Even with an extra day in February this year, I still can’t believe that March is already here! It’s going to be a great month. The groundhog didn’t see his shadow, spring has come early, and I’m excited to spend it outdoors. Daylight savings is on Sunday, March 13th, so don’t forget to “spring forward” and set your clocks an hour ahead on Saturday night when you go to bed. Get excited about Spring Break, a rodeo, a kite festival, and SXSW this month! Be sure to check out our calendar for even more fun things to do!
Literature Live! The Selfish Gardener Puppet Show
All month; days and times here | APL locations vary
What happens when a band of native plants and insects gets a new neighbor who isn’t very friendly? Will the band get the boot, or will gardener and insect learn to live together? Find out in this musical spin on the Oscar Wilde classic, The Selfish Giant. This show is recommended for ages 4 and up. FREE!
Cowboy Breakfast
March 4 at 6 a.m. | Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
The Cowboy Breakfast is a super-sized Texas breakfast that kicks off the Fair and Rodeo. Enjoy pancakes, authentic chuck wagon biscuits and more at this FREE event. Featuring western-themed entertainment, live music and two-stepping lessons, the Cowboy Breakfast is fun for all ages.
It’s My Park Day
March 5 | Parks All Over Austin
It’s My Park Day is Austin Parks Foundation’s biggest city-wide volunteer event that draws thousands of volunteers each year to work to improve parks, trails and greenbelts throughout the city. This year, there are more than 100 projects to choose from! All volunteers will receive an It’s My Park Day t-shirt (designed by GSD&M and printed by Austin’s own Industry Print Shop), snacks from KIND and Wheatsville, as well as BOGO cards from Chipotle, and a special offer from Luke’s Locker! Join Austin Parks Foundation and show your park some love! Volunteer registration is open until March 3, 2016. Sign up to volunteer at a park near you! For more information, visit the Austin Parks Foundation website.
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Build a Toy Wagon
March 5 from 9 a.m. – Noon | Home Depot Stores
Build a rolling toy wagon for your child’s tiny toys. Once the wagon is built, your child can decorate it with The Home Depot stickers and take it home… all for FREE!
Free Self-Defense Workshop
March 5 from 9:30 a.m. – Noon | South Austin ATA, 1414 W. Ben White Blvd, Austin
South Austin ATA Martial Arts is helping the Austin Community gear up for a safer spring break by offering a FREE day of self-defense workshops on March 5th. 9:30-10:30 a.m.: The constable will be doing FREE kids finger print kits. 10:15-11 a.m.: Stranger Danger/Kids Self Defense class. 11 a.m. – noon: Adult Self Defense workshop, open to those ages 13 and up.
Free Kids’ Music at Strange Brew
Saturdays in March from 10-11 a.m. | Strange Brew, Lounge Side, 5326 Manchaca Rd, Austin
Staci Gray (March 5), Groundwork Music (March 12), Que Pastas (March 19), and Big Don (March 26) will be performing FREE all ages shows. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
Young People’s Theatre Presents: Sky Blue and Prince the Frog
Saturdays, March 5 – April 2 at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. | Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Meet Sky Blue (the less popular princess cousin of Snow White and Rose Red). Sky Blue has a major problem. Her step-mommy is evil. She forces Sky to do things like chores on a Saturday (GASP!). Sky Blue decides she must run away. She and her new friend, a frog with the unfortunate name of Prince, adventure into the forest where they encounter other princesses who all have the same problem. Evil parents! Daddies who make them eat their vegetables. Mommies who force them to take naps and clean their rooms! To find out what becomes of Sky Blue and her darling princess friends, join the Dougherty Arts Center for the performance of Sky Blue and Prince the Frog. This show is FREE and perfect for children ages 2-5.
French Legation’s 175th Birthday Party
March 5 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos St, Austin
Flag Ceremony at noon. Performance by Circus Chickendog. Book Signing: Bonjour Y’all, a squirrel’s nutty tale of the Texas French Legation. Free Tours of Austin’s oldest house, every 30 minutes. Face painting, storytelling, games, and jugglers. Food, birthday cake, and silent auction. FREE but donations are appreciated. The first 200 donations will get a “FLM Supporter” wrist band.
