This Coming Week:
The UMLAUF 2026 Garden Party, April 16, 2026 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm, UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum (605 Azie Morton Rd). Austin’s most enchanting evening is just around the corner, and General Admission + VIP tickets are on sale now! Join UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum for its annual Garden Party on April 16.
At UMLAUF Garden Party, you’ll experience a delectable night featuring over 25 of Austin’s top restaurants, including Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning chefs like Amanda Turner of Olamaie, plus favorites like Eberly, Intero, Truluck’s and many more. Enjoy specialty Tito’s Handmade Vodka & Desert Door cocktails, a curated wine and beer selection from Twin Liquors & Pinthouse Brewing, plus live music from Joshua Alderete & The Fellowship.
Want the ultimate VIP experience? Grab a VIP ticket for $500. Less than 50 still available — once they’re gone, they’re gone.
VIP Ticket Includes:
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Exclusive early access from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. with no wait times at all restaurants
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Reserved VIP lounge area
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Private VIP bar featuring exclusive cocktails
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Complimentary valet parking
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VIP After Party access (9 p.m. – Midnight) with live music and complimentary cocktails at Hotel Ella
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Exclusive collector U-Pin
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VIP gift bag
Your ticket, whether General Admission or VIP, directly supports the UMLAUF’s free community programs, such as Family Days, Summer Camp and Shaping Space, which serve children in Title I schools across Austin.
Secure your spot at the UMLAUF’s most celebrated fundraiser now. $225+
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ at ZACH Theater, Now – May 31st. ZACH Theater (202 South Lamar). ZACH Theater will present the Tony Award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen” from April 8 through May 17 at The Topfer at ZACH. Directed by Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley with musical direction by Allen Robertson, the production follows a socially anxious teenager whose attempt to belong leads to a life-changing deception. Tickets $28+
Moontower Comedy Festival, Now – 4/19/26. Paramount Theatre
Moontower Comedy Fest is delivering huge stars, fan favorites, comics to watch, and beloved local talent to Austin this April. The festival will span over a two-week period and host shows around Austin featuring over 20 headliners and dozens more comics.
KUTX 98.9’s Spring 2026 Rock the Park Concert Series, Friday, April 17, 2026 , 6:45pm-8:30pm. Mueller Lake Park Amphitheater (4550 Mueller Boulevard). Free. KUTX 98.9’s Rock the Park returns for its 16th season with free, family-friendly outdoor concerts at Mueller Lake Park Amphitheater.
“Titanic: The Human Story” Exhibition in Austin, Now thru end of June, Titanic: The Human Story (11000 Middle Fiskville Road Building A) Runs through the end of June. “Titanic: The Human Story,” an immersive exhibition featuring more than 200 personal artifacts from passengers and crew, opens April 10 at 11000 Middle Fiskville Road. Created by Musealia and presented by Fever, the exhibition traces the lives and stories of those aboard the Titanic through rarely seen belongings, life-size recreations of the ship’s interiors and an immersive audio guide.
The experience lasts about 80–90 minutes, and tickets start at $33.
https://titanicexhibition.com/austin/
Fusebox Festival, Now -4/19/26, Various Locations
Fusebox is a hybrid arts festival that champions adventurous works of art in theater, dance, film, music, literature, visual and culinary arts. The festival takes place over 7 days in venues and locations all over the city. Hundreds of local, national and international artists across all disciplines converge for one of the most unique cultural events in the country.
“Mamma Mia!”, April 14-19. Bass Concert Hall ABBA’s musical comes to Texas for five nights as part of Broadway in Austin. On a Greek island, a young woman who never knew her father discovers there are three men who could possibly be the one — so, naturally, she invites them all to her wedding. Sweet mischief follows. https://texasperformingarts.org/event/mamma-mia-broadway-austin-2026/
The Lonestar Round Up, Fri., April 17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat., April 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Travis County Expo Center (7311 Decker) . The 23rd Annual Lonestar Round Up, Austin’s legendary Texas-sized car show, returns April 17–18 at the Travis County Expo Center in Austin. A huge gathering of hundreds of vintage hot rods and custom cars driven here from all over the country. This family-friendly event features a massive swap meet, food, artists, vendors, and live music onstage with Dale Watson, Redd Volkaert, Messer Chups from Russia, Johnny Pandora from Japan, and The Thunderchiefs. Admission is $20 for the weekend, with free entry for kids under 12 and free parking. Attendees can also register their car to be part of the show $20 for a weekend wristband, Kids under 12 are free lonestarroundup.com
Austin Reggae Fest, 4/17/26 – 4/19/26. Auditorium Shores. A fundraiser for the Capital Area Food Bank, Reggae Fest features three days of reggae, world and dub talent, along with more than 50 vendors selling food and arts & crafts.
