We’ve got another busy month ahead! May in Austin will be full of festivals, Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day events, lots of live music, movies in the park, and more. Get ready for a full month of fun!
Mueller Lake Park
Austin Dragon Boat Festival
May 1 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Festival Beach, 2101 Jesse E Segovia St, Austin
Come celebrate the 18th Austin Dragon Boat Festival! The race and festival will be two days (April 30-May 1) at Festival Beach off beautiful Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. Racing, dance, music, martial arts performances, kid zone, and more.
Time Out Brunch: A Pre-Mother’s Day Celebration
May 1 from 12-2 p.m. | Foodie Kids, 3818 Far West Boulevard #107, Austin
Just think of all the things you could do with two hours of freedom, or more importantly, how many mimosas you could enjoy at brunch with the girls. Start your Mother’s Day celebration a week early with an afternoon of relaxation by kicking dad and the kids out of the house to a fun event. You handle the family plans all year-long, so it’s time to give yourself an afternoon of whatever your heart desires — it’s time to give mom a time out. HapPea Fries will take care of the rest! Be sure to RSVP and reserve your family’s FREE spot for this fun and tasty event. HapPea Fries an Austin-based, all natural fry is hosting a pre-Mother’s Day celebration full of fun activities for kids, including making their own tasty treats and live music from kid-friendly performer Staci Gray.
Free First Sunday at the Bullock Museum: Journey Into Big Bend
May 1 from 12-5 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave, Austin
Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. 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 p.m. combine art creation, exploration stations, and gallery activities. Explore Texas’s ancient past by getting hands-on with fossils. Make sun print works of art with plants native to the Big Bend region. Meet staff from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and discover how they have worked to help improve Big Bend landscapes. Learn how to take a great nature photograph with Smudge Studios and then try out your skills with a challenge in the Museum’s exhibits. Listen to a story about camping with good friends then start packing your bag to set out on the trail.Visit the Whole Foods Market Tasting Kitchen in Our Global Kitchen and get tips for a healthy camping recipe from Common Threads.
Sunday Funday at Neill Cochran House Museum: Light Bulbs, Leyden Jars, and More
May 1 from 1-4 p.m. | Neill Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin
When the Neill-Cochran House was built, having ample indoor light at the flip of a switch was practically unimaginable. This month, you can conduct simple (and safe!) experiments with static and dynamic electricity while imagining what life was like for Austinites before, during, and after electricity’s increasing availability in the beginning of the 20th century. With help from staff, kids can experiment with two early means of generating electricity: the Leyden Jar (static) and the Voltaic Pile (dynamic). You will also be able to build and test your own experimental light bulbs using batteries, graphite filaments, and glass jars. Rounding out the day’s displays, demonstrations of a Wimshurst machine and a simple electric motor/generator will let you look closer at both forms of electricity at work. Bring one glass jar (no lid required) to complete your home-made lightbulb, or just borrow one of the museum’s jars while you’re there. For a more advanced project, bring a smooth-sided jar with a plastic lid to build a Leyden jar (similar to a battery, but for storing static electricity). 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. FREE! No RSVP required, drop in anytime. Parking is 100% free in the 40-space museum lot accessible from 23rd street between San Gabriel and Leon. Overflow parking is available on the street or one block away at the University Towers parking garage.
Heritage House Ice Cream Social (Pflugerville)
May 1 from 1-4 p.m. | Heritage House Museum, 901 Old Austin Hutto Rd, Pflugerville
Enjoy fresh homemade ice cream and then a historic tour of the museum.
KUTX Live Free Music Series
Sundays in May from 2-6 p.m. | Uncle Billy’s Brewery + Smokehouse, 1530 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
FREE live music from up and coming artists on the Uncle Billy’s patio each Sunday this spring. Enjoy brunch specials all day, a special firkin tapping, and a DJ before the band. May 1: Echocentrics, May 8: Good Field, May 15: Mobley, May 22: Capyac.
Shakespeare in Print and Performance
Daily through May 29, times vary | Harry Ransom Center, 300 W 21st St, Austin
Explore the legacy of William Shakespeare at the Ransom Center. The Elizabethan world of Shakespeare and his contemporaries is presented through early printed books documenting his contemporary reputation, his textual sources, and his plays, all drawn from the Ransom Center’s holdings. Costume and set designs and promptbooks showcase the variety of ways artists have translated his plays into performance. Admission is FREE; your donation supports the Ransom Center’s exhibitions and public programs. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended Thursday evening hours to 7 p.m. Open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Free public tours every day at noon, Thursdays at 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration (Pflugerville)
May 1 from 3-6 p.m. | Pflugerville Community Church, 1214 Pfennig Lane, Pflugerville
Enjoy games, activities, and music. FREE! See the flyer.
Cinco de Mayo at Montopolis Recreation Center
May 4 from 6-8 p.m. | Montopolis Recreation Center, 1200 Montopolis Dr, Austin
Come out and celebrate with food, music, and crafts. There will be a short presentation of the design for the new Montopolis Recreation and Community Center.
Music On Main Street (Round Rock)
Wednesdays in May 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 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. May 4: Jimmy and the Mustangs, Rock-N-Roll. May 11: Jonas Alvarez Band, Latin. May 18: Bayou City Funk, Funk. May 25: Colin Huntley Band, Singer-Songwriter.
Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park: Macbeth
May 4-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29 at 8 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
The City of Austin, in coordination with Austin Shakespeare, presents William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. This is 32nd year of FREE Shakespeare in Zilker Park for a military-themed version of Shakespeare’s supernatural story of ambition gone awry. Featuring Marc Pouhé as Macbeth and Helen Merino as Lady Macbeth. Directed by Ann Ciccolella. May 5 – 29, 2016, Thursdays – Sundays at 8 p.m. Preview on Wednesday, May 4 at 8 p.m. Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theatre, across from Barton Springs Pool.
Star Wars Jedi Training Camp (May the 4th Be With You)
May 4 at 3:30 p.m. | Yarborough Branch, 2200 Hancock Dr., Austin
Come in costume to join the fashion show and enjoy crafts. FREE!
Dan-Oh Korean Spring Festival (Round Rock)
May 5 from 7-9 p.m. | Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main St, Round Rock
The celebration will feature Korean songs by Tenors Joonil Kim and Jeongmin Wee; a Taekwondo demonstration by Master TaeWon Jung and the Tiger Jung Martial Art Team; and Korean refreshments. They will also be honoring artists Kristin Kim and Yangsoon Lee, whose art will be exhibited in gallery of the Library throughout the month of May.
Unplugged at the Grove: Dirty River Boys
May 5 at 8 p.m. | Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
The Shady Grove’s Unplugged at the Grove series is returning for its 23rd season. Austinites of all ages have the opportunity to experience one of Austin’s longest-running FREE live music series on Shady Grove’s iconic pecan tree shaded patio. Every Thursday night through September 22, Unplugged-goers will enjoy live music as well as a special patio menu of Austin-inspired home cooking and drink specials.
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
May 5 at 8:35 p.m. | Palm Park, 601 East 3rd Street, Austin
Enjoy a FREE movie in the park! Rain Date: May 12.
3rd Annual Scale/Warbird Radio Control Fly-In
May 6 & 7 from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Austin Radio Control Association – Lester Field, 8705 Lindell Ln, Austin
Join Austin Radio Control Association for their annual Scale/Warbird fly-in. Pilots from all over Texas, Louisiana, and as far away as Monterey, Mexico, will be onsite with some of the most incredible scale radio control airplanes that you will ever see. From WWI biplanes flying the dawn patrol, heavy WWII B-17 Bombers flying in formation, to the fastest turbine military jets, this fly-in will have it all. FREE parking and FREE admission to the public. Concessions available for purchase onsite with a shaded picnic area.
