Easter egg hunts, Earth Day celebrations, and Eeyore’s Birthday Party: April is full of FREE events where you can maximize your family’s outside time!
Austin Earth Day Festival
FREE Don’t Miss April Events
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Build a Bunny Basket
April 1 from 9:00 a.m. – Noon | Home Depot Stores
Join this hands-on workshop and you and your child can build a bunny basket, perfect for keeping Easter treats a short hop away. Once the basket is built, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin. Registration is recommended. FREE!
The Austin Free Food Crawl
April 1 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Surprise location, somewhere in Austin
Howdy, Austinites! Food Moves is hosting their 2nd Free Food Crawl on April 1st, and bringing access to more fun, freebies, and, of course, food. No, this is not an April Fool’s Joke! To join the hunt, download the Food Moves app for iOS or Andriod and register ahead of time. On April 1st, find the secret icon, use the ‘get there’ button, and present your Food Moves App when ordering to receive a free meal. Be sure to get your ticket for this event as they are expected to run out early. Participating food trucks around Austin will activate for one hour at a time and offer FREE meals to Food Moves users. The location is a surprise. The first food truck will appear on the Food Moves app map in Austin. A new truck will continue to appear every hour, on the hour, until the last truck shuts down at 5:00 p.m. The mission at Food Moves is to connect Food Moves users to the best mobile food vendors in their city. This event is FREE. As long as you show the Food Moves app to the vendor, your meal will be free. However, VIP packages are available for purchase that give you special access to the event, such as skip the line, early notifications, and more special deals from Food Moves’ partners.
Texas VegFest 2017
April 1 from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E Segovia St, Austin
Texas VegFest’s sixth year celebration will feature local and national sponsors and vendors, educational lectures, cooking demonstrations, community outreach, a featured nonprofit, youth activities, fantastic food, craft beer, and live music. FREE!
Crafts for Kids
Saturdays in April from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Lakeshore Learning, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin
April 1: April Showers Craft. April 8: Up, Up & Away! Kite. April 15: Celebrate Spring! Treat Basket. April 22: Earth Day Watering Can Craft. April 29: Little Ladybug! Teacher Appreciation Card. Ages 3+. No reservations required. FREE!
Pioneer Festival • Homestead at KF Park
April 1 from noon to 5:00 p.m. | Katherine Fleischer Park, 2106 Klattenhoff Dr, Austin
The annual Wells Branch Pioneer Festival is centered around the historic Wells Branch Homestead, the 1850s-era cabin in KF Park. The FREE festival will feature fun and educational activities throughout the day to experience the history of 19th century Texas. Demonstrations include butter churning, candle dipping, weaving, and log splitting, just to name a few. There will also be music, amusing pioneer games, pony rides, and even a petting zoo. Concessions will be available for purchase.
H-E-B Free First Sunday at the Bullock Museum: Texas Tunes
April 2 from noon to 5:00 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave, Austin
Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B Free First Sundays. Families can explore the Story of Texas through three floors of exhibitions that showcase artifacts from around the state. Special family programs from 12-3:00 p.m. combine art creation, exploration stations, and gallery activities. At April’s H-E-B Free First Sunday, keep the beat as you enjoy musical activities, demonstrations, and more.
Sunday Fundays at Neill Cochran House Museum: Simple Machines
April 2 from 1-4:00 p.m. | Neill Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin
What is a machine? Sunday Funday will investigate simple machines–tools that make it easier for us to do work. From inclined planes to pulleys, from levers to screws, simple machines are everywhere, including the construction of the 1855 historic house and the implements and tools used to live life in it. With help from staff and volunteers, kids will be able to use a treadmill crane to lift a heavy weight just by walking, use pulleys to play one-versus-all tug-o-war (and win!), and experiment with different kinds of levers. The collection of 19th century tools and housewares will be on display (including some available for trying out, too!) The museum and grounds will open for tours, including a new exhibit from the Austin History Center in the interpretive gallery and a responsive exhibit about the museum gardens and grounds. They’ll also have a machines and modern convenience themed seek-and-find guide for more curious and keen-eyed patrons. Keeping with the theme and weather permitting, badminton and croquet will be set up on the front lawn: both games using – you guessed it – simple machines. No RSVP required; drop in anytime. All materials provided. FREE!
