Heavy rain won't stop these Austin events from delivering on the fun. Here are our top 10 picks for what to do this weekend. Check out our event scalendar for a full list of happenings.
Sustainable Food Center presents "Farm to Plate"
Revel in this favorite culinary affair. A wide range of local chefs participate in this supper benefiting the Sustainable Food Center. Tickets start at $200.
Thursday, May 14 at 6:30 pm
The Austin Chronicle Adult Spelling Bee
Can you spell "champion?" Test your chops during The Austin Chronicle's annual Adult Spelling Bee. Swing by Threadgill's for the event that's free to watch (there's a $5 participant donation that goes towards Austin Public Library).
Thursday, May 14 at 5:30 pm
Ian McLagan Memorial Birthday Show
Honor the late, great Ian McLagan at The Continental Club with Scrappy Jud Newcomb, The Happen-Ins, Patty Griffin, Alejandro Escovedo, Malford Milligan and more. Admission costs $20. No advance tickets are sold, so we suggest getting there early.
Friday, May 15 at 10:15 pm
Pachanga Latino Music Festival
Celebrate Latino music and heritage at the annual Pachanga festival at Fiesta Gardens. We're talking about food, drinks, family-friendly fun and a fantastic lineup including Kinky, Ceci Bastida, Mala Rodriguez and more. Passes range from $35-$100.
Saturday, May 16 at noon
Ney Day at the Elizabet Ney Museum
For the first time ever, the annual Ney Day will be presented as part of the West Austin Studio Tour. Immerse yourself in a bevy of local artists and fun activities at this free one-day festival. Entertainment for the afternoon ranges from live music to trapeze artists to hula hoopers.
Saturday, May 16 at noon
Renegade Craft Fair
The (free!) Renegade Craft Fair returns to Austin with a splendid array of jewelry, art, paper goods, beauty products, toys and more from wonderful artisans and craftsmen. Escape the rain with a visit to this fantastic fair at the appropriately chosen venue, Fair Market.
Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 at 11 am
Black Sheep Lodge presents a Sixth Anniversary Party
Celebrate six years of this neighborhood gastropub. There will be hourly drink specials, sausage on a stick, street corn and tons of sweet prizes to snag. A portion of the proceeds will go to Austin Sunshine Camps.
Saturday, May 16 at 11 am
Austin Mini Maker Faire
Get the little ones out of the house with a visit to the Mini Maker Faire at the Palmer Events Center. The kiddos will enjoy hands-on activities, arts and crafts, sweet demos and more at this event that focuses on the do-it-yourself attitude. Tickets range from $10-$30.
Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 at 10 am
John Prine in concert
The "songwriters' songwriter" is coming to Bass Concert Hall with stellar opening act, Justin Townes Earle. Catch this outstanding double bill for $39.50-$59.50.
Saturday, May 16 at 8 pm
Purple Party 7 featuring The Blues Brothers
Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi — better known as The Blues Brothers — are the headliners at Purple Party 7. The gala celebrates seven years of the Long Center with music and more. Tickets start at $79.
Saturday, May 16 at 8 pm
Pachanga Latino Music Festival takes over Fiesta Gardens on Saturday.
