$30 Million Raised for Kerr County

Plus a Hill Country Rodeo and more ways to benefit flood relief

Today’s water level: 87.6%

$30 Million. That’s how much money was raised for the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund in just six days. That’s more than the county’s entire annual budget. $5 million in emergency grants have already been distributed to families and businesses hardest hit. No need to wait for FEMA.

The fund, led by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, saw donations pour in from big players like HEB, tons of local businesses, and thousands of everyday Texans who stepped up in a major way.

As grant applications continue rolling in from flood victims in Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt, and beyond, the relief efforts are just getting started, but the impact is already visible. Now that’s the kind of headline we love to lead with.

Several events below are benefitting flood relief efforts and you can find a full list of ways to help here.

SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL | July 16-August 16, Wed-Sat 8pm | Hill Country Galleria Lawn | FREE | Info 
Soak up the fun as Magnolia Musical Theatre brings Bikini Bottom to life in a splashy, family-friendly take.

MARBLE FALLS RODEO | July 18-19, 8pm | Charley Taylor Arena | $20 | Info 
This rodeo brings two nights of bulls and barrels under the Hill Country lights.

STAR PARTY | July 18, 9:30-11:30pm | Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center | $25 | Info 
Stargazing adventure for people who think the night sky is better than any screen.

PORTRAIT MINI | July 18, 10am-4pm | Kim Ortiz Portrait Art | $490 | Info 
Quick, polished portrait mini sessions perfect for headshots, pups, or kiddos.

IRON WOLF FOUNDERS TASTING | July 18, 4pm-July 19, 10am | Lakeside Wine & Spirits | FREE | Info 
Taste local spirits from these founders who appreciate Hill Country craftsmanship in liquid form.

MAHJ FOR MYSTIC OPEN PLAY | July 18, 6-8pm | 5 Soul Wine Co. | $50 | Info 
Mahj for a mission - a night of good company and giving back to support Central Texas flood relief.

CACTUS MARKET ATX | July 19, 11:30am-4:30pm | Dripping Springs Distilling | FREE | Info 
Desert plant market for neighbors who want greenery that thrives in Texas heat.

ROCK THE RELIEF & PICKLE FEST | July 19, 3-7pm | Nameless Saloon | FREE | Info 
Pickle lovers, rejoice - a celebration serving up tangy bites, cold brews, and live music to benefit flood relief.

NIGHT MARKET SERIES | July 19, 6pm | Angel's Icehouse | FREE | Info 
Shop the local scene, enjoy live tunes under the oaks, and let the kids go wild with face paint.

PAINT BY NUMBER + SIP | July 19, 6-8pm | Lago Vista Brewing | $35 | Info 
Unwind with a paintbrush in one hand and a cold craft beer in the other.

SWEETWATER GARDENING FRIENDS | July 20, 11:30am-2:30pm | Sweetwater Club | FREE | Info 
Hands-on session diving into container gardening for orchids, tropicals, and succulents.

FREDERICKSBURG FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL SUMMER PREVIEW WEEK | July 21-27 | Fredericksburg, TX | $25+ | Info
Toast the Hill Country all week long - every pour, bite, and ticket helps support flood relief for our neighbors in need.

Photo from FBG Food & Wine website

SPA-HJONG | July 23, 9:30-10:30am | Lake Austin Spa Resort | Info 
Unwind over a game of Mahj where friendly competition meets spa-day serenity.

SUMMER MOVIE NIGHTS | July 18, 8:15pm | Frontyard Brewing | FREE | Info 
Minions are taking over the big screen this Friday so bring the kids, grab a brew, and catch a summer flick under the stars.

ART OF AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE | July 19, 10:30am | Spicewood Library | FREE | Info 
Learn sign language basics for kids who want to communicate beyond words.

LEGO CLUB SUMMER EDITION | July 19, 2-3pm | Bee Cave Library | FREE | Info 
Where kids build, stack, and let imaginations soar.

UNDER THE SEA | July 20, 1-3pm | Lakeway Activity Center | $8 | Info 
Aquatic adventure featuring live mermaids, sea creatures, ocean-themed fun, and tropical tunes.

SNOW CONES | July 21, 1:30-3pm | Lake Travis Library | FREE | Info 
Beat the Texas heat with icy treats from Southern Snow that make summer reading even sweeter.