Downtown Street Fair
Fridays through June 3 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | 900 Congress Ave, Austin
Join the Downtown Austin Alliance every Friday through June 3 for a festival including food vendors, retailers, entertainers, artists and more! The festival will take place during the lunch hour, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at 9th and Congress and is FREE and open to the public. The Downtown Street Fair is an opportunity for you to grab a quick bite on your lunch break, enjoy the work of local artists and entertainers, and re-discover a hidden gem of downtown Austin. Each week will feature a variety of vendors, giving you the opportunity to experience a different and exciting element of Austin every Friday. Other downtown businesses on the block will also be participating by providing food and retail options tailored to the event.
First Friday Block Party
May 6 from 6-9 p.m. | in.gredients, 2610 Manor Rd, Austin
Enjoy an evening of fun with friends and neighbors at in.gredients’ monthly First Friday Block Party. This month there will be a full lineup of music with Steel Betty, Pillow Princess and Ley Line. Be sure to grab your pint glass from 4th Tap Brewing Co-op during pint night and grab a massage from Devon at the chair massage station. It’s set to be a wonderful evening–all that’s missing is you.
KUTX Live at Mueller
May 6, 13 & 20 at 7 p.m.
Join KUTX for three Fridays of FREE live music at Mueller! The fun starts at 7 p.m. with a kid-friendly act, followed by rock and roll for the grown-ups. Food trucks, fun, and live music on the lake!
Field of Dreams (Leander)
May 6 at dusk | Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad, Leander
Movies begin at dusk. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner. Concessions are also available. Glass containers are prohibited. Friendly pets on a leash are welcome. FREE!
Muddy Miler Family Adventure (Round Rock) (RSVP)
May 7 from 8:30-11 a.m. | Old Settlers Park, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
The Muddy Miler is a themed adventure run offering the entire family more obstacles, more mud and more fun than your average run event. WARNING: You will get muddy from head to toe if you want to conquer the Muddy Miler. The event is FREE for the entire family but each participant should pre-register. Register online now.
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Angry Birds Bird House
May 7 from 9 a.m. – Noon | Home Depot Stores
Join this hands-on workshop and build an Angry Birds-themed birdhouse that will make your child’s feathered backyard friends happy. Once the birdhouse is built, your child can decorate it with Angry Birds stickers.… all for FREE!
Pioneer Days (Round Rock)
May 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Old Settlers Park, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
Don’t miss Pioneer Days at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. Saturday is FREE and open to the public. Dip candles and churn butter, make corn husk doll and rag balls, or wander through reenactment camps along with a fully stocked general store. This event is usually set up at the Old Settlers Association, across the street from Dell Diamond.
Dia de las Madres (Round Rock)
May 7 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E. Main Street, Round Rock
Celebrate mothers at this FREE family event. The Williamson County Hispanic Heritage Committee, Univision 62 Austin, Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, and the City of Round Rock present a Mother’s Day event, Dia de las Madres. The event features a performance by popular children’s entertainer Joe McDermott. Other performers include the Bluebonnet Elementary School Choir, Hopewell Middle School mariachi group, Copperfield Elementary Ballet Folklorico, Monsoon Dance, the Isaac Sisters and Round Rock Ballet Folklorico. Other activities include: arts and crafts for kids, a chance to take pictures with mom, and free carnations for mothers. The event promises to be full of music and fun for the entire family!
Kids Fest
May 7 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | The Browning Hanger at Mueller, 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin
Kids Fest is a fun-filled day for babies, toddlers, children, tweens, and families to play and learn about all the important aspects of raising happy, healthy kids. This FREE event provides valuable community resources related to early development, health and wellness, nutrition, fitness, education, and financial empowerment. The Biscuit Brothers will be performing at 11 a.m.
Free Kids’ Music at Strange Brew
Saturdays in May from 10-11 a.m. | Strange Brew, Lounge Side, 5326 Manchaca Rd, Austin
Staci Gray (May 7), Groundwork Music (May 14), The Que Pastas (May 21), and Big Don (May 28) will be performing FREE all ages shows. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Please note that the schedule is subject to change (and often does).