University of Texas Baseball vs Alabama, Friday, April 17 , 6:30pm & Saturday, April 18, 2pm UFCU Disch-Falk Field (1300 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd;University Of Texas)
Old Settler’s Music Festival Spring Pickin’ Party, 4/17/26 – 4/19/26, Dale, TX Central Texas’ signature music event featuring Grammy-winning Americana, arts and crafts, camping, food and libations. Listen to acoustic jazz, blues and bluegrass are all performed by old-time local favorites and award-winning artists from around the world at the Old Settler’s Spring Pickin’ Party.
‘Rosas y Revelaciones’ Opening Reception at Mexic-Arte Museum, April 17, 2026 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Mexic-Arte Museum (419 Congress Ave).
Mexic-Arte Museum will host the opening reception for “Rosas y Revelaciones: Homage to la Virgen de Guadalupe” on April 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibition brings together 90 textile works by artists from across Mexico honoring la Virgen de Guadalupe through garments and wearable art. On view through Aug. 9, the show also includes photographs by Jesse Herrera documenting Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and its significance within Austin’s Mexican American community. Tickets $10
Fire Dancers & Drone Show, Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18. The show starts at sundown. JOURDAN-BACHMAN PIONEER FARMS (10621 PIONEER FARMS DRIVE) Witness an original, first-of-its-kind production that merges fire dancing and drone light-shows, creating a unique audio-visual experience. Set in an open field at sunset, the show brings together drone technology and live performance in a way that has not previously been explored. The result is a large-scale visual composition in the sky and on the ground, where dancers, fire, and drones share the same stage — a powerful, visually stunning event. This project is supported in part by the City of Austin Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. All ages welcome. Tickets: $35 per person
Seating: Lawn seating — please bring blankets or chairs
Show Length: Approximately 45 minutes
Georgetown’s Spring Art Stroll (Georgetown), April 17, 2026 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Georgetown Art Center (816 S Main St, Georgetown) The City of Georgetown’s Arts and Culture Program invites the community to explore the Downtown Georgetown Cultural District during the 2026 Spring Art Stroll. One of two semi-annual arts and culture events, the Art Stroll offers art exhibits, art/shopping booths, artist demonstrations, live music and art activities throughout historic downtown Georgetown.
Pop-Up Picnic 2026, April 18, 2026, Waterloo Park, Benefiting Waterloo Greenway We can’t wait to welcome the Austin community back to Waterloo Park in the spring for our Annual Pop-Up Picnic fundraiser and celebration. A wonderful line-up of Austin’s top restaurants will join us once again, along with live music, family-friendly activities, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a beautiful evening in the park with friends. https://waterloogreenway.org/events/pop-up-picnic-2026/
Football Fan Day, April 18, Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas Athletics is excited to welcome Longhorn Nation back to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium for Football Fan Day on Saturday, April 18! This fan-friendly event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with the opening of the Football Fan Day Street Fest, the annual Team Shop Fire Sale, and photo opportunities with Bevo XV and Smokey the Cannon. Beginning at 11 a.m., fans can get their first glimpse of the 2026 Texas Football team during its only open practice of the season.
Following practice, fans are invited down to the field for player autographs or photo opportunities with Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas Cheer, Texas Pom, Hook ‘Em, and more. The first 5,000 fans at the Football Fan Day Street Fest will receive a FREE Texas Football “Nothing Less Than Legendary” rally towel. Admission to all Fan Day activities is FREE for all fans!
A full breakdown of the day’s events is included below:
9 a.m. – Complimentary parking begins in Manor Garage and LBJ Surface Lots. Due to Longhorn Run street closures, fans must enter from the east side via Red River St. (for LBJ Surface Lots) or Clyde Littlefield Dr. (for Manor Garage).
