Sunflower Festival (Georgetown), Sat, May 10 – Jun 01. 9am – 6pm.  Sweet Eats Adventure Farm, 4.5 acres of sunflowers & new for this year we’re adding Magical Unicorns! This year we will feature over 22 different varieties of single branching sunflowers with a wide range of color & height. The 5th annual Sweet Eats Fruit Farm Sunflower Festival is packed full with over 4.5 acres of sunflowers & new for this year we’re adding Magical Unicorns! This year we will feature over 22 different varieties of single branching sunflowers with a wide range of color & height. We will have 3-6ft tall yellow, black, purple and green sunflower “rooms” inside with photo opps & unicorns along the way.

*Depending on weather we may have to move the dates around https://www.sweeteats.com/

 

Cine Las Americas International Film Festival, 5/14/25 – 5/18/25, Various Locations. The festival showcases contemporary films and videos from Latin America (North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean) and the Iberian Peninsula. Films and videos made by or about Latinos & Latinas in the U.S. or the rest of the world, as well as films and videos by or about Indigenous groups of the Americas are also invited to participate. cinelasamericas.org

 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Through May 25, various times, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive. If you have a ridiculous obsession with love—or just like to watch elaborate scenes and dazzling costumes—you’ll enjoy this lively take on the classic Baz Luhrmann movie. Celebrate beauty, truth, freedom, and love during the award-winning musical performance, which comes to Bass Concert Hall for a limited time.

 

Affordable Art Fair Austin, May 15-18, 2025, Palmer Events Center

(900 Barton Springs Rd).  Affordable Art Fair Austin returns for its second edition at the Palmer Events Center from May 15-18, 2025. As Austin’s biggest art event, it will feature 55 local, national, and international galleries showcasing thousands of original contemporary artworks priced between $100 and $10,000, representing the best in established and emerging talent. This unmissable event offers something for everyone, from a Friday night party to family activities on Saturday morning. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a first-time buyer, you’ll find unique pieces to suit your taste and budget. $50 Affordable Art Fair Austin offers a variety of ticket options to suit every visitor’s needs. Enjoy exclusive access with the All-Access Pass, allowing you to explore the fair before it opens to the general public. For those looking to experience the fair in a lively atmosphere, the Art After Dark ticket provides entry in the evening filled with music, a complimentary drink, and an immersive art-filled fair experience. Families can take advantage of the Family Hours ticket, designed for a fun and engaging visit with activities tailored for all ages. General Admission tickets are available for those who want to explore the fair at their own pace throughout the event. For the ultimate experience, the All-Access Pass grants entry to all special events and activities.Tickets

 

FREE Shakespeare in the Park -Julius Caesar, May 15 – 25, 2025. Zilker Hillside Theatre.  Austin Shakespeare returns to Zilker Hillside Theatre with a free, outdoor production of “Julius Caesar,” running May 15–25, with performances at 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday each week.

In a bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic political tragedy, the production casts most of the conspirators as women, offering a fresh perspective on themes of ambition, betrayal, and power. The play is part of Austin Shakespeare’s long-running tradition of Free Shakespeare in the Park, now celebrating its 40th year. Audiences are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics for an evening of live theater under the stars at Zilker Park’s Hillside Theatre. Admission is free and open to the public.

In this fierce and fearless production of Julius Caesar Austin Shakespeare is bringing a dynamic twist on Shakespeare’s gripping political drama. Most of the conspirators will be played by women turning the timeless tale of ambition, betrayal, and revolution on its head. https://www.austinshakespeare.org/

 

KUTX Vinyl Happy Hour at Lou’s Eastside, Location: Lou’s Eastside on Cesar Chavez, Date: May 16, 2025,  4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Family-Friendly | Free Event | KUTX Presents. Join KUTX this spring for Happy Hour at Lou’s Eastside. Each event will feature a KUTX host playing some of their favorite tunes. This edition will feature KUTX Designer and KVRX Station Manager Maile Carballo.

 

Blue Genie May Market May 16-18, Blue Genie Art Bazaar (6100 Airport Blvd.) The May Market is open every weekend in May with fun gifts by nearly 200 regional artists and artisans! This is the place to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts for moms, dads, graduations, anniversaries, teachers, and more.

Open Fridays-Sundays only (plus Memorial Day), 10 a.m. – 8 p.m

  • May 16 – May 18

  • May 23 – May 26 (Memorial Day weekend)

  • May 30 – June 1

Check out bluegenieartbazaar.com to see the list of Market exhibitors and get all the know-before-you-go info.

Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: FREE Card Printing Activity!
Create your own greeting cards in minutes at our DIY block printing station.