Crafts for Kids
Saturdays in May from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Lakeshore Learning, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin
Drop in for FREE crafting! May 7: Let Love Bloom! Card for Mom. May 14: Giddy-Up Pony! May 21: Twist & Twirl Spinner. Greenhouse. May 28: Hats Off to Memorial Day. Ages 3+. No reservations required.
Violet Crown Festival
May 7 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Brentwood Elementary School, 6700 Arroyo Seco, Austin
Art, music, food and lots of free kids’ activities? Violet Crown Spring Festival has it all. This fun festival will be in the west-side parking lot of Brentwood Elementary School. Admission is FREE! The festival – staged by Violet Crown Community Works (VCCW) — will feature local art and craft vendors, family fun, children’s activities, live music, and refreshments. The schedule of entertainment will include music from Feet First, Jungle Jill and the Jaybirds, Fingers and Lips, the Ron Titter Band, Punch Card and Don Leady’s Rockin’ Revue. Children will have the opportunity to meet and learn from the Tree Man, who is a wonder and delight for all ages. Other offerings include face painting, life-sized Jenga and chess, hula-hoops, legos, different craft stations, and ladder golf. Refreshment vendors include Amy’s Ice Creams, Domino Dogs, Fire and Slice Pizza and Jack Hates Coffee. Parking is limited, so attendees are encouraged to walk or cycle to the festival.
Pecan Street Festival
May 7-8 | 6th Street between Brazos and I-35, Austin
The Pecan Street Festival, one of Central Texas’ oldest and most popular events, is a two-day arts festival held each spring and fall in downtown Austin’s charming Sixth Street Historic District, a National Register of Historic Places site. More than 60 of Austin’s finest musical acts bring three stages to life, and family-friendly activities from street magicians to a petting zoo delight both adults and children. Food vendors provide both healthy and indulgent choices, often supported by and benefiting charitable partners. FREE!
39th Annual O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships
May 7 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | 409 E. 5th Street, Austin
The O. Henry Annual Pun-Off World Championships consists of two mighty struggles. PUNNIEST OF SHOW: A maximum of 32 contestants will compete to deliver their prepared “punny” material within a time limit of 90 seconds. PUNSLINGERS: A maximum of 32 contestants may compete. Each pair of competitors will be given a topic. At the judge’s signal, each player in his turn will have 5 seconds to deliver, or begin delivering a pun. The opponent will then be given a signal and another 5 seconds to start a pun. This shoot-out continues until one of the contestants cannot make a pun “tongue-tied” or accumulates a total of three non-qualifying “strike” attempts at a pun. See the schedule. FREE!
Austin Local & Live at the Visitors Center
May 7 & 21 from 1-3 p.m. | Austin Visitor Center, 602 E 4th St, Austin
Live and Local is a music series put on by the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau. Shows take place every other Saturday from 1-3 p.m. and are FREE and open to the public. Hear some of the best music Austin has to offer. Each performance will provide the audience with a closer, more intimate experience with the artists, who will usually be playing solo or acoustic sets.
Saturday Night Concert Series: Soul Track Mind (Bee Cave)
May 7 from 7-9 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave
Enjoy Saturday nights outdoors with live music, free kids activities, and great shopping at the Saturday Night Concert Series. The music begins at 7 p.m. in the Hill Country Galleria’s outdoor amphitheater. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this FREE event every Saturday night. Bring your family, friends, and a blanket to lounge on the grassy lawn during the show. Browse the vendors, order to-go food and have it delivered to your spot on the grassy lawn, and enjoy FREE kids activities like face painting or balloon twisters. Arrive early to ensure you get a free swag bag filled with fun items and discounts from the Hill Country Galleria merchants and sponsors. Sun Radio 1001.1FM will be on-site to emcee the event and introduce you to the band. Genre: Soul/R&B/Blues. Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Free Kids’ Music at Cherrywood Coffee House
Sundays in May from 10-11:30 a.m. | Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 E. 38 1/2 Street, Austin
Hey Lollies (May 1), Groundwork Music (May 8), The Que Pastas (May 15), Staci Gray (May 22), and ScottiRoo and Christini (May 29) will be performing FREE all ages shows. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Umlauf Family Day
May 8 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.
