Ease into the holiday weekend with summer sendoffs, live music, and even a dinosaur sighting. Check out the top five things to do in Austin this Labor Day weekend.
Thursday, September 2
Beyond Van Gogh
Experience what it’s like to be inside the masterpieces of artist Vincent Van Gogh during the final days of Beyond Van Gogh in Austin. The show uses projection technology to transform spaces into a journey through Van Gogh’s work, with glimpses into his dreams, thoughts, and words. Step into Van Gogh’s world at Circuit of the Americas through September 5.
Shoal Creek Conservancy presents Shoal Creek Social
Celebrate Shoal Creek with two weeks of events at Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park and Duncan Neighborhood Park. Traverse the creek’s oldest hike-and-bike trail, embark on self-guided scavenger hunts, and kick back at Creekside Hangouts. For a full schedule of events and activities, visit the Shoal Creek Social website. All activities will be outdoors and are pet- and family-friendly. Admission is free.
Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy presents Music in the Garden
The sounds of nature and live classical music are in perfect harmony at Zilker Botanical Garden. This installment of the garden’s summer series will feature a solo by a local harpist for a restorative and calming concert all ages can enjoy. This event is outdoors, and limited capacity will be enforced. Face masks are encouraged.
Friday, September 3
Jurassic Quest
Encounter enormous dinosaurs at the Austin Convention Center this weekend. Highlights of the popular touring experience include more than 80 life-size, animatronic dinosaurs; children’s activities; fossil digs; face painting; and more. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Jurassic Quest website. Jurassic Quest is open through September 6.
Sunday, September 5
Carpenter Hotel Barbecue & Pool Party
Toast to the holiday weekend and say goodbye to summer at the Carpenter Hotel pool. Locals and guests alike can feast on barbecue, groove to live music, cool off with boozy snow cones, and take two-step lessons in the pool. Be sure to purchase your tickets on the event website before the party gets started.
Don't miss the immersive experience Beyond Van Gogh at Circuit of the Americas.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri