As the year comes to a close and the holiday season settles in, we wanted to pause—just for a moment—and say thank you to the Round Rock community.

Round Rock Shout Outs exists for one simple reason: the people of Round Rock. The families, the small businesses, the long-time residents, the newcomers, the volunteers, the creators, and the quiet helpers who make this city feel like more than a place on a map.

Over the past year, you’ve welcomed this local newsletter into your inbox, shared it with neighbors, sent us tips and stories, and reminded us why local news and community storytelling still matter. In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, Round Rock continues to stand out for its heart, humor, and strong sense of connection.

To our readers: thank you for your curiosity, your trust, and your time. Every open, every click, and every reply helps shape the future of this publication and the stories we choose to tell.

To our local businesses and sponsors: thank you for investing in local visibility and community-first growth. Your support helps us highlight Round Rock events, local history, and the businesses that serve this city with care. When local businesses succeed, the entire Round Rock community benefits.

As we look ahead to the new year, our commitment remains the same: to publish meaningful local stories, support local businesses, and create a trusted place for Round Rock residents to stay informed and connected.

From our corner of Round Rock to yours, we wish you a joyful holiday season, a restful close to the year, and a bright beginning ahead.

With gratitude,

Glena Stephenson, publisher,

Round Rock Shout Outs
Your local news source for Round Rock, TX

P.S. If you know a local business or community story worth sharing in the new year, we’re always listening.

Round Rock is lighting up the week with festive events, live music, and easy ways to get out and enjoy the season. From holiday lights at Old Settlers Park to live music downtown, these local happenings are perfect for a relaxed evening, a weekend stroll, or spending time with friends and family without going far from home.

Round Rock’s local dining scene is serving up something special this season. From new restaurants opening their doors to familiar favorites offering seasonal specials, these locally loved spots are perfect for a casual night out, a pre-event meal, or simply enjoying good food close to home. Whether you’re craving pizza, bold new flavors, or a relaxed place to gather, there’s something fresh to discover around town.

Round Rock is officially twinkling, glowing, sparkling, and possibly showing off a little, and honestly, it should. This week brings some of the best holiday events of the season, and they’re perfect for anyone who enjoys a good time without fighting crowds, battling mall parking lots, or explaining for the 47th time why they don’t need another scented candle.

The big headline is Light Up the Lake, taking over Old Settlers Park on December 5 and 6. Picture a peaceful lakeside walk… if someone handed the lake a giant string of lights and told it to go wild. Trees wrapped in warm LEDs, reflections dancing on the water, families bundled up like cheerful burritos; it’s charming, festive, and surprisingly relaxing. Plus, it’s free, which may be the most magical part of all.

Meanwhile, Downtown Round Rock is doing what it does best: keeping things lively without requiring anyone to stay up past their bedtime. The Hometown Holiday Parklet Shows run every evening from December 5 to 12, turning Main Street into a stroll-and-listen holiday runway. Early evening performances at the parklets ease you in, and later sets at Prete Plaza give you just enough excitement to feel like you’ve “been out on the town,” even if you’re home by 9 with your slippers on.

Expect music, lights, good people-watching, and the irresistible temptation to say, “Let’s just pop into one more shop,” even if you promised yourself you weren’t buying anything today.

It’s the perfect week for savoring small joys: the glow of the lights, the energy downtown, and the simple pleasure of being out in a community that still knows how to gather and celebrate. And none of it requires elbowing tourists, finding a babysitter, or pretending that peppermint-flavored everything is a personality.

So bundle up, grab someone you enjoy, and let Round Rock entertain you, gently, festively, and with just enough sparkle to remind you that the season is meant to be enjoyed, not survived.

In 1878, Sam Bass galloped into Round Rock, swiftly weaving his story into local legend.

Following infamous train robberies, his gang schemed one more, but Texas Rangers and lawmen in Old Town set an ambush.

Gunfire shattered the quiet, leaving Bass fatally wounded and sealing his legacy the next day.

Round Rock didn’t pick this history, but it claimed it, transforming turmoil into tradition.

