Austin’s sweet tooth is about to get a new home in Hyde Park. Big Top Candy Shop, the circus-themed sweet spot that’s been delighting visitors on South Congress since 2007, is opening a second location at 417 E. 43rd St., with a grand opening set for Jan. 31.
Big Top Candy Shop was named Texas’ best candy shop by “Southern Living” in 2025. It is known for its quirky, nostalgic offerings, including international candies, old-fashioned floats and sodas, chocolate-covered bacon and the ever-curious pickle lollipop. The Hyde Park location promises the same eccentric charm, along with free candy tastings on the hour, face painting and surprise treats during its grand opening.
Alanna Baker and Kyle Cragle, who perform as the Black Widow and the Dragonfly in Cirque du Soleil’s production of OVO, strike a pose at Big Top Candy Shop as they visit quirky spots along South Congress to promote the show at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park, which runs March 15-19, 2017. (Tamir Kalifa/ AMERICAN-STATESMAN) (Austin American-Statesman)
Owner Brandon Hodge plans to keep the original South Congress shop open.
The Hyde Park store joins a bustling local block with Quack’s Bakery, Julio’s Café, Antonelli’s Cheese Shop, Asti Trattoria, Curra’s Hyde Park and Hyde Park Bar & Grill.