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Austin, TX
‘An extension of who we are.’ Texas lowriders cruise with pride in family, Latino culture
Austin lowrider Steve Guzman bought his first rig, a candy-apple red Chevy pickup, when he was 22. He’d just come home from serving in Vietnam. Back then, Guzman said, Austin’s lowriders fought bitterly.
His friend, Manuel Medina, lived in Montopolis, across the river from Guzman’s East Austin neighborhood. Neither would drive across the bridge.
“We had different parts of town,” said Austin rider James Sanchez, and the attitude was, “Don’t come to my side.”
But as Guzman, Medina and Sanchez grew older, Austin’s lowriding scene began to change. The bridge’s boundary grew porous. Families married across the river. As pride in their cars had once kept the neighborhoods apart, the art of lowriding brought them together.
“Time has healed,” Guzman said.
The gray in his beard reflected colors from lowriders parked nearby. Today, Guzman, Medina and Sanchez are members of the old guard. Their pride lies as much in their cars as in the next generation of lowriders who, they hope, will inherit them.
Lowrider clubs proliferated in Texas in the 1960s
On a recent Sunday, lowriders from across Austin and throughout Texas cruised through the capital to celebrate the uniquely Latino tradition. Their rally point was a new exhibit at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.
More: Five reasons to visit the Bullock Museum’s lowriding ‘Carros y Cultura’ exhibit
The exhibit, called “Carros y Cultura,” celebrates Texas lowriders: the art, culture and people.
Lowriding’s origins lie in 1940s California, where the elaborately decorated cars arose as an expression of Latino pride. The culture came to Texas about 20 years later.
That’s when Austinites, like Steve Guzman’s grandfather, first started putting bags of cement in the trunks of their cars to get closer to the pavement.
Now, there are close to 100 lowrider clubs in Austin alone, Guzman estimated.
‘Never did we dream that we would be at the Bob Bullock museum’
About 70 riders from as many as 30 clubs came to show their cars on Sunday, cruising past the Bullock museum, around the Capitol, down South Congress Avenue and across the bridge. Then they posted at Fiesta Gardens’ Chicano Park, in Austin’s Holly neighborhood, to party.
Lowriders of every shape and size cruised the streets: some richly ornamented, some glowing. Others rolled down South Congress with one wheel cocked high in the air: a maneuver known as “three wheel motion.”
The celebration grew as a way to take “Carros y Cultura” back to the streets, said an adviser for the show, Monica Maldonado.
Maldonado is the founder of MAS Cultura, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting Austin’s Latino community through art. Lowriding, she said, was one of her first inspirations.
“But never did we dream that we would be at the Bob Bullock museum,” she said just before the cruise. A bubble-gum pink lowrider slipped past. Maybe it was the bright sun, reflecting off its paint, but tears began to well in Maldonado’s eyes.
“I’m here. I’m an Austin native, and to see our culture celebrated and bringing everyone together — there’s really no words for it,” she said, blotting her eyes.
Portraits of families rendered in paint and chrome
Each lowrider tells a story with their car. Many are passed down through generations as family heirlooms: symbols of dedication and reminders of the beauty in perseverance.
“West Texas” Eddie Velarde, a member of the Majestix Car Club’s San Antonio chapter, has been restoring his 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme for 18 years.
When he bought the car, his daughter, Selena, was just 6 months old. This year, she graduated from high school. Velarde hopes she’ll inherit the lowrider when he dies, he said, as a memory of his hard work.
“I look at this car, and it’s a symbol of times when bills went unpaid, when money was short. Life was hard, but we made it.” Velarde said, running his hand over a portrait of his daughter painted on the Oldsmobile’s trunk.
Paintings of Velarde’s mother, father and wife adorn other panels. He’s dedicated the car to his family, he said: “It’s an extension of who we are.”
Like Velarde, longtime Austin rider Trampia Guzman grew up “in the life,” he said: “I was born to it.”
When Trampia Guzman’s father followed work to fields in the Northeast, he’d call home, asking his young son to rotate the tires on his car. Lowriding was a way of life for them.
‘This is an art, and it’s miraculous’
The art gave rise to other creations.
Trampia Guzman’s grandmother taught him to sew when he was 5. He started making zoot suits, a uniquely baggy and square cut style that began among Chicanos from El Paso in the ‘40s.