9:30 a.m. – Team Shop Fire Sale opens inside Gate 28D
9:30 a.m. – Football Fan Day Street Fest opens on DeLoss Dodds Way
9:30 a.m. – Photo ops with Bevo XV and Smokey the Cannon at the LBJ Lawn
10 a.m. – Gates open for Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (Gates 8, 14, 16, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32)
11 a.m. – Texas Football open practice begins
Post-Practice – Football autograph session begins (1-hour)
Post-Practice – All fans invited onto Campbell-Williams Field for photos with Coach Sark, Texas Cheer, Texas Pom, and Hook `Em (1-hour)
Important Longhorn Run Street Closure Advisory:
Please note that due to Longhorn Run beginning at 8 a.m., there will be multiple street closures around The University of Texas campus. Pedestrian access will be limited on streets surrounding Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium before reopening fully by 9:30 a.m.
Additional Information:
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Parking: Complimentary parking will be available courtesy of Texas Athletics in the Manor Garage and LBJ Surface Lots (Lots 37, 38, 39 and 40 off of Red River St.) beginning at 7 a.m. for cars parked prior to noon. Due to Longhorn Run street closures, all fans must access from Dean Keeton St./Red River St for the LBJ Surface Lots and via Clyde Littlefield D.r for the Manor Garage. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., fans may park in the Brazos Garage and Trinity Garage.
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Clear Bag Policy & Prohibited Items: For safety and convenience, please remember that the clear bag policy is in effect. All bags larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ must be clear plastic and no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
Living History Weekend April 18-19, Saturday, April 18 & Sunday, April 19, 2026 , 11:00am-2:30pm Texas Military Forces Museum (3038 W 35th St) LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND AND WORLD WAR II BATTLE REENACTMENT. Take a stroll through Texas Military History at Camp Mabry’s Living History Weekend on Saturday April 26 and Sunday April 27. This free event, hosted by the Texas Military Forces Museum, will allow visitors to see uniforms, equipment, weapons, tents, communications gear, military vehicles and more dating from the earliest days of the Texas Militia and the Texas Revolution through the end of the Cold War. Find out what was life for soldiers during the Texas Revolution, the Mexican War, Civil War and Spanish-American War. Learn about the role of the Texas Rangers as a 19th Century military force defending Texas’ borders. Explore the realities of camp and battlefield for troops in World War I as well as American, German, British and Russian soldiers in World War II, as well as the Vietnam War. Stand alongside dozens of historic military vehicles including jeeps, tanks, halftracks, trucks and weapons carriers. Watch displays of 19th Century weapons and absorb the sound and fury of a full-scale World War II battle reenactment complete with artillery, tanks, machines guns and over 100 reenactors. Tour the 26,000 square-foot Texas Military Forces Museum and its impressive display of artifacts, tanks, helicopters, jets, weapons, uniforms and more. An ideal educational and commemorative experience for the whole family!
The event will take place rain or shine. 19th Century Weapons Demonstration at 11:00 a.m. each day. World War II Battle Reenactment at 1:00 p.m. each day. Bleacher seating, souvenirs and snacks available. Free admission and free parking. Adults must show a valid photo ID to enter Camp Mabry. For more information visit www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org or call 512-782-5659
For the Love of Parks 2026, April 18, 2026, Richard Moya Park (10001 Burleson Road) 11am to 3pm. The For the Love of Parks Festival is a free, family-friendly celebration of Travis County Parks, bringing the community together for live music, outdoor play, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Join us for the 4th annual Festival on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Richard Moya Park. After welcoming more than 2,000 attendees last year, we’re excited to return with a full day of live music, family-friendly interactive activities, sports and games, creative play, and local food trucks—inviting everyone to Discover YOUR Parks.
The Festival highlights the 27 parks and 13,000+ acres of the Travis County Parks system and showcases the work of the Travis County Parks Foundation, including nature-based programming, volunteer stewardship, and trail and greenway initiatives. ww.traviscountyparksfoundation.org/events
“Out of the House” Spring Homes Tour, 4/18/26 – 4/19/26. Various Locations. Preservation Austin’s annual event will take guests on a one-of-a-kind, specially curated tour of iconic historic places that speak to Austin’s expansive history.