Mothers Day Concert at the Capitol
May 8 at 7 p.m. | Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin
What better way to close out a great day with Mom than by taking her to a FREE concert at the Texas State Capitol in her honor? The band will perform well-known tunes, including marches and musical numbers, that you and your Mom are sure to enjoy. Get there early to select the best seating…this concert gets more popular every year.
FREE Comic Book Day at the Library
May 9 at 3 p.m. | APL (locations vary)
Come and get your FREE comic book! At every library location! Comics will be available after 3 p.m. as long as supplies last! Sponsored by Austin Books and Comics.
Pints & Poses Yoga Series
May 9 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
The “Pints & Poses” series provides FREE yoga classes for local residents on the second Monday of each month. Following the class, participants will receive a FREE draft beer at the hotel’s Marker 10 bar. Freshly squeezed juice and citrus-infused water will also be available throughout the event. The one-hour class will be held in the Foothills Ballroom, which provides views of Lady Bird Lake and skyline views of downtown Austin from the hotel’s 17th floor. It will feature a relaxing smooth Vinyasa flow yoga, and guests are encouraged to bring their own mats.
Unplugged at the Grove: Mike Flanigin
May 12 at 8 p.m. | Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
The Shady Grove’s ‘Unplugged at the Grove’ is returning for its 23rd season. Austinites of all ages have the opportunity to experience one of Austin’s longest-running FREE live music series on Shady Grove’s iconic pecan tree shaded patio. Every Thursday night through September 22, Unplugged goers will enjoy live music as well as a special patio menu of Austin-inspired home cooking and drink specials.
Maker Day at the Park (RSVP)
May 14, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Axis Enrichment was founded by Katy Williams, Austin ISD Physical Education and AVID teacher and Kathryn Whitley Round Rock ISD Talented and Gifted Teacher to provide community-based STEAMM education. STEAMM=Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Mathematics and Movement. Maker Day at the Park is a come and go event. Give your kids the opportunity to take part in a natural Makerspace. Activities are taught by certified teachers and created to challenge all ages and abilities. All material will be provided by Axis Enrichment and the natural world around us. Preview the type of higher-level thinking that will be provided by Axis Enrichment’s summer camp. Kids of all ages are welcome to this FREE event. RSVP is requested here.
Keep Austin Well City-Wide Health Fair
May 14, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | The Great Lawn at The Domain, 3225 Amy Donovan Plaza, Austin
Keep Austin Well is Austin MD Magazine’s annual city-wide health fair aimed at promoting health and wellness in this great city. Enjoy a great line up of local physicians and wellness-focused organizations, along with the opportunity to learn useful information and prospect new care-providers. The event is FREE for the community. There will also be a great line-up of FREE yoga, Zumba and painting classes.
CelebrASIA Austin: Asian Pacific American Food and Heritage Festival
May 14 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin
Sample Asian foods, enjoy culinary demonstrations from local chefs include Eric Silverstein of The Peached Tortilla, cultural performances, global experience rooms, children’s activities, and more! Asian merchant items, foods and beverages available for purchase.
Yoga on the Plaza (Round Rock)
May 14 at 8 a.m. | Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E Main St, Round Rock
Get your om on in Downtown Round Rock with a FREE, beginner friendly yoga class presented by The Yoga Room. Bring a yoga mat or towel and bottle of water. Class starts at 8 a.m. so arrive a little early to get your mat on the plaza. The class lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Hands On History (Georgetown)
May 14 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. Printmaking with okra: celebrate the birthday of Henry Purl “Okra” Compton. Learn the legend of the red poppies in Georgetown with “Okra Compton” and make some poppy art. FREE for children of all ages.