Star Party
April 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. | UT Campus – Robert Lee Moore Hall, 2515 Speedway, Austin
Every Wednesday night while UT is in session the astronomy department sponsors FREE public star parties on the top roof of Robert Lee Moore Hall. (Once you reach RLM, take the elevators to the 17th floor and then follow the signs to the stairs up to the telescope.) Click here for map to RLM and nearby parking garages. All ages are welcome, but younger children must be under adult supervision at all times. Viewing times change throughout the year, so check this page for current times before planning your visit. Please call 512-232-4265 for weather cancellation information. This line is updated approximately 30-45 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Austin International Poetry Festival
April 6-9 | Various locations
The FREE festival includes more than 20 unique Austin venues, 30 diverse themed poetry readings, 10+ open mics, 10+ workshops, 5 music and poetry events, a complete anthology reading, all-night open mic, poet symposium, and a printed poetry anthology competition featuring the winning submissions. Youth activities include an anthology competition, anthology reading, grade specific readings, two workshops, and printed anthologies.
Free Movie in the Park: Batman Returns
April 6 at 8:00 p.m. | Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin
Movies in the Park is a series of FREE films brought to you by Austin Parks Foundation in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse and presented by Lyft. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs (and a picnic dinner) for a fun and relaxing evening under the beautiful Austin night sky. Rain Date: April 13.
Teen Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt
April 7 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Dottie Jordan Recreation Center, 2803 Loyola Ln, Austin
Gift card prizes for teens! FREE!
Clean Sweep (RSVP)
April 8 from 9-11:00 a.m. | Locations all over Austin
Each April, Keep Austin Beautiful hosts Clean Sweep, a city-wide service day spanning 130+ sites in 31 zip codes throughout Austin and resulting in over 29 tons of trash removed by 4,000 plus volunteer who contribute 8,700 combined service hours. The network of cleanups is followed by a not-to-be-missed volunteer party featuring free t-shirts, lunch, live music, children’s environmental activities, recycled art, a unique object contest, door prizes, and more.
Easter Eggstavaganza at Dove Springs
April 8 from 10:00 a.m. to noon | Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez Dr, Austin
Hunt begins at 11:00 a.m. Kids from ages toddler – 12 years old are welcome. FREE!
Easter Celebration
April 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Montopolis Recreation Center, 1200 Montopolis Dr, Austin
Are you ready to do the bunny hop?! There will be arts and crafts, face painting, games, and much more. Bring your own basket.FREE!
Second Saturdays are for Families: For the Birds
April 8 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Laguna Gloria, 3809 W 35th St, Austin
Our feathered friends are making their way back to Austin, and will soon be looking for that perfect spot to call home. Will you make an abode for a Carolina wren, or a chalet for a hummingbird? Make the tiny avian home of your choice, then enjoy lawn games inspired by bird flight patterns. The Contemporary Austin offers FREE monthly hands-on art-making activities, brought to you by HomeAway. Recommended for ages 2–11. Reservations are requested for family art-making workshops; please reserve your spot here beginning the 1st of the month.
South Asian New Year Festival
April 8 from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 William Barton Dr, Austin
The Zilker Hillside Theater Stage will feature live dance and music performances along with authentic programs highlighting the colorful diversity of South Asian Culture. Off stage, visitors will be enticed to enjoy the wonderful foods and merchandise available in the Bazaar. With food, ethnic clothing, jewelry, crafts, henna and more – this festival has all the ingredients to represent the rich tapestry of South Asian Culture. FREE!
Search for the Lost Eggs
April 8 at noon | Dittmar Recreation Center, 1009 W Dittmar Rd, Austin
Crafts begin at noon. Egg hunt begins at 1:05 p.m. FREE!
Free Kids’ Music at Cherrywood Coffee House
Sundays in April from 10-11:30 a.m. | Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 E 38 1/2 St, Austin
Groundwork Music (April 9), Que Pastas (April 16), and Staci Gray (April 23) will be performing FREE all ages shows. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Cars and Coffee
April 9 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | The Oasis on Lake Travis, 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin
Enjoy a low-key display of classic cars. FREE!
UMLAUF Family Day
April 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | 605 Robert E Lee Rd, 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.
Fusebox Festival
April 12-16 | Various locations
Fusebox is a hybrid arts festival that champions adventurous works of art in theater, dance, film, music, literature, visual and culinary arts. FREE to attend but to help plan your festival experience, reservations to most performances and events will be available here.
Easter Egg Hunt and Carnival
April 14 at 11:00 a.m. | Oswaldo AB Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center, 2100 E 3rd St, Austin
Carnival in the park starts at 11:00 a.m. and the egg hunt starts at noon. FREE!
