This is still one of my favorite times of year around Leander. Soccer season is here, spring events are filling up the calendar, and there’s just a little more energy everywhere you go. Even with the rainy weather lately, it still feels like spring is settling in, and you can tell everyone is ready for more time outside whenever we get the chance.
This is also when restaurants with outdoor play areas really shine. On those nicer spring days, being able to sit outside, enjoy a meal, and let the kids play for a bit just makes everything easier and more fun. One of our longtime favorites is Mandola’s.
Enjoying Mandola’s famous gelato! We’ll be back soon!
If your family has a spot you love, send it our way. We’d love to check it out and maybe even feature it!
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Thank you to our sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the community. 🙏
📚 Texas ESA Demand Surges Past Capacity
The Gist: Texas families showed huge interest in the new education savings account program, with more than 270,000 applications submitted for its first year. Right now, funding is expected to cover around 90,000 to 100,000 students, with priority going to students with disabilities and lower-income families. That means not everyone will get in right away, but it’s also clear there’s strong demand for more educational options across the state.
Why It Matters: For parents, this is encouraging because it shows there’s finally movement toward giving families more flexibility in how they approach school. At the same time, the first year will likely come with some waiting and uncertainty as demand outweighs available funding. Even so, it feels like an important first step, especially for families who have been hoping for more choices.
🎆 Leander Expands Liberty Fest for America 250
The Gist: Leander is planning to make this year’s Liberty Fest huge! City leaders approved up to $120,280 for an expanded celebration ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary, with plans for a drone show, a patriotic parade, extra decorations, giveaways, and a full weekend of fun leading up to the July 3rd event at Devine Lake.
Why It Matters: Events like this bring our community together. They give families something fun to look forward to, local businesses a little extra buzz, and create summer memories that tend to stick. Can’t wait to see how this turns out!
Just Opened:
☀️ Bright Brunch Done Right
19389 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Leander
There’s something nice about having a reliable breakfast spot close by, and First Watch is a welcome new option. It just opened on Ronald Reagan Blvd, and we’re excited to take the kids for a fun little breakfast without much of a drive!
The menu has plenty of familiar favorites, along with lighter options like the Power Bowl, plus frittatas and classic breakfast plates that make it easy for everyone to find something they’ll like. Add in the steady coffee and easygoing atmosphere, and it’s a simple, family-friendly spot we’ll be glad to have nearby.
🛠️ Home Depot Opens April 23 in Leander
9549 183A, Leander
The Gist: Leander’s getting a little more convenient this week. A new Home Depot is opening April 23 near Hero Way and 183A, with a community night on April 22 before the official opening.
Why It Matters: For local homeowners, DIYers, and contractors, it means tools, appliances, building materials, and all the usual home project essentials are a whole lot closer. It’s convenient for families, handy for contractors, and it’s also a win for Leander as the city keeps growing. Shopping locally means more sales tax revenue stays in Leander, which can help support future improvements around the community.
Opening today!
⛳ Mini Golf & More
817 C-Bar Ranch Trail, Cedar Park
The wait is over! PopStroke is officially opening today, April 21, bringing a lively mix of mini golf, food, and family fun to Cedar Park. The concept, backed by Tiger Woods’ TGR Ventures, has already built a following with locations in Austin and other cities.
This new spot features two 18-hole courses, a full-service restaurant, and an ice cream parlor, along with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Guests can also enjoy bars, a beer garden, yard games, and a playground, making it an easy choice for family outings or meeting friends. We’ll be checking it out ASAP!
🌸 Spring Festival | Guidepost Montessori at Cypress Creek | Cedar Park | 04/24 | More
Carnaval-style family fun with games, treats, and local vendors.
🚶 Texas Autism Walk | Lakeline Park | Cedar Park | 04/25 | More
Connect, celebrate, and support the autism community with family-friendly activities.
🎮 Mini-Con 2026 | Public Library | Cedar Park | 04/25 | More
All-ages pop culture celebration with cosplay, games, and interactive fandom fun.
🌎 Earth Day Celebration | Lakeline Park | Cedar Park | 04/26 | More
Celebrate nature with interactive booths, vendors, and family-friendly outdoor fun.
⛸️ Disney On Ice: Jump In! | H-E-B Center | Cedar Park | 04/26 | More
Magical skating adventure with favorite Disney characters for the whole family.
🎨 Stones Coloring Club | The Backyard | Cedar Park | 04/26 | More
Mindful coloring session paired with calming sound bath relaxation.
🎉 SpringFest 2026 | St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church | Cedar Park | 04/26 | More
A joyful community day of food, music, games, and family-friendly fun.
🛍️ Just Between Friends Kids Sale | The PAC | Leander | 04/29–05/02 | More
Score amazing deals on kids essentials from babies to teens.
🌿 The Nourished Nervous System | R3 CryoSpa / R3 Vitality | Cedar Park | 04/23 | More
Wellness-focused evening exploring calm, restoration, and mind-body reset tools.
🎵 Christine Renner Live | Agape BBQ | Liberty Hill | 04/24 | More
Savor BBQ and beer while enjoying lively backyard music vibes.
🎤 Sara Evans | Haute Spot | Cedar Park | 04/24 | More
Enjoy a night of country hits and soulful storytelling under the stars.
🦞 Crawfish Boil Fundraiser | Panther Stadium | Liberty Hill | 04/25 | More
Support local teams while enjoying crawfish, cornhole, and family-friendly fun.
🎶 Synth & Sips | Night Owl Leander | Leander | 04/29 | More
High-energy EDM night with local DJs and a lively dance-floor vibe.
🎹 Piano Keys & Pearls | HighPointe Estate | Liberty Hill | 04/30 | More
Elegant black-and-white gala supporting a meaningful community cause.
🍷 Wine Dinner | Estância Brazilian Steakhouse | Leander | 04/30 | More
A refined multi-course evening pairing fire-grilled meats with elegant Napa wines.
🌺 Red Poppy Festival 2026 | Downtown | Georgetown | 04/24 - 04/26 | More
Celebrate spring with flowers, live music, food, and community festivities.
😃 KidsFestATX 2026 | Virginia L Brown Recreation Center | Austin | 04/25 | More
Family fun with activities, beloved characters, and community resources for kids.
🎷 Austin Blues Festival | Moody Amphitheater | Austin | 04/25-04/26 | More
Soulful blues, funk, and jazz performances for two unforgettable days.
🎸 A Night with David Lee Roth | ACL Live | Austin | 04/29 | More
High-energy rock performance with iconic hits and unforgettable stage presence.
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Thanks for reading Leander Scoop! See you next week!
