Madeline Hollern

1 month ago | austinmonthly.com | Bryan C. Parker |Madeline Hollern

As the tech and film components of SXSW have risen, music has seen an interesting shift that harkens back to a time when lesser-known and rising artists were the focus of the festival. Don’t let the corporate sheen of the event distract you: There are still a ton of opportunities to see great music for free every day of the festival.

1 month ago | austinmonthly.com | Madeline Hollern

If you grew up yelling “Finish Him!” in Mortal Kombat or chomping pellets in Ms. Pac-Man, you’re bound to love this new arcade on wheels. Trey Tschoepe renovated an old trolley to build the mobile concept tailored for private parties and events. Fitting up to 15 people comfortably, the trolley boasts eight arcade favorites from the ’80s and ’90s (including NBA Jam, The Simpsons, and Street Fighter II) as well as a custom game top with more than 30,000 available games.

1 month ago | austinmonthly.com | Madeline Hollern

Talk about good clean fun! While locals have been waiting with bated breath for the launch of Bathe Austin, the city’s first-ever bona fide bathhouse, a lucky few can enjoy its first phase this spring. The anticipated concept founded by Danyl and Lisa Magick is opening Beyond Bathe, a private outdoor bathhouse garden with wellness events and contrast therapies, on April 1. “We’ve put all of our energy into creating this outdoor space,” Danyl says.

1 month ago | austinmonthly.com | Madeline Hollern

Everything’s bigger in the Lone Star State, including this delightfully over-the-top confection. Drive to Round Rock’s 99-year-old doughnut shop to try the 13-inch pastry, which fills up an entire box where a normal dozen would go. Get it glazed or chocolate covered—and consider bringing a friend to polish off the breakfast behemoth.

1 month ago | austinmonthly.com | Madeline Hollern

Don’t let her company’s name fool you—Sianni Dean is neither grumpy nor a grandmother. The enterprising 26-year-old conceptualized her cinnamon roll concept, Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls, while taking an entrepreneurship class in high school. The New Jersey native grew up going to Cinnabon at the mall, and after working a job at Rita’s Italian Ice, an idea took form. “They used to have a variety of different water ice flavors.