Austin, TX
Austin dating on a dime: 3 date ideas from $10 to $50 with free music, museums and more
See the 48th Annual Statesman Cap10K starting line from above Austin
Austin welcomed thousands of runners in the 48th Annual Statesman Cap10K on Sunday. Take a look at the starting line from above Congress Avenue Bridge
Ah, Austin. The city of hangover breakfast tacos, Barton Springs and a dating scene that’s hotter and trickier than a Texas summer. Just be aware, this Texas gem can be a bit pricey, so a plan for your dates and a sense of your budget can save you from any awkward bill-splitting moments. And yours truly has navigated it all. Some dates forgettable, some … less so. Through it all, I’ve learned a thing or two about crafting the perfect Austin rendezvous. Welcome to Dating on a Dime, our new monthly guide to navigating the city’s dating scene, one curated date idea at a time. Each month, we will cover three budget dates priced at $10, $25 and $50.
With May in full swing, Austin’s romantic potential is undeniable. To kick off your dating adventures, here are three date ideas that won’t break the bank: a sunset picnic at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, charcuterie and a free concert at the Long Center and a museum meandering trip paired with morning brews.
So, take it from me, a seasoned veteran of the Austin dating scene: we do things a little differently here. Let’s dive into some date ideas that would make your date swipe right.
$10: Idlewild and Blanton Museum stroll
Sometimes, the best dates are the simplest ones. Start your Tuesday with a caffeine fix at Idlewild on Lavaca. Their coffee is strong, their atmosphere is effortlessly cool, and it’s the perfect place to kick off a day of art appreciation. From there, it’s a leisurely 13 minute stroll to the Blanton Museum of Art, where admission is free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. Wander through the galleries, discuss your favorite pieces, and let the art spark conversation. Ten dollars covers your coffee, and the rest is up to you and your conversational prowess.
Blanton Museum: 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. 512-471-5482. blantonmuseum.org.
Idlewild: 1400 Lavaca St. 512-370-2450. idlewildcoffee.com.
$25: Spread & Co at The Long Center’s Drop-In series
For those who prefer a side of music with their courtship, I present: The Long Center’s free Drop-In concert series kicking off on May 22 (and continuing through August 14). Start with a Spread & Co charcuterie box. Their boxes are piled high with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and all sorts of delectable accouterments. Pair it with a coffee, tea or a drink from their grab-and-go selection (they start at a mere $2). At around $16 for the board, it leaves room for drinks and a little something extra for the tip jar. You can place your order online at spreadcocherrywood.toast.site.
Then, let the music wash over you as you and your date find a cozy spot on the lawn. The Drop-In offers a rotating lineup of Austin’s musicians, and the vibe is pure Austin magic. Just make sure to RSVP at the Long Center’s website (RSVPs open every Monday at 10 a.m.).
The Long Center for the Performing Arts: 701 W Riverside Dr. 512-474-5664. thelongcenter.org.
Spread & Co: 2406 Manor Rd Suite B. 512-814-2002. spreadcocherrywood.toast.site.
$50: Picnic and Tuesday Twilights at LBJ Wildflower Center
We’re taking a page out of the “effortless chic” playbook. Picture this: a picnic blanket spread out at the LBJ Wildflower Center as the sun dips below the horizon. The event, happening Tuesdays through May 13, allows guests to hang late (until 8 p.m.) and features live music. Entrance to Twilight Tuesdays is a ticketed regular admission price ($16 per adult, with convenience fee). You can purchase your ticket ahead at the LBJ Wildflower Center website.
Now, let’s say you’re aiming for that sweet spot of thoughtful without breaking the bank. Swing by your favorite grocery store with your remaining $18. You could snag a crusty baguette, a wedge of creamy brie or goat cheese, plus strawberries and grapes. Suddenly, you’ve got a charming spread that feels both elevated and approachable. It’s the kind of picnic that says, “I put in effort, but I’m also wonderfully down-to-earth.”
LBJ Wildflower Center: 4801 La Crosse Ave. 512-232-0100. wildflower.org.