Crafts for Kids
Saturdays in March from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Lakeshore Learning, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin
March 5: Make a Bug Eyes Headband. March 12: Colorful Carp Wind Sock. March 19: Spring in Bloom Fence. March 26: Cheerful Chick Basket. Ages 3+. No reservations required. FREE!
Explore UT
March 5 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | UT Austin Campus (directions) (map)
Held annually at UT Austin, Explore UT aims to inform students, parents, teachers and community members from across the state about the importance of the public research institution and higher education in Texas. The FREE day-long event invites Texans of all ages to experience robust research experiences, hands-on demonstrations and experiments, and participate in the richness of the university’s scholarship and knowledge. Explore UT seeks to broaden the horizons of students in Texas and motivate them toward achieving higher education after high school. It seeks to help parents and teachers encourage the excitement of learning and discovery, and welcomes alumni to reconnect with the institution that prepared them for their careers.
Spring Holidays Fair: From Asia and Beyond
March 5 from 12-4 p.m. | AARC Ballroom, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin
Celebrate the arrival of Spring through Spring festival traditions from Asia and beyond! From Holi in India, the Festival of Colors, to the Taiwanese Dragon Boat Festival; learn about festival traditions, enjoy family activities, demonstrations, and performances. FREE.
Free Kids’ Music at Cherrywood Coffee House
Sundays in March from 10-11:30 a.m. | Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 E. 38 1/2 Street, Austin
Hey Lollies (March 6), Groundwork Music (March 13), Que Pastas (March 20), and Staci Gray (March 27) will be performing FREE all ages shows.
Zilker Kite Festival
March 6 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin
The Kite Festival takes place in Zilker Park on fields located between Barton Springs Road to the south and Lady Bird Lake to the north. A park road, Lou Neff Road, runs around the border of this area. These fields are now known as the “Great Lawn”. Zilker Park opened in 1936, and the 1937 maps calls this area the ‘Kite Flying Fields’, so there has been a long history of kite flying at Zilker. Barton Springs Road will be closed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Kite Festival. FREE Parking is available at the State Garages downtown and at the Toney Burger center. Shuttle rides are $5 (round trip) for persons 12 and over. Kids and dogs ride FREE. This is a day for everyone to fly kites. However, you don’t have to fly a kite to come to the event. A lot of folks make this a day in the park to have time together and see this incredible sight. After seeing all the kites, you might want to try one. Kite merchants will be there in case the notion strikes you. There will also be a kite making workshop (open 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) where a kite is made in less than 10 minutes that’s guaranteed to fly. FREE! Rain date is March 13th.
MossFest
March 6 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
The inaugural Moss Fest–a FREE family music festival benefiting the Moss Pieratt Foundation–will be held during the ABC Kite Festival at the historic Zilker Hillside Theater on Sunday, March 6, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring various local musicians, vendors and associated child-friendly activities. FREE!
Free First Sunday at the Bullock Museum: Texas Independence Day
March 6 from 12-5 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave, Austin
Enjoy FREE exhibit admission all day during Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month, and family activities from 12-3 p.m. At March’s Free First Sunday, encounter costumed interpreters, play historic games, or create your own vintage photograph all while exploring what Texas was like as an independent nation.
Sunday Funday at the Neill Cochran House Museum: Invisible Ink
March 6 from 1-4 p.m. | 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin
Methods of producing invisible messages have existed since antiquity, and though the principles of making and developing inks are well known, even as late as 2011, the US Government was hesitant to declassify documents written about (and with!) invisible inks. Experiment with the three common principles of making and reading messages written in invisible ink – all with safe, non-toxic materials. How do you disguise and deliver an invisible ink message? Which kind of ink works best? Museum staff and volunteers will be on hand to supply message making materials and help with developing messages using gentle heat, fruit juice, and ultraviolet light. Especially shrewd spy-investigators can also try their hands at deciphering hidden messages in sample prepared documents. Weather permitting, snacks and lawn games will be set up on the museum’s front lawn. No RSVP required, just drop in anytime. This event is FREE and all materials will be provided! Parking is 100% free in the 40 space museum lot off of 23rd street between San Gabriel and Leon. Overflow parking is available on the street or 1 block away at the University Towers parking garage.
