I’ve lived in small towns, big city downtowns, college towns, farm towns — basically a wide-variety of locales in the US, having moved a lot in my life. But my favorite place to live, and hopefully my forever home, is right here in Austin, TX. And it’s my own sweet neighborhood of Brentwood that has won my heart.
Brentwood is a north central neighborhood with an incomparable sense of community and pride. Our residents are comprised of all types of individuals — young families, retirees, students, and professionals. It’s friendly, interesting, and combines a mix of tastes where people can comfortably “keep it weird” (or not) without question.
One of the best examples of our bountiful neighborhood spirit is displayed during the Violet Crown Festival, held annually in Brentwood Park. This spring event retains something of a small town feel with its simple, winning combination of friendly folks, music, food, arts and crafts, and sunshine, of course, in a green open space. This event is hosted by the Violet Crown Community Works to foster neighborhood goodwill in both Brentwood and neighboring Crestview, and to support projects that build and beautify the community.
This year’s Violet Crown Festival will take place in Brentwood park on Saturday, May 3, 2014 from 11am to 6pm, and ALL are welcome! It’s FREE to attend, and you can count on live music, refreshments, and over 50 local arts and crafts vendors. (I will let you in on my shopping secret: This is where I purchase a unique Mother’s Day gift every year!)
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| Photo courtesy of Jennifer Ramos |
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| Photo courtesy of Jennifer Ramos |
You’ll also find children’s activities all day (most free; some may ask for a donation) including spin art, giant chess, face painting, LEGO activity table, hula hoops, and jugglers. Brentwood Park also includes a small playscape that is really quite perfect for little ones. And music starts at 11am with the children’s performers, Jungle Jill and the Jaybirds.
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| Playscape at Brentwood Park |
Here’s the full music line-up:
11am – Jungle Jill and the Jaybirds (children’s entertainment)
noon – Roger Beck and the 29th St. Band (Texas Western Swing)
1pm – Lunch with Danny (soft rock/southern country)
2pm – Mooncharmer (McCallum High School’s metal band)
3pm – Rixon (rock/pop/jazz)
4pm – Jon Emery and the Red Hot Review (hillbilly rock and roll)
5pm – Deeanne Rene (rock and roll)
And you can’t go to the Violet Crown Festival without snapping a photo of Domino the Pig, our festival mascot. (Read the story of Domino here.)
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| Photo courtesy of Jennifer Ramos |
Things to know if you plan to attend:
- Bring a picnic blanket or chair to be comfortable when listening the bands.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, water, etc.
- Bring cash for food vendors. (The closest ATM is at the Crestview IGA MiniMax just a short walk from the park.)
- Parking right by Brentwood Park is limited, but you can park within the neighborhood and have a short walk. Hope Chapel (directly across the street from Brentwood Park) will provide parking only for elderly and those with disabilities.
- If you ride your bike, you can use the bike racks next to the park at Brentwood Elementary School.
- Brentwood Park is also near the Capital Metro #5 and #320bus lines if you’re coming from further away.
If you make it out this Saturday, I hope you have a terrific time!
Freelance web producer, Heidi Okla is mom to three boys (ages 4, 6, and 8), and can’t pass up any opportunity for fun family adventures. Heidi covers theatre, health and beauty topics on Austin’s LiveMom.com. And you can browse her literacy-focused kids activities on her blog, Read ‘Em and Leap.