Celebrating 150 Years at the Old Bakery & Emporium, Saturday, April 18 • 1 PM – 4 PM, Old Bakery & Emporium Join us on Saturday, April 18th, from 1-4 pm to celebrate 150 years of the historic Old Bakery & Emporium (1876-2026) Our Fine Art Gallery is hosting a special exhibition looking back on 150 years of history at the Old Bakery & Emporium.
The exhibit will feature many images from throughout the Old Bakery’s storied history, a complete timeline of the last 150 years at the site, as well as stories from the community who have visited over the years.
The opening reception will have live music and a taste of the food that used to be served when the Old Bakery had a cafeteria.
More information about The Old Bakery & Emporium:
The Old Bakery & Artisan Emporium is a historic landmark located in downtown Austin. Local artists and craftspeople keep our artisan shop full of unique, handmade items.
Our Art Gallery features the work of local artists who are 50+ years old. We provide Visitor Center information and have a history exhibit that explores Austin’s immigrant history through the Lundberg-Maerki Historical Collection.
Cumbiadelica Festival, Saturday, April 18, 2026, 2pm, 29th Street Ballroom. CUMBIADELICA FESTIVAL AT 29th STREET BALLROOM –
From its deep roots on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cumbia has traveled far—shifting shape, crossing borders, and igniting dance floors wherever it lands. Cumbiadélica Festival is a celebration of that evolution, honoring the many subgenres that make Cumbia a living, breathing force. From traditional Mexican Cumbia to electronic, club-bumping beats, street-style
Sonideros, and the psychedelic swirl of Peruvian Chicha, this festival brings the full spectrum together for one special gathering.
The one-day festival takes over Austin staples 29th St Ballroom on April 18, 2026, featuring two stages of all-day and all-night music. Beyond the dance floor, the festival will feature a Cumbia dance class, community ofrendas, a local vendor and artisan market, a family- friendly crafts area, and a Cumbia drumming workshop—creating space for movement,
creativity, and fun at every level. Dust off your dancing shoes, bring your people, and step into the party as Cumbia rhythms take over.
This project is supported in part by an Austin Live Music Fund of Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment https://cumbiadelicafest.com/
Free Show: Brew Paul’s Drag Show, Saturday, April 18, 2026 , 8:00pm, Meanwhile Brewing Co. (3901 Promontory Point Dr.) Free. Join us for another installment of Brew Paul’s Drag Show with an all new cast! The queens will take the stage at 9pm with TJ the DJ spinning all night! Seating is first come, first serve in front of the stage so arrive ahead of showtime to grab a spot. Blankets and camp chairs are welcome! Celebrating anything? Lip sync for your life and win prizes. There will be a QR code to tip performers virtually, and your friendly bartenders would be happy to make change. As always, Brew Paul’s Drag Show is hosted by Eileen Dover ! FEBRUARY CAST Rene B. Face (HTX) Mari Jane (HTX) Harlót (ATX) & TJ the DJ Follow Brew Paul’s Drag Show on Instagram for event updates! This show is 18+. All guests will be carded at the door starting at 8pm.
Real Ale’s 30th Anniversary Celebration (Blanco), April 18, noon, 2250 N. U.S. Hwy. 281, Blanco. This calls for a toast! Real Ale Brewing Company is honoring its milestone birthday with live music from Louisiana Surf Department, Two Legged Dog, Melotheory, and Logan Patt, plus mystery cask tappings, food trucks, and kids’ activities at its iconic Blanco brewery. https://realalebrewing.com/30th-anniversary/
Sandlot Baseball During Fusebox Festival (Lockhart) April 18, various times, 3495 Rolling Ridge Road, Lockhart. How is watching sports different from theater? Both use players, costumes, and spectacle to entertain crowds. Texas Playboys founder Jack Sanders blurs the line between two seemingly disparate worlds by hosting a sandlot baseball game as part of the performance art–centric Fusebox Festival. Catch the Diablitos de El Paso vs Salado Swingers (11 a.m.) and the Texas Playboys vs. Lockhart Hawks (2 p.m.) as you enjoy live music, food, and a full bar. https://janix.ai/fusebox/project.html?slug=a-great-play
Farmers’ Market Chef Throwdown, April 19, 2026 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Texas Farmers Market (2006 Philomena Street). Join Texas Farmers’ Market on at Mueller for their third annual Farmers’ Market Chef Throwdown! Two local chefs, Jess Simpkin of L’Oca d’Oro and Todd Duplechan of Boni’s and Lenoir, will face off cooking show style to prepare a dish using a mystery box of ingredients from market vendors. Three judges, selected by Texas Farmers’ Market, will taste and deliberate to decide a winner. Shoppers and vendors will also have the opportunity to sample their creations, and cast their votes for the Audience Choice award.
Treefolks Annual Friends and Family Picnic (Del Valle), Sunday, April 19, 2026 , 11:00am-4:00pm. Live Oak Brewing Company (1615 Crozier Lane, Del Valle). This year, the TreeFolks Friends and Family Picnic is going BIG! Our love for trees is absolutely contagious, and we’re inviting every tree and nature lover to help us celebrate the incredible native trees of Central Texas! Here’s what you can expect:
Not-To-Be-Missed New Additions: A makers-market with local artisan goods, a nature-themed dog-costume contest, live DJs, plus surprise activities!
Beloved Classics: Ask-an-Arborist, tree-themed tarot, bug safari, and tree loteria are coming back, too!
Join the SEED SWAP! Make sure to visit the Central Texas Seed Savers table to participate in our annual seed swap! Please bring seeds to donate-any variety will do, but make sure they are labeled with the type of plant and the year they were collected.
We’ve got some great eats lined up for you-Food vendors this year include: Texas Drip BBQ, Tamale Addiction, Barnaby’s Italian Ice, and Lemon Bars by Jackie. Cool off with specialty lemonades by Zesty Mama or grab a cold beer from the Live Oak Brewing Company taproom.
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“Dazed and Confused” at Top Notch Hamburgers, Monday, April 20 -Top Notch Hamburgers (7525 Burnet Rd) Top Notch will host a free outdoor screening of Richard Linklater’s “Dazed and Confused” on Monday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m. Guests are invited to bring a chair and settle in for the sunset showing at the Austin drive-in, which served as a filming location for scenes in the cult classic. Filmed here, back where it started. Outdoor screening of Dazed and Confused. Live music. Movie starts at sunset, 6pm. Come early, stay late. Alright, Alright, Alright https://www.instagram.com/p/DWjl3M0jq25/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Tuesday Twilights featuring Live Jukebox Trio, April 21 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. We’re staying open late on Tuesdays, March 24 through May 12, to make more hours for wildflowers! Make it a date night, a picnic with friends, or come for some solo solace in nature. Each evening will feature live music from local musicians, a rolling lineup of Austin’s favorite food trucks, and take-and-walk adult beverages for purchase.
Indie Meme Film Festival, 4/22/26 – 4/26/26, Austin Film Society. Indie Meme Film Festival (IMFF) is a back this April, bringing the best of South Asian and Iranian cinema to audiences through in-person screenings, Q&A’s, mixers and filmmakers.
“HOST: Laura Lit” Public Opening at Laguna Gloria, April 23, 2026 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria (3809 W. 35th St.) The Contemporary Austin will host a free public opening for “HOST: Laura Lit” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 23 at Laguna Gloria, marking the Austin-based artist’s first solo museum exhibition and debut outdoor installation.
The exhibition will feature Lit’s “Impossible Beings,” bringing together recent works and newly commissioned outdoor sculptures installed around Laguna Gloria’s Driscoll Villa. Guests will be invited to explore the lakeside grounds, view the large-scale works at sunset and hear remarks from the artist and curators. The evening will also include refreshments and an ambient sunset performance by EscPod.
Coming Soon:
B Scene at Blanton Museum of Art, April 24, 2026 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Blanton Museum of Art (200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd). B Scene will return to the Blanton Museum of Art on April 24 with an after-hours event inspired by the museum’s new exhibit “Color Me Cute,” and the playful spirit of American Modernism. The evening will feature live performances by Dossey and Jane Leo, along with cocktails, art tours, creative activities, dancing and access to the museum’s collections. Costumes are encouraged, and food and drinks will be available for purchase from TacoWey and Haymaker Bar. ickets $5-$30
Gryphus Music Festival (Comfort TX), Friday-Sunday, April 24-26, Flat Rock Ranch (346 Flat Rock Creek Road, Comfort, Texas). The Gryphus Music Festival takes place April 24–26 at Texas’s renowned Flat Rock Ranch. This three-day festival features nine bands, mountain biking, trail running, laser tag, camping, and food trucks, offering a fun-filled weekend for music lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families alike! Get day passes or spend the weekend camping under the Texas stars and skies.
