Zilker Park Kite Festival Returns Next Weekend

Austin, TX · March 20, 2026

Good morning, Austin — wind's picking up just in time.

Local Pulse

  • Zilker Kite Festival Confirmed for March 29 The 97th annual ABC Kite Fest returns to the Great Lawn at Zilker Park. Free entry, with shuttle service from Republic Square starting at 9 AM. Road closures begin on Barton Springs Road at 7 AM.

  • Austin Energy Begins Smart Meter Rollout in South Austin The utility will install next-generation smart meters in 45,000 South Austin homes over the next six months. Customers will gain real-time energy usage data through a new app launching in April.

  • Red Line Construction Detours Start Monday Capital Metro begins bridge work on the MetroRail Red Line near Crestview Station. Expect bus-bridge service between Crestview and Highland on weekdays through mid-May.

Today's Outlook

  • High 76°F · Low 55°F A passing cold front brings gusty north winds this morning, calming by afternoon. Clear skies and low humidity — ideal for anything outdoors.

What's On Around Town

  • Austin Public Library Author Talk: Sarah Bird Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St 6:30 PM – 8 PM Austin novelist Sarah Bird discusses her latest book and the art of writing about Texas. Free; no reservation required.

  • Moontower Comedy Festival Early Show Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave 7 PM Opening-night showcase features six comics, including two Austin-based performers. Tickets start at $25.

  • Springdale Farm Stand Springdale Farm, 755 Springdale Rd 4 PM – 7 PM Midweek farm stand with seasonal greens, eggs, and cut flowers. Cash and card accepted.

Spotlight & Story

  • Lidia Martinez, Crossing Guard at Becker Elementary For 14 years, Lidia has stood at the corner of Manchaca and Lightsey, rain or shine, guiding students across one of South Austin's busiest intersections. Parents organize an annual appreciation breakfast in her honor every May. She knows most families by name and keeps a stash of stickers in her vest pocket for nervous kindergarteners on their first day. When asked about retirement, she laughs: "These kids keep me young."

Austin Daily Digest strives for accuracy — verify developing stories with local sources before acting on them.

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