TRIBEZA’s Top 5 Stories of 2025
Take a look back at the stories that captured Austin’s attention
As we reflect on another year, we’re taking a look back at the stories and moments that sparked the most interest. 2025 was especially exciting for the TRIBEZA team, marked by the launch of our newest magazine, TRIBEZA Home, and the release of six beautifully curated issues. While it’s impossible to know exactly which articles resonated most deeply with our magazine readership, our digital platform offer a clear window into what captured your attention online.
We can see that you love turning to our website’s calendar of events for things to do around town, along with our city guides for the very best of Austin. Additionally, here are TRIBEZA.com’s top 5 stories from 2025:
1. Disney’s ‘Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Light Trail in Austin
In the fall, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center transformed into a moonlit wonderland when Texas Performing Arts presented the state’s first-ever Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. The outdoor installation depicted Halloween Town and Christmas Town with light displays, projections, music and 3D-printed sculptures.
2. Austin’s Best New Restaurants to Try Right Now
You love discovering the best new restaurants in Austin, and so do we. From early openings to buzzy debuts, we stayed on top of the dining scene year-round to make sure you never missed what’s worth a reservation.
Holiday Gift Guide
3. Meet the 2025 TRIBEZA Curators
In the spring of 2025, we held a call for nominations for our first class of TRIBEZA Curators, locals shaping Austin’s cultural landscape, and we were blown away by the response of nearly 500 nominees. We were delighted to announced our list of 10 individuals who represent the vibrant spirit of Austin — from art and design to cuisine, music and more. Additionally, each Curator shared a personal City Guide, highlighting their favorite local spots and hidden gems.
4. Malibu Barbie Cafe Rolls Into Austin With Pop-Up Dining and Roller Rink Experience
Austin embraced all things pink when the Malibu Barbie Cafe popped up in April. The collaboration between media brand Bucket Listers and global toy company Mattel took over Wanderlust Wine Co.’s downtown location with a Barbie-themed café and roller rink.
5. How Poppi’s Austin-Based Founders Journeyed From the Farmers Market to a $1.95 Billion-Dollar Brand
From viral TikToks to “Shark Tank” and beyond, Allison and Stephen Ellsworth’s modern soda brand went from homemade to household name. The Austin couple opened up to us about their journey from humble beginnings to their PepsiCo acquisition for our July/August issue, with Allison gracing the cover. The digital version of the story clearly caught your eye as well, proving the Ellsworths’ rise resonated just as strongly online as it did in print.
Top 5 City Guides in 2025
- The Ultimate Austin Bucket List: A Guide to the City’s Most Iconic Spots
- Austin’s Best Shops for Western Wear, Cowboy Boots and Other Texas Treasures
- The Best Bookstores for Austin Readers
- Austin’s Top Dog-Friendly Eateries
- Picturesque Patios for Outdoor Dining in Austin
Help Shape the Stories of 2026
You shape the stories we tell. In 2026 we embark on our 25th anniversary year, and we invite you to help guide what comes next by filling out our form to share your favorite memories from years past and your ideas for what you’d love to see us cover in the year ahead.