WEST Austin Studio Tour
May 14-15 & May 21-22 | Various locations
WEST is a self-guided tour that champions the abundance of talent within Austin’s large and wildly diverse creative community. The public is invited to discover new artistic talent, see working studios, learn about artists’ tools, techniques, and inspirations, and support the arts community by building their personal art collections with the work of local artists. In its fifth year, the tour is expected to grow in size and substance as the number of artists working west of I-35 increases. WEST boundaries include the area West of I-35, East of Mopac, South of HWY 183, and North of William Cannon. FREE!
International Multicultural Festival
May 14 from 12-10 p.m. | AB Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center, 2100 E 3rd St, Austin
Celebrate diverse cultures and network with other international multicultural enthusiasts. There will be live entertainment, numerous vendors selling food and drinks, and arts and crafts. There is a playground for the young ones at this family-friendly event. FREE!
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (Georgetown)
May 14 at sunset | Fountainwood Observatory at Southwestern University, Smith Creek Rd., Georgetown
Grab a blanket or some chairs and enjoy a movie in the great outdoors! The observatory will remain open during the duration of the movie and everyone is welcome to take a look!
Saturday Night Concert Series: Blackfoot Gypsies (Bee Cave)
May 14 from 7-9 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave
Enjoy Saturday nights outdoors with live music, free kids activities, and great shopping at the Saturday Night Concert Series. The music begins at 7 p.m. in the Hill Country Galleria’s outdoor amphitheater. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this FREE event every Saturday night. Bring your family, friends, and a blanket to lounge on the grassy lawn during the show. Browse the vendors, order to-go food and have it delivered to your spot on the grassy lawn, and enjoy FREE kids activities like face painting or balloon twisters. Arrive early to ensure you get a free swag bag filled with fun items and discounts from the Hill Country Galleria merchants and sponsors. Sun Radio 1001.1FM will be on-site to emcee the event and introduce you to the band. Genre: Blues/Rock/Americana. Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Cars and Coffee
May 15 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!
Cars Show (Round Rock)
May 15 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Centennial Plaza, 301 W Bagdad, Round Rock
Family friendly car show held every third Sunday in Downtown Round Rock. No registration needed, show and shine style event. Love your ride? Share it at the show! Arrive by 9:50 a.m. to find a location, spaces are available first come first served. Entrance to show is located off of Bagdad and Brown Street.
Third Thursdays at the Blanton
May 19 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. Thursdays are always FREE at The Blanton.
Unplugged at the Grove: Charlie Mars
May 19 at 8 p.m. | Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
The Shady Grove’s ‘Unplugged at the Grove’ is returning for its 23rd season. Austinites of all ages have the opportunity to experience one of Austin’s longest-running FREE live music series on Shady Grove’s iconic pecan tree shaded patio. Every Thursday night through September 22, Unplugged goers will enjoy live music as well as a special patio menu of Austin-inspired home cooking and drink specials.
The Good Dinosaur (Kyle)
May 20, 30 minutes after sunset | Lake Kyle Park, 700 Lehman Rd, Kyle
Bring your blanket and snacks and meet your friends at Lake Kyle. FREE!
The Good Dinosaur (Leander)
May 20 at dusk | Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad, Leander
Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner. Concessions are also available. Glass containers are prohibited. Friendly pets on a leash are welcome. FREE!
Williamson County Symphony Orchestra Concert (Cedar Park)
May 20 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd, Cedar Park
FREE and family friendly!
Second Saturdays are for Families: Recycled Robots (RSVP)
May 21 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th Street, Austin
Put everyday materials together to form a robotic work of art, then stop by our animation station to bring your friend to life and watch it make art on its own! The Contemporary Austin offers FREE monthly hands-on art-making activities, brought to you by HomeAway. Recommended for ages 2–11. Reservations are required for family art-making workshops; please reserve your spot here beginning the 1st of each month.
