Spring has definitely sprung in Austin, and it’s time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful flowers that we hear so much about. From live music to nature days, there are plenty of free events in Austin for families to participate in.
Cowboy Music with KR Wood
Friday, May 3 | from 4 to 5 p.m. | Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing
Cowboy Music with K.R. Wood – Friday, May 3rd at 4pm – Singer, songwriter, and historian K.R. Wood uses Texas music to teach about its history. He has performed all over the state, including the Capitol!
KUTX Rock the Park
Friday, May 3 | from 6 to 8 p.m. | Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd.
Mueller and KUTX are excited to rock the amphitheater at Mueller Lake Park again this year with another round of free, family-friendly concerts curated by KUTX and our Sunday-evening kids’ show Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child. Come a little early to grab your spot on the lawn (blankets are cool, but chairs aren’t) and grab your dinner from a food truck. We’ll have rock-and-roll face-painting for the kids by Faces By Juliet (no charge, but tips for the painters are welcomed.) We’ll also have coloring for the kids at the Mueller tent (where you can enter our #colorKUTX Instagram giveaway), additional activities from our sponsors, and cold beverages for the grown-ups.
RC Airshow! – 6th Annual Ken White Scale/Warbird Event
Friday, May 3 through Saturday, May 4 | Austin Radio Control Association, 8705 Lindell Ln
Come join us at the Austin Radio Control Association for our BIGGEST airshow in 2019 AND in Central Texas. This event is a heart-pounding, adrenaline pumping spectator event that is second to none in Texas! It is an AWESOME event for the family! Pilots from all over Texas and Louisiana, will be tearing up the skies with some of the most incredible realistic radio control airplanes that you will ever see! The fun starts around 10:30 am (Saturday) but feel free to come earlier and get a great seat!FREE parking and FREE admission to the public. Concessions will be available for purchase onsite with a shaded picnic area, and an air conditioned club house to enjoy. For more information, visit www.austinrc.org or find us on Facebook!
Violet Crown Festival
Saturday, May 4 | from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Brentwood Park, 6710 Arroyo Seco, access from Yates
Springtime means the Violet Crown Festival is on the horizon! This art-filled festival is literally a walk in the park, with plenty of stops for music, food, shopping, and tons of free kids’ activities. Admission is free.
Pecan Street Festival
Saturday, May 4 & Sunday, May 5 | from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday & 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday | Downtown Austin, 6th Street
Featuring 300 artisan vendors, 30 food concessions, 50 bands on (3) stages, family friendly rides section and street performers, the Pecan Street Festival is the largest FREE arts / crafts Festival in Central Texas.
Cuvee Coffee Summer Kickoff Party
Saturday, May 4 | from 12 to 5 p.m. | Cuvee Coffee Bar, 2000 E 6th St
We’re kicking off summer the only way we know how, by throwing a party for all of our friends with Fun Games, Cold Brews and Free Stuff! Join us at Cuvée Coffee Bar on Saturday, May 4 from 12pm – 5pm.
Cuvée Founder, Mike McKim, will be manning the grill with Hunter Stewart from Twisted X Brewing Company. The food is free, along with samples of Pitmaster Pilsner and Cold Brew floats feat. Lick Honest Ice Creams, but only while supplies last so come early! Our good friends at YETI are stocking us up with plenty of giveaways to help you get the summer started right. We’ll be playing games in the parking lot for prizes and serving $2 Twisted X beers until 5pm. Kids & Dogs are Welcome!
Rolling Roadshow presents THE LAST JEDI on Star Wars Day
Saturday, May 4 | from 6:30 to 10 p.m. | Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St.
Rolling Road Show is putting on a free event for all you beautiful nerf herders out there (we’d never call you “scruffy-looking”) to celebrate that most holy of holidays: Star Wars Day. And what better way to do it than with THE LAST JEDI, the latest chapter in the Skywalker saga that broke all the rules and launched the series into uncharted territory. So hop in your speeder and cruise on over to Republic Square on May the 4th, where we’ll have food trucks and cash bars set up for you. It’ll sort of be like the cantina on Tatooine, only it’ll be outdoors, way cleaner, and no one’s arms will get chopped off. This event is free but bring a chair or blanket to sit on. They’ll have some of Austin’s favorite food trucks and cash bars onsite for everyone to enjoy. No outside alcohol. The screening will start at dark (around 8 p.m.) but come out early to enjoy Republic Square, food trucks, and pre-show activities!
Lone Star Saber Academy – May the 4th Presentation (Round Rock)
Saturday, May 4 | from 4 to 5:30 p.m. | Main Street Plaza, 221 East Main St., Round Rock
Lone Star Saber Academy will “take the stage” at Main Street Plaza in Round Rock across from the Library between 4pm and 530 p.m. They will be doing brief demos, and teaching anyone (ages 7 and up) in the area who is interested in learning stage saber combat and learning about what we do for the community. Come learn or test your skills against our Knights. Costumes are encouraged. Sabers will be provided.
