Austin's gonna take a breather this Presidents Day, with city officials announcing a slew of closures for the federal holiday. So if you've got business with City Hall or any other administrative offices, don't bother showing up on Monday. They won't be open again until Tuesday as per the city notice.
Okay, but it's not all lockups and shutdowns. The great outdoors is still up for grabs—city parks, golf courses, and even some select pools are keeping their gates open. Just check ahead or eyeball the Parks and Rec website for the skinny on where you can sneak in some leisure time. But forget about getting your swim on at some facilities, since most of them will be out of commission for Presidents Day.
When it comes to your trash, take it out like any other day—Austin Resource Recovery ain't taking a break from their pick-ups. And if you're in a bind for a yard trimmings drop-off, Hornsby Bend is still your joint. For anyone with stuff to boot at the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center, you're outta luck until Tuesday. Heads up, though, you can still manage your trash schedule with a few taps on the ol' Austin Recycles app or hit up Austin's website for the deets.
Those hitting up Austin Public Health for some need-to-know on health will be hitting a wall instead. All the regular spots, including Environmental Health Services and WIC clinics, won't be taking care of business. Lost on where to snag a COVID test or a shot on the holiday? You've still got private joints, pharmacies, and the like. But the good news for folks in need is that resources like the Department of Health and Human Services and COVID.gov are dishing out testing resources online, just a click away.
Electricity doesn't take holidays, but some folks at Austin Energy will. Anyone trying to get a hold of the utility's customer care or make a payment will need to press pause until Tuesday. But hey, if you're scrambling to pay your bills, you've still got a few ways to drop your dollars: online payments, phone payments, and even some retail stores are game. Just remember, mailing it in or using a drop box at their service centers might mean a few days' wait before they process your payment.
Court's out too, folks. The Downtown Austin Community Court, along with its services like VKS and support for the homeless, is off the clock for Presidents Day. They're back in business the next day, bright and early, so plan accordingly if you need 'em.
Heads up, bookworms and history buffs—the Austin Public Library, its bookstore, and its history center won't be flipping any lights on either Sunday or Monday, so sort out your reading list some other time. But if you're jonesing for something to read, their digital archives are always open online.
Finally, if you're looking to take home a furry friend, hang tight until Tuesday. The Austin Animal Center will be keeping its doors shut for the holiday. In dire need of city info or services? Ring up 3-1-1 or their alternate line, they've still got your back during the break. And there's always the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app for firing off any requests that just can't wait.