Now two of Trampia Guzman’s suits are on display in the Bullock museum’s lowrider exhibit. One of them, cut from shining gold cloth, he made as a memorial to his grandmother. The material came from a set of drapes that had hung in her home all of his life.
He admired the cloth as a boy, he said: His memory of his grandmother had always been sitting in a chair in front of the golden drapes. Now, he wears the suit each year on the anniversary of her death.
Stories of love and dedication spring from the lowriders.
Trampia Guzman’s wife bought him one to restore on their 20th wedding anniversary. He said he cried when he saw the car taken apart for painting; he was so overwhelmed. His friend, who goes simply by “Gizmo,” helped him paint the car.
“This is an art, and it’s miraculous,” Gizmo said, turning his head with a grin. “You see that red car over there?”
He pointed to a pearlescent cherry cruiser, sitting low to the ground.
“That one got struck by lightning. It almost burnt all the way down, but we saved it.”
Carros y Cultura
When: On display through Sept. 2
Where: The Bullock Texas State History Museum at 1800 Congress Ave.
Info: An exhibit showcasing Texas’ unique lowriding culture, featuring ornately decorated cars, motorcycles and artworks from the Latino community
AUSTIN — Texans are voting Tuesday to add rights for parents who find themselves at odds with the state or other governmental entities over how to raise their children, making Texas the first state to add parental rights to its founding document if Proposition 15 passes.
If approved, the new language will be added to Article 1 of the Texas Constitution, also known as the Bill of Rights. That’s the section that lays out the rights and protections for Texans, including limits on the government’s power, and the individual freedoms of speech, religion and the right to bear arms, among others.
What does the amendment say?
“To enshrine truths that are deeply rooted in this nation’s history and traditions, the people of Texas hereby affirm that a parent has the responsibility to nurture and protect the parent’s child and the corresponding fundamental right to exercise care, custody, and control of the parent’s child, including the right to make decisions concerning the child’s upbringing.”
Would it change any state laws?
There is no indication that this will substantially change any state or federal laws, including those against child abuse or other protections, attorneys who support the bill have said, if it’s approved. Instead, it gathers up rights that have already been established over a century in state and U.S. Supreme Court case law, the bill’s author said.
Did any lawmakers vote against it?
Yes, but most didn’t. For an amendment to be presented to voters, it has to gain at least two-thirds support in the Legislature, so this one had bipartisan support. The amendment won unanimous support in the Senate but was opposed by two dozen Democrats in the House, many of them members of the far-left Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus who warned that laws spotlighting the rights of the parents often ignore the needs of children to be heard and protected by the government — often from their own parents.
Is this a new issue?
No. State leaders in Republican-dominated Texas have been pushing for more laws like this for years. In 2019, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released a report defending parental rights against state interference at the request of a Republican House chairman. In 2023, Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, signed a package of legislation intended to strengthen parents’ voices in education, including giving them access to curriculum and library materials.
What was the first parental rights decision in the U.S.?
Notable federal cases that have contributed to parental-rights precedents go as far back as 1923, when the U.S. Supreme Court established a parent’s right to guide their children’s education “suitable to their station in life.” In 1925, a century ago, the court cemented that right with a precedent-setting opinion: “The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.”
What has happened since then?
Several additional cases. In 1972, Wisconsin vs. Yoder established the right to raise your child in the religion of your choosing. In the early ‘80s, the court required a higher burden of proof to terminate parental rights. In the 2000 decision Troxel vs. Granville, the court connected parental rights to the 14th Amendment protections of privacy.
In 1979, the court’s majority opinion summed up its position this way:
“The statist notion that governmental power should supersede parental authority in all cases because some parents abuse and neglect children is repugnant to American tradition.”
AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a match with a combined 27 fouls and eight yellow cards, visiting LAFC overwhelmed Austin FC 4-1 on Sunday at Q2 Stadium, advancing to the Western Conference semifinals of the MLS playoffs.
With the victory, LAFC claimed the best-of-3 first-round series 2-0 following their 2-1 win Oct. 29 in Los Angeles.