Art in Hyde Park: Wildflower Awareness Week Celebration
Saturday, May 4 | from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Elisabet Ney Museum, 304 E. 44th St
April showers bring May flowers and that couldn’t be more true than at the Elisabet Ney Museum this year. Celebrate with the Ney’s Plein Air Wildflower Awareness Week Celebration on Saturday May 4! Starting at 8AM, members of Plein Air Austin will assemble at the Ney grounds for “Art in Hyde Park”! They will continue to paint, draw, pastel, and sketch “Formosa” and its beautiful grounds all morning. At 1PM there will be a group critique of the morning’s work. At 2PM there will be an afternoon demo of plein air painting for visitors. At 4, join the artists for a reception and exhibition in the museum itself! The group’s works from sites all over the city will be on display from Wednesday May 1 through Sunday May 5.
HerbDay 2019
Saturday, May 4 | from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | American Botanical Council, 6200 Manor Rd
Join us in celebrating the 14th Annual HerbDay with a variety of free fun and educational activities, including presentations and plant walks from local and national herbal experts. Children’s activities throughout the day, more vendors than ever before, free refreshments, and more!
H-E-B Free First Sunday
Sunday, May 5 | from 12 to 5 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave.
Celebrate the colorful season of spring with free creative activities! Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during 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.
Start Up Kids Market
Sunday, May 5 | from 1 to 4 p.m. | Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St.
Come out and support Austin’s young entrepreneurs at the Start-Up Kid’s Market, where students from across the city will be debuting their businesses! With a wide assortment of booths, you won’t leave empty handed. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to celebrate the wonderful things our future leaders are capable of. So come support small business and enjoy music, food, and family fun. Parking will be available on site. And yes—your favorite four legged friends are welcome. For additional information, please email [email protected]. Rain or Shine. This event is free and open to the public. Entrepreneurs are charge a small fee for space rental.
2019 Sunshine Run
Sunday, May 5 | from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Vic Mathias Shores, 900 W Riverside Dr
Family friendly race in downtown Austin (starts at Auditorium Shores) benefitting Austin Sunshine Camps! Offering Timed 5K/10K, Untimed 5K/10K, Fastest Dog in Austin 5K, Kids 1K.
Mothers Day Luncheon
Friday, May 10 | from 12 to 2 p.m. | Easterseals Central Texas, 8505 Cross Park Dr
Moms, we appreciate all that you do everyday for your family and community. Let us celebrate you at Easter Seals’ first ever Mother’s Day Luncheon and Self-Care Workshop! Come for lunch, stay for some much-needed self-care, and leave with new friends. Childcare will be provided!
Austin Percussion Festival
Friday, May 10 | from 6:30 to 10 p.m. | Imagine Art, 2830 Real St
On May 10 The Kraken Quartet presents the first annual Austin Percussion Festival. This free event will showcase diverse percussion music from across our city. Enjoy performances by Austin Samba, The Kraken Quartet, and The UT Austin Percussion Ensemble. Support students from Austin Soundwaves and Round Rock High School as they play alongside local professionals in exciting collaborations. Take part in the festival raffle, featuring prizes from local businesses including Cuvee Coffe, Celis Brewing, The Texas Stars, and many more! Doors open 6:30 // Music starts 7:00 // Free admission // All ages welcome. For more information, visit thekrakenquartet.com. This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.
Lemonade Day Austin
Saturday, May 11 | all day | various locations
The West Austin Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to be presenting Lemonade Day Austin 2019! What is Lemonade Day Austin? Lemonade Day is a community-wide educational program to empower today’s youth to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs! Participation in the program is FREE and provides the resources for children to learn how to start, own and operate their very own business… a lemonade stand!
The program reaches its grand finale on Saturday May, 11th when thousands of kids host lemonade stands throughout the city of Austin. This day is promoted through media and marketing, and the kids keep their earnings, encouraged to follow the Lemonade Day mantra to “keep some, save some, share some”. Lemonade Day has been supporting student entrepreneurs for over 10 years and has impacted thousands of children along the way. The program is currently being run in 66 major cities across the US and throughout Austin over the last 5 years. Business and student mentors are available to teach the curriculum for those interested. Sign up today at https://lemonadeday.org/austin and get started.
The Lemonade Day program curriculum can be done leading up to May 11th, 2019. May 11th, 2019 is a celebration of what they’ve learned — and they keep their profit!
