- March 30, 2017

Weekend Top 10 FREE Events: March 31 – April 2, 2017

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It’s no joke that this first weekend of April is jam-packed with FREE fun for the whole family. From RC planes to a Mardi Gras-Carnival mashup and everything in between, there’s something for everyone happening around Austin this weekend!

Weekend Top 10 Free Events - Free Fun in Austin

The Weekend Top 10 is brought to you by Just Between Friends, which is coming up on Friday, March 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Just Between Friends is a huge children’s consignment event where bargain-savvy shoppers can save 50–90% off retail prices on quality brand-name items. Whether you need maternity clothes, baby gear, kids’ clothes or toys, children’s furniture or room decor, strollers or swings, JBF is the event for you. Admission on Friday is $3 at the door or claim your FREE pass online. Admission on Saturday (when most items are 50% off) is FREE! Typhoon Texas (formerly Hawaiian Falls Waterpark), 18500 TX-130 Service Rd, Pflugerville.

Weekend Top 10 Free Events in Austin:

  1. RC Airshow: 3rd Annual Cubs N Cousins EventFriday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to dusk. Join the Austin Radio Control Association for a day of lazy, bask in the sun fun flying. Cubs n Cousins is an annual event that pays tribute to the famed Piper J3 Cub and all of its siblings and cousins in the world of Aviation. All kinds of high wing and low wing tail dragger aiplanes, bush planes, and even biplanes will be flying. This is a low key, easygoing airshow that is all about watching the grace and beauty that these planes can bring to the sky. FREE! Austin Radio Control Association, 8705 Lindell Ln, Austin.
  2. The Compassion Experience (RSVP) – Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 6:40 p.m. and Sunday from from 11:40 a.m. – 7:40 p.m. This family-friendly event features an interactive journey through the true stories of children living in developing countries like the Philippines, Kenya, Uganda, and the Dominican Republic. In over 2,000 square feet of interactive exhibit space, visitors will step inside homes, markets and schools — without getting on a plane. Each child’s story starts in poverty but ends in hope. Register for your preferred date and time. FREE! Great Hills Baptist Church, 10500 Jollyville Rd, Austin.
  3. HONK!TXFriday from 6-10:00 p.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 5:00 p.m.  HONK!TX is a nonprofit, community-driven festival that brings street and brass bands from around the country to perform for free in the public spaces of Austin. Mobile and unamplified, HONK! bands transform everyday locations into spontaneous stages, dissolving the line between crowd and performers and inviting everyone to celebrate the joys of music and community. A range of genres will be represented: New Orleans second-line brass, European Klezmer and Balkan, Brazilian, West African and more. HONK! is a celebration of community, collaboration, and creative expression. Join the revelry! FREE! View the schedule and locations here.
  4. Willie Run − Saturday at 8:00 a.m. The Willie Run is a creative 3-mile running route that intersects Butler Park, crosses Lady Bird Lake, and strolls through the entertainment district of downtown. Take an opportunity along the way to get your photo next to the legendary Willie Nelson statue outside the Moody Theater. Presented by Austin 10K’r. Family friendly and FREE! Meet at Austin American-Statesman’s West Lot, 305 S Congress Ave, Austin.
  5. Kids Workshop: Build a Bunny Basket − Saturday from 9:00 a.m to noon. 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. FREE with RSVP. Your local Home Depot.
  6. Texas VegFest Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Texas VegFest celebrates the health, environmental, and animal welfare benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. Texas VegFest’s mission is to educate as many families and individuals as possible about the benefits of a plant-based life-style. Attendees are able to gain the knowledge necessary to begin incorporating more plant-based products as soon as they leave the event. View the full list of speakers here and musicians here. Admission is FREE! Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E Segovia St, Austin.
  7. Planet Music Series Presents: Big Easy CarnavalSaturday at 7:00 p.m. Austin Samba will be cooking up a gumbo of classic New Orleans tunes simmered in Brazilian percussion and spiced with beautiful choreography. Enjoy colorfully costumed dancers, talented drummers, 10-foot puppets, and more as they serve up a wild mash up of Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Jerry Lee Lewis and Clifton Chenier that celebrates the irresistible joy of Mardi Gras and Carnaval with rhythms and dance from throughout Brazil. With special guest Dr. Zog Zydeco. There will be free dance lessons before the show and a family dance party afterwards. Laissez les bons temps rouler! FREE! Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Dr, Austin.
  8. H-E-B Free First Sunday: Texas Tunes − Sunday from Noon to 5:00 p.m. 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. Go on a rock n’ roll writing tour through the Pride & Joy: The Texas Blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan exhibition with a little help from friends at Badgerdog. Shake, rattle and roll your way through the museum with an instrument you make yourself. Construct a diddley bow and examine how sound works by connecting it to an amp. Strap on a guitar and rock out in front of your fans. Groove on over to storytime and join Groundwork Music Project in musical fun and exploration. FREE! Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave, Austin.
  9. Birds that Boogie! Science Talk & Activities − Sunday from 1-3:00 p.m. Join the University of Texas Plant Biology Program for an interesting and exciting lecture from visiting professor Dr. Bette Loiselle. Come early for science activities and snacks and stay to learn about the importance of biodiversity in tropical forests and how animals help plants by dispersing seeds. The lecture will also include fun visuals of the courtship displays (think dancing and lots of flashy feather moves) of vibrant tropical manakins and facts about how these birds contribute to the functioning of the rainforest. All ages welcome. The lecture and reception are FREE! Please let the Admissions Kiosk staff know you are visiting for these activities. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin.
  10. Sunday Funday: Simple Machines Sunday from 1-4:00 p.m. What is a machine? Many of us think of machines as things that do work for us, but we don’t often think about the machines that make our work go farther than it would on its own. History lab experimenters will be able to test their hypotheses on two full scale models of a first-class lever and a block and tackle (recommended for ages 10+ or ages 6-10 with help from an adult or parent). You can also build your own force meter to investigate how pulleys, levers, and other kinds of simple machines make work go farther (recommended for ages 10+). Weather permitting, there will be croquet on the lawn. FREE! Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin.

