Published by Round Rock Shout Outs |
Round Rock Shout Outs | October 13, 2026 Local stories, helpful resources and good reasons to get out of the house. |
RRISD Early College, $500 Tree Rebates & Hairy Man Festival |
Round Rock Shout Outs | October 13, 2026 |
Two useful opportunities deserve a closer look this week: Round Rock ISD has opened applications for its early-college pathways, and the City is offering a native-tree rebate worth up to $500 for qualifying households.
Plus, the Hairy Man Festival returns Saturday, with live music, contests and a chance to support the Round Rock Serving Center. Here's what to know before you make plans. |
LOCAL NEWS — A Head Start on College |
 |
RRISD's Early College High School and P-TECH Nursing Prep are accepting applications for 2027–28. Current eighth-graders can explore two different pathways: four no-cost associate-degree tracks through Early College, or a nursing-focused option combining high school, college and career preparation.
There is no application deadline in the district's October 8 announcement. Check the live program pages and ask your student's counselor about the next steps.
|
LOCAL TREASURES — Save on a Texas-Native Tree |
| 💬 5 Comments |
Round Rock’s Rooted in Texas rebate can cover 50% of approved native-tree and hardwood-mulch costs, up to $500.
Eligible applicants must be direct City water customers and receive pre-approval before purchasing.
Trees must be at least five gallons, suited to the correct local ecoregion and planted between Nov. 1 and March 31.
Crape myrtle, vitex and magnolias are excluded.
After planting, submit the application, itemized receipts and an installation photo within 90 days. Read More... |
Thinking about planting a shade tree?
The City’s Rooted in Texas rebate can reimburse eligible water customers for up to $500 in qualifying tree and mulch costs.
City pre-approval is required before purchase. Check Round Rock Water Conservation’s official rebate requirements.
Looking for a nursery? Find Cantu Nursery & Landscape in the RRSO Directory. This listing does not confirm rebate eligibility for any purchase. |
HOW TO GET YOUR TREE REBATE — Before You Buy |
1. Check eligibility. You must receive your water bill directly from the City of Round Rock. 2. Get pre-approved before buying. Email waterconservation@roundrocktexas.gov and confirm your planting site and tree species with City staff. 3. Plant during the approved season. November 1 through March 31. Up to two qualifying native trees; at least five-gallon size. 4. Request reimbursement. Submit the application, itemized receipts and an installed-tree photo within 90 days of purchase. Eligible tree and hardwood-mulch costs qualify; sales tax and delivery do not.
Official links: City rebate details | Official application and requirements (PDF) City pre-approval is required. Don't purchase first and apply later. |
FEATURED — Hairy Man Festival Returns October 17 |
 |
The Hairy Man Festival is back at Cat Hollow Park on Saturday, October 17. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. and the free-admission festival runs from noon to 5 p.m., with music, family fun, contests and the famous Hairiest Man competition.
Bring two nonperishable food items or a suggested $2 donation per person to support the Round Rock Serving Center. Before you go, check the event map, parking arrangements and full schedule.
|
OUT & ABOUT — This Week in Round Rock |
Save these dates for local music, community gatherings and one of the area's most unusual fall traditions. Check organizer pages for last-minute changes. |
Hometown Lunchtime: Undiskovered Trio |
|
Take a lunch break with the Undiskovered Trio at the Griffith Building Paseo on Thursday, October 15. This free downtown performance runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. See the specific October 15 Hometown Lunchtime event page.
|
Music on Main: Broken Arrow Band |
|
Enjoy the Broken Arrow Band at Wednesday’s free Music on Main concert at Prete Plaza. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. |
32nd Annual Hairy Man Festival |
|
Enjoy live music, food vendors, family activities and the Hairiest Man Contest. Free admission; suggested donation supports the Round Rock Serving Center. See the official October 17 Hairy Man Festival schedule, location and parking details. The 9 a.m. 5K is a separate activity with registration and fees.
|
Trailside Market |
|
Browse farmers, artisans and local vendors along the Memorial Park Trail.
See the City’s official Trailside Market event details for October 17.
|
Know a Round Rock business, community group, non-profit, event or neighbor worth celebrating?
Add you Business to Round Rock Shout Outs Business Directory
We love finding the people and places that make this community interesting.
Non-profit and government agencies get a free Featured Listing. |
ON THE HORIZON — Mark Your Calendar |
More to look forward to around Round Rock. Each confirmed event is listed separately below, with its details and directions. For RRISD’s possible October 20 family information session, check the district’s live program announcements before making plans; a specific event time and venue have not been confirmed. |
RRISD 2027–28 Eighth-Grade Family Information Night |
|
Learn about Early College High School and P-TECH Nursing pathways, including college credit and application options. Plan ahead for the in-person session. Official event information.
Eighth graders can apply to earn free college credit at Early College High School or a free ACC Level II Certificate in Vocational Nursing (LPN) at P-TECH Nursing Early College High School, earning college credit while earning their diploma.
Pick the session that works best for your family; all are held from 6–7 p.m. All available dates: Tuesday, Oct. 20 Tuesday, Dec. 8 Tuesday, Jan. 19 Tuesday, Jan. 26 Tuesday, Jan. 26 |
Music on Main — October 21 |
|
Free Wednesday evening live music in downtown Round Rock. Check the official listing for performer and updates. |
Mainly Art — October 24 |
|
Browse works by local visual artists downtown. Plan time to stroll the displays and meet the makers.
|
Trailside Market — October 24 |
|
Farmers, artisans and local vendors set up along the Memorial Park Trail. Arrive early for the morning market.
|
Local Author Meet and Greet |
|
Meet local authors at the Round Rock Public Library. Read the library’s October 24 event announcement.
|
Round Rock Opportunity Center |
Round Rock Opportunity Center is a Round Rock ISD school in Round Rock, Texas. Its events page is a place to stay connected with the school community and look for upcoming activities. You can browse in list or calendar view, search for an event, select a year, or download the calendar. No individual event details are shown here, so check back for updates or contact the school for more information. |
|
|