Family Saturday: Recycled Robots
Saturday, May 11 | from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria, 3809 W 35th St
Bleep, blarp, bloop! Put everyday materials together to make a robotic work of art, then learn more ways to get creative and reuse the things around you. Workshop free with reservation. Reserve your spot on-line beginning May 1st. Thank you to H-E-B for supporting our free family programs.
CelebrASIA
Saturday, May 11 | from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd
In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May, the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) is proud to present the 6th annual CelebrASIA on Saturday, May 11th from 11am to 3pm. Admission is free and open to the public. Enjoy outdoor cultural performances throughout the day with CBS Austin Chief Meteorologist Chikage Windler serving as emcee. Experience interactive arts and crafts for families and other activities by our partners the Austin History Center, Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, and the George Washington Carver Museum. Interact with the indoor cultural experience rooms through hands-on activities, clothing, décor, and artifacts presented by the diverse Asian Pacific American communities and organizations. Food will be available for purchase. To learn more about other AARC Asian Pacific American Heritage Month events, please visit our website at austintexas.gov/aarc.
Lago Fest (Lago Vista)
Saturday, May 11 | from 12 to 9 p.m. | Bar K Park, Lago Vista
Come by land or come by boat to LAGO FEST, the biggest live music, arts, and food festival on the shore of Lake Travis on Saturday, May 11, 2019, in Bar K Park Lago Vista from 12-9 PM. Some of the best food truck fare in Austin tempts all taste buds. Fill your shopping bags with fine handcrafted art from great Texas artists. Bring mom for Mother’s Day and buy her something special. LAGO FEST is for all ages with volleyball, games, face painting, a visit from Austin’s favorite small animal petting zoo, “Tiny Tails to You”, and even helicopter rides over Lake Travis for a bird’s eye view you won’t forget. LAGO FEST is FREE and for all ages. Come early for HAPPY HOUR from 12-1 PM.CapMetro shuttles begin at 11:45 AM.
The Big Squeeze Accordion Contest
Saturday, May 11 | from 1 to 5 p.m. | Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave
Hear squeezebox greats young and old at this afternoon concert in the Museum’s Grand Lobby. Watch the next generation of accordion players compete for three grand prizes in polka, Cajun, zydeco, and conjunto accordion traditions at Texas Folklife’s Big Squeeze Accordion Contest Finals and Concert. More information on eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-squeeze-2019-finals-tickets-52917127553. Educators: To receive CPE credit, email [email protected]. The Bullock Museum is owned and operated by the State of Texas through the State Preservation Board. Additional support of exhibitions and programs is provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.
The UMLAUF Family Day: Families in the Garden
Sunday, May 12 | from 12 to 4 p.m. | UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum, 605 Robert E Lee Rd
Our monthly Family Days are designed for families and friends to explore and create. On the second Sunday of each month, we feature a line-up of activities for families to enjoy. Join us for Family Day at the UMLAUF on Sunday, May 12 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Get the whole family together and enjoy a full day of fun activities including crafting, yoga, sing-alongs and more. This event is free and open to the public!
Whimsy & Wonder (Liberty Hill)
Saturday, May 18 | from 6 to 9 p.m. | Main Street, Liberty Hill
The City of Liberty Hill is a proud supporter of the arts in the community, and on May 18, it transforms downtown’s Main Street into a wonderland that stirs the imagination and indulges the senses at every turn. At Whimsy & Wonder, downtown businesses will transform into art galleries hosting works from local artists, live art demonstrations and live music in each gallery. Food and wine will be served in whimsical ways featuring an aerial bartender, living table and a live champagne dress.
Outside, Main Street will be filled with performers, stilt walkers and local artisans. World-renowned Magician Cody S. Fisher will wow visitors with street magic, and a strolling caricature artist will draw guests on the spot. Admission, wine tastings, and parking for Whimsy & Wonder are free. Dinner will be provided by Malted Grains at three different stations downtown. A wide variety of unique art items will be available for purchase.
RATATOUILLE Free Outdoor Screening W/ Antonelli’s Cheese Shop
Friday, May 17 | from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. | Community Cinema & Amphitheater, 9301 Hog Eye Rd
Mobile Loaves & Fishes invites you to a free movie night at our Community First! Village.
Grab chairs and a blanket, bring family and friends, and enjoy this special screening. We’re thrilled to welcome Antonelli’s Cheese Shop as our special Community Partner’s on this event! We’re planning to have an Antonelli’s-enhanced menu at the Community Grille, reps from Antonelli’s engaging with the audience, and some other surprises up our sleeves as well. Come explore Community First! Village, pick your spot, and enjoy your favorite movie snacks from the Community Grille. Burgers, french fries, snacks, and drinks will be available for purchase (cards and cash accepted!). The event is free, however a $5 donation would be highly appreciated. Donations can be made electronically when RSVPing to this event or via donation bucket at the venue.