 

NEON RAINBOWS SPRING FORMAL, Friday, May 16, 7pm

Sagebrush, Boot, scoot, and bougie your way down to Neon Rainbows’ SPRING FORMAL at Sagebrush honky-tonk on Friday, May 16! Dress in your best western for a night of queer two-stepping and line dancing to live country music while raising funds benefitting local org, OutYouth. Raffle prizes include 3-day ACL wristbands, Paramount tickets, and more! Don’t miss this stellar country music line-up featuring Kathryn Legendre, S’Queer Dancing with Erica Nix, plus, a photobooth, and drag hosts. https://austinchronicle.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9963e790c0b880a5b025e9d7c&id=068ec11ef6&e=1a1543437b

 

Dinos in the Wild, May 16 – August 17, 2025, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Get ready for a prehistoric adventure at the Wildflower Center! Soon, our gardens will come alive with all-new, life-sized animatronic dinosaurs for Dinos in the Wild. Roam the trails, encounter ancient creatures, and imagine the world as it was millions of years ago.

This limited-time outdoor exhibition invites dino fans of all ages to explore the wonder and science of these fascinating reptiles. Discover towering prehistoric giants lurking among native Texas plants that date back to the age of the dinosaurs, like palmetto and river fern.

Created by “Dino” Don Lessem — advisor to Jurassic Park and a world-renowned dinosaur expert — these are the most scientifically accurate robotic dinosaurs ever made. https://www.wildflower.org/dinosaurs

 

For The Love of Parks 2025, May 17th, 2025 | Richard Moya Park | 11am-3pm. Join us for the 3rd annual For the Love of Parks Festival at Richard Moya Park in East Austin! This free, family-friendly event celebrates the beauty of Travis County parks with a day of music, outdoor activities, and hands-on experiences for all ages. Explore our 27 parks, enjoy interactive nature programming, and discover new ways to connect with the outdoors.

Schedule of Eventsr Richard Moya – All activities begin & Food Trucks Open!

  • 11:00 AM – Central Texas Food Bank Fresh Produce Distribution Begins

  • 11:15 AM – Crankie Show #1: A Musical about El Camino Real

  • 11:30 AM – Workshops Begin – Every 45 mins. (Sign up at Workshop Pavilion)

  • 11:30 AM – Welcome & Remarks

  • 11:45 AM -12:45 PM – Bidi Bidi Banda Performs

  • 11:45 AM- Crankie Show #2: A Musical about El Camino Real

  • 12:45 PM- Austin Public Library Book Distribution Begins

  • 1:45-2:45 PM – Los Texmaniacs Performs

  • 2:45 PM – Closing Remarks

  • 3:00 PM – Event Ends

 

Austin Home Show, May 17 & 18, 2025, Saturday 10 am – 8 pm & Sunday 10 am – 5 pm. Palmer Events Center (900 Barton Springs Rd). At the Home Show, our goal is simple: to inspire, motivate and excite you for your upcoming home improvement – whether it’s a minor renovation or a major remodel.

Our events feature a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. After meeting with and comparing our expert exhibitors, we know you’ll be inspired and motivated to start planning with confidence. More importantly, we want you to be excited for all the fantastic possibilities that come with your project!

When it’s all said and done and you’re ready to celebrate your home, we’ll do a little celebrating ourselves, knowing we had some part in it. https://www.txhomeshows-pm.com/

 

Shake the Rafters Austin Gay Men’s Chorus, May 17, 2025 4:00 pm & 8pm & May 18th 4 pm.  Start your vocal warm-ups because the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus is bringing you a show that’ll make your heart swell and your ears thank you. Shake the Rafters isn’t just any concert—it’s a full-spectrum extravaganza of emotion, 🫶 community, and vocal cords working overtime in the best way possible.This spring, our performance will explore the full range of emotions that make us who we are—songs of love, resilience, and belonging. As a small teaser of what’s in store, we’ll journey through familiar melodies from The Beatles and Harry Styles, dive deep into the soulful storytelling of Sam Smith, and introduce you to the powerful arrangements of rising artist Pax Ressler.Through music, we’ll create a space where we can connect, feel, and remind ourselves that we’re never alone.Whether you’ve been a lifelong AGMC fan, or this is your first queer choral experience, join us for a night that’s all about connection, community, and a little bit of glitter https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=agmc

$20-$60

 

Texas Folklife Weekend @ Bullock Museum, May 17–18, 2025. Bullock Museum (1800 Congress Ave.) The Big Squeeze Contest Finals & Threads of Tradition Festival. Celebrate Texas’s vibrant cultural heritage at the Texas Folklife Weekend, co-hosted by the Bullock Museum! Experience a dynamic fusion of music, art, and tradition with two special events:

Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The Big Squeeze Contest Finals – Witness the grand finale of Texas Folklife’s signature accordion contest as young musicians compete for the championship. Experience the energy and excitement as talented musicians showcase Texas’s diverse accordion styles! Bring blankets and enjoy live music at the outdoor Capitol Mall Amphitheater in front of the Bullock Museum.

Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Threads of Tradition Festival – Explore the rich tapestry of Texas through this one-day festival, showcasing traditional arts through live performances, artisan demonstrations, and interactive cultural activities. Visitors will have the chance to engage directly with artists, learn about their crafts, and enjoy live music and dance performances in the Grand Lobby.

The Big Squeeze and Threads of Tradition are presented by Texas Folklife as part of its mission to preserve and present Texas’s diverse cultural heritage. Since 2007, Texas Folklife has promoted Texas music genres through the Big Squeeze program, which supports vital community-based accordion music traditions.

These programs are FREE. To visit exhibitions, purchase a ticket online or in person.

 

8th Annual Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest (San Marcos) Sat, May 17

10:00am – 7:00pm.  Downtown San Marcos. Free. Calling all river lovers, creative spirits and eco-warriors! YOU are invited to be part of something truly magical — and unforgettable. This isn’t just a parade… it’s a RIVER STEWARDSHIP RALLY! Get ready, San Marcos!

The Mermaid Promenade is BACK — and it’s more meaningful than ever before! It’s More Than a Festival—IT IS A Creative Call to Action!

The Mermaid Festival is designed as a vibrant, creative platform that brings people together to celebrate everything that makes San Marcos truly one-of-a-kind—from its rich culture and community spirit to its beloved San Marcos River. Calling all river lovers, creative spirits and eco-warriors! We’re proud to present the 8th Annual Mermaid Capital of Texas Festival this May, celebrating a major milestone: the 10-Year Anniversary of the Mermaid Society of Texas! We’ll be making a splash in downtown San Marcos on Saturday, May 17, 2025, and YOU are invited to be part of something truly magical — and powerful. This isn’t just a parade… it’s a RIVER STEWARDSHIP RALLY! With parade spectators lining the streets and cameras rolling (yes — Texas Country Reporter will be filming!), we’re calling on YOU — the artists, the families, the schools, the businesses, the wild and whimsical — to unite and help AMPLIFY and ACTIVATE river stewardship like never before. This is our chance to rally our community and visitors alike to play a part in protecting the heart of San Marcos — our sacred river at the start of the swimming season!

Why May 17th Is a Bigger Deal? This year, May 17th brings a powerful alignment. It’s not only the day of our beloved Mermaid Promenade and Aqua Blues Music & Art Festival—May 17th lands on a powerful trifecta:

National Endangered Species Day, National Recycling Day, National River Clean-Up Day. This is a unique opportunity to unite celebration with purpose—to raise awareness, highlight our local endangered species, and inspire our community to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future. https://www.mermaidsocietysmtx.org/home

 

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Austin FC, Saturday, May 17, 2025 , 7:30pm, Q2 Stadium (10414 Mc Kalla Pl.) Spend your Saturday night cheering on the home team.

 

54th Annual Austin Bonsai Society Show & Sale, May 18 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Included with admission, free for Conservancy members

Austin Bonsai Society is celebrating its 54th year with its annual Bonsai Show and Sale! Come join us at the Zilker Botanical Garden to see some of the best bonsai from our local artists and learn more about this ancient art. There will be a multitude of different trees on display, including exotic import trees, tropical varieties, and even some native Texas trees as bonsai in our formal display exhibit. Austin Bonsai members will be on hand to answer questions and there will be raffles and vendors on both days. The Bonsai show is open to the public and included with admission to the Garden, free for Conservancy members. Parking in the Zilker Garden main lot will be first come, first serve; overflow parking will be available on 2300 Stratford Drive.

 

SIMS 30th Anniversary Celebration Concert, May 18, 2025 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Empire Control Room & Garage (606 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701)

The SIMS Foundation will celebrate 30 years of supporting mental wellness in Austin’s music community with a special anniversary event on Sunday, May 18, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Empire Control Room & Garage. Open to the public and family-friendly, the event features performances by Heartless Bastards, Fastball, Nakia & The Never Not Now, The Bros Fresh, and more, including a special set from Night Glitter and Friends featuring SIMS Foundation founders Alejandro Escovedo, Don Harvey, and Wayne Nagel.