More Events Beyond Austin:

  • Cardinal Wellness Fair (Buda) Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Wellness Fair and Carnival will provide health screenings, product samples, various vendor sales, food, games, and interactive children’s rides. Admission is FREE! Santa Cruz Catholic School, 1100 Main St, Buda.
  • Spring Celebration (Georgetown) − Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The Spring Celebration will feature family friendly activities including a petting zoo, arts and crafts, mini art lessons, musical performances by local elementary schools, and the Cookie Hop, sponsored by Tiff’s Treats. The Easter Bunny will make a special guest appearance and be available for photo opportunities with attendees. FREE! Wolf Ranch Town Center, 1015 W University Ave, Georgetown.
  • Chisholm Trail Day (Round Rock) Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Chisholm Trail and the opening of the new museum at the historic 1870 Owen House. The event will feature tours of the historic buildings, children’s activities, cowboy cooking, live music, and historical reenactments. Meet the characters who settled Old Town Round Rock, learn about cowboys and Buffalo Soldiers, and shop The Mercantile in the 1853 Oatts Building. FREE! Williamson Museum, 8 Chisholm Trail, Round Rock.
  • April Pools Day (Brushy Creek) Saturday from Noon to 4:00 p.m. Bring the kids to this splash-tacular event combining water safety education with fun and games for all. Learn how to choose the best flotation products for your child and what to do in case of a water-related emergency. Enjoy food, games, and giveaways like goggles and sunglasses. All participants will get a free swim lesson. FREE! Sendero Springs Pool, 4203 Pasada Ln, Round Rock.
  • Mighty Kite Flight (Bee Cave) − Sunday from Noon to 3:00 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy music, food, fun, and activities in Central Park with complimentary parking at The Backyard. The first 300 attendees will receive a complimentary kite courtesy of Sonesta Bee Cave Hotel. FREE! Bee Cave Central Park, 13676 Bee Cave Pkwy. Bee Cave.

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