SCHEELS opens Saturday + people are camping out

Summer never feels long enough, and I’m always super sad when it’s time to send the kids back. Thankfully, ours had a fantastic first few days, which makes it a little easier. And I will admit, there is something nice about the reset that comes with a new school year. We’re back to routines, earlier bedtimes, practices on the calendar, and a little more structure to our days.

Of course, it takes a minute for everyone to find their groove again, including the traffic and bus routes. So while we’re all settling in, a big thank-you to the teachers welcoming new classes and to the bus drivers, cafeteria teams, custodians, office staff, aides, coaches, crossing guards and all the other behind-the-scenes heroes who make these first weeks work.

Here’s to a great school year for our kids and, hopefully, a little less chaos at morning drop-off soon!

🎉 SCHEELS finally opens this weekend

The Gist: After nearly three years of anticipation, Cedar Park’s massive new SCHEELS officially opens Saturday, Aug. 29, at 2150 Cedarview Dr. And this is definitely more than a sporting goods store. The 300,000-square-foot destination has more than 75 specialty shops, a 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel, a 16,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, Ginna’s Café and plenty more to explore.

The grand opening celebration starts at 7 a.m. with a parking lot party featuring live music, local mascots, marching bands, vendors and gift-card giveaways ranging from $25 to $1,000 every 20 minutes. A ribbon cutting and skydiver performance will lead up to the 9:30 a.m. store opening, and the first 50 people in line will score exclusive swag and pizza. Overnight camping is even allowed for anyone really determined to be first through the doors!

Why It Matters: People have been talking about this one since it was first announced in 2023, and the wait is finally over. Everything we’ve heard makes SCHEELS sound less like a shopping trip and more like a place you could easily spend half a day with the family. Between the Ferris wheel, aquarium, food and absolutely enormous store, we seriously can’t wait to check it out.

Read more here.

💧 Another update on Leander Springs project

The Gist: If Leander Springs sounds familiar, it should. Plans for this property near 183A and RM 2243 have been in the works in one form or another since 2018, with the current Leander Springs vision taking shape several years later.

The latest proposal went before City Council last Thursday, where members unanimously rejected requested changes after hearing from nearby residents, including several private well owners concerned about what the planned 4-acre lagoon could mean for groundwater. The current plans also include residential and commercial development.

Why It Matters: This is another turn in a project Leander residents have been following for a long time. Previous development deadlines were missed, the city ended its economic development agreement with the project in 2024, and Council rejected another proposed amendment in August 2025. The developer has indicated plans to revise the latest proposal and bring it back again, so this one isn’t finished yet.

Read more here.

🥢 Southeast Asian bowls made your way

Limegreen Southeast Asian Grill brings a fast-casual spin to Vietnamese and Southeast Asian flavors, with build-your-own bowls, bánh mì, wings and spring rolls. Start with coconut rice, noodles or mixed greens, then add proteins like lemongrass pork, five-spice chicken or tofu, plus pickled veggies, herbs and sauces like chili crisp and tamarind. The family-founded restaurant was inspired by the Vietnamese food its owners grew up eating, and there’s Vietnamese coffee and fruit teas on the drink menu too.

More details here.

🥊 A fun way to kickstart your workout

KO Fitness offers high-energy, non-contact kickboxing classes built for all experience levels. The 45-minute workouts combine heavy-bag kickboxing, cardio and strength, with instructors guiding the class and offering modifications along the way. The studio emphasizes a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere, so beginners can jump in without needing any previous kickboxing experience.

More details here.

🥕 Fresh Food for All | Rockbridge Church | Cedar Park | 08/27 | More
Free fresh groceries for neighbors, with no eligibility requirements.

🥋 Back-to-School Safety & Bully Prevention Seminar | Rebirth Martial Arts | Cedar Park | 08/29 | More
Help kids build confidence, awareness, and safety skills for school.

🧸 The Teddy Bear Train | Cedar Park Depot | Cedar Park | 08/29 | More
Kids 13 and under can ride free with the donation of a new stuffed animal, with donations benefiting the Center for Child Protection.

🎶 Family Music | Agape BBQ | Cedar Park | 08/29 | More
Enjoy live music beneath the oaks in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

🏓 Pinoy Pickleball Championship Series | Apex Pickleball Club | Cedar Park | 08/29 | More
Celebrate Filipino culture with pickleball, food, and live performances.

🍻 Rotary Happy Hour | Los Reyes Restaurant | Cedar Park | 08/25 | More
Connect with neighbors while supporting local community service projects.

💡 Plug and Play Expo | Haute Spot | Leander | 08/26 | More
Discover robotics, microelectronics, and startup innovation.

🎧 EDM Night | Night Owl Leander | Leander | 08/26 | More
Dance to high-energy electronic beats and celebrate Brie’s birthday.

🎤 Karaoke | Shooters Billiards & Sports Bar | Cedar Park | 08/28 | More
Sing your favorites from a massive song selection during this lively late-night party.

🎉 Bingo Night | The Brewtique | Cedar Park | 08/29 | More
Free bingo, fun prizes, and a comedian caller make for a lively night out.

🎸 Social Distortion Live | Moody Amphitheater | Austin | 08/28 | More
Hear gritty punk rock anthems from a legendary live act.

🚗 Mustang and Ford Round Up | Church of Christ | Georgetown | 08/29 | More
Admire classic cars and connect with fellow automotive enthusiasts.

🥳 Oita Japan Festival | The Long Center | Austin | 08/30 | More
Experience Japanese culture through food, performances, and family activities.

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Thanks for reading Leander Scoop! See you next week!