Whole Foods: 4301 W William Cannon Dr Bldg B Ste 800. 512-358-2460. wholefoodsmarket.com
So, there you have it. Three date ideas May that are guaranteed to impress, even the most jaded of daters (ahem, me). Now, go forth and conquer. And if all else fails, there’s always Tinder. Just kidding … mostly.
This story has been updated to correct an inaccuracy.
An outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that can cause explosive diarrhea, has been confirmed in Texas, prompting health officials to urge extra precautions when handling fresh produce.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed 48 cases of cyclosporiasis across 10 Texas counties. State health officials say there have been no deaths linked to the outbreak so far.
There are no reported cases in Southeast Texas at this time, and Port Arthur officials say they have not received any reported cases from area hospitals or health care providers. Still, health officials say now is the time to take extra precautions.
Judith Smith, Port Arthur’s director of health services, said cyclosporiasis is caused by “a microscopic parasite that is usually found in contaminated food and contaminated water.”
Smith said contamination typically stems from floodwater or sewage water when produce is harvested, allowing parasites to transfer to produce long before it reaches consumers.
“I have not heard of an outbreak like this. It’s been a while. It might have been 2023, 2024, and so, you know, and of course, Texas is not immune,” Smith said.
Smith said foods that are eaten raw can pose a higher risk. “Those foods that are not cooked are the ones that really make you more at risk,” she said.
Health officials recommend washing raw produce, including lettuce, cilantro, raspberries and basil. They also recommend cleaning cutting boards, refrigerating fresh goods and throwing away any remaining produce after experiencing symptoms.
Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, fatigue, lack of appetite and a low-grade fever. “Those individuals that may have that watery diarrhea or really just more than two to three days should seek medical attention,” Smith said.
Testing can confirm the parasite, and early treatment can help prevent more serious complications, especially for children and elderly relatives. Health care experts recommend contacting a health care provider as soon as possible if persistent stomach cramps and other symptoms develop after eating fresh produce.
The Texas Longhorns are less than two months away from starting their regular season slate of the 2026 schedule.
Just like last season, the Longhorns have been given unrealistic expectations by some, but will look to avoid the slow start that had everyone counting them out in September. On paper, the Longhorns should be a lot better than they were last season.
A national championship run should be on the table for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his team. One of the reasons that is a possibility is due to the Longhorns have something in common with previous national championship winners.
Legacy Year
Last season, the college football world was enamored by the Indiana Hoosiers. A program that no one saw ever winning the national championship, was hoisting the trophy at the end of the season.
Now, the Hoosiers had a talented roster from top to bottom. But the play of starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza was the leading factor in this team reaching the mountaintop.
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning has the chance to make that same impression this season. After his first full season as the starting quarterback in Austin last year, there is a growing confidence that Manning is going to be on another level in 2026.
Last season, Manning threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdown passes. If you were to compare those numbers to Mendoza’s last season, the Hoosiers quarterback threw for 3,535 yards and an impressive 41 touchdown passes.
Those numbers make it clear that Manning will have to elevate his performance this season. With a revamped offensive line, the Longhorns quarterback may have the time to rival the numbers of Mendoza from this past season.
But another key piece to the Longhorns’ 2026 roster is a massive wide receiver addition.
It’s going to take the whole village, and Coach Sarkisian went out and got one of the most talented wide receivers in the transfer portal with Cam Coleman.
Coleman had two solid years with the Auburn Tigers and now will look to be the deep field threat for Manning and the Longhorns. The junior receiver’s addition to the roster could take this offensive unit to being one of the top units in the country.
All championship teams have a quarterback who could lead them to victory. Manning could very well be the next elite quarterback to hold a national championship trophy.
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Join several Austin labor unions and community members to honor Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s life and the countless immigrants who have been impacted by ICE.
The community vigil will take place at the Wildflower Church on Saturday, July 11th starting at 6 PM. All are welcome to bring flowers and candles as we honor the loss of life and grieve the separation of families.
Community Vigil Details
🗓️ July 11, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
🗺️ 1314 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
🚗 Public transit and rideshare encouraged! Limited parking available and overflow parking may be available at Travis High School.
Please consider donating to the family’s GoFundMe if you are able: https://bit.ly/atx4lorenzo
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