Today, places like Sam Bass Road, reenactments, and colorful tales blend truth and legend throughout town.

The community turned a violent chapter into a lasting identity—fueling tourism and subtle warnings for the future.

Locals shape how the past lives on and what lessons it teaches.

For businesses in Old Town, embrace the story—celebrate the spirit, not the crime.

Old Town Restaurant: Modern fare with a taste of wild history—and no outlaws in sight.

November in Round Rock lights up with vibrant celebrations that showcase the diverse cultures and traditions of our community.

As the renowned Austin Powwow on November 22 draws near, locals are invited to engage with a series of unique events.

Begin your journey with Cultural Arts Night in Austin, where Native-inspired art and shared stories inspire a strong sense of belonging.

Craft lovers will find joy in the Community Craftmakers Showcase featuring beadwork, weaving, and handmade jewelry, giving life to long-standing traditions.

Enjoy soulful moments at Storytelling Through Music and explore profound cultural ties during Cultural Education Day with hands-on workshops.

Savor authentic and fusion dishes at Food, Community & Modern Heritage Night—a flavorful introduction to Powwow week.

The excitement continues with the Lakeview Kickoff: A Stone in the Park at Old Settlers Park, highlighting Allen Stone's performance and fireworks.

Immerse yourself and become part of the rhythm leading up to Powwow, right at the heart of Round Rock.

The Brushy Creek Post Office first opened in 1851, but when confusion arose with another Texas town called Brushy, it was renamed Round Rock in 1854.

This subtle name change quietly cemented the community’s identity, eventually shaping maps, business signs, and city charters.

Even routine paperwork can define a place or business for generations, underscoring how branding often starts behind the scenes.

This lesson resonates today for local entrepreneurs—staking out your digital presence and name consistency is essential.

Recently, Round Rock celebrated the grand opening of the Lakeview Pavilion & Stage at Old Settlers Park, featuring a live performance by acclaimed soul artist Allen Stone.

The thriving Almost Everything Pop Up Market also showcases the city’s growing creative energy.

Round Rock’s evolution highlights the power of community, branding, and active participation in shaping a lasting legacy.

Round Rock’s food scene is heating up with several new restaurants arriving in 2025.

Grey Orchard is set to open at 2700 N. I-35 this winter, bringing chef Cole Fitzgerald’s creative approach—recognized by the Michelin Guide—to an inviting American eatery.

Salad and Go debuts on March 13, 2025, at 101 Deer Ridge Drive, offering healthy, chef-crafted salads by Daniel Patino via drive-thru, perfect for quick, wholesome meals.

Burger fans can look forward to Buddy’s Burger at 1551 E. Old Settlers Boulevard, serving up juicy burgers, crispy fries, and decadent milkshakes.

Whataburger will be breaking ground at East Palm Valley and A.W. Grimes in August, aiming for a December opening to satisfy fast-food cravings.

Tea lovers can celebrate with HTeaO’s new shop, offering 20+ tea flavors and fresh beverages.

The community can also sample it all at the annual Taste of Round Rock event on April 22 at the Sports Center.

Round Rock comes alive this week with a vibrant lineup of community events for all ages.

Music on Main takes place Wednesday, November 12, at Prete Plaza from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, featuring a free performance by the Lowdown Drifters under the stars.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy convenient takeout from local restaurants, with complimentary parking available downtown.

On Thursday, November 13, Hometown Parklet Shows spotlight Alexia Benson delivering soul, R&B, pop, and rock during lunchtime along East Main Street.

Saturday, November 15, brings the Almost Everything Pop Up Market at the Old Settlers Association, showcasing local artisans, bakers, and kid-friendly activities from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Later that afternoon, the Round Rock Public Library hosts acclaimed author Witold Szablowski for an engaging free talk, offering a rare chance to hear stories behind his celebrated works.

Experience the best of community, art, and music all week long in Round Rock.

The City of Round Rock is celebrating the grand opening of the Lakeview Pavilion and Stage at Old Settlers Park with a special concert by Allen Stone on Saturday, November 15, at 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd.

