🥪 New bites, new workouts & back-to-school mode

Our kiddos go back to school tomorrow, and I’m just not ready.

We had one of those summers I wish I could put on repeat. I’m lucky enough to have two kids who are genuinely best friends, who can disappear into their own little world and play together for hours. I know these long summer days with both of them home won’t last forever, which makes letting this one go especially hard.

But a new school year is here, and we’re incredibly lucky to send our kids to schools filled with teachers who will love them, challenge them and help them grow. So I’m trying to hold the sadness and the gratitude at the same time.

To all the teachers heading into a new school year, I hope it’s a wonderful one. To all the parents, I hope your kids have their best year yet. And to everyone else, may the school traffic be ever in your favor!

P.S. If back-to-school season has you feeling like you could use a little pampering, check out the Viva ad just below. It’s my absolute favorite spa in the area, and I truly can’t recommend them enough. They’re offering 15% off for back to school, which feels like perfect timing for all of us! 🙂

Celebrate the back-to-school reset with 15% off any massage, facial, or Hydrafacial, Monday–Thursday.

Whether you need to melt away the summer chaos or glow up before the new routine kicks in, consider this your permission slip to put yourself first.

📲 Use code BK2SKL15 when you book.
📅 Available Monday–Thursday, now through September 3.

👉 Tap HERE to book your spa day.

The Gist: Cedar Park is moving forward with plans for a new arts center in the Bell District, even as the private development around it has been slower to take shape. Plans include a theater, gallery, classrooms, a kitchen and outdoor gathering spaces. The project is still a few years out, with the city currently targeting a fall 2029 opening.

Why It Matters: The library and Bell Park have already brought people to the Bell District, but much of the surrounding area is still waiting to be built out. The arts center could eventually give residents another reason to spend time there, whether it’s catching a show, taking a class or heading to a community event, while the rest of the district gradually takes shape.

The Gist: Ike’s Love & Sandwiches is planning a new location at Northline in Leander. The shop is known for its creative sandwich names, Dutch crunch bread and signature “dirty sauce,” with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free choices.

Why It Matters: Northline is filling in with more places to grab a quick bite, and another sandwich shop gives folks nearby one more easy option for lunch or dinner. Ike’s also has a pretty big menu, so there should be something for just about everyone!

Atomic Wings opened July 15 at Southbrook Station in Leander, giving us another casual spot for wings, tenders, chicken sandwiches, burgers and loaded fries.

The wings are fresh, never frozen, with plenty of sauces to choose from, including Hot Buffalo, Mango Habanero and Thai Chili. There are also waffle fries, family meals and fried Oreos if you’re going all in.

They’re still the new kid in the neighborhood, but the menu has plenty to work with whether you’re grabbing dinner for the family or just really craving wings.

More details here.

Broken Walls CrossFit is opening Aug. 24 near Leander’s Bryson neighborhood, bringing CrossFit classes, personal training and nutrition coaching to the area. Workouts focus on functional movements and can be scaled for different fitness levels and experience.

The gym will also have a space for kids while parents work out, which could make it a little easier for local families to squeeze in a workout without having to line up childcare.

More details here.

🎮 Teen Gamers | Public Library | Leander | 08/19 | More
Play video games and tabletop favorites while hanging out with fellow teens.

🎤 MAMAMOO 2026 US Tour | H-E-B Center | Cedar Park | 08/21 | More
Experience an unforgettable night of powerhouse K-pop performances.

🌈 Rainbow Rider | Cedar Park Depot | Cedar Park | 08/22 | More
Celebrate love, color, and community on a scenic vintage train ride.

🎲 Dungeons & Dragons | Public Library | Leander | 08/22 | More
Team up for imaginative quests, creative storytelling, and plenty of adventure.

🐈 Cosplay Creators: Poseable Cat Tail | Public Library | Cedar Park | 08/24 | More
Sew a movable cat tail and pick up new skills for your next cosplay.

🤝 Power Hour | Pat Bryson Municipal Hall | Leander | 08/19 | More
Connect with local professionals and hear community updates from leaders.

🎲 Bingo Night | La Dosis | Cedar Park | 08/20 | More
A lively night of bingo, friendly competition, and prizes with the Rotary community.

🎙 Christine Renner Live | Agape BBQ | Liberty Hill | 08/21 | More
Enjoy live country tunes, smoky barbecue, and a laid-back evening outdoors.

🧑‍🎤 Tasmin & Tim Live | LH Beer Market | Liberty Hill | 08/21 | More
Bring the whole family for live music under the stars.

🤘 MACH 5 Live | The Fieldhouse | Leander | 08/21 | More
Rock out to high-energy hits with no cover charge.

🐢 Turtle Racing | Little Woodrow’s | Austin | 08/20 | More
Cheer on tiny racers during a quirky night of fun and drinks.

🍉 Watermelon Dash Austin | Dell Diamond | Round Rock | 08/22 | More
Celebrate summer with a fun run for all ages and abilities.

🧘 Nervous System Workshop for Kids | Breathe Flow Heal | Austin | 08/22 | More
Help kids build calming tools through movement, mindfulness, and breathing.

🪕 ZZ Top Live | ACL Live | Austin | 08/22 | More
Enjoy legendary blues-rock riffs and a classic Texas sound.

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

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Thanks for reading Leander Scoop! See you next week!