursday.Why it matters: The free festival, founded in 2017, provides additional revenue to venues and artists during slow summer months.

Texas grocer H-E-B gets into the music game

Marcia Ball's Boogie Trinity plays on Saturday.

H-E-B is partnering with Austin nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers" data-vars-click-url="https://homeaustin.networkforgood.com/" data-vars-content-id="372b194d-4764-4fc4-ba25-a5af53414fe6" data-vars-headline="Texas grocer H-E-B gets into the music game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://homeaustin.networkforgood.com/" target="_blank">Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers</a> (HOME) to host a new monthly concert series at the South Congress H-E-B.Why it matters: HOME provides financial housing assistance for aging musicians in need.

Willie Nelson celebrates 92

The red-headed stranger helped define Austin's musical identity.

Willie Nelson celebrates his 92nd birthday Tuesday.Why it matters: Nelson, a cultural icon in his own right, has become a living symbol of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin" data-vars-content-id="fe1c6c23-a6c3-4991-abc4-daba8dce448c" data-vars-headline="Willie Nelson celebrates 92" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin" target="_self">Austin</a>. He helped define the city&#x27;s weirdness and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progressive identity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/07/14/beto-orourke-and-willie-nelson-raise-thousands-for-texas-dems" data-vars-content-id="fe1c6c23-a6c3-4991-abc4-daba8dce448c" data-vars-headline="Willie Nelson celebrates 92" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/07/14/beto-orourke-and-willie-nelson-raise-thousands-for-texas-dems" target="_self">progressive identity</a>, and his influence was instrumental in shaping Austin&#x27;s reputation as a hub for live music.

Things to do in Austin this week

Food and Drink

We&#x27;ve got you covered with some work-week plans.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Monday</h2>🤣 Find a lineup of comedians throughout the week at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Moontower Comedy Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy/" data-vars-content-id="961d64a8-dcef-40db-a6c5-991a0869ca0f" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Austin this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy/" target="_blank">Moontower Comedy Festival</a>. Badges are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still available" data-vars-click-url="https://www.austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy/badges/" data-vars-content-id="961d64a8-dcef-40db-a6c5-991a0869ca0f" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Austin this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.austintheatre.org/moontower-comedy/badges/" target="_blank">still available</a> or you can snag tickets to individual shows.

10 Austin artists to watch at ACL

Plus, at least 10 city musicians will take the stage each weekend.

Austin City Limits Music Festival is a chance to see big names, but it&#x27;s also jam-packed with local and Texas-based artists.By the numbers: More than 30 Texas artists will perform at this year&#x27;s ACL Fest, including recognizable names like Leon Bridges, Norah Jones and the increasingly popular Khruangbin.

UT announces new projects under music initiative

UT will host its second songwriter in residence, revitalize the Cactus Cafe, launch the Longhorn Piano Project and create new music-focused events.

The University of Texas wants to expand its live music experiences on campus.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UT officials this week announced" data-vars-click-url="https://news.utexas.edu/2024/09/24/new-phase-of-student-and-community-focused-live-music-initiative-launches/" data-vars-content-id="691a8bbd-6fbf-419f-ba32-ef685dbbcb64" data-vars-headline="UT announces new projects under music initiative" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.utexas.edu/2024/09/24/new-phase-of-student-and-community-focused-live-music-initiative-launches/" target="_blank">UT officials this week announced</a> a slate of new projects under its Longhorn Live: the Live Music Initiative.

Austin weekender guide, Sept. 19–22

Catch rapper Abhi the Nomad or compete at trivia.

Here are cool picks for a hot Austin weekend.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Thursday</h2>🧠 Show off your smarts at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Back to School Trivia Night" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/visit/calendar/education/third-thursdays-20240919" data-vars-content-id="d8c97226-1348-4ba4-bcc6-70517655913e" data-vars-headline="Austin weekender guide, Sept. 19–22" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/visit/calendar/education/third-thursdays-20240919" target="_blank">Back to School Trivia Night</a> at the Bullock Museum from 5–7pm. Trivia included with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the price of museum admission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/visit/buy-tickets" data-vars-content-id="d8c97226-1348-4ba4-bcc6-70517655913e" data-vars-headline="Austin weekender guide, Sept. 19–22" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/visit/buy-tickets" target="_blank">the price of museum admission</a>.