Mayor Craig Morgan and the City Council will kick off the evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by an exciting fireworks display.

This new two-story pavilion, the first major project from the 2023 G.O. bonds, nearly triples the size of the previous structure and highlights Round Rock’s dedication to enhancing community spaces.

The upgraded venue will host concerts, cultural events, and celebrations, featuring improved restroom facilities for both everyday visitors and large gatherings.

Future plans include a new Joanne Land Playground and additional park upgrades like the Rock’N River Waterpark expansion, new courts, and enhanced pedestrian paths.

Residents are invited to take part as the Lakeview Stage debuts in this momentous event.

A fall on the stairs four years ago forever altered how I walked, leaving my left leg stiff and stubborn.

It was only thanks to Cammie—a gentle dog I cared for—that I realized my worsening hip and knee pain needed real attention.

The diagnosis was daunting: knee damage, a torn meniscus, and a possible tibia fracture.

After months of crutches and slow recovery, I discovered OsteoStrong in Georgetown.

Their welcoming staff guided me through brief, pain-free sessions using the Spectrum System machines, designed to improve bone strength without strain.

With just five sessions, my mobility began to return—I could walk longer and stand steadier with minimal pain.

The biggest gift was how gentle and supportive the process felt.

For anyone in Georgetown seeking hope after injury, OsteoStrong offers a path to healing and renewed confidence.

Central Texas is rallying after the July 4 floods, with Austin’s music scene leading the charge in recovery.

The 'CenTex Strong' Flood Relief Benefit Concert on August 1 at Come and Take It Live features acts like Foo Shot and Dream Stereo.

All profits support emergency supplies, rebuilding, and free mental health resources for survivors.

Attendees can boost their impact by adding donations to their ticket purchase.

On August 2, Mohawk hosts the outdoor 'Flood Relief Show' with bands such as DAIISTAR and Font, supporting the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

August 3 brings the 'After the Flood' Benefit at Kick Butt Coffee, offering a punk and metal lineup plus a raffle from local businesses.

On August 12, catch Texas legends Lyle Lovett and Michael Martin Murphey at the Paramount Theatre, benefiting the Central Texas Flood Recovery Fund.

Austinites can make a real difference just by enjoying live music and supporting their neighbors.

In 1860, Round Rock was a quiet community of just 450 people, anchored by the Blackland Prairie’s rich soil and the crucial Brushy Creek crossing.

The era’s national tensions over slavery and states’ rights foreshadowed the Civil War, shaping daily life.

Today, Round Rock stands transformed, home to over 130,000 residents and known as a dynamic center for technology and innovation.

The city hosts the global headquarters of Dell Technologies, providing jobs for about 16,000 locals.

Major projects like The District, a 65.5-acre development underway since March 2025, promise new retail, offices, residences, and green space—attracting top businesses and boosting the job market.

Downtown, fresh housing options such as The Depot Townhomes and Monarch on Main support a more walkable, vibrant community.

This continued evolution highlights Round Rock’s resilience and commitment to blending heritage with smart growth, forging strong community ties for the future.

Blue Corn Harvest Bar & Grill – Round Rock
Twin Peaks – Round Rock
Jack Allen’s Kitchen – Round Rock

Burros Tex Mex Bar and Grill

Scientists have discovered that the human brain emits a faint glow called biophotons, shedding new light on how our minds might function.

These biophotons are ultra-weak light particles released during normal cellular metabolism, most notably as the brain consumes energy at high rates.

For the first time, researchers succeeded in measuring these biophotons from outside the skull by using sensitive equipment in darkened conditions.

Interestingly, the intensity of the brain’s glow appeared to change with different mental tasks, hinting at a potential connection between brain activity and biophoton production.

The function of these tiny light emissions remains mysterious, but some scientists believe they could help neurons communicate or assist in repairing and maintaining healthy brain cells.

If proven, tracking biophotons may lead to new, non-invasive ways of monitoring brain health or diagnosing disorders, opening exciting paths for future medical advances.

