The District has started a new restaurant and retail phase near SH 45 and I-35 in Round Rock.

The six-building plaza is planned for roughly nine to 14 restaurant, retail and lifestyle concepts, although no individual tenants have been confirmed.

The project is part of a much larger mixed-use development that also includes housing, offices, hotels and public gathering areas.

For residents, the important shift is that one of the most visible public-facing pieces of The District has moved from plans into construction.

The Round Rock Diwali Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary Saturday, Oct. 24, from 1 to 10 p.m. at Centennial Plaza.

The free Festival of Lights celebration includes live performances, Indian food and shopping, Rangoli art, family activities, dance lessons and a Bollywood fashion show.

Organizers expect road closures and recommend carpooling or rideshare.

The detailed performance schedule remains tentative, so check current festival information before planning around a specific act.

Round Rock families have several verified Halloween choices from Oct. 23–28.

Options include Spookout 3v3 youth soccer, Adaptive & Inclusive Trunk or Treat, Round Rock Public Library activities and the free Fall Fun Festival for toddlers and preschoolers.

The guide is organized around age, accessibility and timing so families can choose what actually fits.

Hometown Halloween on Oct. 30 is kept separate as an On the Horizon event because it falls outside this issue’s coverage window.

AI-powered website builders can help small business owners move from idea to a working website much faster.

They can generate layouts, starter copy and page structure from a description of the business, giving owners something useful to edit instead of a blank screen.

But AI still does not know your customers, offers or business priorities the way you do.

The best results come when AI handles the first draft and the business owner reviews the details, brand voice, contact information and calls to action before publishing.