Free Kids’ Music at Whole Foods Domain
Sundays in March from 2-4 p.m. | Whole Foods Domain, 11920 Domain Dr, Austin
Mr. Will (March 6), Staci Gray (March 13), Hey Lollies (March 20), and Mr. Johnny (March 27) will be performing FREE all ages shows.
FREE Movie in the Park: The Sandlot
March 10 at 7 p.m. | Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park, 7000 Ardath St., Austin
Movies in the Park is a series of free films brought to you by Austin Parks Foundation (APF) in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse. Each year, APF and the Drafthouse bring you free movies in parks all over Austin. Residents and visitors bring their blanket or lawn chairs (and often a picnic dinner!) for a fun and relaxing evening under the beautiful Austin night sky. Dogs, picnics and lawn chairs are welcome.
SXSW: SX Create
March 11-13 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin
From 3D printing to drones to biohacking and much more, this community event showcases the disruptive solutions that are shaping our future. SX Create is FREE with Guest Pass.
The Dougherty Presents: “Outside The Lines: A Night of New Work”
March 11 from 7-9 p.m. | Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
“Outside The Lines: A Night of New Work” is a celebration of up and coming performance artists and writers. With spoken word and slam poetry by Speak Piece and the world premiere of “Buzzkill” written and directed by Trey Gutierrez. Come enjoy the entertainment and support local theatre artists. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show begins at 7 p.m. FREE!
Radio Controlled Airshow “Jet Lag” 2016
March 12 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Austin Radio Control Association – Lester Field, 8705 Lindell Ln, Austin
Come watch a truly amazing event in the world of radio control, the 2016 “Jet Lag” event at Austin Radio Control. Turbine and electric powered radio controlled aircraft screaming through the air reaching speeds of 150+ mph! This is a great FREE event for family and kids! Bring a camera or a video camera. These are REAL jets and this is a great show. Concessions (hamburgers and hot dogs) will be available available for purchase from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Biscuit Brothers Barton Bunny Bash
March 12 from 9-10 a.m. | Barton Creek Square, 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin
Rock out with the Easter Bunny and The Biscuit Brothers! The Biscuit Brothers Children’s Television Project is an EMMY® Award winning television program produced in Austin, Texas and broadcast on PBS stations around the nation. It’s also a successful Live Show, touring and performing at events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival and Texas State Fair. Finally, the Biscuit Brothers is a mission driven project, dedicated to providing educational materials and programming designed to introduce arts related content in a way that touches children’s hearts, engages their parents, and empowers families to learn together.
ZACH Theater Storytime: James and the Giant Peach
March 12 at 11:30 a.m. | BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin
When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion which results in a tremendous peach – and launches a journey of enormous proportions. ZACH Theatre will perform from their production of James & the Giant Peach. FREE!
Second Saturdays are for Families: Art Free-For-All
March 12 from 12-4 p.m. | Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th Street, Austin
Join The Contemporary Austin at the Arts School at Laguna Gloria for an art free-for-all! Get to know all of The Contemporary Austin’s educational offerings during this FREE, family-friendly open house. Enjoy hands-on demonstrations by Art School faculty, make art to take home, and check out sculptures on the grounds. This free event will have music and food trailers, too, so bring the family to create and explore!
Cars and Coffee
March 13 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | The Oasis on Lake Travis, 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin
Enjoy a low-key display of classic cars. FREE!
Umlauf Family Day
March 13 from 12-4 p.m. | 605 Robert E. Lee Road, Austin
Family Days offer special, hands-on programs designed for families with children, ages four to ten years old. Families have the opportunity to explore the UMLAUF while engaging in creative activities. Listen to stories, do yoga in the garden, watch sculpture demos, enjoy live music and more. FREE and open to the public.
Tiny Tails To You Storytime
March 16 at 10:30 a.m. | BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin
If you’re a fan of chinchillas, bunnies, ducklings, guinea pigs, chickens, AND stories then you’re in luck! Tiny Tails to You Petting Zoo will be reading stories and introducing some of the cutest, softest, most adorable little creatures in Austin! FREE!
Under the Springs
March 16 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center, 2201 Barton Springs Rd., Austin
Check out the new Texas Colorado River Rolling Exhibit and meet a mermaid, tour Barton Springs at noon, participate in kid friendly activities, and more. FREE!