DRAW THIS WITH LAURA FISK | July 22, 2-3pm | Bee Cave Library | FREE | Info 
Art instruction for young neighbors who want to capture beauty on paper.

TASTE LAKE TRAVIS | Septebmer 27, 12-4pm | Emerald Point at Safe Harbor | $55+ | Info 
Snag your spot early - discount tickets now on sale for a day full of local flavor, live tunes, and laid-back fun.

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Mount Lakeway Trail
Lakeway
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.3 miles (about 2 hours 48 minutes)
Pet-Friendly: Yes (leashed)
Why it’s worth it: Lace up and hit this scenic 6.3-mile out-and-back moderately challenging trail where hikers, bikers, and birdwatchers all share the path. Open year-round, dog-friendly (with off-leash zones!), and best enjoyed with a little patience. It’s a popular one for a reason.

Photos from AllTrails website

July 17th - 20th

ANGEL’S ICEHOUSE (Spicewood)
Fri: Shawn Matthews | 7pm
Sat: Jordan Hasto Band | 7pm
Sun: Shawn Matthews | 12-4pm

BEACHSIDE BILLY’S (Volente)
Fri: Aaron Gee | 7pm
Sat: Grant Hudson | 7pm

INFAMOUS BREWING COMPANY (Hudson Bend)
Fri: The Mott’s | 6:30-9:30pm
Sat: Cypress Station | 6:30-9:30pm

IRON WOLF RANCH & DISTILLERY (Spicewood)
Sat: Denny Herri | 2-5pm
Sun: Carl Hutchens | 2-5pm

JESTER KING (Dripping Springs)
Fri: Josh Field | 6-8pm
Sat: Red McAdam | 12-3pm
Sun: Gus Miller and The Buzz Killers | 12-3pm

JULES DESIGN BAR (Bee Cave)
Fri: Brian Andrew Lee | 8-Late
Sat: Benji Lamar | 8-10pm

LUCKY RABBIT (Jonestown)
Thu: Sammy J | 6-9pm
Fri: Deville ATX | 7-10pm
Sat: Sophia Johnson 2-5pm | Lixbox 7-10pm
Sun: Ryan St Clair | 2-5pm

THE LIGHTHOUSE (Spicewood)
Fri: Blue Mist | 6-9pm
Sat: The Brew | 6-9pm

THE OASIS (Lake Travis)
Fri: Peterson Brothers | 7-10pm
Sat: Supernatural ATX | 7-10pm

POODIE’S ROADHOUSE (Spicewood)
Thu: Gus Miller 6pm | TG Express with Tom Gillman 8pm
Fri: Dan Walton 8pm | Eley Buck Davis 10:30pm
Sat: Dash Rip Rock 8pm | Amber Lucille 10:30pm
Sun: Derek Groves Cosmic & Western Show 4pm | Tasmin & Tim 7:30pm

STEINER RANCH STEAKHOUSE (Steiner Ranch)
Thu: Robert Wagner | 6-9pm
Fri: Howlin’ Waters | 6-9pm
Sat: Anders Drerup | 6:30-9:30pm

EXPANDING SOON!
Winston’s ATX OG location is getting an outdoor extension complete with covered patio area, TVs, and playground - more space and fun.

ROCK ON!
Lake Travis Bouldering is bringing indoor and outdoor climbing to Bee Cave this fall - plus cornhole, libations, and classes for all ages.

WATER UPDATE!
Travis County has partially lifted the waterway ban - some access points are open, but caution is still key.

A Stark Reminder. Just a few weeks ago, on June 26, Lake Travis was sitting at 43.7%. Today, it’s at 87.6%. To put that into perspective, we previously estimated it would take the equivalent of 298 million backyard pools to fill it. That’s nearly every pool in Texas, multiplied 25 times over.

It’s a staggering shift - and a sobering one. While the rising water is a visual measure of nature’s power, it's also a reminder of the devastating toll this flood has taken on so many across Central Texas.

The photos below, from the Austin American-Statesman, show before-and-after views of Lake Travis. The contrast is dramatic. But for many, the impact goes far beyond the shoreline. (All photos by Jay Janner, Sara Diggins of the Austin American-Statesman)

Lakeway City Park

Boat docks along Lake Travis

Bob Wentz Park and other islands on Lake Travis

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