Easter Egg Festival and Picnic at the Capitol
April 15 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. | Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin
Bring your cameras, blankets, Easter baskets, and a picnic lunch. Barbecue and hot dogs will be available for sale with all proceeds supporting First UMC’s Eurasia Mission Team. A Stony’s Pizza food truck will also be onsite with food available for purchase. The Capitol lawn will have face painting, crafts, games, and more. A visit from the Easter Bunny is a special tradition. This event is FREE but non-perishable food donations for the Capital Area Food Bank are requested.
Bunny Jam- Easter Egg Hunt
April 15 at 10:00 a.m. | Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center, 2608 Gonzales St, Austin
There will be a DJ, food, games, crafts, door prizes, and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny himself. Everything is FREE!
Third Thursdays at the Blanton
April 20 from noon to 9:00 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. Thursdays are always FREE at The Blanton.
Free Movie in the Park: Ferngully
April 20 at 8:30 p.m. | Palm Park, 711 E 3rd St, Austin
Movies in the Park is a series of FREE films brought to you by Austin Parks Foundation in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse and presented by Lyft. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs (and a picnic dinner) for a fun and relaxing evening under the beautiful Austin night sky. Enjoy a special Earth Day presentation of Ferngully at Palm Park. Rain Date: April 27.
Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
April 21-23; times vary | 1100 E 5th St, Austin
The tremendous swell of support shown by the motorcycling community, both locally and abroad, has turned this event into a destination for riders, enthusiasts, and fans from all over the world. This exhibition of custom builds and original artwork draws a diverse crowd ranging from the merely curious to die-hard fans. Last year’s show featured custom motorcycles from the best builders in the business. Arranged in a gallery-like setting alongside original artwork, the show celebrates the process of design and the satisfaction of creation inherent in the craft. Admission is FREE!
Texas Community Music Festival
April 21-30 | Central Market North, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin
The Annual Texas Community Music Festival will showcase all types of live music. TCMF is organized, managed and promoted by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble, Austin’s oldest community band. Here’s the schedule. FREE!
Austin Earth Day Festival
April 22 from noon to 7:00 p.m. | Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St, Austin
Earth Day Austin is the largest sustainability event in Central Texas. Thousands from the Austin area and beyond will come to learn about conservation and sustainable solutions, celebrate love for the environment, and get connected to the best and most innovative green businesses and organizations. FREE!
Austin Nature Day 2017
April 22 from 9:00 a.m. to noon | Austin Nature & Science Center, 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin
Learn about bees and trees. FREE!
Eeyore’s Birthday Party
April 29 | Pease District Park, 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin
If you want to check out this renowned Austin event, get costumes for you and your child (and even for your family pet). Costumes of any variety are encouraged – they do not need to be Winnie-the-Pooh-related. There will be costume contests with prizes for kids of all ages. There is no parking available at the venue. FREE!
Nearly Free Fun
Faeries, Wildlife, and Their Wildflowers
April 23 from 1-4:00 p.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden: Patio Pond, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Play a fun matching game linking unique faeries with their specific plant allies. Plant extraordinary flowers that attract faeries, pollinators, and support wildlife. Learn about the healing and mystical qualities of plants and their companions. No registration required. Free with paid Garden admission.
More FREE fun beyond Austin
Easter Egg Hunt (Hutto)
April 1 at 9:00 a.m. | Fritz Park, Hutto Lake Park, Country Estates, and Creekside Parks
Due to the construction at Fritz Park, the Easter Bunny will be taking a new path through Hutto this year. He’ll travel and spread his Easter goodies through Fritz Park, Hutto Lake Park, Country Estates and Creekside Parks. He will take a break in Downtown Hutto where he will be happy to meet with children and families who would like to have their photos taken and say hello. The Easter Bunny will be there until 11:30 a.m. FREE!
Cedar Park Heritage Festival (Cedar Park)
April 1 from 1-5:00 p.m. | Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd, Cedar Park
Enjoy live music, pony rides, petting zoo, kids’ rodeo, face painting, carnival games and rides, washer tournament, sack races, and inflatables. Admission is FREE!
Music On Main Street (Round Rock)
Wednesdays in April from 6-8:00 p.m. | Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E Main St, Round Rock
The City of Round Rock brings you this FREE music series on Wednesdays 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. April 5: Cowboy Nemo, Country. April 12: Jonas Alvarez Band, Latin. April 19: Sieker Band, Bluegrass. April 26: Chris Rybeck, Cowboy accordion band.