Third Thursdays at the Blanton
March 17 from 12-9 p.m. | Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin
Every third Thursday, the Blanton has a FREE themed event that features extended hours, multiple programs including Yoga in the Galleries, tours, and other offerings. See the schedule. Thursdays are always FREE at The Blanton.
SXSW Gaming Expo
March 17-19 from 12-8 p.m. | Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin
Drawing in developers, manufacturers and fans from all facets of the community, the Gaming Expo is the epicenter of gaming culture at SXSW. Here is where you’ll find the Geek Stage, Tournament Stage, Indie Corner, Tabletop Experience, Free Play PC Arena and much more. It’s simply a bundle of awesome mixed with a dash of chaos where almost anything can happen. And it all happens in the heart of the legendary SXSW Music, Film, and Interactive festival in Austin, Texas. All SXSW Gaming Programming and Events are FREE with Guest Pass.
All The Children Boogie: A Tribute to David Bowie
March 18 from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Austin Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W 18th St, Austin
FREE family-friendly all-star concert during SXSW. David Bowie always knew that kids were a different species, and this year, this unofficial SXSW family showcase gives families a chance to remember the genius.
Easter Eggstavaganza at Dove Springs
March 19 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez Drive, Austin
FREE family friendly Easter egg event.
Search for Lost Eggs
March 19 at noon | Dittmar Recreation Center, 1009 W. Dittmar Rd., Austin
FREE family friendly Easter crafts and egg hunt.
Holi Festival
March 19 from 2-8:00 p.m. | Radha Madhav Dham, 400 Barsana Rd, Austin
Holi is also called the Spring Festival as it marks the arrival of spring, the season of hope and joy. It is known as the festival of colors, and traditionally played in India every year to mark the beginning of the spring season. Here in America, Holi is played in the same style as it is in Braj district of India – with the same colorful, playful, family-filled fun and devotion. This year, the Holi play will be accompanied by a live band singing Holi songs from Braj to liven up the environment with uplifting music. There will also be a traditional Holika fire burning as a reminder that evil always burns in the face of good. FREE!
MotoAmerica Pre-Season Test
March 23 & 24 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin
MotoAmerica teams are testing in preparation for the 2016 Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas and the test days will be FREE for fans to attend. The paddock and garage areas will be open to fans from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Wednesday and Thursday and will be filled with top teams and riders from the series, including 2015 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier. All guests can stop by the COTA garage for a chance to win the Ultimate Race Weekend Giveaway, which can be redeemed during the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas event in the MotoAmerica paddock. The lucky winners will be the guests of the Monster Energy Graves Yamaha team for the race weekend. In addition to the giveaway, race fans at the test will also have the opportunity to meet their favorite riders during autograph and Q&A sessions in the COTA garage. MotoAmerica stars such as Beaubier, four-time series champion Josh Hayes, Yoshimura Suzuki’s Roger Hayden and Jake Lewis, and several others will be on hand for the Q&A sessions that will be held on both days of the test.
FREE Movie in the Park: Shrek
March 24 at 7:45 p.m. | Dick Nichols District Park, 8011 Beckett Rd., Austin
Movies in the Park is a series of free films brought to you by Austin Parks Foundation (APF) in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse. Each year, APF and the Drafthouse bring you free movies in parks all over Austin. Residents and visitors bring their blanket or lawn chairs (and often a picnic dinner!) for a fun and relaxing evening under the beautiful Austin night sky. Dogs, picnics and lawn chairs are welcome.
Austin Slackline Festival
March 26 at Noon | Location TBD, Austin
Do you love to slackline? Have you ever wanted to learn slacklining? Do you love being around awesome, inspiring people? Then the Austin Slackline Festival was made for you. Hosted by The YogaSlackers, The Austin Slackline Festival is a celebration of this wild and wonderful sport/art form. Spend the day at Austin’s first ever slackline festival with 20+ top-notch instructors, learning… slackline basics, slackline transitions, yoga on the line, Slackro (slack-inspired partnered acrobatics), mental focus techniques, and much more. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned slacker, you’ll find fun new tricks, a new sense of balance, and tons of new friends.
BookPeople Puppet Show Storytime
March 30 at 10:30 a.m. | BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin
The practically perfect and positively preposterous puppeteers will perform a very special surprise story! Don’t be late for this wonderful performance!
