🌊 Cedar Park's biggest pool upgrade yet?

Lots of kids around the area are heading back to school this week, but we’re feeling pretty lucky over here. We still have one bonus week of summer before our kids head back next Wednesday.

My mom came down from Colorado to help us soak up the last little bit of it, and we had the best time showing Mimi around. One of my favorite things about having visitors is getting to play tourist in our own town. We hit plenty of our favorite spots, squeezed in lots of fun and reminded her just how much there is to love about living here.

Now we just need to figure out how to talk her into moving here one day. Think we can pull it off?!

The Gist: Cedar Park is planning a $10.5 million expansion of Veterans Memorial Pool, with an 8,000-square-foot wave pool, a splash area, an event building and new support facilities. The city is currently accepting construction bids, and project filings estimate work could begin in late October and finish in fall 2027.

Why It Matters: Veterans Memorial Pool is already a favorite place for lots of Cedar Park families to cool off. This expansion would bring a little water park fun closer to home, with new ways to splash, play and spend a hot summer afternoon without leaving town.

Read more here.

The Gist: Dave’s Hot Chicken officially opened Aug. 7 in Cedar Park, bringing its spicy chicken tenders and sliders to 1500 E. Whitestone Blvd. The menu also includes fries, shakes and several heat levels ranging from no spice to seriously hot. It’s the chain’s second Austin-area location, following Georgetown.

Why It Matters: Cedar Park hot chicken fans now have a Dave’s close to home. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, picking up an easy weeknight dinner or feeding everyone after a busy afternoon, it adds another casual option right here in town.

Fratelli Pizza in Liberty Hill makes dinner decisions pretty easy. Go classic with a New York-style pizza, try one of the specialty pies like Chicken Alfredo or Meat Lover’s, or skip pizza altogether and order pasta, wings, a salad or a meatball sub.

There are gluten-free crust and vegan cheese options too, which is always helpful when you’re feeding a group. It works for a casual dinner out, but it may be even better on a night when picking up a stack of pizza boxes sounds like the plan.

More details here.

Southern Steer Butcher recently opened in Cedar Park, offering hand-cut meats, marinated specialties and ready-to-cook meals. The shop also carries homemade sides, seasonings and sauces to make dinner a little easier.

Inspired by traditional neighborhood butcher shops, Southern Steer encourages customers to ask questions, get cooking tips and discover new favorites, including its signature steak tips, marinated chicken and dry-aged beef.

More details here.

🤠 Christian Family Barn Dance | Williamson County Cowboy Church | Liberty Hill | 08/14 | More
Enjoy wholesome country dancing and family-friendly fellowship.

🌏 Jai Ho: India Independence Day | Haute Spot | Cedar Park | 08/15 | More
Celebrate Indian culture with music, dance, food, and community.

🤠 Bertram Flyer: Wild West Rider | Cedar Park Depot | Cedar Park | 08/15 | More
Ride vintage railcars through the Hill Country with Wild West flair.

🚗 Toyota Time Car Show | Toyota | Cedar Park | 08/16 | More
Admire unique rides and connect with fellow car enthusiasts.

🃏 Mom and Pop Card Show | The Fieldhouse | Leander | 08/16 | More
Browse sports cards, Pokémon, and collectibles with fellow enthusiasts.

💗 M.O.M. Group | The Beat Church | Cedar Park | 08/12 | More
A welcoming space for moms to connect, grow, and encourage one another.

🎲 Board Game & Business Cards | The Secret Lantern: Books & Games | Cedar Park | 08/13 | More
Build professional connections through relaxed games and conversation.

🎤 Karaoke Night | Agape BBQ | Liberty Hill | 08/14 | More
Grab the mic while enjoying craft barbecue and cold drinks.

🎶 Saturday Under the Oaks | Agape BBQ | Liberty Hill | 08/15 | More
Enjoy live music, great food, and a relaxed evening outdoors.

🎸 Southern Shade Live | The Fieldhouse | Leander | 08/15 | More
Rock out to energetic hits from the '80s and '90s.

🛍️ Back to School Sip & Shop | Turquoise Peacock Boutique | Leander | 08/15 | More
Shop local finds while celebrating teachers, students, and community.

🎸 Wille and The Bandits with Erik Vincent Huey | Lion's Lair | Leander | 08/17 | More
Experience blues-rock and outlaw country in an intimate live show.

🤖 AI IRL Social | Pinthouse Pizza | Round Rock | 08/11 | More
Connect with local AI enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and curious minds.

🎭 Drunk Shakespeare | The VORTEX | Austin | 08/13–08/22 | More
A wild Shakespeare experience with comedy, cocktails, and live performance.

☕ North Austin Area Blend | Purely Provisions | Round Rock | 08/14 | More
Connect with local professionals over coffee and conversation.

🧘 Free Yoga | San Gabriel Park | Georgetown | 08/15 | More
Start your Saturday with an all-levels yoga session outdoors.

🎨 The Cartoon Art Show | Vector Collective ATX | Austin | 08/15 | More
Celebrate animation, nostalgia, art, and creative community with local talent.

🎭 Cosplay Competition | Fairmont Austin | Austin | 08/15 | More
Celebrate creativity, costumes, and fandom in a one-of-a-kind competition.

🛍️ Back to School Market Days | American Legion Post 447 | Round Rock | 08/16 | More
Shop local vendors and discover unique back-to-school finds.

A huge thank-you to all the teachers heading back to school. You deserve the laughs ahead more than anyone! ❤️

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Thanks for reading Leander Scoop! See you next week!