Bluebonnet Festival (Burnet)
April 7-9 | Burnet Historic Square
Always taking place the second weekend in April, the Bluebonnet Festival draws 30,000 people annually to Burnet. Each year, activities are added to keep the festival exciting for first time visitors as well as repeat festival fans. Once you have attended your first Bluebonnet Festival, you’ll be hooked. FREE!
Youth Fishing Derby (Round Rock)
April 8 from 7-11:00 a.m. | Bright Lake at Old Settlers Park, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
This event is FREE but pre-registration is strongly encouraged and participants must check in before fishing. For ages 3-12 years old. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants will need to provide all of their own equipment, including bait. Only one pole per child will be allowed. Bright Lake is home to bass, catfish and sunfish, so prepare accordingly. Size 6-8 is a good all-round hook size. There will also be demonstrations and other activities.
Play For All Special Needs Egg Hunt (Round Rock)
April 8 at 9:00 a.m. | Play for All Abilities Park, 151 N A W Grimes Blvd, Round Rock
This is family-centered event focuses on active participation for children with various disabilities or limitations. Hunt for the eggs high and low; look for the golden eggs for special prizes! Special needs children and their siblings can participate in this hunt. The event is FREE but pre-registration is encouraged. Participant spaces are limited, so sign up early to secure your space. Please register all hunters for their desired time. Onsite registration will be allowed based on open spaces in each hunt time. You may pick up your egg hunt wristband on April 7 & 8 at the Clay Madsen Recreation Center or on site the day of the event. Please bring your registration confirmation to pick up your wristband. Check the Facebook page for updated information.
Bicycle Rodeo (Pflugerville)
April 8 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Pflugerville High School Parking Lot, 1301 W Pecan St, Pflugerville
The annual Bike Rodeo is sponsored by the Pflugerville Police Department. The event offers bicycle registration, safety instructions, riding instructions, eight different challenges, Police, Fire and EMS demonstrations all day, child IDs, displays by Central Texas Law Enforcement Agencies, plus Pflugerville Fire Department will be onsite with their truck. FREE!
Easter Egg Drop Extravaganza (San Marcos)
April 8 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | San Marcos High School, 2601 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos
You’re invited to the largest Easter egg hunt the San Marcos area has ever seen. 75,000 eggs will be dropped from a helicopter in a designated zone for the kids. There will be multiple drops for different age groups as well as a specific area just for toddlers and for those with sensory sensitivity. The first helicopter drop will be happening around 11:30 a.m., so be sure to arrive early. In addition to the Easter Egg Hunt, there will be fun activities for the entire family like inflatables, face painting, photo booths, and even a live DJ. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to take pictures with children. FREE!
Car Show (Round Rock)
April 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Centennial Plaza, 301 W Bagdad, Round Rock
Love your ride? Share it at this family-friendly show. No registration needed; this is a show and shine style event. Arrive by 9:50 a.m. to find a location, spaces are available first come first served.
Founders Day Festival (Dripping Springs)
April 21-23 | Downtown Dripping Springs, Mercer St, Dripping Springs
This three-day celebration begins Friday afternoon with the Grand Parade and includes, music, entertainment, food, street dances, cook-off competitions, and arts and crafts booths. FREE!
Annual Butterfly Festival (Wimberley)
April 22 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley
Enjoy butterfly art, a flight house featuring Texas native butterflies, nature activities, pirate and princess tents, games, concessions and live entertainment. Admission is FREE but donations are greatly appreciated.
Sunset Valley Art Fest (Sunset Valley)
April 22 | Toney Burger Center, 3205 Jones Rd, Sunset Valley
Different forms of art, woodworking, oil paints and jewelry will be on display during this FREE event. The festival also has live music, local foods, activities for kids and more.
Red Poppy Festival (Georgetown)
April 28-30 | Downtown Georgetown
A Georgetown and Central Texas tradition, the Red Poppy Festival is a time to enjoy family and friends, music, food, and fun. Family-friendly entertainment doesn’t get any better than this. Admission is FREE!
Sunset Block Party Bash (Hutto)
April 28 from 5-10:00 p.m. | The Gin @ The CO-OP District, 420 US 79, Hutto
The City of Hutto is excited to announce a new twist on a previous event. What was formerly the Sunset Music Series is now Sunset Block Party Bash. This new event will include live music, food trucks, interactive art, kid/family activities, artisan and craft vendors, and more.