https://gryphusmusicfestival.com/
Georgetown’s 27th Annual Red Poppy Festival (Georgetown) April 24-26, Downtown Georgetown (103 W. 7th Street). The “Red Poppy Capital Of Texas,” Georgetown, Texas, celebrates the return of its popular Red Poppy Festival. This is the 27th year that the city has hosted the free, two and one-half day festival to celebrate the history and beauty of its poppy season.
The 2026 festival will feature live music and arts performances throughout the weekend, handcrafted works from local artisans, a classic car show on Saturday, plenty of food and family-friendly activities including a Kid’s Fun Zone on Saturday, the POPP Pup Parade on Sunday and more. The Red Poppy Parade on Saturday morning passes through Georgetown’s historic town square, known as “The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.”
https://visit.georgetown.org/events/red_poppy_festival/index.php
Eeyore’s Annual Birthday Party, 4/25/26, Pease Park. Live music, local beer, food, acrobats and costume contests surround this annual gathering of Austin’s most eclectic locals. Eeyore’s Birthday serves as a fundraiser to benefit many local non-profits.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Saturday, April 25, 2026, The Paramount Theatre, Doors: 2pm, Show: 3pm
ATX SPORTSFEST, April 25, 2026 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Krieg Athletic Complex (515 S Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin) The sixth Annual ATX SPORTSFEST returns at Krieg Athletic Complex, bringing together hundreds of locals for a full day of friendly competition, food, music and giving back.
Hosted by SPORTSKIND in partnership with Austin Parks Foundation, the festival features five adult tournaments (kickball, softball, sand volleyball, flag football and cornhole) alongside local vendors, food trucks, a complimentary beverage garden and sideline activations. A portion of proceeds will support Austin’s parks, while this year also highlights Austin Pets Alive! with on-site adoptions and a community flea market. https://sportskind.com/austin/atx-sportsfest/
2026 City-Wide Vintage Sale, Apr 25, 2026 – Apr 26, 2026, Palmer Events Center, Austin’s Vintage Paradise. SINCE 1977. Since our inception in 1977 at the City Coliseum in South Austin, Texas, the City-Wide Vintage Sale (formerly the City-Wide Garage Sale) has been a cherished, woman-owned, family-run event. For nearly five decades, we’ve empowered small businesses and fostered a vibrant community of talented vendors and unforgettable characters. Celebrities like Goldie Hawn, Rue McClanahan, Drew Barrymore, and local icons such as Charlie Sexton, Dale Watson, and Aaron Franklin have added star power to this lively gathering.
Join us to explore this unique Austin tradition, where the past and future collide in an exciting treasure hunt. Experience the nostalgia with true Austin vibes!
Austin Dragon Boat Festival, April 25, 2026 10:00 am, Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach (2101 Jesse E. Segovia St) The 26th annual Austin Dragon Boat Festival will take place April 25 at Festival Beach on Lady Bird Lake, continuing one of Central Texas’ longest-running cultural celebrations.
Hosted by The Lunar Foundation, this year’s free, all-ages event begins at 10 a.m. and will feature more than 30 teams and about 600 paddlers competing in traditional 40-foot dragon boats. The festival is expected to draw thousands of spectators.
Founded in 1999 by Amy Wong Mok, the event honors the ancient Chinese tradition of dragon boat racing while highlighting Austin’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities through cultural performances, an outdoor art gallery and an Asian market. Food vendors will also offer traditional dishes, including zongzi, a rice dumpling tied to the holiday’s origins.
Traditional Crafts Day, Saturday, April 25, 2026 JOURDAN-BACHMAN PIONEER FARMS (10621 PIONEER FARMS DRIVE), from $8.00
Celebrate the preservation of traditional Texas crafts at a special day showcasing blacksmithing, woodworking, leatherworking, antique engines and vintage clocks. The festival runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in our Sprinkle Corner entrance village. Admission includes access to the festival and all historical areas. Buy admission tickets in advance to avoid standing in line at the gate. All advance ticket sales are final. No refunds.