FREE Movie in the Park: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
March 31 at 7:50 p.m. | Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St., Austin
Movies in the Park is a series of free films brought to you by Austin Parks Foundation (APF) in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse. Each year, APF and the Drafthouse bring you free movies in parks all over Austin. Residents and visitors bring their blanket or lawn chairs (and often a picnic dinner!) for a fun and relaxing evening under the beautiful Austin night sky. Dogs, picnics and lawn chairs are welcome.
Bonus fun in the ‘burbs:
Music On Main Street (Round Rock)
Wednesdays in March from 6-8 p.m. | Prete Main Street Plaza stage, 221 E. Main Street, Round Rock
The City of Round Rock brings you Music on Main Street, a FREE music series on the Prete Main Street Plaza stage, 221 E. Main Street, from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays from March through May. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and the entire family. Visit the variety of dining options on Main Street or pack a picnic basket to enjoy the evening of fun and music! Food vendors will be on site. March 2: Urban Achievers Brass Band, 12 Piece Brass Band; March 9: Lost and Nameless, Country-Folk; March 16: Lucas Miller, the Singing Zoologist and Joe McDermott. March 23: Charles Thibodeaux and the Austin Cajun Aces, Cajun; March 30: Huck and the Jackknives, Texas Swing Blues.
Spring Celebration (Georgetown)
March 5 from 10-11:30 a.m. | Wolf Ranch Town Center, 1015 W University Ave, Georgetown
Hop on over to the Shade Plaza, between Kohl’s and Ross, for Wolf Ranch Town Center’s FREE family friendly Spring Celebration event. Enjoy a cake walk, arts & crafts, and more. There will also be a visit from the Easter Bunny!
Texas Night Sky Festival (Dripping Springs)
March 5 from 3-8 p.m. | Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) Texas, the City of Dripping Springs, and the Hays County Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist will host the Texas Night Sky Festival, a FREE celebration of the Texas Night Sky. Participants will join in fun citizen science activities, learn from engaging speakers and exhibits, see examples of good lighting for their home or business, view school projects and competition entries focused on protecting the night sky, feast at the food trucks, take home a book or work of art inspired by the night sky, earn a related scouting badge, or explore the stars. The intent of the Festival is to increase the appreciation of the night sky and the world around us. This goes hand in hand with increasing awareness about the type of lighting that provides needed light while it reduces glare, saves money, eliminates light trespass, protects the health and safety of living things, and saves our common view of the night sky. Vendors and exhibitors will be sharing displays and demonstrations related to the night sky, things inspired by the night sky, or how to protect the night sky. Displays of shielded outdoor lighting, light pollution reduction efforts, educational materials about our natural world, literature relating to the night sky, astronomical equipment, and other items relevant to the night sky are just a few of the aspects of the desired exhibits.
Hands On History (Georgetown)
March 12 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Williamson Museum, 716 S Austin Ave, Georgetown
The second Saturday of each month, the museum hosts an interactive activity where children can get up close and personal with the history of the county, learning something new and creating their own artifact. To celebrate Hattie Cluck’s 170th birthday, children will make their own postcard. FREE for children of all ages.
Hill Country Kitetail Fest (Dripping Springs)
March 13 from 12-7 p.m. | Treaty Oak Distilling, 16604 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs
The brilliant blue Hill Country sky deserves to be decorated with hundreds of colorful kites dancing in the wind. Welcome spring at the very first Kitetail Fest. Flying skills are appreciated, but not required. There will be prizes for the Most Creative and Best Homemade Kites, with judging and awards at 4 p.m. Family friendly and FREE. The gift shop and Rickhouse will be open, serving a full menu of cocktails and delicious food.
Lakeline Mall Kidgits Easter Eggstravaganza (Cedar Park)
March 19 from 12-2 p.m. | Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr, Cedar Park
Families will enjoy tons of festive fun, including an Easter Egg Hunt on the lower level Dillard’s Women’s Court.
