Foodie fests, live music, and hilarious entertainment top the best things to do in Austin this weekend. Enjoy a backyard cookout with the family at Fareground or keep cool at the 2018 Austin Ice Cream Festival. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.
Thursday, June 21
Michael Che in concert
Comedian and Saturday Night Live star Michael Che makes a stop in Austin during his stand-up comedy tour. Best known for his role as the co-anchor on SNL’s “Weekend Update,” Che delivers social commentary with wit (and trademark nonchalance), making this is a can't-miss for comedy fans. Select tickets for the Paramount Theatre show are available.
Friday, June 22
Fareground presents Summer Backyard Cookout
Hungry Austinites are invited to downtown's Fareground Plaza for a variety of grilled specials for all ages and appetites. For a $5 ticket, guests can buy plates from Fareground vendors including Easy Tiger, Contigo, Dai Due Taquería, and more. Adults can sip beverages at happy hour prices while all guests of all ages can try their luck in a corhole tournament and groove to a live DJ set by Mixer Rogers. Get there early to be one of the first 50 guests to receive a free hot dog and sides plate.
Kesha and Macklemore in concert
Pop music queen Kesha and rapper Macklemore hit the Austin360 Amphitheater for a co-headlining concert. Both Kesha and Macklemore will be performing hit songs from their respective albums, Gemini and Rainbow, live for their fans in the 512. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets still available.
Saturday, June 23
2018 Austin Ice Cream Festival
Treat your sweet tooth to the 2018 Austin Ice Cream Festival. Families are invited to spend the day at Fiesta Gardens enjoying all the ice cream and frozen treats imaginable along with contests, live entertainment, kids activities, and more. When night falls, the festival transforms into a cool Austin party featuring live musical performances, food trucks, and boozy frozen drinks that don’t skimp on the buzz. Admission is free for children 6 and under.
Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklorico de Texas presents Fiesta 2018!
Austin’s premier Mexican folk dance company, founded by famed dancer Roy Lozano, performs Fiesta 2018! for an evening of electric excitement. Witness the elaborate choreography of dances from regions across Mexico. Musical guest Juan Diaz joins the company on stage for the performance.
Enjoy Mexican folk dance performances by Roy Lozano Ballet Folkorico de Texas.
Tancho Sushi offers affordable omakase.
Photo courtesy of Tancho Sushi