Austin Blues Festival, 4/25/26 – 4/26/26, Moody Amphitheater. Presented by Austin institution Antone’s Nightclub and Waterloo Greenway, jam out all weekend long to the annual Austin Blues Festival. Listen to music from blues legends, try delicious food, and browse the curated collection of vinyl at Big Henry’s Pop-up.
Bullock Museum’s 25th Anniversary, April 25 & 26, Bullock Museum (1800 N. Congress Ave.) Celebrate with us during our 25th anniversary! Since the Bullock Museum opened in 2001, we’ve been proud to share the story of Texas as the state’s official history museum with more than 11 million visitors from around the world. From the first peoples of Texas to the space race and beyond, the Bullock Museum creates experiences that educate, engage, and encourage a deeper understanding of Texas.
25th Anniversary Celebration Join us for a weekend of FREE exhibit admission and documentary films, plus special activities and experiences each day!
Saturday, April 25, 2026- Explore the Museum with a full day of free family activities, gallery talks, and live music, including an evening performance by Two Tons of Steel.
Sunday, April 26, 2026 – Experience a special 25th anniversary screening of Spy Kids in the Bullock Museum IMAX® Theatre.
Tuesday Twilights Feat. High Plains Disaster, April 28 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. We’re staying open late on Tuesdays, March 24 through May 12, to make more hours for wildflowers! Make it a date night, a picnic with friends, or come for some solo solace in nature. Each evening will feature live music from local musicians, a rolling lineup of Austin’s favorite food trucks, and take-and-walk adult beverages for purchase.
NICHOLAS RODRIGUEZ LIVE: SINCERELY, SONDHEIM, APRIL 28 | 7:30 P.M. THE TOPFER AT ZACH. For one night only at Zach, Broadway star Nicholas Rodriguez takes you inside the world of Stephen Sondheim. Told through Sondheim’s own handwritten letters to legends like Oscar Hammerstein II, Jonathan Larson, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, this concert celebrates an extraordinary life and the friendships that shaped it. Featuring songs from Company, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and more, don’t miss this unforgettable evening: Sondheim in his own words.
***A personal favorite, a great musician at a classic dive bar***
Jahpa , April 30th 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Carousel Lounge (1110 E 52nd)
Jahpa (Allison’s incredibly talented husband) will be playing the last Thursday of every month through the end of the year.
May 2026
The KUT Fest, May 1-2, UT Campus. Join us for live music, insightful speakers, and much more in a celebration of the Austin community. Enjoy KUT Fest for free—music, food, and community on the UT campus.
Enhance your visit with passes to sessions, the kids’ programming, or select an all-access pass for the full festival experience.
Spring in Austin is all about fresh ideas and fresh connections. On May 1-2, The KUT Festival brings both to life with conversations, music, and community you won’t find anywhere else.
We’ve added even more standout voices and programming to the lineup, including a deep dive into Austin’s infrastructure and the challenges shaping our city. Ian Coss, host of WGBH’s The Big Dig podcast, joins us to explore the story of I-35 and what it means for Austin’s future.
Hungry for insight into Austin’s food scene? Kendall Antonelli of Antonelli’s Cheese and Tavel Bristol-Joseph of Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group join Aaron Franklin to discuss how our culinary culture continues to evolve.
Hear from Austin Poet Laureate Zell Miller III, theater artist and filmmaker Jason Neulander, and from the Executive Director of the A3 Art Alliance Austin Laura Esparza.
From policy to education, discover the leaders shaping our community. Our roster of changemakers includes CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes Alan Graham, CEO of Civic Solutions Partnership LLC Laura Huffman, and Superintendent of Austin Independent School District Matias Segura. You will also hear from State Reps. Lulu Flores, Donna Howard, and Vikki Goodwin, candidate for lieutenant governor, Austin City Council members Ryan Alter, Paige Ellis, and José Velásquez, and Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard.
Experience a lively market featuring local businesses, nonprofits, food trucks and live music between sessions. Attending with family? Grab your pass and enjoy activities at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum. Tickets
The Front Market, 5/2/26 – 5/3/26, Distribution Hall. Shop a rotating lineup of 170+ Texas-based women and LGBTQ+ vendors at Front Market’s Spring showcase. While you shop, snack on treats from a brunch menu and listen to the local DJ.
