Rodeo Austin Cancels Public Events, Including the Carnival and Barbecue Cook-Off

Partial Rodeo Austin Cancellations
Rodeo Austin canceled all of its public-facing events, this year again. This includes the ProRodeo competitions, the fair (the carnival, concerts, shopping areas, stock shows), and the BBQ Austin (the barbecue cook-off with petting zoo and fireworks components). The cancellation is also due to the fact that host site the Travis County Expo Center is being used as one of the Central Texas Food Bank’s distribution centers. However, its private events — junior livestock show, the agricultural mechanics competition, the Ultimate Scramble Championship, and the Youth Auction — will still take place in March. The entire Rodeo Austin was canceled last year. Similarly, RodeoHouston canceled its public-facing events next month, but will still host private ones.

Airport-Adjacent Whataburger
Texas-born and now-Chicago-owned burger chain Whataburger is now open at the cell phone lot of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as of January. The 2901 Spirit of Texas Drive space includes dine-in, curbside pickup, all-hours drive-thru, and delivery services.

Free Pizza for People in Need
Austin pizzeria mini-chain Southside Flying Pizza is giving away large pies to people in need. The restaurant will give away 300 large pizza pies from its 2206 South Congress Ave address starting at 11 a.m.

Restaurant Collecting Donations for Black History Month
Japanese restaurant Kome is collecting donations for local nonprofit African-American Youth Harvest Foundation through the month of February for Black History Month. The restaurant will also match all donations, with the goal of raising over $1,000.

Good Food Award Winner
The 2021 Good Food Award winners are here, highlighting foods and drinks that have been created in thoughtful manners. For the greater Austin area, this means Vista Brewing’s Hive Mind, a honey ale made in collaboration with local beekeepers.

Cheese Anniversary
Cheese shop Antonelli’s is celebrating its 11th anniversary through giveaways, cheese-based dish specials at partnering restaurants, and donating five percent of daily sales to local nonprofits from February 1 to 11.

Weekly Dine-In Restaurant Takeover
Downtown Austin food hall Fareground restaurants Israeli spot TLV and fast-casual cafe Henbit are taking over the dining room of sibling spot Emmer & Rye for in-person dining as of February 1. The on-site dishes will include chicken halloumi kebabs, lamb souvlaki, sausage/chickpea roti, and matcha pancakes, as well as a wine list with Israel, Greek, and Lebanese bottles. The menus, led by chefs Berty Richter and Daniel Gaspar respectively, will be available every Monday starting at 5:30 p.m. only for dine-in services. Otherwise, TLV is still open for pickup and delivery services from it Congress Avenue locations, and Emmer & Rye is open for dine-in and takeout services.