Wings Voyage, a new family-owned food truck in Round Rock, opened on June 1, blending international flavors and gluten-free innovation at 1 Indian Meadows Drive.

Specializing in gluten-free Korean fried chicken and a fully celiac-safe menu, the venture brings a welcome option to those with dietary restrictions.

Owners Lillian Whitworth and Paul Cho incorporate Japanese, Chinese, and Peruvian influences, infusing each dish with family heritage and bold flavors.

Guests can enjoy fried chicken, a variety of sauces, cucumber salad, fries, and delicious steamed rice, with recipes passed down from Whitworth’s grandfather and father.

Wings Voyage operates Wednesday through Sunday, serving lunch and dinner—offering a space where community and global taste unite.

This unique food truck stands out as a top destination for those seeking safe, flavorful, and inclusive dining in Round Rock.

Martin Hagne, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory (GCBO), will headline a free virtual event hosted by Travis Audubon on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM.

Hagne’s lifelong passion for wildlife—cultivated on the Swedish west coast and honed in Texas since 1979—drives GCBO’s conservation work.

GCBO, based in Lake Jackson, operates on a lush 34-acre Columbia Bottomland Forest, leading critical projects that safeguard birds both locally and across the Americas.

During the interactive Zoom session, Hagne will offer fresh insights on bird population trends and practical ways the community can support species preservation.

Travis Audubon’s weekly e-newsletter will share the meeting link in September.

Sign up to stay connected and don’t miss this chance to engage with a champion of bird conservation and make a local impact.

Experience the vibrant heart of downtown Round Rock on a four-hour adventure, where history, shopping, and culinary delights blend seamlessly.

Begin at the Antique Gallery, exploring vintage treasures that spark nostalgia and curiosity.

Stroll Main Street to discover local gems like Mays Street Boutique and Cristales, offering unique fashion, gifts, and home décor.

Rejuvenate with lunch at Jack Allen’s Kitchen or Urban Rooftop, where fresh flavors and inviting ambiance await both health-conscious and indulgent diners.

Afterward, wander through Chisholm Trail Crossing Park, admiring bronze sculptures and the tranquil Brushy Creek.

Don’t miss a sweet stop at Round Rock Donuts for a signature treat that’s a local legend.

Recent additions like Unearthed Rock Shop, Home Kitchen, and Painted Tree Boutiques promise even more discoveries, ensuring every visit feels fresh and memorable.

Minneapolis is experiencing an exciting rise in kids' markets, where young entrepreneurs aged 5 to 17 can turn their creative ideas into real businesses.

Children design, make, and sell everything from crafts to treats and services, handling their own sales and customer service.

Parents offer support but let kids take the lead, giving them valuable hands-on experience and building confidence.

The Southwest Farmers Market opens May 17, 2025, at Mount Olivet Church and runs every Saturday morning through October.

Meanwhile, the Eagan Market Fest starts June 4, 2025, at Eagan Central Park, complete with a Kids POP Club hosting weekly activities for ages 4–12.

Local families are urged to register early, as booths fill up quickly and there are no waiting lists.

These markets inspire creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, bringing new energy and ideas to the community.

Round Rock, TX welcomed a wave of entrepreneurial energy on May 1, 2025, as the Texas State University Round Rock Campus hosted the 2nd Annual Round Rock Startup Day.

Over 150 entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders joined forces, celebrating the city’s innovative spirit and commitment to startup growth. The event, organized by the Round Rock Chamber, featured an intense pitch competition where six startups vied for top honors.

Playmaker Recruiting took home the $10,000 grand prize for its cutting-edge AI platform designed to revolutionize recruitment for high school athletes and college programs.

The crowd’s enthusiasm went to NanoScale Labs for their next-generation air quality monitoring technology, earning the Crowd Favorite title.

Expert workshops and “Campfire Networking,” led by Tech Ranch, offered practical advice and fostered powerful new connections, fortifying Round Rock’s growing startup community.