Weekend Top 10 FREE Events: May 13-15, 2016

Free fun in Austin this weekend:

1. Books and Beer – Friday from 6-9:30 p.m. The Austin Public Library’s human-powered mobile branch, unbound: sin fronteras, will be on hand to sign people up for Library Cards and check out books. The Austin Book Arts Center will also be on site to engage people of all ages in creative, interpretive, and educational experiences related to the arts of the book. At 7:00 p.m., book-lovers are invited to join in the dedication ceremony and unveiling of in.gredient’s very own Little Free Library, decorated by the eastside’s very own Federico Archuleta – Graffiti Western Artist. The main event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. with a special “Friday the 13th Bad Luck Story Hour” featuring lighthearted tales of tough breaks, close calls, misfortune and woe. Read a passage from your favorite book or share your very own bad luck story. Family-friendly and FREE! in.gredients, 2610 Manor Rd, Austin.
2. KUTX Live at Mueller – Friday at 7:00 p.m. The fun starts with feel good dancing music by El Tule followed by soulful tunes from Tameca Jones. Food trucks, fun, and live music on the lake. FREE! Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin.
3. Shakespeare in Zilker Park: Macbeth – Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 p.m. This is the 32nd year of FREE Shakespeare in Zilker Park, returning with a military-themed version of Shakespeare’s supernatural story of ambition gone awry. Audiences are encouraged to bring blankets and picnics. Admission is FREE! Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin. Saturday’s performance was canceled due to rain.
4. Celebrate National Instruments at Thinkery – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. In celebration of National Instruments’ 40th anniversary in Austin, Thinkery will be FREE and open to the public from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Future engineers and young scientists will have the opportunity to explore the museum and see NI’s technology in action through hands-on activities including robotics, maker activities, interactive stations and more. Please be prepared to expect longer lines and a higher volume of crowds. Though walk-up tickets will be available, we strongly recommend reserving your tickets in advance to ensure a quick and easy check-in. Reserve your tickets now! *Please note, Baby Bloomers will take place, as usual, on Saturday, May 14 from 9–10:00 a.m. Regular Baby Bloomers admission/ticket prices will still apply. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.
5. CelebrASIA Austin: Asian Pacific American Food and Heritage Festival – Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. May is nationally recognized as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and what better way to celebrate? With cultural performances and experiences, a variety of Asian-focused foods, culinary presentations, and fun kids’ activities, there is something for everyone. Food, beverages, and merchandise will be available for purchase. Admission is FREE! Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin.
6. West Austin Studio Tour – Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. WEST is a FREE, annual, self-guided art event providing the public with an opportunity to meet the makers: the local artists and artisans who leave a lasting imprint on Austin’s vibrant, dynamic culture. Tour-goers are invited to discover new artistic talent, see working studios, learn about artists’ tools, techniques, and inspirations, and explore unique exhibition spaces and local businesses. View a full list of participating artists, studios, and galleries here.
7. Renegade Craft Fair – Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Celebrate the sights, sounds, and tastes of Spring with 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! Fair Market, 1100 E 5th St, Austin.
8. International Multicultural Festival – Saturday from Noon to 4:30 p.m. 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. View the full schedule of events here. Family friendly and FREE! AB Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center, 2100 E 3rd St, Austin. This festival was originally scheduled to last until 10 p.m., but was cut short due to the weather.
   
9. Danny Elfmania! Concert – Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Join the mayhem as Cinematic Symphony performs your favorite Danny Elfman pieces. The concert will feature large-screen visuals, photo ops, trivia, and prizes. Costumes encouraged for all ages. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. FREE! Bethany Lutheran Church, 3701 W Slaughter Ln, Austin.
10. Birds Barbershop 10th Birthday Blowout – Sunday from 2-6:00 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature performances from the Barton Hills Choir and other neighborhood entertainers. Jump around in the bounce house and enjoy party games, face painting, complimentary Shiner beer (21+), a variety of sweet treats, and more. A dedicated VIP section will be open for guests who are also celebrating their birthdays in May, plus tons of giveaways. Birds will also try to break a world record for the largest number of people with their hair braided together. FREE! Birds Barbershop, 2110 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.