Fairytale Tea Party at Gus Garcia Recreation Center
Saturday, May 18 | from 10 a.m. to noon |Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 East Rundberg Ln
You are hereby summoned to a magical celebration complete with unicorns and princesses. Come dressed in your favorite fairytale attire. Enjoy light refreshments and decorate unicorn horn cones. Play games, make crafts, and take home balloon animals!
Spring Safari
Saturday, May 18 | from 10 a.m. to noon | Play for All Abilities, 151 N A.W. Grimes Blvd, Round Rock
Families and children of all abilities are welcome to join Easter Seals Veteran Services Program and Parent Support and Training Program for a fun-filled day at the park! We will have crafts, bubbles, chalk, balloons, face-painting and more for your little ones!
Famed Japanese Studio Ghibli Terrariums
Saturday, May 18 | from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | University Hills Library, 4721 Loyola Ln
Ever wanted to build your own world? Are you fascinated by terrariums or succulents? Join University Hills staff for a terrarium workshop for teens & adults. We’ll supply the containers, the succulents, some Studio Ghibli pvc characters and the rest of the supplies. All you need is your imagination and the willingness to get a little dirty.
3rd Annual Festival of Good
Saturday, May 18 | from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Goodnight Ranch, 8701 Whitter Dr
Looking for a free and family-friendly event? Join us at Goodnight Ranch (a rich with personality 700-acre community in southeast Austin) for their 3rd Annual Festival of Good on Saturday, May 18th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Whitter Park located in the heart of the neighborhood. This free and open to the public block-party will feature activities like a petting zoo, face painting, a balloon maker, field day games and more! Attendees can enjoy lunch or snacks from local food trucks. Last year’s event was a hit and this year’s festival will be even better. We hope to see you there! To learn more about the Festival of Good and see a full list of vendors please visit: https://www.liveatgoodnight.com/festival-of-good.
East Communities Y: Splash Day
Saturday, May 18 | from 12 to 3 p.m. | East Communities Y, 5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd
Please join us to celebrate the beginning of summer at Splash Day on Saturday, May 18th from 12-3pm! Splash Day is our annual party celebrating summer and the official opening of our interactive pool, splash pad, and water slides for the season! We will have games, raffles, free snacks (while they last), and other fun activities going on, but the main attraction will be the water slides, water spouts & sprays, waterfalls, and pool! This event is FREE, family friendly, and open to everyone in our community!*
You don’t have to be a Y member to join us, so bring your friends and family! No registration required. Connect with us and get event reminders on the Facebook event page. *A cap on the number of people admitted may be put into place in order to ensure a safe environment and to comply with lifeguard/swimmer safety ratios.
Hawaiian and Pacific Cultural Arts Exhibition
Saturday, May 18 | from 1 to 3 p.m. | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd
The Hula Halau Kae ‘epa & Keito Academy of Ethno-Cultural Performing Arts will be showcasing traditional music, dance, art, artifacts, and historical information from Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.
Summer Survival Workshop
Wednesday, May 22 | from 6 to 7 p.m. | Easter Seals Central Texas, 8505 Cross Park Dr
Join Easter Seals Central Texas and Center for Autism and Related Disorders for a FREE parent workshop! Summer is a time of fun but also a big change in a child’s routine. This can create challenges for families who have children with special needs. At this workshop, we will learn strategies to help you and your family prepare for summer break in order to maximize your summer fun! Childcare is provided! Please select a childcare ticket if you plan to bring your child. Please RSVP HERE. En español aqui.
Y’all We Asian Presents: A Night of Comedy!
Thursday, May 23 | from 7:30 to 9 p.m. | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd
A one-night-only comedy show that showcases Austin’s best Asian American comedians in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. With special out-of-town guests, featuring Will Choi (creator of the hit LA and NY show, Asian AF) and hosted by ya girls Yola and Kim, we got standup, improv, sketch, storytelling and last but not least – Asian snacks baby! Cuz guess what y’all? We Asian. #KeepAustinAsian. Doors open at 7:30pm; Show begins at 8pm. Free with RSVP at AARCATX.EVENTBRITE.com.
Blair Woods Family Nature Day
Saturday, May 25 | from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Blair Woods Preserve, 5401 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Join Travis Audubon for a morning of educational activities at Blair Woods Sanctuary, a natural oasis in east Austin! This Nature Day will be all about plants, so come prepared to learn about the plants you can see around Austin! Snacks and water will be provided, and every guest has a chance to win a Travis Audubon prize package! This event is free and open to the public. Direct any questions about this event to Caley Zuzula at [email protected]. This is a weather-dependent event, so if there is rain Saturday morning check out the event page on the Travis Audubon website for the event status.
