City Cast Austin

We’ve made it to the dog days of summer, and they are long. Yet unlike most other years, this August, Austin is looking green and gorgeous thanks to our very rainy July. In our monthly guide to August 2025 in Austin, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec and Nicolai McCrary, senior staff writer at The Infatuation, to share our picks for sights to take in (in the air-conditioned halls of government, outside, and on stages), the concerts to put on your calendar (free, benefits, and otherwise), and the snacks to try before the month is up. And, if you’re craving more ideas for cold treats to eat this summer, check out our recent round-up in Hey Austin.  For even more tips on how to make the most of August in Austin, check out Hey Austin’s take on what to do this month. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 31st episode: Framebridge Visit Port Aransas Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don’t forget — you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin member at membership.citycast.fm.   Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Since the July 4th flooding in Central Texas and the Hill Country, volunteers have shown up in droves, at first overwhelming the extensive flooding scenes. Even though officials told folks to not just show up, hundreds of people did, both in and around Kerr County, and in Austin-area Sandy Creek. In this two-part episode, host Nikki DaVaughn first hears from Dayna De Hoyos, who lives in Comfort and volunteered dozens of hours to helping animals in the area; and then with Dwight Bailey, executive director of the Austin Disaster Relief Network, which organizes volunteers and is part of the official response to Central Texas disasters. Volunteers are still badly needed in Travis County and in the Kerrville area. And, in full disclosure, City Cast Austin recently donated $347 to ADRN during a membership drive.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 30th episode: Framebridge Visit Port Aransas Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don’t forget — you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin member at membership.citycast.fm.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

A tax rate election is getting more and more likely, as Austin City Council members seem less interested in cutting services in order to adopt a budget that balances out a $33 million deficit. But Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis has another proposal: Charge Austinites a fee for parks, an idea that could bring in $5.4 million. Ellis joins host Nikki DaVaughn to explain her proposal, and go over some major pain points in the budget so far. Plus, Ellis announces that although she’s term-limited next year, she plans to ask District 8 voters for permission to run once more. Finally, Ellis shares her favorite hidden gems for gumbo-lovers and green thumbs in District 8.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 29th episode: Framebridge Visit Port Aransas Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don’t forget — you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin member at membership.citycast.fm.   Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

A special session is underway at the Texas Capitol, where lawmakers have a list of 18 items to address in just 30 days. While regulating THC products used to be at the top of the list, that all changed after the July 4th floods, and folks want answers and solutions to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. Plus, lawmakers are voluntarily taking on redistricting, to appease President Donald Trump. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by KUT’s Blaise Gainey to talk about what to watch this special session.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 28th episode: Framebridge Visit Port Aransas Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Plus, get more from City Cast Austin when you become a City Cast Austin Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/austin   Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Everyone's talking about Austin-area Rep. James Talarico after the Democrat's interview on the Joe Rogan Experience was published this week. And, everyone wants to know: Will he throw his hat in the ring for Sen. John Cornyn’s seat in D.C.? Host Nikki DaVaughn discusses on today's Friday News Roundup, joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec. Plus, what the Upright Citizens Brigade's move to Austin means for the local comedy scene, and how the $1.1 billion in federal funding cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will affect Austin’s iconic Austin City Limits TV show. And, last but not least, the team shares their weekend picks.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 25th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Cabana Club Austin Watershed Protection Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

For lots of Austinites, the swag one gets for donating to our local NPR station, KUT, is a status symbol. Grackle-adorned totes and socks are practically a currency — this city loves the news station and its sister station, KUTX, which often showcases Austin musicians. But do Austinites love KUT enough to save it? The station is trying to raise $1.2 million to shore up what it lost when Congress rolled back funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR and PBS. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by KUT's General Manager, Debbie Hiott, who also sits on NPR’s board of directors, to talk about how the cuts will affect local programming, staffing, and more, especially at a time when local news deserts are expanding. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Cabana Club Austin Watershed Protection Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Yes, we just saw record-breaking rainfall that brought more rain to Austin in July than we typically see throughout an entire summer. And yes, the reservoirs that hold Austinites’ drinking water are 95% full for the first time since 2019. But that still doesn’t mean you can water your lawn every day — or that the city can take a break from fixing its hundreds of miles of leaky pipes. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Austin Water’s Kevin Kluge, water conservation manager, to find out what effect the recent catastrophic flooding had on our watering restrictions, drought conditions, and water supply.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 23rd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Cabana Club Austin Watershed Protection Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Newsflash: Things are expensive, and retailers are hiding costs related to inflation and economic unknowns everywhere they can. Fear not, Austinites, we have a solution for you. This city is full of secondhand stores, vintage popups, clothing swaps, and other opportunities to buy things used. So where do you start? Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by expert thrifter Paula Cox, and Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw, who loves a secondhand store, to get into the best resale shops for vintage finds, great quality clothing, furniture, and more.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 22nd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Cabana Club Austin Watershed Protection Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The world’s richest man may not have the same power he once had in the White House, but Elon Musk has become quite powerful in Austin, at the seat of Texas government. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Lauren McGaughy, an investigative reporter and editor with the Texas Newsroom, based at KUT, who covers Musk and recently wrote about his secret emails with Gov. Greg Abbott, his fight with West Lake Hills neighbors over a fence, and how he successfully lobbied the Texas Legislature this year.   Learn more about the sponsors of this July 21st episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Cabana Club Austin Watershed Protection Get more from City Cast Austin when you become a City Cast Austin Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/austin   Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

This week, Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax unveiled his proposed $6.3 billion budget, which aims to shore up the city's deficit while avoiding a direct call for a tax-rate election. But will it work? Some city leaders are skeptical. On this week's Friday News Round Up, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to tell you everything you need to know. We also dive into Antone's 50th year of legendary live music, IKEA's new "small city store" in San Marcos, and how locals are raising big money for flood relief. Plus, the growing petition to pause the convention center rebuild, and why you should come to our birthday party this weekend! Learn more about the sponsors of this July 18th episode: Visit Port Aransas Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau TurboTenant Get more from City Cast Austin when you become a City Cast Austin Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/austin And, come celebrate our first birthday and have a drink on us on Sunday, July 20, at the Cabana Club! It’s free with RSVP.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE