Austin is living up to its “Live Music Capital of the World” name with a new $338 million premier concert venue — the Moody Center — being built right now.

The 15,000+ seat center — located on UT Austin’s campus at 2001 Robert Dedman Dr. — will span 530,000 sqft and replace the 42-year-old Frank Erwin Center. It will feature more than 150 nights of entertainment each year.

In addition to major concerts, the venue will host The University of Texas basketball games, family shows, and other sporting events.

Unique arena technology will include an adjustable ceiling and movable seats to fit crowds of 5,000-18,000 people.

What’s being moody have to do with anything? The Moody Center received its name in honor of the $130 milion grant awarded to UT Austin from the Moody Foundation. The charitable organization funds projects + programs across the Lone Star State — including museums, libraries, and hospitals.

There’s even a famous Longhorn in the mix. Matthew McConaughey serves as the Minister of Culture for the Moody Center project. The development also includes a partnership between the Oak View Group, Live Nation/C3 Presents, and Dell Technologies, and UT Austin.

Construction on the new entertainment venue | Photo via Moody Center

The two-night Moody Center grand opening celebration next year will kick off with performances by country music star George Strait + special guests Willie Nelson and the Randy Rogers Band on April 29 — Willie’s 89th birthday.

Interested in seeing the development’s progress? Check out the Moody Center’s construction webcam.

Use the buttons below to share this news with your friend who loves attending concerts in Austin.

MUST DO

Today

Beth Lee and the Breakups | Thurs., Oct. 21 | 7-9 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Company | Free | Jam out to blues + rock — Bigfoot and the Gregs will also take the stage.
SAFE & Sound Benefit Concert | Thurs., Oct. 21 | 7:30-11 p.m. | The Far Out Lounge and Stage | $25+ | This benefit concert will feature local artists like Tameca Jones and Drew Davis — funds will support The SAFE Alliance.

Sunday

Lone Star Farmers Market | Sun., Oct. 24 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria | Head to the Central Plaza lawn to shop 40+ local vendors and enjoy live music. 🍅

Tuesday

MasterChef Live! | Tues., Oct. 26 | 7-10 p.m. | Long Center | $29+ | This family-friendly show will feature cooking demonstrations + food challenges. 🍽️

Thursday

Paintin For Fun | Thurs., Oct. 28 | 7-10 p.m. | 3511 E. 7th St. | $40 | Create a painting using acrylics — no painting experience required. 🎨

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE OCTOBER EVENTS HERE

Finding ways to amp up your look can sometimes feel impossible. Luckily, Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner™ delivers color and definition that sets in 30 seconds, so you can upgrade your eye look in an instant. 👀

This waterproof, smudge-proof liner from Thrive Causemetics is made to last all day, rain or shine, so you can put it on and forget about it. No wonder it has 4,000 five-star reviews. Bonus: Here’s 15% off your first order. Ⓟ

SHOP

NEWS NOTES

Weather

88º | Partly cloudy | 11% chance of rain

Festival

The first-ever Texas Hemp Harvest Festival takes place this Saturday. The one-day event will celebrate hemp harvest in the state — including vendors, food trucks, and live music. Festivities will run from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. at Carson Creek Ranch. 🌱 (CultureMap Austin)

Announced

Alexis McGill Johnson — president + CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America — is the initial Keynote speaker for SXSW 2022. Check out the full list of tech, film, and music industry leaders set to join the conference in March. 💬 (SXSW)

Eat

On the haunt to sip ghostly drinks + eat frightening food this Halloween? From Strawberry Brain cupcakes at Capital City Bakery to Nutella mummy macarons at La Patisserie, this list will have you feeling spooky. 👻 (Eater Austin)

List

The Austin metro area sits at No. 39 in the list of the country’s 50 most physically active metro areas, according to 24/7 Wall St. Rankings were based on categories like adults who exercise + adult obesity rate. 👟 (CultureMap Austin)

Biz

Real estate company Zillow is putting a pause on buying homes in Austin through its Zillow Offers service due to a lack of employees + supplies. At this time, there’s a backlog of homes in need of renovation. 🏘️ (KVUE)

📸 @diagonalleyatx

Did you know the Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle Halloween decorations are back up this year off of West Slaughter Lane in South Austin?

The popular wizardry display will be completely finished on Oct. 28 and remain up until Christmas. 🪄

#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?

Just use #ATXtoday on social media.

THE WRAP

💭 Say Hello: What do you want to know about your city?

✏️️ Want to write an article for us? Find out how here.

👀 Want your business featured in our newsletter? Learn more about advertising opportunities here.

📖 Check out our Editorial Ethics Policy here.

Content marked with a Ⓟ is representative of our advertising partners. Advertising policy.

You received this email because you are signed up for newsletters from 6AM City.
Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.