1,000 Cranes Origami Festival
May 21 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin
According to Japanese legend, folding 1,000 origami cranes grants a wish. Join this family-friendly celebration featuring origami crafts for kids, interactive origami, music, storytelling, a Japanese fashion show and more. FREE but donations will be accepted for the Thousand Cranes of Peace art installation, in support of Asian Family Support Services of Austin.
Old Town Street Festival (Leander)
May 21 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Old Town Leander, 100 N Brushy St, Leander
The Old Town Street Festival, one of Central Texas’ newest and soon to be most popular events, is a fun festival held each spring in downtown Leander’s charming Old Town District. On the third weekend of May, the streets of Old Town Leander fill with local and national artisans offering handcrafted creations. Musical acts bring the stage to life, and family-friendly activities delight both adults and children. Food vendors provide both healthy and indulgent choices. Local and regional wineries and distilleries bring a special flair with a visit to the wine and beer tent. FREE, but some activities, food, and beverage purchases will require tickets.
Ney Day
May 21 from 12-5 p.m. | Elisabet Ney Museum, 304 E. 44th St., Austin
Enjoy the unveiling of a new outdoor sculpture and family friendly activities. FREE!
Saturday Night Concert Series: Two Tons of Steel (Bee Cave)
May 21 from 7-9 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave
Enjoy Saturday nights outdoors with live music, free kids activities, and great shopping at the Saturday Night Concert Series. The music begins at 7 p.m. in the Hill Country Galleria’s outdoor amphitheater. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this FREE event every Saturday night. Bring your family, friends, and a blanket to lounge on the grassy lawn during the show. Browse the vendors, order to-go food and have it delivered to your spot on the grassy lawn, and enjoy FREE kids activities like face painting or balloon twisters. Arrive early to ensure you get a free swag bag filled with fun items and discounts from the Hill Country Galleria merchants and sponsors. Sun Radio 1001.1FM will be on-site to emcee the event and introduce you to the band. Genre: Country/Americana. Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Williamson County Symphony Orchestra Concert (Round Rock)
May 21 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Old Settlers Park, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
FREE and family friendly!
Blues on the Green
May 25 at 8 p.m. | Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin
KGSR’s Blues on the Green will return to Zilker Park with FREE, live music. Take your blankets or lawn chairs and join in the fun.
Close Assault 1944
May 28 & 29 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Camp Mabry, 2200 W 35th St, Austin
Remember the true meaning of Memorial Day with this stirring look back at World War II. Close Assault 1944 honors the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans by focusing on the history of the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard during World War II. The FREE program, now in its ninth year, features members of the Texas Military Forces Living History Detachment exhibiting the uniform and equipment worn by the American GI in the European Theater of the Second World War, as well as those of his German opponent. In addition, the two-day event will provide guests the opportunity to witness firing demonstrations of the most famous U.S. and German small arms of World War II, as well as see everything from tents and radio equipment to GI baseball gloves and mess kits and operational vehicles such as an M4 Sherman Tank, M3 Halftrack and Jeeps. The event will take place rain or shine and bleachers will be available for seating. Show times are at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. both days. The 45,000 square-foot Texas Military Forces Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the weekend and on Memorial Day as well. Both the program and admission to the museum are FREE! Camp Mabry is open to the public and adults will need to show a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license or a military ID to come on post.