Round Rock Express Annual Fan Fest (Round Rock)
March 26 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Dell Diamond, 3400 Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
The Round Rock Express is bringing spring training to the fans once again. Dell Diamond will transform into an interactive fun zone for fans of all ages during the 2016 Fan Fest. The event is FREE of charge and open to the public. The annual celebration of America’s pastime allows fans to get back into the baseball spirit by enjoying a day full of entertainment. Fans attending this year’s event will receive the opportunity to take batting practice on the field, throw heat in the Express home bullpen, and participate in a hot dog eating contest. Beer and wine tasting, as well as a sampling of Greenhouse Craft Food will also be available. Fans can gear up for the 2016 season through deals available in the Railyard Team Store and check out some of the brand new merchandise. Fans will also have the chance to take their picture with the Easter Bunny and participate in an Easter egg hunt on the field. View full event schedule here.
Children’s Health Festival (Round Rock)
March 26 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Dell Diamond, 3400 Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
The Annual Children’s Health Festival is a showcase event highlighting the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, and child safety. For the past 14 years, the Williamson County and Cities Health District has organized this fun-filled event to encourage parents and children to “play for the health of it.” Festival attendees will find a variety of information and resources from vendors and live demonstrations on topics important to the entire family. Free bike helmets and fitting available while supplies last.
Nearly free fun:
Hero Con Toy Show
March 5 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Norris Conference Center, 2525 W Anderson Ln, Austin
Hero Con Toy Show is a day of fun for the whole family. With a chance to meet some of your favorite comic, TV, and storybook characters, plus a ton of toys, arts, and collectibles to buy, Hero Con Toy Show has something for everyone. Adult tickets only $5. Admission is FREE for kids under 12.
Alamo Drafthouse Kids Camp
March 11-17 at 10:30 a.m. | Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, 14028 N US Highway 183 Bldg F, Austin
See a cheap movie over spring break! Fantastic Mr. Fox is playing for $1-3 at Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline.
A little extra not-free fun:
James and the Giant Peach
Now through April 10; times vary | ZACH Theater, Kleberg Stage, 1421 W Riverside Dr, Austin
When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion which results in a tremendous peach – and launches a journey of enormous proportions. Suddenly, James finds himself in the center of the gigantic peach among human-sized insects with equally oversized personalities, but after it falls from the tree and rolls into the ocean, the group faces hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements. Thanks to James’ quick wit and creative thinking, the residents learn to live and work together in this charming family musical. Tickets $23-26. Free Fun in Austin readers can get $2 off adult tickets to any of ZACH’s 2015-16 Theatre for Families shows! Use promo code ZACHFUN to redeem.
Sherwood Forest Faire (McDade)
Now through April 3 | 1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade (go here for directions)
35 miles east of Austin on US Hwy 290, you can find the medieval-style village of Sherwood Forest. The faire offers merchant shoppes, pubs, various stages and over 100 shows per day, rides, games, treats, a wedding chapel, and more. You can even camp out there if you wish to stay. Celebrate the time of Richard the Lionheart and Robin Hood and his Merry Men! $13-23, tickets available here. (Special Offer: Bring-A-Friend Sundays! On the first seven weekends, each Sunday between 10 a.m. and noon,
purchase one admission ticket at the gate and you can bring in a guest for free! An Adult may bring in an Adult or Youth; A Youth may only bring in a Youth. Both parties must enter the gates together before noon. Offer not valid Closing Weekend.)
Rodeo Austin
March 12-26; times vary | Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane, Austin
A top 10 ProRodeo, daily concerts, a world class livestock show and more. Admission is $5-8 (ages 2 and under are FREE).
Shopportunities:
Carousel Consignment Sale
March 3-5; hours vary | 5839 Van Winkle Lane, Austin
The Carousel Consignment Sale is a children’s boutique consignment sale held twice a year in Austin. It’s different from the other children’s consignment sales in the Austin area in that they sell ONLY boutique and other high end brands. 30% off most items on Saturday, March 5 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fairytale Threads (Cedar Park)
March 17-19; hours vary | 1420 Toro Grande, Cedar Park
What you’ll find: Baby Gear & Toys, Newborn & Infant Clothing through children’s size 16, Junior’s Clothing, Maternity Clothing, Strollers, Highchairs, Bouncy Seats & More, Baby & Children’s Furniture, Books, games and videos. Thursday, March 17 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, March 18 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (many items will be 25% off). Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (many items will be 50% off).