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Actor Matthew McConaughey, foreground, acknowledges the fans as he walks a sideline before Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs between Los Angeles FC and Austin FC, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) -
Celebrations take place before Los Angeles FC and Austin FC compete in Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) -
Austin FC midfielder Owen Wolff (33) battles for possession over Los Angeles FC defender Ryan Porteous (5) during the first half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) -
Austin FC midfielder Myrto Uzuni (10) reacts after missing a penally kick against Los Angeles FC during the first half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) -
Austin FC defender Brendan Hines-Ike (4) celebrates after midfielder Daniel Pereira (8) scored a penalty kick against Los Angeles FC during first half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) -
Los Angeles FC forward Jeremy Ebobisse (17) celebrates a goal against Austin FC with defender Sergi Palencia (14) and forward Son Heung-Min (7) during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) -
Los Angeles FC forward Jeremy Ebobisse (17) scores a goal against Austin FC during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) -
Los Angeles FC forward Jeremy Ebobisse (17) celebrates a goal against Austin FC during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) -
Los Angeles FC midfielder Andy Moran (19) and Austin FC defender Žan Kolmanič (23) battle for the ball during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) -
Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min (7) looks to take control of the ball against Austin FC during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) -
Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga (99) drives between Austin FC defender Julio Cascante (18), defender Brendan Hines-Ike (4) and defender Guilherme Biro (29) during the second half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) -
Austin FC midfielder Daniel Pereira scores a penalty kick against Los Angeles FC during first half of Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) -
Q2 Stadium is viewed before Game 2 in the first round of MLS soccer’s Western Conference playoffs Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
By the time Austin FC’s Dani Pereira converted a penalty kick in the waning moment of first-half stoppage time, LAFC went into the locker room up 3-1 and in full control of the match.
Son Heung-min, the former Tottenham Hotspur captain who joined LAFC in August, opened the scoring in the 21st minute by beating Ilie Sanchez with a nasty stepover, and then he fired a shot past Brad Stuver from just outside the 6-yard box.
Denis Bouanga bagged a pair of goals in the first half to build LAFC’s insurmountable advantage. His first came four minutes after Son’s opening marker and was his 100th goal across all competitions with the club. His second goal added salt to the wound for Austin to make it 3-0 in the 44th minute. It came after LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris stopped a Myrto Uzuni penalty kick attempt in the 39th minute.
LAFC’s Jeremy Ebobisse entered the match for Son in the 88th minute and, in five minutes, added another tally. He fired a left-footed shot past Stuver’s sliding boot to put an exclamation point on the final match of the season in Austin.
LAFC outshot Austin 17-7, including 5-4 on target, and Austin was whistled for offside three times.
It was the first time since 2022 that Austin made the MLS playoffs. They entered the postseason as the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference.
Coupled with its playoff appearance and runner-up finish in the U.S. Open Cup, Austin took a step in the right direction under first-year head coach Nico Estevez.
LAFC will face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the conference semifinals.
Last Updated On – 2nd November, 2025
Jump to: Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday
The best free and fun events in Austin, November 3 – 6, include Maroon 5 in concert, Oltrf Block Party, and more!
Austin turns up the energy long before the weekend hits, and our Austin picks Nov 3 to 6 2025 round up the can’t-miss events keeping the city buzzing all week. Explore what’s happening this week and keep your weekdays packed with Austin’s signature spirit and creativity.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Free and Fun Events in Austin this Monday, November 3, 2025
Jesse McCartney in concert
Get to see Jesse McCartney live and hear the latest music from his 2024 EP, All’s Well, and enjoy a thrilling show!
Where: Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live), 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, November 3, 2025 | 8 pm
How Much: Not stated
Waterloo Wellness: Yoga & Sound
Image Credit: Waterloo Greenway FB Page
Start each week with feel-good vibes at Waterloo Wellness: Yoga & Sound. Experience mindful movement in a class that features a different style of yoga each time, perfectly accompanied by live music and healing sound therapy.
All ages and abilities are warmly welcome to join this unique and restorative event!
Where: Moody Amphitheater, Waterloo Park, 500 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, November 3, 2025 | 6 pm – 7 pm
How Much: Free
Free and Fun Events in Austin this Tuesday, November 4, 2025
World Ballet Company presents Cinderella
Image credit: World Ballet Company
Step into the magical world of Cinderella, live on stage, for one of the most enchanting Austin picks Nov 3 to 6 2025!
The World Ballet Company brings this beloved fairy tale to life in a spectacular Broadway-style production that delights all ages, flawlessly blending humor, romance, and the timeless majesty of classical ballet.