Saturday Night Concert Series: High Plains Jamboree (Bee Cave)
May 28 from 7-9 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave
Enjoy Saturday nights outdoors with live music, free kids activities, and great shopping at the Saturday Night Concert Series. The music begins at 7 p.m. in the Hill Country Galleria’s outdoor amphitheater. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this FREE event every Saturday night. Bring your family, friends, and a blanket to lounge on the grassy lawn during the show. Browse the vendors, order to-go food and have it delivered to your spot on the grassy lawn, and enjoy FREE kids activities like face painting or balloon twisters. Arrive early to ensure you get a free swag bag filled with fun items and discounts from the Hill Country Galleria merchants and sponsors. Sun Radio 1001.1FM will be on-site to emcee the event and introduce you to the band. Genre: Country/Bluegrass. Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Bonus shopportunities:
Sip & Shop For Mother’s Day
May 5 from 6-8 p.m. | Hacienda, 204 Colorado St, Austin
Hacienda Austin & The Distillery are partnering up to host a Mother’s Day Sip & Shop. At the event mingle with Catelyn Silapachai, Co-Founder of The Distillery, and shop her specially curated collection of vintage jewelry and gift items, get creative with local artist Mia Savage as she leads a DIY paper flower making tutorial and sip on complimentary beverages by Austin Cocktails. Bring Mom or shop for Mom. Everyone is welcome. RSVP for FREE here.
Round Rock Market Days
May 7 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Centennial Plaza, 301 W Bagdad, Round Rock
A monthly event, “first Saturdays” (except October, is 2nd Saturday). Arts/craft vendors, local businesses, non-profit organizations, farmer’s market, and food vendors. Live Music all day! Emphasis is placed on keeping and infusing dollars into the local community, and getting to know your local small businesses. Kid and pet friendly! FREE admission and free parking!
Mother’s Day Austin Flea
May 7 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Opal Divine’s Penn Field, 3601 S Congress Ave, Ste K100, Austin
Mother’s Day Flea is set for Saturday, May 7th from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. with our good friends at Opal Divine’s Pennfield (3601 S. Congress). The Flea features all local handmade items and vintage wares from some of Austin’s most amazing and talented vendors. Find one-of-a-kind gifts for mom’s day or any occasion including jewelry, bath/body products, vintage, original artwork, paper goods, textiles and so much more! Treat yo Mama right. Shop the Flea! Entrance to the event is FREE and open to all ages! Handmade. Vintage. Local.
Artisan Handmade Market at Moontower
May 7 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Moontower Saloon, 10212 Manchaca Rd, Austin
Presenting the 4th Annual “Artisan Handmade Market,” featuring extraordinary professional Austin area artists and their work, for sale, and a music line-up of six amazing music groups. Live music played all day long. Participate in a silent auction to win spectacular one-of-a-kind pieces, proceeds to be donated to an amazing public school art program.
Mother’s Day Bazaar at Hancock Recreation Center
May 7 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. | Hancock Recreation Center, 811 E. 41st Street, Austin
Shop the Mother’s Day Bazaar for jewelry, ceramics, scarves, crafts, paintings, and plants. There will be 25 local artists and artisans.
Renegade Craft Fair
May 14 & 15 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Fair Market, 1100 E 5th St, Austin
Celebrate the sights, sounds, and tastes of Spring with Renegade Craft Fair. RCF returns to Fair Market in May for a fun weekend jam-packed with the very best in handmade goods. Be sure to save time for inspiring DIY workshops, lively music, the tastiest food + drink, and more. Admission is FREE!
Fairytale Threads
May 19-21 | 425 Woodward St, Austin
What you’ll find: baby gear and toys, newborn and infant clothing through children’s size 16, junior’s clothing, maternity clothing, strollers, highchairs, bouncy seats, furniture, books, games, and videos. Thursday, May 19 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday, May 20 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (items marked “reduce” will be 25% off); Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (items marked “reduce” will be 50% off). Admission is FREE!
Bonus deal on fun that is not free:
Alice In Wonderland
Now through May 14 | ZACH Theater, Whisenhunt stage, 1510 Toomey Rd, Austin
Go down the rabbit hole and travel to Wonderland! In this unique adaption, the audience starts in the theatre and then will follow Alice around ZACH’s campus to go on an adventure, meet familiar characters, and help defeat the Red Queen! A new adaptation by Underbelly in partnership with ZACH’s Theatre for Families. Buy tickets here ($18-23). 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.
