Cactus Café at the UT Student Union celebrates its 45th year of live music this month. Billboard named Cactus Café one of 15 “solidly respected, savvy clubs” nationwide “from which careers can be cut, that work with proven names and new faces.” February’s music celebration kicked off with a night with local artist Darden Smith, and included during the month a jazz night with local Rabbi Neil Blumofe and two sold out performances with Ray Wylie Hubbard. Songwriters’ Open Mic is on Tuesday nights through April 22. See cactuscafe.org.
It’s My Park Day all over Austin on March 1. Register for Perry Park’s Mulch Madness or Deep Eddy and Eilers Park Cleanup or Ligustrum Destruction at Allandale Shoal Creek Greenbelt at austinparks.givepulse.com or choose dozens of other park projects around town. Last spring more than 3500 volunteers at 100 park projects removed 42,000 pounds of trash and spread 816 cubic yards of mulch. It’s My Park Day is sponsored by Austin Parks Foundation.
Oribello’s Bar & Kitchen has opened at 519 W. 37th Street, serving Filipino-inspired appetizers, signature pizzas, and indulgent desserts. Restaurateur Darrel Oribello and his sons DJ and Wesley with partner Brandon Kim all bring comfort foods and cherished recipes to this family-owned sports bar and its rotating selection beers, craft cocktails, and curated wines. Open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. except closed Mondays. See oribellos.com
Russell’s Bakery is now partnering with Genuine Joe’s Coffee at the Russell’s location on Anderson Lane. Genuine Joe’s moved to Russell’s 2525 W. Anderson Lane location on Feb. 1, leaving its old location a few blocks east on Anderson Lane where a condo development will rise. Russell’s added Genuine Joe’s espresso blend from Barrett’s Coffee and an adjacent seating area is decked out with Genuine Joe’s furnishings. Russell’s Bakery original location is on Balcones Dr. at 3339 Hancock Dr., and a third Russell’s is at Jester Estates on 2222. See russellsbakery.com and genuinejoecoffee.com.
SXSW kicks off next month, and March 7 showcases one of the featured sessions in Meet the Astronauts Going to the Moon with Artemis II. When Artemis II launches in April 2026, its crew will include the first woman, the first person of color, and the first Canadian to circle the moon. SXSW Keynote on March 12 is musician and songwriter John Fogerty. I just listened again to Bruce Springsteen’s SXSW Keynote in 2012, and I’m hoping for some Fogerty inspiration. March 7-12 at sxsw.com for info.
ARTscription is hosting an international fine arts sale at 5700 Trailridge on March 8th and 9th from 10 am to 4 pm. A portion of the sale will be donated to the Women’s Symphony League of Austin. Visit www.ARTscription.org to see the full inventory of framed oils-on-canvas available for purchase. ARTscription, founded by West Austinite Stephanie Cooley, provides a platform for art enthusiasts, decorators, stagers, realtors, commercial architects, and designers to purchase carefully curated artwork from around the world—email Event Producer Celeste Hubert with any questions: Celeste@CelestialStrategies.net.
Integral Care in Travis County is offering a free in-person mental health and first aid training class for adults at Dove Springs Rudy Zapata Room A, 5015 S I-35 Frontage Rd Suite 200 Austin, TX 78704, on March 28, 2025. The classes are being offered In response to growing mental health challenges facing young people. Integral Care in Travis County offers numerous free courses to the community. CEUs are free and available for certain licensed professionals. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/integral-care-prevention-services-8536986501 for a full list of classes being offered.
Sans Bar is now open at 918, suite 100 on Congress Avenue. Austin’s first “Sober Bar” offers alcohol-free cocktails in a relaxed environment. They also have live music, karaoke, trivia nights, and outdoor seating. Open only on Fridays from 6 pm-12 am. Visit their website at www.thesansbar.com to see the events schedule and explore renting their space for private or corporate events.
Elysian Head Spa is newly opened at 1201 Baylor Street, providing a unique head spa sanctuary for scalp and hair care, nurturing wellness, and bliss. Elysian Head Spa offers signature treatments, from detoxifying cleanses and transformative facials for the scalp to full-body relaxation, elevating scalp health with tailored care. Visit www.elysianheadspa.com for a full list of services and to book an appointment.
Austin Deep recently opened at 2700 Barton Creek Blvd, in Barton Creek. They feature a massage technique utilizing the DEEP™ method – a fascia-focused, restorative full-body massage. Therapists are trained in a highly specialized technique at the DEEPACADEMY, ensuring that nobody leaves AUSTINDEEP without experiencing one-of-a-kind bodywork. Visit www.austindeep.com for more information or to book an appointment by calling 512-476-5226.