Festival season is most certainly in full swing in the ATX, and our top things to do this weekend are certain to pique any local’s interest. Enjoy four days of family-friendly fun at Old Settler’s Music Festival or discover new artists and their work at Republic Square Park. For a full listing of events, visit our calendar.
Thursday, April 11
Old Settler’s Music Festival
Venture just outside the city limits to Dale, Texas, for the family-friendly Old Settler’s Music Festival. The four-day event will feature dozens of musical performances, workshops, kid’s activities, a youth talent competition, and more. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of gourmet eats, speciality wines, and craft beer. This year’s musical guests include Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Shinyribs, Hayes Carll, and Brandi Carlile. For a full list of events and to purchase passes, visit the festival website.
Zilker Botanical Garden presents Starlight Social
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Taniguchi Japanese Garden with fellow flora-loving locals under the night sky. The Starlight Social will include intimate after-hours tours of the garden and live music by The Jitterbug Vipers. Guests can enjoy Japanese-inspired food and drinks from Bento Picnic, sushi from Bamboo Bistro, and an onigiri station from Asahi Imports. Additional activities include a sake tasting by Genji Sake, an authentic tea ceremony in the garden, and Japanese calligraphy writing demos. Select tickets to this exclusive event are still available.
Friday, April 12
BookPeople presents Abby Wambach: Wolfpack
Soccer star Abby Wambach comes to Austin in support of her new book, Wolfpack. Based on her now viral, inspiring 2018 commencement speech to Barnard College graduates, the book is an empowering rally cry for women to unite, realize their individual power, and achieve their ambitions. Tickets to the discussion at First United Methodist Church — Downtown event are still available.
Saturday, April 13
LBJ Presidential Library presents “Motown: The Sound of Young America” opening day
The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum's newest exhibition highlights the cultural impact of the Motown era and its artists. “Motown: The Sound of Young America” traces the evolution of the genre, the musical achievements of the era’s greatest talents, and further explores its impact on the sounds and performers of today. Be among the first in the city to learn signature choreography from famous dance routines and see iconic stage outfits from legends including The Miracles, The Supremes, The Temptations, and others. Following opening weekend, the exhibit will be on display through January 2020.
Art Alliance Austin presents Art City Austin Festival
The Austin art scene is on display for two consecutive days at Republic Square Park. Art City Austin Festival returns for its 69th year, showcasing many of the city’s best creatives. Explore work from nearly 80 visual artists, designers, artisans, installation artists, and more makers. Additional happenings include performance artists, live food demonstrations, boozy bevies, kid activities, and live music.
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Taniguchi Japanese Garden at Starlight Social.
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
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