Bonus nearly free fun:

• PBS Kids at the Alamo: Thomas & Friends – Saturday at 11:00 a.m. (Slaughter) and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. (Lakeline). Thomas the Tank Engine, Percy, the Troublesome Trucks, and Sir Topham Hatt will hit the big screen for six episodes of great family adventure. Young train fans will have a blast seeing their favorite characters on the big screen while parents enjoy the great food and beverages the Alamo Drafthouse is known for. Reserve your seat with a donation of only $1-3, with all ticket sales benefitting education programs at your local PBS station. This is an all-ages show with Baby Day rules – noisy young fans won’t be asked to leave the theater. Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter, 5701 W Slaughter Ln, Austin and Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, 14028 US-183, Austin.

• 4th Annual Care to Dance (RSVP) – Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Leap of Joy is an Austin non-profit moving to give at-risk youth empowerment through dance and performance arts. Care to Dance is their premiere event of the year for students of all ages to perform pieces created during the school year. They include a variety of comedy, dance styles, and musical theater pieces. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Reserve your tickets here. Cost: $5 suggested donation at the door. Boyd Vance Theatre at George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St, Austin.

More fun beyond Austin:

• Hands on History (Georgetown) – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Children can get up close and personal with the history of Williamson County. Celebrate the birthday of Henry Purl “Okra” Compton by learning the legend of the Red Poppies in Georgetown with “Okra Compton” and making some poppy art. All ages welcome. FREE! Williamson Museum, 716 S Austin Ave, Georgetown.
• Tour the Talent Art Studio Tour (Dripping Springs) – Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This admission-free event highlights seven painters, jewelers, sculptors, and photographers with varied mediums and styles. FREE! Tour brochures are available at the Dripping Springs Visitor’s Center or view the map here.
• 4th Annual Volente Olive Fest (Volente) – Saturday from 2:30-8:30 p.m. Celebrate the Texas olive industry with “all things olive” including information on the health benefits of olive oil, olive tree sales, and tips on growing olive trees in central Texas. Attendees will be able to taste olive oils and balsamic vinegars, olive tapenades, and dipping spices. The event will also feature chef demos, live music, children’s entertainment, and local wine. Festival admission is FREE and there will be discounted admission to the water park. Volente Beach Waterpark, 16107 FM 2769 Unit A, Volente.
• Garden Bike Tour (Hutto) – Saturday at 4:00 p.m. As part of Downtown Hutto’s Home and Garden Show, Bike Hutto will be riding throughout Hutto’s Olde Town and touring four home gardens. This is a very beginner-friendly ride and all ages are welcome. Each garden tour will be about 20 minutes. Participants must bring their own bikes. The FREE ride will start and finish at the corner of East & Farley Streets, Hutto.
• Saturday Night Concert Series: Dawn & Hawkes (Bee Cave) – Saturday at 7:00 p.m. 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 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. FREE! Check the Facebook page for weather updates. Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave. Rescheduled for June 11 due to rain.

Free Food Alert:

• Free Cookie Day at Blue Baker – Sunday from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. In honor of Blue Baker’s 15^th birthday on May 15^th, guests will receive a free cookie, while supplies last. Blue Baker serves made-from-scratch breads, pastries, sandwiches, soup, salads and stone-oven pizza. The artisan bakery café was started in 2001 in College Station and opened in Austin in 2013. The bakery is located in the Arboreteum and is open daily from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Blue Baker, 10000 Research Blvd, Austin.

For even more weekend fun, check out Free Date Nights in Austin, 60+ “Don’t Miss” May Events, and our Free Fun Calendar! You may also be interested in the Austin Splash Pad Schedules.