Earth Day ATX , Sat., May 2, 12 p.m. Huston-Tillotson University (900 Chicon). Celebrate Earth Day ATX 2026 with an afternoon of music, discovery, creativity, and community on the beautiful Huston-Tillotson University campus. This free family-friendly festival brings people of all ages together to enjoy hands-on activities, nature experiences, art, games, music, storytelling, exhibits, food, and inspiring conversations about our shared future. Special features include a world-renowned bat expert, upcycled fashion, an interactive history exhibit, and much more!
This year’s theme, “A Moment for Us,” is about reconnecting- with each other, with our home here on earth, and with the community strength that carries us forward. Free www.earthdayaustin.com
DGPT+ Open at Austin, 5/7/26 – 5/10/26, Sprinkle Valley Disc Golf Course
The Disc Golf Pro Tour is returning to Austin this May for the Open at Austin. Watch as over 100 of the top disc golf players in the world compete for a chance to win a title.
Shakespeare in the Park – Much Ado About Nothing, May 7-24, 2026. Zilker PaArk. Love, laughter, and mistaken identities! Much Ado About Nothing will be our 2026 FREE Shakespeare in the Park at Zilker Park on May 7-24, 2026. https://www.austinshakespeare.org/
Austin Psych Fest, 5/8/26 – 5/10/26, The Far Out Lounge & Stage. This long-running music fest evolved into LEVITATION in 2014, but the team behind LEVITATION restored the beloved event in 2023. Austin Psych Fest will feature a lineup of psych rock, dream pop and indie rock bands with local visual artists and a Mad Alchemy Light Show.
O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships, 5/9/26, Brush Square Park.
The 49th annual O. Henry Museum Pun-Off World Championships consists of two competitions, Punsligners and Punniest of Show, voted upon by the public.
Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival, 5/9/26 – 5/10/26, Hill Country Galleria
A free, family event, the Pecan Street Festival is the oldest and largest art festival in Central Texas. Musicians, food vendors, artists and craftspeople turn the Hill Country Galleria into a lively street fair where there is something for people of all ages.
Cine Las Americas International Film Festival, 5/13/26 – 5/17/26, 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.
Hot Luck Festival, 5/21/26 – 5/24/26, Various Locations. The Hot Luck live food & music festival returns to honor the soul, sweat and DIY culture of the food and music world. The festival is an eat-with-your-fingers picnic and party experience that highlights open-pit feats of culinary know-how, and music in your ears that is as thoughtfully created as the food on your plate. Come hungry, thirsty, and bring your dancin’ boots.
THE PARAMOUNT SUMMER CLASSIC FILM SERIES
Casablanca + The Maltese Falcon 35mm Double Feature! Friday, May 22, 2026 The Paramount Theatre. Doors: 6pm
Casablanca: 7pm, The Maltese Falcon: 9pm
Spy Kids 25th Anniversary Screening!Followed by a Live Performance by Robert Rodriguez’s Family Spy Band! Saturday, May 23, 2026, The Paramount Theatre
Doors: 2pm, Show: 3pm
Rear Window In 35mm! Sunday, May 24, 2026 The Paramount Theatre, Doors: 2pm, Show: 3pm
Mulholland Drive In 35mm! 25th Anniversary! Sunday, May 24, 2026, The Paramount Theatre. Doors: 6pm Show: 7pm
CapTex Tri, 5/25/26, Lady Bird Lake, Downtown Austin. The Life Time triathlon attracts all levels of athletes from top-ranked professionals to first-time triathletes. The event includes the USA Paratriathlon National Championship, sprint and international distances, First Tri distance and sprint and international distance relays.
Memorial Day, 5/25/26, Various Locations. Camp, hike, barbecue, tube and chill – whatever you do, get out and make the most of this long holiday weekend in Austin. Check out our Memorial Day Weekend Things to Do at the Austin Insider Blog.
ATX Television Festival, 5/28/26 – 5/31/26, Downtown Austin. ATX Festival is the first festival devoted to Television’s history and future. It functions like a traditional film festival with premieres of new series, current hits and cult favorites. ATX Television Festival also offers access to the industry’s leading professionals with cast and creator Q&A’s and panels focusing on innovation in both production and content delivery.