This dazzling show features a cast of 40 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, exquisite hand-crafted sets, and captivating choreography by Marina Kesler.
Every moment is filled with charm and wonder, from the mischievous evil stepsisters to the breathtaking ballroom scenes, promising you an unforgettable journey of magic, beauty, and “happily ever after.” Just remember what happens when the clock strikes midnight!
Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 7 pm
How Much: Starts at $46.80
Maroon 5 in concert
Pop-rock band Maroon 5 is coming to Austin to perform in support of their brand new album, Love is Like. Get ready for a high-energy show as the band plays hits from their new release and their beloved catalog.
Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 8 pm
How Much: Starts at $64
Free and Fun Events in Austin this Wednesday, November 5, 2025
The 50th Annual Garage & Estate Sale Preview Party
Image Credit: The Settlement Home for Children Foster and Adoption Program FB Page
Get ready for an incredible shopping opportunity at the 50th Annual Garage & Estate Sale! The Settlement Home for Children’s massive annual sale gives you the chance to purchase thousands of items at bargain prices.
You’ll find a massive selection ranging from jewelry, tools, and vintage collectibles to children’s clothing. The festivities will begin with a special preview party on November 5th, before the public days run from November 7th through 9th.
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, November 5 – 9, 2025 | 7 pm
How Much: Free to $25
Oltorf Block Party
Loro is hosting its first-ever Oltorf Block Party, a community-driven, market-style event to celebrate the launch of their new collaboration hat with Mañana Austin’s surf gear and apparel brand.
You can expect a night of good food, great vibes, and awesome giveaways! The party will also feature some of the city’s favorite local brands, one-night-only menu collaborations, exclusive giveaways, and live music.
Where: Loro Asian Smokehouse and Bar, 2115 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 6 pm – 8 pm
How Much: $38
Texas Theatre and Dance presents Cabaret
Step into the vibrant and tumultuous world of 1930s Berlin with Texas Theatre and Dance’s presentation of Cabaret.
Watch as a young American writer arrives in the city and immediately falls for the English singer Sally Bowles. Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider, the boarding house owner, tentatively begins a romance with Herr Schultz, a mild-mannered Jewish fruit seller.
The iconic production features unforgettable musical numbers like “Willkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Don’t Tell Mama,” and “Two Ladies.”
Where: B. Iden Payne Theatre, 300 E 23rd St, Austin, TX 78712
When: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 7:30 pm
How Much: Starts at $10
Free and Fun Events in Austin this Thursday, November 6, 2025
Out of Bounds Comedy Festival
Image Credit: Out of Bounds Comedy Festival FB Page
Get ready to laugh non-stop at the beloved, Austin-grown Out of Bounds Comedy Festival (OOB), one of the best Austin picks Nov 3 to 6 2025!
After a six-year hiatus, the festival is back, featuring a packed schedule of hilarity. You can look forward to seeing incredible performances by talented local Austin acts and troupes from around the country.
Plus, the festival will also bring in special guest Dropout.TV all-stars including Ify Nwadiwe, Kimia Behpoornia, and Ross Bryant!
Where: Various locations in Austin
When: Thursday, November 6 – 9, 2025
How Much: Varies
Austin Polish Film Festival
You are invited to the Austin Polish Film Festival (APFF)! Over the years, this event has contributed to the vibrant Austin film scene by screening over 400 films and hosting numerous filmmakers.
This year’s festival will present a diverse and carefully selected lineup from among the latest award-winning features, documentaries, and animations. This unique platform gives Polish filmmakers a fantastic opportunity to share their work with a diverse audience.
Where: AFS Cinema, 6259 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752
When: Thursday, November 6 – 9, 2025
How Much: Free – $120
Much Ado About Nothing
After years of war, you can step into an idyllic Italian town that is finally back in bloom for this performance.
Watch as the young lovers Claudio and Hero, along with the sparring singletons Beatrice and Benedick, discover that all is not as it seems in their beautiful surroundings. This classic comedy entangles them all in a series of mischievous games, pranks, and cunning plots.
Where: Mary Moody Northen Theatre, 3001 S Congress Ave Building THAR, Austin, TX 78704
When: Thursday, November 6 – 16, 2025
How Much: $15 – $28
Don’t let the weekdays have all the fun. Discover more Austin weekend events, food festivals, and free happenings here.
Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.
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