“(The Little Free Bakery)…has become a very fulfilling and fun way to get people together in the neighborhood.” – Sarah
Meet North Loop neighbor Sarah Mason. In September 2025, she founded the Little Free Bakery at Bruning Green, which has quickly caught on as a monthly gathering that connects neighbors with free treats, good causes, and each other!
Read more about Sarah’s journey below, and find out about the next pop-up on Instagram @littlefreebakeryaustin
What inspired you to start the North Loop Little Free Bakery?
I’m an avid home baker, and about a year ago I decided I wanted to do a sort of self-taught pastry school from home. I was baking all the time and was giving most of it away to neighbors and friends. Then I saw someone doing a “Little Free Bakery” in another city, and I thought starting one here would be a great use for my extra baked goods. A lot of little free bakeries around the country do weekly drops, but I wanted to do a larger event once a month. It started as an outlet for my baking, but has become a very fulfilling and fun way to get people together in the neighborhood.
How long has the Little Free Bakery been operating? What’s changed or how has it grown since that first month?
My first pop-up bakery was in September 2025, and I’ve had a total of 5 so far. I posted on social media a few days before the first bakery and it went locally viral. So there were A LOT of people at the first bakery. Luckily I saw it coming and baked much more than I’d originally planned. About 100 people came to the first bakery, and it’s been growing ever since.
Of course attendance and the amount I’m able to bake has increased over time, but the most fun thing that’s changed is that neighbors have offered to bring things to contribute. Every month someone volunteers to bring coffee, and last month a local matcha company (Matcha Boys) popped up and gave away drinks for free.
We’ve also started taking donations to donate locally. The bakery has raised over $1000 so far that we’ve given to the neighborhood association, Austin Humane, etc.
Tell us a little bit about how the Little Free Bakery works. What can neighbors expect each month?
Little Free Bakery North Loop is a monthly pop-up bakery where everything is free. I set up a table of baked goods in Bruning Green park and hand out treats for about an hour. All you have to do to attend is show up, usually wait in a bit of a line (it moves fast, I promise!), pick out a pastry, and then hang out with neighbors! It’s a fun excuse to come to the park and socialize. It’s a kid and dog-friendly event and is totally free. The time changes based on the season, but I always have the date/time for the next bakery posted here.
Any crowd (or personal) favorite bakes that you like to have on repeat?
People often come up to the table and ask me what’s best, and the truth is that I only make things that I love! Some crowd favorites and special items in the past have been Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls, Chocolate Croissants and Pecan Brittle Oat Cookies.
Describe a memorable interaction or testimonial during the Little Free Bakery.
My favorite thing about the bakery is repeat visitors. This month I had a couple tell me that the bakery is the highlight of their month, which is so nice! I keep meeting new neighbors, and then seeing them around walking dogs or at restaurants in the neighborhood. It’s been great to see the same people each month and meet new ones, too.
What’s your favorite thing about living in North Loop or a favorite spot to hang out in the neighborhood?
I truly think North Loop is the best neighborhood in Austin. The shops, bars, and restaurants that we can walk to are the best and people are so friendly. Even before starting the free bakery, I’ve never lived in a place where I’ve known so many of my neighbors. It’s hard to pick a favorite place to hang out, but recently I’ve been spending more time at We Luv Video. Did you know you can rent the micro-theater they have in the back and show whatever movie you want? So fun.
How can neighbors support you and/or find out more?
The best way to support is to come to the bakery and hang out! Introduce yourself to someone new! General bakery updates can be found on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/littlefreebakeryaustin
North Loop Neighborhood Association 